Estrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency in women

Estrogen Dominance and Progesterone Deficiency

Most women in the West have estrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency. Many women (and men) are exposed to excessive estrogens in the form of xenoestrogens and/or through the use of birth control pills. This disrupts the balance between estrogen and progesterone. Especially women in menopause have an increased risk of progesterone deficiency. However, more and more teenagers and young adults are experiencing issues related to estrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency.

When estrogen becomes dominant and there is a progesterone deficiency, estrogen can become toxic to our bodies. Progesterone has a stabilizing effect on estrogen. The balance between these two hormones affects nearly all other processes in our body.

Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance and Progesterone Deficiency

Sadness

Estrogen and progesterone influence neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for mood and emotion. An excess of estrogen relative to progesterone can affect serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter associated with happiness and well-being, and can contribute to a depressed mood or even depressive feelings. A lack of progesterone can enhance the effects of estrogen on the brain, increasing the risk of mood disorders (also consider postpartum depression).

Vaginal Complaints

Some possible vaginal symptoms include:

• Changes in vaginal discharge: Estrogen affects the thickness and amount of vaginal discharge. Hormonal imbalance can lead to changes in consistency, color, and odor of discharge.

• Vaginal itching and irritation: Hormonal changes can affect the sensitivity of vaginal tissue, leading to itching, irritation, and a burning sensation.

• Increased susceptibility to infections: Fluctuations in hormones can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina, increasing the risk of vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.

Low Libido

Estrogen and progesterone influence neurotransmitters and hormones involved in sexual function. An excess of estrogen relative to progesterone can disrupt the natural balance of these substances, leading to reduced libido and sexual arousal. A lack of progesterone can decrease sexual response and affect the feeling of sexual desire, leading to a decrease in sexual interest and satisfaction. Restoring a balanced hormonal ratio can have positive effects on libido.

Anxiety

By affecting the nervous system, mood swings, nervousness, and feelings of anxiety can arise. People may feel more vulnerable to stressful situations and panic.

Hair Problems and Baldness

Read our blog on hair problems and baldness.

Fatigue to the Point of Exhaustion

Estrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency can cause fatigue. This hormonal imbalance can affect energy levels and contribute to persistent fatigue and lethargy. Hormonal imbalances can disrupt circadian rhythms and reduce sleep quality, contributing to feelings of exhaustion.

Headaches and Migraines

Hormonal fluctuations can affect the nervous system and vascular tone, triggering headaches. Migraine attacks can worsen due to disruptions in neurotransmitters and blood vessels. The intensity, frequency, and duration of headaches can increase during the menstrual cycle in women with hormonal issues. Recognizing these patterns can facilitate diagnosis.

Concentration Problems

Estrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency can significantly affect concentration and cognitive functions. Hormonal imbalances can impact the central nervous system, leading to difficulties in maintaining focus, clear thinking, and performing tasks that require concentration. These disruptions can manifest as forgetfulness, reduced information processing speed, and general cognitive sluggishness. The link between hormonal fluctuations and concentration problems is often noticeable in women during different phases of their menstrual cycle. The fluctuating hormone levels can contribute to varying cognitive abilities throughout the month.

Overweight

Hormonal imbalance, such as an excess of estrogen relative to progesterone, can affect weight management. Estrogen plays a role in fat storage, and when imbalanced with progesterone, it can contribute to a tendency to store fat, especially in the abdominal area. Estrogen receptors are located in various parts of the body, including fat tissue. An excess of estrogen can lead to an increase in fat cells and fat accumulation, particularly in the midsection. This is often seen in women in premenopause or during hormonal fluctuations.

Insomnia

Estrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency can be related to insomnia due to disrupted normal sleep patterns. Progesterone has a calming effect and promotes relaxation, while estrogen can stimulate the nervous system. With an imbalance, it can be harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, and achieve deep sleep. Women in different life stages, such as premenopause and menopause, can be particularly sensitive to these hormonal fluctuations. Night sweats and hot flashes, often associated with these stages, can further disrupt sleep.

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

Hot flashes and night sweats can result from estrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency. These symptoms are often associated with hormonal imbalance, especially during periods of hormonal fluctuations such as perimenopause and menopause. Estrogen plays a role in regulating body temperature, and when there is an excess of estrogen relative to progesterone, temperature regulation and blood vessels can become dysregulated, leading to hot flashes and night sweats.

Irregular Cycle

An irregular menstrual cycle can be caused by estrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency. Hormonal imbalance, where estrogen is dominant over progesterone, can disrupt the normal regularity of the menstrual cycle. Estrogen promotes the buildup of the uterine lining, while progesterone is responsible for maintaining it and preparing for a possible pregnancy. When progesterone is deficient, the uterine lining may not develop properly, leading to irregular, heavy, or light menstrual bleeding. Longer or shorter cycles and missed periods can also occur.

Heavy Menstruation

Heavy menstruation, also known as menorrhagia, can be related to estrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency. Hormonal imbalance, where estrogen is dominant over progesterone, can lead to abnormal growth of the uterine lining. This can result in excessive tissue buildup, leading to heavier and longer menstrual bleeding. Progesterone is responsible for maintaining and stabilizing the uterine lining. With a progesterone deficiency, the uterine lining can become excessively thick, causing heavy bleeding during menstruation.

PMS

PMS is a complex of physical and emotional symptoms that usually occur a few days to two weeks before menstruation. An imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can lead to increased sensitivity to these hormonal fluctuations, exacerbating PMS symptoms. Estrogen can affect the nervous system and influence neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which is related to mood and emotion. A lack of progesterone can enhance these effects, resulting in mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression often associated with PMS.

