Estrogen dominance

Estrogen dominance, also known as estrogen excess, is a condition where estrogen levels in the body are higher than normal, often disrupting the balance of other hormones and leading to various health problems.

Estrogen dominance can be caused by a variety of factors, including a diet high in polyunsaturated fats, which can increase the deposition and storage of fat and lead to the production of excess estrogen 2. Additionally, estrogen can have a directly toxic effect on the liver, and women normally have less active livers than men do, making them more susceptible to estrogen dominance 2. Estrogen also inhibits the secretion of hormone by the thyroid gland itself, probably by inhibiting the proteolytic enzyme which dissolves the colloid, leading to a vicious circle where excess estrogen blocks thyroid secretion, causing the liver to allow estrogen to accumulate to even higher levels 2.

Progesterone has been shown to have an anti-aging effect and can counteract the effects of estrogen dominance by promoting the release of hormones from the thyroid gland and stimulating the liver to inactivate estrogen for secretion 6. However, if estrogen levels are too high, it can start to disintegrate the progesterone receptor, leading to a loss of sensitivity to progesterone 5.

Estrogen dominance has been linked to various health problems, including osteoporosis, thyroid dysfunction, and liver damage. It is essential to maintain a balance of estrogen and progesterone levels to prevent these problems and promote overall health.