Increased estrogen in women. Causes, symptoms and treatment. Consequences of ignoring

Estrogens are the most important female sex hormones, so a decrease or increase in their levels in the body can lead to the development of serious pathologies. Let's talk about increased estrogen in women, symptoms and causes of its deviations.

An analysis for the hormone estrogen is carried out when signs of hormonal imbalance appear and allows us to determine the degree of excess or deficiency of estrogen.

Symptoms of estrogen deficiency in women can manifest themselves as frequent mood swings, virilization (the appearance of male characteristics in a woman - male-type hair growth, deepening of the voice, etc.), decreased libido, vaginal dryness and thinning of its mucous membrane, pain during sexual intercourse and etc.

Excess estrogen is accompanied by the appearance of edema, weight gain, menstrual irregularities, headaches, mood swings, etc.

A prolonged increase in the level of female sex hormones can cause the development of endometriosis, polyps in the uterus, cystic mastopathy, fibroids in the uterus, etc. With a pronounced increase in estrogen levels, the development of malignant neoplasms in the uterus, ovaries, mammary glands, etc. is possible.

What are estrogens, their norm and importance for the body

A group of female sex hormones that are synthesized in a woman’s body by the ovaries and regulate specific sexual functions are called estrogens. This main type of female hormone ensures, during adolescence, the development and formation of secondary sexual characteristics in girls.

At a more mature age, estrogens take an active part in the formation of the female reproductive system, preparation for pregnancy, ensure the timely release of the egg into the genital tract and fertilization after ovulation, contribute to the natural hydration of the vaginal mucous tissues and the preservation of its favorable microflora.

Estrogens in the body work in tandem with progesterone and together ensure the onset of a long-awaited pregnancy, its safety and a favorable birth.

Normal estrogen levels have a beneficial effect on skin and hair. The level of cholesterol in the blood, the strength of bone tissue, good memory, the complete absorption of calcium, magnesium, potassium and the coordinated functioning of the whole organism depend on its optimal amount.

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In other words, estrogen is a hormone of youth, responsible for a woman’s emotional state, her libido, attractiveness and sexuality.

The body produces three types of estrogens:

• estriol is a minor sex hormone, present in low concentrations, produced mainly during pregnancy;
• estradiol is the most active steroid hormone common in women of childbearing age;
• estrone is the only hormone that the body produces after the onset of menopause.

  

Hormones do not stand still; their levels can constantly change depending on the female cycle. In the first phase of follicle development, estrogen levels are at a fairly low level, but along with the production of a dominant follicle, there is a gradual increase in estrogen levels.

With full maturation and rupture of the follicle, during the release of the egg during ovulation, estrogen levels rise to their maximum value. After ovulation, during the luteal phase, the amount of estrogen gradually decreases and drops to a minimum value.

The optimal fluctuations in estrogen levels in a healthy woman are:

Increased estrogen in women can be a normal symptom during ovulation.
As we age, hormone levels decrease significantly. After the onset of menopause and menopause, its amount decreases by 40 - 60%. Estrogens are naturally occurring hormones important for sexual development and other body functions. Before menopause they are produced mainly in the ovaries, after menopause they are produced in adipose tissue.

When working stable, estrogen is in balance with other hormones, but sometimes, under the influence of certain factors, its level can increase and begin to prevail over progesterone, which can lead to serious disruptions in certain body functions.

Functions

Functions of estrogen:

• prevent bone tissue destruction;
• help form proteins in the blood;
• increase blood clotting;
• help the proper development of the uterus;
• reduce lactation;
• increase the growth of the mammary glands;
• promote vaginal development;
• support optimal metabolism;
• normalize the menstrual cycle;
• promote pregnancy without complications;
• has a positive effect on hair growth, nails and skin condition.

Causes of increased estrogen levels

Modern man is in a constant rhythm of fast life, when there is no time to think about its quality and safety. One of the important factors influencing human health is the environment. Unfortunately, most diseases develop against the background of unfavorable environmental conditions.

