ESTROGEN DOMINANCE CAN LEAD TO …
#1 PROLIFERATIVE ENDOMETRIUM Estrogen builds the lining of your uterus. You are supposed to have this lining, but when there is too much estrogen over stimulating the lining you can end up with • Endometriosis • Heavy periods with or without blood clots • Uterine fibroids • Increased risk of endometrial cancer How many women do you know that are either currently battling with excess menstrual flow or have had a hysterectomy to stop their uncontrollable bleeding? The amount of excessive bleeding is in direct correlation to the degree of estrogen dominance. Correct the estrogen dominance and you correct the excess flow, the endometriosis or shrink the fibroids. This poorly understood issue is the number one cause of unnecessary hysterectomies.
#2 BREAST STIMULATION Can result in: • Sore, tender and/or swollen breasts • Fibrocystic breasts • Increased risk of breast cancer
#3 INCREASED BODY FAT Commonly known as a “muffin top”, “spare tire” or “middle age spread” as it is targeted specifically around the abdomen, hips and thighs. Here is a nice little vicious circle: The more fat you have the more estrogen you will produce and the more estrogen you produce the more fat you will store.
#4 IMPAIRED BLOOD SUGAR CONTROL Leading to or worsening already existing low blood sugar issues also known as hypoglycemia. This is why women that are already prone to minor blood sugar imbalances feel much worse during the two weeks preceding their period. There are loads of symptoms associated with low blood sugar, but the ones you would most likely relate to during PMS are: • Cravings for carbs or sweets • Lack of concentration • Fatigue (especially mid afternoon) • Irritability • Moodiness
#5 SUB-CLINICAL HYPOTHYROIDISM Our definition for this term is as follows: when the body has symptoms of hypothyroidism (low functioning thyroid) but the blood tests do not confirm this condition. This is why women in peri-menopause, who are more estrogen dominant than they will be at any time of their lives, will typically start to experience symptoms of subclinical hypothyroidism.&n bsp; This thyroid issue, of course, follows them into menopause. **We will be covering the topic of sub-clinical hypothyroidism in upcoming CTH lessons, stay tuned.
#6 SHORT MENSTRUAL CYCLES AND INFERTILITY ISSUES A menstrual cycle is the time frame between the first day or your period and the first day of your next period. A normal cycle is about 26-30 days. Anything less than 26 days is considered a short cycle. One of the functions of progesterone is to hold onto your uterine lining. In the second half of your cycle, from ovulation to your period, you are supposed to produce about 20 mg of progesterone daily. If you do conceive, your progesterone levels continue to rise to about 400 mg per day during the first trimester. This ensures success of the pregnancy. If progesterone levels are too low there may not be enough to hold onto the uterine lining for very long. This wou ld cause you to have a short cycle and can make both conception and carrying a pregnancy to term a challenge. Estrogen dominance is not the only contributor to infertility and miscarriages but it is a major factor.
#7 WATER RETENTION AND BLOATING Estrogen dominance allows influx of water and sodium into your cells resulting in water retention, bloating and possibly high blood pressure. Water retention is a common symptom of estrogen dominance. Most women have experienced that sudden weight gain leading up to their period. As a matter of fact, you may even have what you refer to as ‘fat clothes’ that you only wear in the two weeks before your period.
#8 DEPRESSION AND HEADACHES/MIGRAINES At least 60% of migraines experienced by women are a result of estrogen dominance.
#9 DECREASED SEX DRIVE Most women find their sex drive waxes and wanes with their cycle however when you are estrogen dominant, the drive just isn’t there at all.
#10 HEART DISEASE Estrogen dominance promotes blood clotting and reduced vascular tone which can lead to serious heart disease, like strokes and heart attacks. If you are passing blood clots during your period then you are likely experiencing estrogen dominance. Being estrogen dominant is especially dangerous for women who have a history of heart disease in their family.
#11 FATIGUE Estrogen dominance reduces the oxygen levels in all your cells. The primary result of less oxygen is fatigue.
#12 GALLBLADDER DISEASE Estrogen dominance thickens bile, which promotes gallbladder disease.
#13 INCREASED RISK OF AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS Is it coincidental that autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s, Lupus, Crohn’s and Grave’s disease are on the rise at the same time that estrogen dominance is also on the rise? This is definitely food for thought.
#14 ALLERGIES Estrogen dominance promotes histamine release leading to hives and allergies.
Copyright Brenda Eastwood 2011 –“CTH-88 Significance of Estrogen Dominance” www.HormoneRollerCoaster.com www.BrendaEastwood.com www.TotalHealthPack.com [email protected]
The information made available in this document is provided for educational or reference purposes only. Nutritional Therapy and/or Coaching is not intended as a diagnosis, treatment, prescription, or cure for any disease, mental or physical, and is not intended as a substitute for regular medical care.
