Symptoms of estrogen dominance include stubborn weight gain, anxiety, premenstrual symptoms of breast tenderness, acne, irritability, fatigue and brain fog. Estrogen dominance can contribute to worsening of health conditions such as infertility, fibrocystic breasts, repeated miscarriages, uterine fibroids and endometriosis as well as increase the risk of developing certain cancers.
- Decreased sex drive
- Irregular or otherwise abnormal menstrual periods
- Bloating (water retention)
- Headaches (especially premenstrual)
- Mood swings (most often irritability and depression)
- Cold hands and feet (a symptom of thyroid dysfunction)
- Hair loss
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Sluggish metabolism
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping/insomnia
- PMS
Important vegetables
Vegetables from the cabbage family, such as cabbage itself, cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, bok choy, spinach, collard greens and other leafy greens are rich in a nutrient called indole-3-carbinol, or I3C.
Flaxseed:
This seed contains lignans which helps in cleaning the excess level of estrogen. Flax also contains phytoestrogens, which control how much estrogen can bind to estrogen receptors. This means it can decrease excess estrogen activity or increase deficient estrogen activity, making it an effective remedy for a variety of female health complaints. Flax is rich in healthy omega-3 fats and contains fibers, making it an important remedy for treating inflammation and constipation. Flaxseed is digested and absorbed when ground, and best stored in the fridge as the oils in the seed quickly go rancid at room temperature.
Rosemary:
Rosemary has the ability to enhance the formation of good estrogens that’s why is good to be added in meat as seasoning. Rosemary is also an antioxidant helps to improve the memory and the thyroid function, helps in weight loss process, improves the metabolism and the level of energy.
Isoflavones:
Isoflavones, such as those found in soy, are antioxidants effective at increasing good estrogens in the body. Since soy is often heavily processed, using herbs such as Trifolium pratense, Pueraria montana and Pueraria lobata either in teas, capsules or tinctures, will help provide an adequate dose of isoflavones.
Salmon and other fatty fish:
Beside the other health benefits the omega-3 fatty acid known as EPA helps to increase the level and formation of good estrogens in the body. 2-3 servings of fish per week or supplement of this kind with quality fish oil will do the job.
Activated folic acid:
Folic acid is responsible for converting estrogen into a very healthy, methylated form that can decrease the risk of certain cancers. Many people are unable to convert folate into the active 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, which is essential for hormone metabolism, DNA synthesis, homo- cysteine metabolism and nervous system function (good mental health, memory and energy). Dark leafy greens contains this required daily doses of omega -3 fatty acids.
