What Are The High And Low Estrogen Symptoms Found In Women?

Estrogen, one of the female sex hormones, is responsible for sexual and reproductive development in women, but troubles can occur when estrogen levels are too high or too low.

Too much estrogen can lead to weight gain, heavy bleeding during periods, mood swings, cramps, fibrocystic breasts, low sex drive, and depression. Excess estrogen can be caused by a number of factors. Medications, such as contraceptives, can increase estrogen levels in the body. Xenoestrogens are chemicals that mimic estrogen and can be found in abundance in household cleaners and beauty products made with synthetic, toxic ingredients. Also, an over-burdened liver that is already dealing with excess toxins from food, alcohol, and various environmental toxins can have a hard time removing estrogen from the body, allowing it to build up.

Some of the best natural ways to combat high estrogen are to avoid xenoestrogens by choosing natural cleaning and beauty products, supporting the liver with regular cleanses, taking liver-supporting herbs, cutting back on alcohol, and eating foods that support estrogen detoxification. Foods in the Brassicae family such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, Brussel sprouts, and collard greens bond to estrogen and are a great source of fibre, helping to clear excess estrogen from the body. Any high-fibre foods, in fact, are beneficial for ridding the body of too much estrogen.

Too little estrogen can also lead to mood swings and low sex drive but may instead cause irregular or absent periods, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, dry skin and lack of lubrication. The most common reason for low estrogen is menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries, but it can also be caused by extreme dieting and exercise or a low-functioning pituitary gland.

There are a number of foods and herbs that can help to boost estrogen levels. Flax seeds, soy, fruits, nuts, legumes, as well as turmeric, thyme, and sage may all help to naturally raise estrogen in the body. Black cohosh contains a precursor to estrogen and has been used for centuries to treat female hormonal issues. Finally, a good supply of healthy fats, especially omega-3’s, is essential for proper hormone production and function.

Whether you are working on boosting or lowering estrogen, keeping this important hormone balanced is vital to optimal health.