Estrogen dominance occurs when there is an imbalance in the body's estrogen to progesterone ratios.
Higher than normal levels of estrogen may lead to several unwanted symptoms, including problems with menstruation and weight gain around the mid-section.
If you've been struggling to keep the weight off despite a healthy diet and exercise regimen, then you may want to have your estrogen levels checked.
In this guide, we'll explain what estrogen dominance is and how to use natural therapies to help correct this hormonal imbalance.
Estrogen dominance goes by several other names, including high estrogen and unopposed estrogen. It occurs when the body does not produce enough progesterone, leading to higher than normal levels of estrogen in the body.
Normally, progesterone and estrogen work together to create a balancing effect on the body. When estrogen levels become too high, it may increase the risk of several unwanted complications, such as cell overgrowth, tumors in the uterine, and reproductive problems.
Estrogen dominance may also occur when the body produces too much of it. It may also occur due to certain medications you are taking or because the body is not breaking down estrogen and clearing it as it should.
High levels of stress may also lead to high levels of estrogen. Research shows that producing high amounts of cortisol in response to stress immediately increases the body's estrogen levels. Drinking too much alcohol or having liver complications may also impair the body's ability to break down and clear estrogen.
Lastly, exposure to synthetic xenoestrogens may increase estrogens in the body. Xenoestrogens are chemicals that act like estrogen once they get inside your body. They can be found in various plastic products, household cleaning products, some shampoos, and pesticides.
The most common symptoms may include irregular or heavy periods and breast tenderness. Here are some other signs of estrogen dominance that may occur:
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views estrogen dominance as an imbalance between Yin (body fluids and cooling energy) and Yang (warming energy). Specifically, it pertains to the dominance of Yin over Yang. In other words, Yin is in excess while Yang is deficient.
According to Registered TCM Physician Brandon Yew, it may be caused by drug or substance abuse, pre-existing chronic medical conditions, and the prolonged usage of certain medications. Other possible causes include work stress, poor work-life/rest balance, weak emotional and mental management, unhealthy dietary habits, and a sedentary lifestyle.
"These factors cause the formation and accumulation of pathogenic factors like Heat, Dampness, Phlegm, sluggish Blood flow, Stagnated Qi and fluids within the five vital viscera (Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys)," explained Physician Yew.
For more information and to seek help on estrogen dominance, Physician Yew recommends consulting an endocrinologist. He stated that TCM’s causatives behind the symptoms are very similar.
Most women start to notice weight gain around their middle section during pre-menopause or menopause when progesterone levels first start to drop off.
Without adequate amounts of progesterone in the body to balance estrogen levels, a surplus of estrogen may occur.
The condition can be worsened if you already have elevated amounts of adipose tissue (fatty tissue). This is because adipose tissue secretes estrogen, creating more of an imbalance in hormone ratios.
Exposure to synthetic xenoestrogens may also increase your risk of obesity. According to one study, estrogen exposure is known to cause weight gain among women due to thyroid inhibition and modulation of the hypothalamus.
TCM can help reduce estrogen dominance and restore hormone levels through herbal medication, acupuncture, cupping, guasha, moxibustion, and tuina (Chinese manual therapy).
Physician Yew stated, "All of these treatment methods are formulated carefully by the TCM physician to address specifically the unique body constitution of every individual patient. Hence, it is best to always first consult the TCM physician for proper assessment."
Below listed are some TCM herbal formulations to help restore hormone levels:
Bak Foong pills are often used in TCM to help regulate hormone levels to ease symptoms of PMS and other complications related to high estrogen levels. Meanwhile, a slimming essence drink may help reduce bloating and weight gain in the abdominal area.
"Please always bear in mind that the herbal formulas provided above are meant for varying etiologies of estrogen dominance. As such, it is strongly advised not to purchase any of them to self-medicate without first consulting a licensed TCM professional," Physician Yew cautioned.
Acupressure is an easy self-help remedy. You can perform it at home by placing fingers or a blunt object like a massage stick at certain acupoints and applying an appropriate amount of pressure to elicit a tolerable sensation of soreness or tenderness. At the same time, massage in both clockwise and anticlockwise circular motion 20 times each. Repeat for at least 3 minutes per acupoint.
Near the medial aspect of the lower leg, in the depression of the lower borderof the medial condyle of the tibia.
Physician Yew recommended, "Do take note that acupressure provides very mild symptomatic relief and is insufficient in tackling the actual etiologies behind estrogen dominance. It is thus strongly recommended to seek professional TCM help in conjunction with the medical doctor."
