Estrogen Dominance - Female
What Does It Mean?
Estrogen dominance occurs when estrogen levels are elevated relative to progesterone, leading to hormonal imbalance. This dysfunction can be caused by excessive estrogen production, impaired estrogen detoxification, or low progesterone levels. Functional Medicine focuses on identifying root causes such as liver detoxification issues, gut imbalances, environmental toxins, and stress-related hormone dysregulation.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
- Impaired Estrogen Detoxification – Liver dysfunction or poor methylation can lead to the accumulation of estrogen metabolites.
- Xenoestrogen Exposure – Environmental toxins from plastics, pesticides, and personal care products mimic estrogen and disrupt hormonal balance.
- Low Progesterone Levels – Chronic stress and poor ovulation contribute to low progesterone, exacerbating estrogen dominance.
- Gut Dysbiosis & Poor Elimination – Imbalances in gut bacteria (estrobolome) can lead to reabsorption of estrogen instead of excretion.
- Inflammation & Insulin Resistance – Systemic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction interfere with hormone signaling and balance.
- Obesity & Fat Tissue Estrogen Production – Excess adipose tissue increases aromatization of androgens into estrogen, compounding the issue.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Irregular or heavy menstrual cycles
- Breast tenderness and fibrocystic breasts
- Weight gain, especially around the hips and thighs
- Mood swings, anxiety, and depression
- Fatigue and low energy levels
- Bloating and fluid retention
- Migraine headaches associated with the menstrual cycle
Lab Test Findings
| Lab Test Name | Expected Changes | Optimal Range |
| Alkaline Phosphatase | Altered | 45.00-100.00 IU/L |
| ALT (SGPT) | Increased | 10.00-26.00 IU/L |
| Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Screen | Presence may indicate autoimmune activity | Negative |
| AST (SGOT) | Increased | 10.00-26.00 IU/L |
| Estrogen | Increased | 80-250 pg/mL |
| Estrone | Altered | 0-125 pg/mL |
| Progesterone | Decreased | 0.20-0.90 ng/mL |
How Do We Treat It?
A Functional Medicine approach focuses on supporting estrogen detoxification, balancing progesterone, reducing inflammation, and optimizing liver and gut function to restore hormonal equilibrium.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Magnesium | Supports muscle relaxation and hormone balance | 3 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita-Glutathione | Provides antioxidant support and detoxification | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita DIM | Supports estrogen metabolism and detoxification | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Reduce Xenoestrogen Exposure: Avoid plastics, pesticides, synthetic hormones, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
- Support Liver Detoxification: Enhance estrogen metabolism through cruciferous vegetables, fiber intake, and hydration.
- Improve Gut Health: Promote healthy elimination of excess estrogen with probiotics, fiber, and digestive enzymes.
- Optimize Stress Management: Lower cortisol levels through mindfulness, exercise, and proper sleep hygiene.
- Support Progesterone Balance: Promote ovulatory function with stress reduction and adequate healthy fats.
- Engage in Regular Exercise: Improve estrogen metabolism and reduce excess body fat that stores and produces estrogen.