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Estrogen dominance is a metabolic state where the level of estrogen outweighs the level of progesterone in the body. Estrogen is an important hormone that is beneficial in many areas of health in both genders.

Though common belief is that estrogen is associated with female sexual health, this hormone has a wider role to play in both sexes. It plays a significant role in a variety of other functions in the body such as glucose homeostasis, bone metabolism, brain function, memory, aging, and lipid homeostasis. 

Estrogen dominance is a metabolic state where the level of estrogen outweighs the level of progesterone in the body. Estrogen is an important hormone that is beneficial in many areas of health in both genders.

Though common belief is that estrogen is associated with female sexual health, this hormone has a wider role to play in both sexes. It plays a significant role in a variety of other functions in the body such as glucose homeostasis, bone metabolism, brain function, memory, aging, and lipid homeostasis. 

A major shift in the levels of these hormones can be caused by ingestion of dairy items, products with high glycemic index, saturated and trans-fatty acids, processed food, food packed in plastic containers and heated in the microwave, and consumption of alcohol.

Also, food products from commercially raised livestock that includes milk products and meat can interfere with estrogen and its metabolites.

A varied number of manifestations can be observed in women including irregular cycles, infertility, premenstrual migraines, breast cysts/lumps, monthly weight fluctuation, puffiness, edema, swelling in different body parts, mood swings, headaches, depression, backache, joint, and muscle pain, insomnia, night sweats, loss of libido or sex drive, osteoporosis, cardiometabolic dysfunction which indicate disturbed hormonal balance in the body.

The abnormal hormonal level leads to the accumulation of toxic end products of metabolism such as 4-hydroxy estrogen which has been clearly implicated in causing hormone-dependent cancers and various other hormone-dependent disorders.

Balance of estrogens and estrogen metabolites is essential to reduce the risk of a variety of health conditions, including cancers. 

You can know your levels of estrogen metabolites and their imbalances before it turns into any abnormality. By doing a simple urine testing (DUTCH complete) and fix these issues with the help of lifestyle correction, detoxification, and nutritional supplementation.

DR. KALPANA SHEKHAWAT M.D

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE SPECIALIST