Estrogen is one of the most important female reproductive or sex hormones (progesterone is the other). Estrogen is produced by the developing follicles in a woman’s ovaries, the corpus luteum (the remaining egg sac of the follicle that released the egg at ovulation), as well as the adrenal glands (in small amounts) and fat tissue throughout the body, and by the placenta in pregnancy. In this article we’ll be discussing estrogen deficiency, estrogen dominance, and natural therapies that can help with each; such as diet, cleansing the body and different herbs that can be used to help bring the body back in to balance.
Although estrogen is present in both women and men, there is usually a higher level of estrogen in women who are of reproductive age.
Estrogen in necessary for females to start puberty and develop breasts and pubic hair. Estrogen increases the rate at which women reach reproductive maturity. Estrogen helps to create a thick endometrium, and affects other aspects of the menstrual cycle. In a man, estrogen helps to regulate the maturation of healthy sperm.
According to the Hormone Health Network, estrogen also:
- Keeps cholesterol in control
- Protects bone health for both women and men
- Affects your brain (including mood), bones, heart, skin, and other tissues
Estrogen Deficiency
Too little estrogen can cause headaches, hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. However, a lack of estrogen can also affect fertility by preventing ovulation and not allowing the lining of the uterus to thicken enough for the fertilized eggs to implant.
An estrogen deficiency can be caused by having too little of the Luteinizing Hormone (LH), which regulates the manufacture of estrogen. It can also be a result of the pituitary gland functioning incorrectly; such as in the case of excessive exercise, being underweight or having an eating disorder.
Estrogen can be increased in a woman’s body through medication or by supporting the endocrine system with the use of herbs and supplements, of which we share below.
Excess Estrogen
On the flip side, having too much estrogen can wreak havoc as well!
Excessive estrogen levels for women can cause: irregular periods, headaches, anxiety, depression, digestive issues, weight gain, and heart palpitations. Having a high level of estrogen can also prevent conception.
Having a high level of estrogen has been found in cases of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. A 2003 study conducted at Vanderbilt University has shown that too much estrogen can negatively impact a woman’s fertile window and may prevent an embryo from implanting.
One of researchers, Sudhasu K. Dey, PhD, of the Division of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, explains:
“The most exciting aspect of this investigation is that a very narrow range of estrogen levels can alter embryo implantation and gene expression.”
High estrogen is possible for men as well, causing breasts to enlarge (gynecomastia), weak erections or erectile dysfunction and infertility.
Causes of Estrogen Dominance
Estrogen dominance may be caused by eating a poor diet, being overweight or obese, stress, hormone replacement therapy, as well as being exposed to environmental sources of estrogen, called xenoestrogens.
Processed foods or foods that are high in fat and sugar can actually increase estrogen levels. Not eating enough fiber, or having enough magnesium and Vitamin B6 in one’s diet can also affect estrogen levels.
A major cause of estrogen dominance is exposure to xenoestrogens, which function by imitating regular estrogen and consequently serve as endocrine disruptors, even in small amounts. Growth hormones and pesticides that are stored inside the fat cells of poultry, fish and various other food sources are the main source of xenoestrogens.
Natural Support for Balanced Estrogen
American’s consume over a pound of pesticides unknowingly each year Yikes!. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that as few as three years ago the urine of more than 75% of the U.S. population contains organophosphates (the most widely used insecticide). Therefore, you should always try to eat as organic as possible.
Eat as organic as possible!
Eating a diet that low in processed foods, and high in fiber and dark green leafy vegetables is a great way to start naturally reducing estrogen. Try to limit the amount of caffeine that you drink daily and be sure to maintain regular exercise.
Support the body’s ability to cleanse.
Another great way to naturally treat estrogen dominance is through a thorough detoxification of your body. Learn about Fertility Cleansing and try to minimize your daily exposure to pollutants, pesticides and plastics.
Learn about and employ herbs!
Herbs that may help with estrogen deficiency:
- Maca – Supports the endocrine system to be healthy and balanced.
- FertiliCare Phase 1 & 2 – Helps to balance the hormones.
- Royal Jelly – May help to slightly increase estrogen naturally in the body.
- Vitex – Supports a healthy endocrine system without containing hormones.
- Soy foods – Are known to have estrogen mimicking properties within them.
Herbs and supplements that may help with estrogen dominance:
- Fertility Cleanse – Supports the body in cleansing excess hormones and toxins that may mimic estrogen.
- DIM – Helps to take excess estrogens out of the body.
- Maca – Supports the endocrine system to be healthy and balanced.
- Vitex – Supports a healthy endocrine system without containing hormones.
- FertiliCare Phase 1 & 2 – Helps to balance the hormones.
Too learn more about related subjects covered in this article, please visit the following links:
The Natural Fertility Diet: How to Eat for Optimal Fertility
Estrogen Fertility Guide
How to Reduce the Damaging Effects of PCOS on Fertility Through Diet and Herbs
5 Steps to Reversing Endometriosis Infertility
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Feb. 10, 2003, online early edition. News release, Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
- Estrogen Affects Fertility Window. (2003, February 10). Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20030210/estrogen-affects-fertility-window
- Infertility: Estrogen Dominance. (n.d.). Retrieved from: www.sharedjourney.com/infertility_estrogen.html
- Low Estrogen Levels: Can this affect ovulation? (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://www.babyhopes.com/articles/low-estrogen-levels-can-this-affect-ovulation.html
- Grossman, E. (February 5, 2015). New Science Confirms: If You Eat Organic You’ll be Exposed to Fewer Pesticides. Retrieved from http://civileats.com/2015/02/05/new-science-confirms-if-you-eat-organic-youll-be-exposed-to-fewer-pesticides/
