A woman’s body produces Estrogen, a sex hormone to maintain reproductive health. But due to some circumstances, the body starts producing estrogen in excess. This can affect the reproductive system and cause irregular periods. Are you suffering from high estrogen? If so, how does it affect you?
The level of sex hormones may vary during different stages of the menstrual cycle. However, if the hormone remains at its peak, it creates infertility. Many women remain unaware that they are suffering from high estrogen levels. If they ignore the hormonal imbalance, it can lead to issues with conception. So, if you are diagnosed with high estrogen, you should look out for the proper solution.
This article will provide you with complete details about high estrogen and how you can get rid of the high estrogen level.
In This Article
- What is Estrogen?
- Symptoms of High Estrogen Levels
- Causes of High Estrogen Levels
- Effects of High Estrogen Levels
- Are There Any Complications of High Estrogen Levels?
- How Are High Estrogen Levels Diagnosed?
- What Are The Treatment Options Available?
- FAQ’s
What is Estrogen?
Estrogen refers to the female sex hormone which releases from the ovary. The hormone helps strengthen the women’s bones and controls secondary sexual characters in women. At the same time, this hormone is also helpful in regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining cholesterol levels in the blood. In addition, the Estrogen hormone plays a significant role in maintaining and supporting pregnancy.
However, excess levels of this hormone in the body can cause weight gain and infertility and may disturb the menstrual cycle. The over-secretion of the hormone may affect the body positively and negatively.
There are three different types of estrogen hormones secreted into the body.
1. Estradiol
This is one of the potent forms of estrogen. The high secretion of this hormone may cause infertility issues.
2. Estrone
This is one of the weakest forms of the hormone and is found in higher levels in women after menopause. The fat tissues, placenta, and ovaries may also produce small amounts of this hormone in the body.
3. Estriol
The placenta produces this estrogen type. For this reasons, higher levels of estriol can be found during pregnancy and as the fetus starts growing.
What Are The Symptoms of High Estrogen Levels?
Here are some of the signs and symptoms associated with high estrogen levels in the women’s body.
- Tenderness and swelling in the breast
- Bloating and fibrocystic lumps in the breast
- Decrease in sexual activities
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Mood swings
- Headache, anxiety, and weight gain
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Hair loss
- Muscle fatigue and sleepiness
- Trouble in sleeping
In addition to all these symptoms, an elevated level of estrogen can also cause difficulty in conceiving. In rare cases, it can also lead to excessive tissue growth in the breast, which can cause cancer.
What Are The Causes of High Estrogen Levels?
High Oestrogen level happens naturally in women. Levels usually decrease and increase during different phases of the menstrual cycle. But sometimes due to prolonged medication, women can often experience high levels. Along with this, certain other factors that can contribute to the high level of estrogen are as follows:
1. Obesity
Excess body weight can result in the excess secretion of estrogen. In some cases, obesity can also result in low hormone secretion. This in turn creates difficulty in conceiving.
2. Stress
Stress can increase the level of cortisol in the body. The increased level of cortisol in the body can increase the production of estrogen
3. Health Conditions
Health conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and insulin resistance in the body can also result in a high level of estrogen.
What Are The Effects of High Estrogen Levels?
If a women experience high Estrogen level in the body, then it may cause several issues such as
- Blood clotting
- High blood pressure
- Cervical cancer
- Breast cancer
- Hypocalcemia
- Infertility
- Epilepsy
- Asthma.
Therefore, women need to take appropriate treatment to level off estrogen on time before the condition worsens.
Are There Any Complications of High Estrogen Levels?
Yes, many complications are associated with a high estrogen level in the body. The overproduction of the hormone can lead to cancer.
This hormone can cause abnormal tissue growth and can result in cancer. In addition to this, women often have the problem of high blood pressure. But the most common problem is infertility. If you have this high estrogen level problem, you may need to get proper treatment on time.
How Are High Estrogen Levels Diagnosed?
The doctor will recommend a blood test as a first step to confirm high estrogen levels depending on the signs and symptoms present in the woman. Blood test will check for the levels of the hormone present in the blood.
Depending on the test results, the doctor will prescribe medications to bring down the hormones to normal acceptable levels.
What Are The Treatment Options Available?
The treatment option depends on the individual conditions and on the severity level. In many cases, doctors provide medicinal treatment.
Additionally, they may also suggest lifestyle changes. Some of the lifestyle changes that you include are
- Eat a healthy diet and include anti-inflammatory food items
- Include cruciferous vegetables, flaxseed, and more soy into the diet.
- A woman should include omega-3-fatty acid and take vital supplements
- Reduce stress and manage weight
- Women should avoid the consumption of alcohol
- Do not take herbal medicines which can increase the level of hormones.
Avoid starting any treatment without consulting the doctor. Some natural remedies may work, but not all can provide the same results. So, it’s better to have a doctor’s advice. They will suggest the right treatment to cure the problem.
In short, an elevated level of estrogen can cause various problems such as weight gain, heavy periods, and fibroids in females.
Therefore, to cure such conditions, women need to take proper treatment from the doctor. Along with this, women need to change their lifestyles and get a nutritious diet. In severe cases, doctors may also prescribe advanced treatment options depending on the severity of the case.
FAQ’s
1. Do High Levels of Estrogen Affect my Menstrual Cycle?
Yes, a high level of estrogen can affect your menstrual cycle. Many women experience heavy flow due to high hormone levels. At the same time, many women experience irregular periods. Therefore, if you have any of these symptoms, then visit the best doctors to get the right treatment. Do not follow any home remedies without consulting with doctors. It may worsen your condition.
2. How to Control Hormone Levels Naturally?
To control your hormone level naturally, you can change your lifestyle. Keep yourself away from stress and follow a healthy diet. Moderate exercise will also help you to improve your hormones. However, before you perform anything, we recommend having a consultation with the doctors. They will guide you properly and provide you with the best treatment according to your condition.
3. Does High Estrogen Affect Pregnancy?
Yes, a high level of Estrogen can affect your pregnancy and cause infertility. If you have such a problem, consult with an infertility expert or a gynaecologist who can offer the best treatment for you.
