Estrogen dominance & deficiency symptoms.
Being the delicate flower that she is, Estrogen if not considered and cared for can dip into deficiency or ramp up into dominance mode. Much like all health problems and symptoms, they are related to an excess or depletion of a much needed nutritional, physiological and biological factor.
More often that not in the early stages of Perimenopause women are actually Estrogen dominant. Even though all the talk is about dwindling ovaries and diminishing Estrogen.
Let’s talk about deficiencies first, then delve into dominance in more depth.
Estrogen deficiency can look like:
Irregular / absent periods: Estrogen deficiency can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle by impairing the growth and shedding of the uterine lining.
Hot flashes: Estrogen helps regulate body temperature by influencing the activity of the hypothalamus, which controls thermoregulation. Estrogen deficiency can lead to dysregulation of the hypothalamus, resulting in hot flashes and night sweats.
Vaginal dryness: Estrogen is essential for maintaining the health and lubrication of vaginal tissues. Estrogen deficiency can lead to thinning and drying of the vaginal walls, causing discomfort or pain during intercourse.
Sleep disturbances: Estrogen affects the production and regulation of neurotransmitters involved in sleep, such as serotonin and GABA. Estrogen deficiency can disrupt these processes, leading to sleep disturbances and insomnia.
Mood changes: Estrogen plays a role in regulating mood by affecting neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Estrogen deficiency can lead to imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, contributing to mood swings, anxiety, or depression.
Bone loss: Estrogen helps maintain bone density by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, cells responsible for breaking down bone tissue. Estrogen deficiency can lead to increased bone resorption and decreased bone formation, resulting in bone loss and osteoporosis.
Fatigue: Estrogen influences energy levels by affecting metabolism and mitochondrial function. Estrogen deficiency can impair these processes, leading to feelings of fatigue and low energy.
Joint & muscle pain: Estrogen has anti-inflammatory effects and helps maintain joint health by promoting the production of collagen and lubricating fluids. Estrogen deficiency can lead to inflammation and degradation of joint tissues, resulting in joint pain and stiffness.
Memory problems: Estrogen receptors are present in areas of the brain involved in memory and cognitive function. Estrogen deficiency can impair synaptic plasticity and neurotransmitter activity, leading to memory problems and cognitive decline.
Decreased libido: Estrogen plays a role in regulating sexual desire and arousal by influencing hormone receptors in the brain and reproductive organs. Estrogen deficiency can lead to a decrease in libido and sexual satisfaction.
Excess Estrogen can look like:
Irregular / heavy periods: Estrogen is responsible for stimulating the growth of the uterine lining during the menstrual cycle. Excess estrogen can disrupt the balance between estrogen and progesterone, leading to irregularities in the menstrual cycle.
Breast tenderness: Estrogen stimulates breast tissue growth and can cause the milk ducts to enlarge, leading to breast tenderness or sensitivity.
Period pain (dysmenorrhea): Estrogen dominance contributes to increased levels of prostaglandins, inflammation, and uterine muscle contractions during menstruation, leading to intensified period pain. Additionally, estrogen's influence on pain perception and its association with conditions like endometriosis and ovulatory dysfunction can exacerbate menstrual cramps.
Water retention: Estrogen can affect fluid balance in the body by influencing the activity of hormones like aldosterone and vasopressin, leading to water retention and bloating.
Mood swings: aka being really effing irritable and full of rage! Estrogen interacts with neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in regulating mood. Fluctuations in estrogen levels can disrupt the balance of these neurotransmitters, leading to mood swings and irritability.
Fatigue: Estrogen influences energy levels by affecting metabolism and thyroid function. Excess estrogen can disrupt these processes, leading to feelings of fatigue or lethargy.
Headaches / migraines: Changes in estrogen levels can trigger changes in blood flow and vascular tone, which may contribute to headaches or migraines in some women.
Weight gain: Estrogen plays a role in regulating metabolism and fat storage. Excess estrogen can promote fat accumulation, particularly around the abdomen, hips, and thighs.
Decreased libido: Estrogen is involved in the regulation of sexual desire and arousal by influencing neurotransmitters and hormone receptors in the brain and reproductive organs.
Insomnia: Estrogen can affect the production and regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, which are involved in sleep regulation. Fluctuations in estrogen levels can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to insomnia.
Memory & cognitive issues: Estrogen receptors are present in areas of the brain involved in memory and cognition. Changes in estrogen levels can affect neurotransmitter activity and synaptic plasticity, leading to memory problems or "brain fog."
Environmental and lifestyle factors play a significant role in Estrogen dominance.
Here are some things to consider:
Diet high in processed foods: Consuming a diet high in processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats can contribute to estrogen dominance. These foods may contain additives and preservatives that disrupt hormone balance, while also lacking essential nutrients needed for estrogen metabolism.
Exposure to xenoestrogens: Xenoestrogens are synthetic compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. They are found in plastics, pesticides, personal care products, and household cleaners. Exposure to xenoestrogens can contribute to estrogen dominance by increasing estrogen levels or disrupting hormone signaling.
Stress: Chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance by increasing levels of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. Cortisol can interfere with the production and regulation of other hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, leading to estrogen dominance.
Lack of exercise: Physical activity plays a crucial role in hormone regulation, including estrogen metabolism. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to estrogen dominance by impairing hormone metabolism and reducing overall hormone balance.
Excess body fat: Adipose tissue, or fat cells, can produce and store estrogen in the body. Having excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, can lead to increased estrogen production and secretion, contributing to estrogen dominance.
These factors can interact and compound each other, leading to imbalances in estrogen levels. Addressing these lifestyle factors through dietary changes, reducing exposure to environmental toxins, managing stress, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can help support hormone balance and reduce estrogen dominance.
The body relies on other organs and functions to help regulate hormones, which can be a difficult task!
Our hormones are intricately connected to the liver and gut health in many ways.
If you’d like to learn more about this, you can do so here.