This includes polluted air, especially in areas of industrial enterprises that emit harmful substances into the atmosphere. Poor quality drinking water can be a source of deterioration in health due to the contamination of water basins with pathogenic viruses and infections.

Eating modified food products that contain an excess of harmful and carcinogenic substances, hormones, instant products, fast foods.

All these external factors have a direct impact on the deterioration of internal health, lead to hormonal imbalance, disruption of the metabolic process, and contribute to the development of many types of diseases.

In particular, in addition to external factors, an increase in estrogen levels can be provoked by:

• constant stress and prolonged depression;
• overweight, estrogen is in close relationship with fatty tissues, and the more excess fat in the body, the higher the amount of the hormone;
• excessive alcohol consumption and smoking;
• excessive physical activity, or vice versa, its complete absence, has a negative effect on the body’s metabolism;
• lack of substances from the group of nutrients, such as: folic acid, selenium, provitamin A, lycopene;
• long-term use of hormonal contraception;
• frequent contacts with chemicals for cleaning premises, washing and cleaning household appliances, which contain the whole range of substances hazardous to health that can accumulate in the tissues of the body;
• constant use of sugar-lowering drugs, antidepressants, anti-tuberculosis drugs and drugs that reduce gastric acidity;
• diseases related to the thyroid gland;
• some gynecological ailments.

Lifestyle

Regardless of whether estrogen levels are low or high, you can improve your well-being at any age:

• giving up smoking and alcohol abuse;
• preventing uncontrolled use of medications;
• normalizing sleep, nutrition, physical activity - regular, moderate exercise is preferable;
• leading a constant intimate life;
• timely treatment of chronic diseases;
• minimizing stressful situations;
• regularly visiting a gynecologist.

Symptoms of elevated estrogen

Increased estrogen in women, the symptoms of which can be determined simply by listening to your body, are characterized by:

• weight gain, mainly in the waist and hips;
• menstrual problems, cycle disruptions;

  

• frequent headaches;
• hair loss and brittle nails;
• difficulty concentrating;
• irritability and chronic fatigue;
• lack of sexual desire;
• increased sensitivity and swelling of the breasts;

Non-hormonal products with phytohormones

Phytohormones are substances of organic origin that are not rejected by the body and have an effect similar to hormones.

Main features of their application:

• phytohormones act more gently and require long-term use;
• You should not choose medications on your own - it is impossible to assess without tests the possibility of correcting the disorder without synthetic hormones;
• side effects include nausea, headache, yellowing of mucous membranes, weakness;
• absorption of herbal remedies worsens with a lack of fiber in the diet, drinking alcohol or smoking.

Popular preparations with phytohormones:

• Estrovel.
• Bonisan.
• Inclim.
• Klimadinon.
• Klimaktoplan.
• Klimalanin.
• Feminal.
• Remens.

Diagnosis of estrogen levels

Their level may differ depending on the psycho-emotional state of the woman, medications taken, a specific day of the cycle, pregnancy or menopause. This is the overall balance of normal female body physiology and can change if estrogen becomes dominant.

To reliably confirm the increase in hormones, it is worth conducting gynecological tests to take blood to check the hormone levels.

Before analysis, you should carefully prepare and adhere to a number of rules:

1. Biomaterial is given only in the morning, on an empty stomach (at least 12 hours must pass after the last meal).
2. During the day before the test, you should give up alcohol, smoking, sex life and physical activity.
3. It is advisable to stop taking medications at least 24 hours before collecting biomaterial.
4. A blood test for estrogen is taken 6-7 days after the onset of menstruation.

Another way to monitor the hormonal panel is saliva analysis. This modern method makes it possible to measure only the active parts of hormones and shows the result of their current concentration in the body. Saliva testing helps determine how the body eliminates toxins and handles detoxification.

A urine test makes it possible to track 3 types of estrogen and how fully the body eliminates it. Measuring hormone levels in urine that is collected over several hours provides a stable average of hormone fluctuations, as opposed to concentrations in saliva.

Before taking such an analysis, it is not recommended to eat foods that can change the color of urine (carrots, beets, natural juices).

