Hey there, lovely.
Are you feeling tired, moody, or struggling with weight gain? Perhaps you have heard of the term “estrogen dominance,” and you suspect that it might be the culprit. If that’s the case, don’t worry! As a holistic health expert, I have some tools to share that will make you feel empowered and ready to face this issue.
Let’s start by clarifying what estrogen dominance is. It’s when your body has too much estrogen or is exposed to too many estrogen-like substances in your environment. Sometimes, producing too little progesterone (with normal estrogen) can also create a very similar symptom picture. This hormonal imbalance can lead to a wide range of symptoms that leave you feeling less than your best.
But here’s the good news: you have the power to take control of your health and restore balance! You don’t have to rely on synthetic hormones or harsh treatments that may cause unwanted side effects. Instead, let’s explore some natural methods that can help you manage estrogen dominance and feel inspired to take on this challenge.
The foundations are very important when it comes to hormone balance. This starts with stress management, which reduces cortisol and supports healthy progesterone production. From there, digestive healing is a must. Balancing the bacteria in the digestive tract goes a long way in regulating estrogen levels, as does eating enough dietary fiber. Once you’re set up for success, we can dive into some of my favorite supplements. Remember that every body is different and it may be appropriate for you to check with your doc first before taking anything new.
That said, methylated B-vitamins are your liver’s best friends when it comes to detoxifying excess estrogen and other toxins from your body. This is especially helpful for those with faulty MTHFR genetics. These essential nutrients help break down estrogen and other harmful substances, making it easier for your body to eliminate them naturally. Choose high-quality supplements that contain methylfolate, methylcobalamin, and other active forms of B vitamins to ensure optimal results.
Another powerful tool in your arsenal is DIM or diindolylmethane, which is found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, and cauliflower. This compound helps your body metabolize estrogen into a less potent form, allowing your body to more efficiently process and eliminate it.
Artichoke is another natural remedy that supports your liver’s function, helping it process estrogen and other toxins more efficiently. Plus, it’s delicious and versatile, making it easy to incorporate into your daily meals.
Don’t forget to explore other herbs like milk thistle, dandelion root, and rosemary, which can also aid in liver health and digestion. Incorporating these into your diet can help support your body’s natural detoxification process.
Estrogen dominance is a very common issue that can lead to so many uncomfortable symptoms. But, with a full toolkit full of goodies to support yourself, relief is possible.
And when in doubt, this is a helpful place where functional labs (DUTCH Plus is my favorite) to solve the puzzle of what’s at the root of your unique circumstances.
Take care of yourself.
xx
Dr. Chelsea