Hormonal balance plays a crucial role in how you feel day to day, influencing everything from mood and energy levels to metabolism and overall well-being. When estrogen levels become imbalanced, it can disrupt this delicate system and affect multiple areas of health. As a result, many individuals are turning to estrogen balance supplements to help support hormone regulation, promote detoxification, and restore a sense of balance.
In this article, we'll explore natural ways to support healthy estrogen levels and optimize your overall wellness.
What is Estrogen?
Estrogen is a sex hormone present in all humans. In men, the estrogen levels are much lower and are dwarfed by testosterone production. For women, estrogen levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle and alternate with progesterone. In general, estrogen is responsible for everything associated with the first half of the menstrual cycle, including building up the lining of the uterus and preparing for ovulation. Estrogen levels are balanced in the body by progesterone, the hormone responsible for maintaining the uterine lining and holding the body in a pregnancy-ready state. A drop in both of these hormones results in menstruation, the shedding of the lining of the uterus. Excess estrogen can be due to high estrogen levels or due to low progesterone levels, resulting in a relative excess of estrogen.
What Are The Forms of Estrogen?
There are several forms of estrogen that affect the body. Endogenous estrogens originate inside the body, and exogenous estrogens originate outside the body.
Exogenous estrogens come from chemical compounds called xenoestrogens or plant-derived phytoestrogens. Xenoestrogens include industrial chemicals that mimic estrogen activity. Phytoestrogens come from plants and influence hormonal balance.
Endogenous estrogens are mainly formed in the ovaries. However, the liver and adrenal glands also produce small amounts. Additionally, fat cells secrete estrogen, so excess body fat may contribute to hormonal imbalance.
Women produce three main estrogens called estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3). E2 acts as the most active form during reproductive years. E1 becomes dominant during menopause. E3 plays a supporting role throughout hormonal shifts.
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 |
Phytoestrogens come from plant sources and influence estrogen receptors in the body. They exert weaker effects than endogenous estrogens but still help regulate balance. When estrogen levels rise, phytoestrogens block receptors and reduce activity. When estrogen levels drop, they mildly stimulate receptors. This dual action helps hormonal balance in women.
Xenoestrogens include industrial compounds that disrupt endocrine function. They bind to estrogen receptors and mimic natural hormones. Examples include PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls), BPA (bisphenol A), and phthalates. Regulatory agencies have restricted many of these compounds due to health concerns.
Estrogen Receptor
These chemical estrogen disruptors are linked to developmental abnormalities in babies and hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and uterine cancer. They also associate with infertility in male wildlife exposed to contaminated environments. Researchers suggest similar risks may affect human males exposed to these chemicals.
Estrogen and Mood
Estrogen plays a significant role in women's mental health. Sudden estrogen drops are associated with depressed mood, postpartum depression, and menopausal mood swings. Excess estrogen can also contribute to hormonal imbalance symptoms. Excess estrogen can also cause problems in women, like:
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 |
Estrogen Metabolism
Estrogen metabolism determines many risks linked to estrogen dominance. Harmful effects often come from estrogen breakdown products. Healthy liver and colon functions support proper estrogen clearance.
Estrogen Balance Support & Supplements
There are a number of supplements that can help the body to naturally rebalance its own estrogen levels. Ensuring sufficient fibre in the diet to prevent reabsorption of excreted estrogen, and herbal support to help the body balance hormones naturally, can both help to keep hormonal balance in the body. See the list below for supplements that may help to regulate female sex hormone balance. If excess estrogen might be a problem for you, see the estrogen detoxification article using the link above for more information on supporting proper estrogen metabolism.
Important Information
The use of hormone-regulating herbs is not recommended when you are suffering from hormone-sensitive cancers or conditions, as there is a risk of aggravation. Low progesterone levels can mimic the effects of excess estrogen. Consult your healthcare practitioner to ensure you are treating your hormonal imbalance in the correct way.
