The Domino effect of estrogen dominance

“Estro Domino”

Imagine a game of dominoes, where each tile represents a symptom caused by a hormonal imbalance. Now, imagine that game on a grand scale, with dozens of tiles falling one after another in a cascade of frustration and discomfort. This is the Estro Domino Effect – the relentless series of side effects caused by estrogen dominance. From irregular periods to mood swings, weight gain, and even an increased risk of breast cancer, the dominoes keep tumbling until we are left picking up the pieces of our health. It’s a struggle that so many women face, turning to prescription medications to manage the symptoms without ever addressing the root cause. But it doesn’t have to be this way. By understanding the Estro Domino Effect and taking steps to balance our hormones naturally, we can stop the tiles from falling and reclaim our health and vitality.

So let’s hear it. What is estrogen dominance? Estrogen dominance is a hormonal imbalance that occurs when the levels of estrogen in the body are too high relative to other hormones such as progesterone. This can happen due to a variety of factors, including lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and genetics. 

Estrogen dominance can cause a barrage of hormonal imbalances and lead to a variety of health problems. Some potential effects of estrogen dominance include:

  1. Reduced progesterone levels: High levels of estrogen can interfere with the body’s ability to produce progesterone, which is essential for maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancy.
  2. Menstrual irregularities: Estrogen dominance can cause changes in menstrual cycle length and flow, as well as other menstrual symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, and mood swings.
  3. Endometriosis: Estrogen dominance has been linked to the development of endometriosis, a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus and can cause pain and infertility.
  4. Fibroids: High levels of estrogen have also been associated with the development of uterine fibroids, non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pain, heavy bleeding, and other symptoms.
  5. Breast cancer: Estrogen dominance has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, as excess estrogen can stimulate the growth of breast cells and promote the development of tumors.
  6. Mood disorders: Estrogen is known to have an impact on mood and cognitive function, and high levels of estrogen relative to other hormones can contribute to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Now, picture this: you’re in the middle of a battlefield, armed with knowledge about estrogen dominance, but feeling unsure of how to tackle this relentless foe. You know that lifestyle changes can help, but what about the environmental factors that might be causing damage behind the scenes? It’s enough to make your head spin.

But fear not! While genetics may be out of our control, there are many other factors that we can take charge of. By making simple changes to our daily habits and routines, we can start to tip the scales in our favor. Eating a balanced diet, staying active, and managing stress are just a few examples of lifestyle changes that can help support hormonal balance.

What about those environmental factors? It’s true that we are exposed to countless toxins and chemicals in our modern world, many of which can disrupt our delicate hormonal balance. From plastics to pesticides, we may be unwittingly causing damage that we don’t even know about. But knowledge is power, and by learning about these toxins and taking steps to reduce our exposure, we can start to fight back against the Estro Domino Effect.

Let’s take up arms and fight this battle together. With the right information and a determination to make positive changes, we can overcome the challenges of estrogen dominance and emerge victorious on the other side.

So, what types of environmental toxins cause estrogen dominance? There are many environmental toxins that can contribute to estrogen dominance. Some examples include:

  1. Xenoestrogens: These are synthetic compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. They are found in many common household products such as plastics, pesticides, and personal care products.
  2. Phytoestrogens: These are naturally occurring compounds found in certain foods such as soy, flaxseeds, and legumes. While they are not necessarily harmful, excessive consumption of these foods may contribute to estrogen dominance.
  3. Bisphenol A (BPA): BPA is a chemical commonly used in the production of plastics and can liners. It can leach into food and drink, and has been linked to estrogenic effects in the body.
  4. Phthalates: These are chemicals commonly used in plastics, fragrances, and personal care products. They have been linked to hormonal disruption and can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body.
  5. Heavy metals: Exposure to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium can interfere with the body’s hormonal balance and contribute to estrogen dominance.

Reducing exposure to these environmental toxins can help to prevent or reduce the symptoms of estrogen dominance. If you are already experiencing estrogen dominance, there are several holistic approaches that may help to balance your hormone levels. Here are some of our top examples to start with:

  1. Dietary changes: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fiber, healthy fats, and cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale) can help support liver detoxification and elimination of excess estrogen.
  2. Regular exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can help to reduce overall body fat, which can decrease estrogen production. Exercise can also help to improve insulin sensitivity, which can in turn improve hormonal balance.
  3. Stress reduction: Stress can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones in the body, so managing stress through practices like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises may help to improve estrogen levels.
  4. Supplements and herbs: Certain supplements and herbs have been shown to support hormonal balance. Examples include magnesium, vitamin D, probiotics, and herbs like maca, ashwagandha, DIM, and chasteberry.
  5. Environmental changes: Reducing exposure to xenoestrogens in the environment, such as by avoiding plastic containers and choosing organic personal care produce, can help to reduce the overall burden of estrogen-like compounds in the body.

With all this being said it is imperative that I mention body fat. Having a body fat percentage over 30% can make it more difficult to lose weight due to hormonal imbalances. Adipose (fat) tissue is not just a storage depot for energy, it also produces hormones that can affect appetite, metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. The more adipose tissue you have, the more hormones it produces, which can lead to imbalances that make it harder to lose weight.

For example, adipose tissue produces more estrogen, which can lead to, ding ding ding, you know it, estrogen dominance and make it harder to lose weight. Adipose tissue also produces leptin, a hormone that regulates hunger and metabolism. In overweight and obese individuals, there can be a resistance to the effects of leptin, leading to increased hunger and reduced metabolism.

Additionally, excess adipose tissue can also contribute to insulin resistance (click HERE to read about GDA’s that can help with insulin resistance), which can further hinder weight loss efforts. Insulin resistance makes it harder for the body to use insulin effectively, leading to higher blood sugar levels and an increased likelihood of fat storage.

That being said, it is still possible to lose weight with a body fat percentage over 30%, but it may require a more comprehensive approach that includes addressing hormonal imbalances through diet, exercise, stress reduction, and possibly medication or supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

If you are interested in working with me to regain your health click HERE for a free discovery call.

Try this recipe.

A balanced meal that supports hormonal balance should include plenty of fiber, healthy fats, and cruciferous vegetables, which are all beneficial for estrogen metabolism. Here’s a recipe for a delicious and nutritious meal that fits the bill:

Lentil and Sweet Potato Curry:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  3. Add curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and salt, and stir for 1 minute to release the flavors.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, sweet potato, and lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils and sweet potato are tender.
  5. Stir in baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Serve the curry hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.