Estrogen is one of the major female reproductive hormones in the human body. It is found in high levels in women during the first half of their menstrual cycle. Usually it is balanced by progesterone during the menstrual cycle. Excess estrogen can be due to high estrogen levels, or due to low progesterone levels resulting in a relative excess of estrogen. Learn how to do an estrogen detox to help balance your hormones.
What Are The Forms of Estrogen?
Imbalance in estrogen can come internal or external estrogens. Internal (endogenous) estrogens are those created by the human body, while external (exogenous) estrogens come from the outside world (external). External estrogens can be from chemical sources (xenoestrogens), or from plant sources (phytoestrogens). Toxic estrogens typically come from xenoestrogen sources.
Endogenous (Internal) Estrogens
Estrogens produced in the human body are mainly produced by the ovaries although some come from the liver and adrenal glands. Interestingly, human fat cells also secrete estrogen, so carrying excess weight can contribute to hormonal imbalances. There are three naturally occurring estrogens in women called: estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3).
E2 is the most active and influential form of estrogen in the body during our reproductive years, while E1 plays the largest role during menopause. See the chart below for a summary of endogenous estrogens. For more information on metabolites, see the paragraph on estrogen metabolism below.
Nutritional Information
| estrogen | # | % of estrogen | activity | metabolite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| estrone | e1 | 10 - 20% | moderate | 2-oh-e / 4-oh-e |
| estradiol | e2 | 10 - 30% | high | 2-oh-e |
| estriol | e3 | 60 - 80% | least | 4-oh-e / 16-alpha-e |
Xenoestrogens (External "Zee-no estrogens")
There are a number of industrial chemicals that have estrogenic effects, meaning that they can bind and stimulate the body's estrogen receptors. Some examples of these compounds are: PCB (Polychlorinated biphenyl), BPA (Bisphenol A) and phthalates. Most of us are familiar with these substances from news reports of their being banned from manufacturing practices. The hormonal disruption caused by the accidental ingestion of these chemicals is associated with developmental abnormalities in babies, and with certain types of hormone sensitive cancers like breast or uterine cancer. These compounds have also been associated with infertility in male wildlife in regions of contamination. It would not be a far stretch to assume that similar effects would occur in human males exposed to the same substances.
Excess Estrogen - Estrogen Dominance
Excess estrogen can lead to many serious conditions and includes both natural, endogenous estrogen as well as external estrogens. There is an association between elevated estrogen and stroke, heart attack, endometrial cancer, blood clots and uterine fibroids. The increase of estrogen can not only come from having actual excess estrogen in the body, but also the ratio of estrogen to progesterone. If progesterone levels are low, then even a normal level of estrogen can be considered excess.
Nutritional Information
| signs of estrogen dominance (excess estrogen) | |
|---|---|
| breast tenderness | hypoglycemia |
| breast cancer | increased blood clotting |
| decreased sex drive | irregular & heavy menstrual bleeding |
| infertility | endometriosis |
| uterine fibroids | mood swings |
| fat gain around the middle | ovarian cysts |
| fibrocystic breast disease | uterine cancer |
| headaches | water retention and bloating |
What is Estrogen Metabolism?
E2 is easily broken down to 2-OH-estrone (2-OH-E), which is a healthy breakdown product that does not have negative effects on health. When estrogen is broken down to 4-OH-estrone (4-OH-E), a "bad estrogen" that is associated with the cardiovascular problems listed above, as well as a large increase in the risk of cancer. The same is true of 16-alpha-OH-estrone (16-alpha-OH-E). There are supplements like DIM and I3C that can help support the proper metabolism of estrogen to its 2-OH-estrone metabolite.
How Can I Do An Estrogen Detox?
Cleaning out excess estrogens and detrimental estrogen metabolites from the body can be a complicated process. As with any detoxification regime, everything starts by making sure the removal pathways are clear and active. In the case of estrogen, this means keeping the liver and colon healthy and functioning well. The liver metabolizes estrogen, and then excretes it into the intestines where it is shed with other waste in our stool.
Once these detoxification pathways are progressing normally, some simple dietary and lifestyle changes can help to prevent further exposure to external extrogens as well as promote a continued state of health.
What Supplements Support An Estrogen Detox?
Fibre is the key to continuing colon health and promoting estrogen excretion. It binds the estrogen metabolites excreted by the liver and prevents them from being reabsorbed into the bloodstream. Supplements that promote healthy liver and colon function, as well as those that promote hormonal balancing can all work together to help detoxify estrogens from the body. See the list below for a number of supplements that can help to promote estrogen detoxification.