High-quality preparation is a guarantee of success in obtaining reliable testing of hormone levels. This is the first important stage for diagnosis and the necessary therapy prescribed by the doctor.

The test results do not evaluate individual values ​​and are not diagnostic of a specific condition, but they do provide the doctor with information about the potential cause of the symptoms identified. When assessing estrogen levels, testosterone and progesterone levels should be checked, as their ratio is very important.

Hormone levels in the body after menstruation

After menstruation, estrogen levels gradually increase, which helps the endometrium grow in the uterus. The woman’s general condition is gradually normalizing.

The main symptoms characterizing a woman’s condition after menstruation:

• normalization of mood - the correct balance of hormones is established;
• improvement of skin condition - progesterone is not produced as actively;
• the appearance of energy and increased performance is a consequence of an increase in estrogen.

Interesting! Estrogen is considered the hormone of female beauty. It makes a woman a woman and stimulates her sexuality.

Note that during this period a woman looks most attractive.

Which doctor should I contact?

Increased estrogen in women, symptoms can be caused by other hormonal imbalances such as low thyroid dysfunction or weak adrenal glands.

Therefore, when it comes to hormones, it is worth conducting a comprehensive analysis of hormones and other interrelated functions in the body to identify the root cause, which will help create a specific treatment plan.

These types of hormonal imbalances are dealt with by a gynecologist - endocrinologist. Based on the analyzes obtained, he determines methods for eliminating diseases, gives recommendations on the diet, and advice on lifestyle changes. In addition, the doctor, at his discretion, may prescribe additional ultrasound examinations or tests for the presence of infections.

Hypoestrogenism in pregnant women

Estrogens (female hormones), symptoms of a deficiency of which threaten disorders in the body, are intensively produced during pregnancy. However, if a woman has an unbalanced diet or takes corticosteroid or antibacterial drugs, their level may be insufficient.

This is expressed as:

• constant weakness;
• mood swings;
• noticeable deterioration in skin tone - the appearance of stretch marks.

Even a slight decrease in the production of female hormones will require correction, and a deviation from the norm during pregnancy by 40% or more is a dangerous condition.

The consequences may be:

• placental abruption, which threatens fetal malformations, premature birth and frozen pregnancy;
• spontaneous abortion;
• increasing the likelihood of a child developing Down syndrome and other genetic diseases. Measuring estriol levels is part of a maternal blood test in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, a test that determines the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities and birth defects;
• abnormalities in the child’s cardiovascular and central nervous system;
• bleeding from the uterine cavity.

In later stages, estrogen deficiency is a risk:

• post-term pregnancy, allowing complications and injuries to the child during childbirth;
• weak labor, causing oxygen starvation of the fetus and infection of the mother's birth canal.

Preventing elevated estrogen levels

What can you do to avoid estrogen dominance? First of all, it is important not to get upset or worried, but to try to take steps to support the body's innate ability to balance hormones itself.

To do this you need:

• maintain optimal body weight;
• remove all synthetic chemicals, fragrances, cleaning products that contain substances that disrupt the endocrine system and increase the load of estrogen from the outside;
• avoid stress and chronic fatigue, because during constant stress, the body goes into an emergency reboot and replaces the hormones necessary for life and health with hormones necessary for survival;
• it is important to pay attention to the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, since estrogen is metabolized by the liver and excreted through the intestines;
• in diet, avoid simple carbohydrates, sugar, as well as foods containing herbicides, pesticides and other harmful compounds;
• feasible physical exercise will help increase the level of human growth hormone, thereby removing excess estrogen from the body;

  

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• include vitamin complexes in the diet, which will contain magnesium, zinc, vitamin E;
• take care of healthy intestinal microflora with probiotic foods and supplements;
• try not to use plastic dishes for storing and heating food, as plastic contains petroleum products that provoke an increase in estrogen from the outside.

Folk remedies

Estrogens (female hormones), the symptoms of deficiency of which can be corrected using drugs that can be taken with almost no restrictions.

