A Natural Method to Flush Excess Estrogen and Decrease Levels

Estrogen is a vital hormone in the body, but sometimes it can accumulate excessively and lead to conditions like breast cancer. Understanding how to naturally reduce estrogen levels is crucial, as many anti-estrogen medications have significant contraindications. Here’s what you should know.

Estrogen, also known as "oestrogen," is a sex hormone associated with female reproductive and sexual functions. Although present in men, estrogen is primarily found in women, where it plays a critical role in puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and other functions. This hormone also affects the bones, heart, and brain.

There are three types of estrogen: estrone, estradiol, and estriol. Estradiol is the most dominant type and is present in the body before menopause. Estrone appears after menopause, while estriol is primarily associated with pregnancy and is the rarest.

While all three types of estrogen are necessary for health, the body can also produce an excess of this hormone, known as "estrogen dominance." This condition can lead to cancer, blood clots, strokes, and other side effects. Conversely, low estrogen levels can cause early menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis.

If you want to check your estrogen levels, consult your doctor for the necessary tests, which typically include blood tests and a procedure called liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). However, not all hospitals have the required tools for these tests, so the process may vary.

The Consequences of High Estrogen Levels

High estrogen levels can cause various conditions, primarily affecting women but also impacting men in different ways. Here are some common consequences of excess estrogen:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent condition associated with excess estrogen. It causes the appearance of small fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries, disrupts menstruation, and increases levels of male-associated hormones.

Endometriosis is a condition that affects the uterus, causing excessive tissue growth. This leads to severe period pains, diarrhea, cramps in the pelvic region and abdomen, and even infertility or depression.

Cancer

Excess estrogen is strongly linked to cancer, particularly breast cancer. Research also indicates that other types of cancer, such as gastric, lung, hepatic, and pituitary cancer, can develop due to high estrogen levels.

Other Side Effects

The full range of effects related to excess estrogen is still being discovered, as researchers find new connections between particular side effects and this hormone. Here are some conditions associated with high estrogen levels:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Multiple sclerosis (ME)
• Gynecomastia in men and breast hypertrophy in women
• Short stature
• Obesity

Natural Ways to Lower Estrogen Levels

Luckily, various therapies can help regulate estrogen levels. Anti-estrogen medications like anastrozole and letrozole may be prescribed by your doctor. Additionally, specific medications can treat conditions resulting from high estrogen levels.

However, many individuals choose to explore natural alternatives instead, as anti-estrogen medications have several contraindications. These alternatives involve modifying lifestyle habits, including diet and stress management. Here are some tips for reducing estrogen levels naturally:

Change Your Diet

Diet plays a crucial role in managing estrogen levels. Some foods can help flush out excess estrogen, while the bacteria in your gut can also impact estrogen dominance. Research suggests that certain diets are beneficial for managing estrogen levels.

For instance, the Mediterranean diet limits intake of estrogen-promoting foods and focuses on seafood, fruits, and vegetables. Studies indicate that this eating plan can decrease total estrogen levels by up to 40%. Similarly, research from 2019 showed that women who follow the Mediterranean diet have a lower risk of breast cancer.

Vegetarian and plant-based diets are also suitable for promoting a healthy estrogen balance. Vegetarian women typically have up to 30% less estrogen in their blood thanks to their diet. Additionally, a high intake of vegetables and fruits is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer.

Lose Weight and Exercise

A comprehensive 2009 study revealed a close link between obesity and breast cancer due to increased estrogen levels. Estrone and estradiol, the two most potent types of estrogen, increase with a higher body mass index (BMI) in overweight individuals. Obesity not only increases the risk of breast cancer but also other conditions related to estrogen dominance.

However, the same study highlighted that physical activity can counterbalance the estrogen imbalance caused by obesity. Regular exercise is crucial in reducing BMI and total estrogen levels. It’s important to note that weight loss through diet alone may not be as effective in reducing excess estrogen.

Manage Stress

Surprisingly, stress can significantly impact hormone balance. This occurs due to the hormone cortisol, which is produced during stressful periods. To generate cortisol, the body disrupts its usual hormone balance.

If you’re experiencing a stressful period, try incorporating anti-stress habits into your life. Socialize, pursue hobbies, meditate, and exercise. These activities can effectively reduce stress levels and contribute to hormone balance.

Causes of High Estrogen Levels

High estrogen levels do not have a single cause. Experts suggest that excess estrogen results from various factors and habits in an individual’s life, affecting both men and women differently. Here are some common causes of high estrogen:

• Obesity
• Stress
• Unhealthy diet
• Lack of exercise
• Menopause and other hormonal changes
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Contraceptive pills

However, it’s crucial to consult a doctor to determine the root cause of your estrogen imbalance accurately. A trained professional can provide accurate advice considering your medical conditions, current medications, and other relevant factors.

QUESTION

Sources:

• Annals of Epidemiology and Public Health: "A review of adherence to the Mediterranean diet and breast cancer risk according to estrogen- and progesterone-receptor status and HER2 oncogene expression."
• Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy: "Estrogen: The necessary evil for human health, and ways to tame it."
• Clinical Biochemistry: "Measuring estrogens in women, men, and children: Recent advances 2012–2017."
• Endocrinology: "Obesity and Breast Cancer: The Estrogen Connection."
• Healthdirect Australia: "Oestrogen."
• National Health Service: "10 stress busters," "Endometriosis," "Polycystic ovary syndrome."
• Nutrition and Cancer: "A traditional Mediterranean diet decreases endogenous estrogens in healthy postmenopausal women," "Fruit, Vegetable, and Animal Food Intake and Breast Cancer Risk by Hormone Receptor Status."
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: "Estrogen Dominance."