Thyroid Problems

Thyroid problems can be related to estrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency. Hormonal imbalance can affect thyroid function, a gland essential for regulating metabolism and energy levels in the body. An excess of estrogen relative to progesterone can negatively impact thyroid function (which can also cause hair problems). Estrogen can affect the availability of thyroid hormones and disrupt communication between the thyroid and the brain. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weight fluctuations, and mood swings. A lack of progesterone, combined with estrogen dominance, can disrupt normal hormonal balance and contribute to these problems. Restoring a balanced ratio of estrogen and progesterone can have positive effects on thyroid function.

Skin Conditions Such as Acne and Psoriasis

Hormonal imbalance can affect sebum production, inflammatory responses, and overall skin health. Estrogen affects the sebaceous glands, and an excess of estrogen relative to progesterone can lead to increased sebum production, worsening acne. Estrogen also plays a role in skin elasticity and collagen production, so an imbalance can lead to reduced skin elasticity and fine lines. A lack of progesterone can exacerbate inflammatory responses, contributing to skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea. It can also affect skin moisture balance, leading to dry skin.

Candida

Estrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency can affect the growth of Candida, a yeast-like fungus. Hormonal imbalance can weaken the immune system and create favorable conditions for Candida overgrowth in the body, leading to candidiasis. Estrogen can affect glycemic regulation, leading to higher blood sugar levels that can stimulate Candida growth. Additionally, estrogen can affect the vaginal environment, increasing the risk of vaginal yeast infections. A lack of progesterone can further suppress the immune system, making the body less resistant to fungal infections such as Candida. Restoring a balanced hormonal ratio can help reduce Candida overgrowth.

Arthritis

Hormonal imbalance can affect the immune system and inflammatory processes, exacerbating arthritis symptoms. Estrogen has pro-inflammatory properties, and an excess relative to progesterone can contribute to an increased inflammatory response in the body. This can worsen the progression of inflammation-related arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis. A lack of progesterone can affect immune regulation and disrupt the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes. This can also increase the risk of inflammation-related conditions, including some forms of arthritis.

Allergies

Estrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency can affect allergies. Hormonal imbalance can disrupt the immune system, increasing sensitivity to allergic reactions. Estrogen has an immune-stimulating effect, and an excess relative to progesterone can over-activate the immune system, making the body more sensitive to allergens. This can lead to heightened allergic symptoms. A lack of progesterone can disrupt immune response balance, reducing the body's ability to manage allergic reactions effectively.

Autoimmune Diseases

Estrogen has immune-stimulating properties, and an excess relative to progesterone can lead to an increased immune response. This can over-activate the immune system and contribute to inflammatory reactions associated with autoimmune diseases. A lack of progesterone can disrupt immune regulation and affect the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes. This can increase the risk of autoimmune reactions.
 

Urinary Problems

Estrogen affects the structure and function of the urinary tract, including the bladder and surrounding tissue. An excess of estrogen relative to progesterone can contribute to changes in urinary tract tissues, leading to reduced bladder control and an increased risk of urinary incontinence. A lack of progesterone can affect the muscle tissue around the urinary tract, reducing bladder control and increasing the risk of urinary problems.
 

Inflammation

Estrogen has pro-inflammatory properties, and an excess of estrogen relative to progesterone can lead to an increased immune response and promote chronic inflammation in the body. A lack of progesterone can disrupt immune regulation and affect the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes. This can increase sensitivity to inflammation-related conditions.

Gallbladder Problems

Estrogen can change the composition of bile and promote the formation of gallstones, leading to gallbladder problems such as cholecystitis or biliary colic. A lack of progesterone can reduce gallbladder function, slowing the movement of bile through the bile ducts. This can increase the risks of gallbladder problems.

Are Estrogen Dominance and Progesterone Deficiency the Cause?

Not everything is always the "fault" of estrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency, but it can certainly be a significant factor in finding the cause of your symptoms. Each of the above symptoms can also have another medical cause. Always consult a doctor and have a thorough examination.

How Do We Develop Estrogen Dominance and Progesterone Deficiency?

Examples of culprits:

• Exhaust fumes

• Solvents and adhesives such as those in nail polish, paint strippers, and glue

• Soap and cosmetics

• Almost all plastics

• Phthalates, synthetic substances that make plastic flexible, such as in plastic tubing, children's toys

• Industrial waste such as PCBs and dioxins

• Waste from treatment plants, detergents, etc.

• Use of birth control pills

• Synthetic estrogens and progestins in the urine of millions of women using the pill and hormone replacement therapy, which is flushed down the toilet and eventually ends up in the food chain

What Is the Role of Progesterone?

Progesterone is an important hormone secreted by menstruating women. This hormone ensures that a fertilized egg can grow into a baby that can be born. It ensures that you can stay pregnant for 9 months. But in addition, progesterone also has other functions in the body.

For example:

• Protection against breast lumps

• Promotes fat utilization

• Reduces weight gain due to fluid retention

• Acts as an antidepressant and reduces anxiety

• Prevents bone loss

• Reduces migraines

• Improves the duration and depth of sleep

• Improves thyroid function

• Normalizes blood sugar levels

• Maintains a healthy libido

• Helps balance zinc and copper levels

• Improves oxygen metabolism in cells

• Prevents cervical and breast cancer and reduces the risk of prostate cancer in men

• Promotes tissue regeneration

• Is important in the production of other hormones in our body

What Is the Best Treatment for Estrogen Dominance and Progesterone Deficiency?

What Can You Do About Estrogen Excess?

• Remove as many processed items from your diet as possible

• Get enough sleep

• Adding natural progesterone can alleviate many symptoms by offsetting estrogen dominance

• Be moderate with alcohol and sugar

• Exercise as often as feasible in your life

• See if you can remove or at least reduce stress factors in your life