Among them, the following deserve special mention:

• black cumin oil. It should be drunk 1 teaspoon before or after meals. The second option is convenient for those who do not tolerate oil well on an empty stomach. The break between taking oil and hormonal drugs should be at least 2 hours;
• flax-seed. It is taken 2 tbsp. spoons 2 times a day, while drinking a glass of water. You can also pour boiling water over the seeds in the evening;
• beet juice. The maximum dose per day is 200 ml. It can be diluted with carrots - to avoid pressure drops or discomfort in the stomach;
• plantain seeds with flaxseed oil. This mixture should be taken 1 teaspoon on an empty stomach.

Treatments for elevated estrogen levels

The unique biological characteristics of the body are able to independently cope with the initial stage of hormone imbalance. But in different situations, it is advisable to use drug therapy, which is aimed at changing the level of hormones in the body to the optimal norm.

Drug therapy

This type of drug therapy consists of prescribing anti-estrogenic drugs that block hormone receptors, transferring them to an inactive stage. These drugs include anti-estrogens, such as Clomiphene and Tamoxifen.

Clomiphene citrate, derivatives of Clomid and Serophene, help improve ovulation processes and are prescribed for the treatment of infertility in women. This preoral drug is safe and highly effective.

Used to treat irregular menstrual cycles, eliminate luteal phase deficiency, by increasing the secretion of progesterone during the second half of the cycle. At the same time, the drug can negatively affect the production of estrogen.

During treatment, it is necessary to monitor liver function. The use of the drug provides symptomatic therapy. The usual recommendation for use is up to 6 cycles, a single dose is 50 mg, only under the supervision of a doctor.

Tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator. It is used for hormonal disorders associated with the risk of developing mastopathy and breast tumors. The drug selectively blocks the effect of estrogen on certain cells of the mammary glands, while activating it in bone and liver cells.

Here, tamoxifen helps restore the skeletal system and reduce cholesterol levels in the liver. Experts advise using the drug daily, strictly at a certain time. The course of administration and compatibility of the drug with other drugs is determined individually only by a doctor.

As concomitant therapy, drugs from the group of enzyme inhibitors can be prescribed, the action of which is aimed at blocking and inhibiting the activity of aromatosis and reducing the level of female sex hormones. Aromatase is an enzyme found in estrogen-producing cells located in the adrenal glands, ovaries and adipose tissue.

It acts on testosterone and converts it into estrogen. Increased aromatase activity in some areas of the mammary glands provokes a local, chronic increase in estrogen in these areas, which can lead to neoplasms.

Drugs such as: Anastrozole, Letrozole, Exemestane are non-steroidal inhibitors of aromatase and estrogen synthesis with antitumor activity.

Taking such drugs, according to the recommendation of specialists, should be accompanied by additional use of dietary supplements with calcium and vitamin D to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. Drug therapy can most often be accompanied by individual side effects, so the duration of use and dosage of medications are prescribed only by a doctor in an integrated approach.

Traditional methods

In the initial stages of hormone elevation, traditional medicine, from experience and practice, suggests balancing estrogen levels naturally. Most often, they rely on adjusting the diet, including in the diet foods that contain substances that can reduce the amount of estrogen in the female body.

Increased estrogen in women - symptoms and diagnostics confirm this, which means you need to start leading a healthy lifestyle, review your diet, try to follow a diet and introduce into your diet:

1. Products containing fiber . The liver suffers when it is involved in the breakdown of estrogen into bile acids, which are subsequently excreted through the intestines. Adequate fiber intake helps eliminate residual estrogen in bile. It is found in whole grain porridges, vegetables and fruits.
2. Powerful antioxidants are polyphenols, which can only be found in the plant world. These active substances have beneficial and protective properties on the body and reduce hormone levels. The daily norm is 1 gram of polyphenols per day. Their high content is in flax seeds, sesame seeds, whole grains of rice, corn, and wheat. They are also found in vegetables and fruits. A distinctive feature of polyphenols is their insensitivity to light and oxygen, so they do not lose their properties even after heat treatment. Note: persimmon, per 100 grams of fruit, contains the daily requirement of polyphenols.
3. Products containing sulfur help cleanse the liver and remove harmful substances from it, thereby supporting its task of breaking down estrogen. Sulfur is found in green vegetables, lettuce, garlic, onions and citrus fruits.

   

4. Green tea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and contains substances of plant origin. Its daily use of at least two cups reduces excessive estrogen production.
5. Any cruciferous vegetables, which include all types of cabbage, horseradish, radishes, turnips. Their unique chemical composition of plant origin increases the nutritional value of the diet.
6. Minimize the consumption of animal products , especially those grown in industrial production.

It is important to remember that all hormones in the body are interconnected, their joint work is carried out in a complex, and if the work of one is disrupted, then the entire system suffers. Therefore, very often, minor adjustments to the diet or lifestyle changes can be the solution to these problems.

Other methods

In an integrated approach, along with nutritional adjustments, you can pay attention to herbal medicine with the help of medicinal herbs, extracts and extracts of which are found in dietary supplements.

Well proven:

1. Abraham tree or vitex extract one of the few medicinal plants that helps keep estrogen levels at an optimal level, normalizes the menstrual cycle, and restores the natural balance of estrogen and progesterone, especially after a long course of contraceptives or hormonal drugs. Extracts from the fruits and leaves of the plant are included in a variety of homeopathic preparations for women's health.

   

2. maca root powder helps saturate cells with antioxidants, reduce estrogen levels, and improve adrenal performance.
3. Uterus, hops, licorice, clover, Icelandic moss - all these herbs are considered phytoestrogens, which neutralize synthetic estrogen in the body. Decoctions of such plants are especially recommended for those at risk of developing fibrocystic mastopathy.

All these medicinal herbs are included in plant-based homeopathic preparations, such as: Agnukaston, Mastodinon, Cyclodinone, dietary supplements: Mirazenova, Mastofit, vitamin complex Pregnoton.

Such drugs act as symptomatic therapy for menstrual irregularities, risks of developing mastopathy, premenstrual syndromes, benign growths of uterine muscle tissue, endometriosis, and structural changes in the mammary glands.

With such diseases of the female system, the development of which is provoked by excess progesterone and a decrease in the body's defenses.

It is good to reinforce general medical therapy with light physical activity, swimming, walking, dancing or cycling. Low-intensity movements every day help speed up metabolic processes and remove toxins.

You can also perform strength training several times a week. It is important to listen to the body and start small, even simple exercise in the morning increases the vitality of the whole body, strengthens the immune system, and has a beneficial effect on hormonal levels.

Regular exercise is recommended as part of a healthy lifestyle. They not only help reduce the production of excess estrogen, but also promote weight loss naturally.

Complications

Increased estrogen in women, the symptoms of which puts them at risk of developing a number of dangerous diseases. Increased production of estrogen and its excess affects a woman’s appearance, which is characterized by hair loss, acne, and increased blood pressure.

In addition, the increased content of estrogen prevents the breakdown of fat, which provokes the growth of adipose tissue.

Aromatase activity and estrogen dominance are among the most common factors associated with menstrual irregularities, cysts, and benign breast formations.

In some cases, high levels of the hormone can increase inflammation in the immune system and cause an imbalance in the thyroid gland. By far the biggest risk associated with estrogen dominance is associated with infertility and breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.

If the symptoms of high estrogen in women sound familiar, then you should consult a doctor. Timely diagnosis and identification of sources of hormone increases will help avoid serious complications and reduce the risks of developing a number of chronic diseases.

Article design: Mila Friedan

Consequences of hyperestrogenism

Excess of the hormone can lead to a condition where dangerous bleeding develops. This is called endometrial hyperplasia. If this condition lasts for a long time, then it gradually develops into uterine fibroids. Nodular uterine fibroids are very dangerous and require prompt medical treatment. Sometimes anti-inflammatory therapy is required. If endometriosis develops, this can lead to the appearance of posthemorrhagic anemia, due to constant bleeding.

Other diseases may also develop, such as breast tumors, polyps, vascular diseases, and pancreas diseases.