The Role of Oestrogen

Oestrogen plays a significant role in glucose homeostasis, bone health, immune robustness, cardiovascular health , fertility and neural function. Oestrogen in both its hypo and hyper states leads to chronic and acute conditions – so regulation is key to optimal health. The ageing process naturally leads to a reduction in oestrogen which results in tissue degeneration (muscle, bone or neural) and causes metabolite imbalances (lipid and glucose).

The Science of Oestrogen Dominance

Oestrogen dominance occurs when there is an excess of circulating oestrogen . High oestrogen is common in overweight women (fat cells make oestrogen too!) and in women exposed to xenoestrogens , the chemicals that mimic oestrogen (more on this later).

We need to metabolise oestrogen – ie break it down and get rid of it otherwise it builds up in our blood. Oestrogen needs to be inactivated and this is done largely in the liver via 2 processes: hydroxylation and conjugation.

Hydroxylation (Phase I): Oestradiol and Oestrone (types of oestrogen) are converted into one of 4 different forms of oestrogen metabolites (some being more harmful than others and linked to high risk of developing cancer as is the case with the 16-alpha-hydroxy-oestrone form).

Next up is Conjugation (Phase II): Oestradiol and oestrone hormones are bound to glucuronic acid, this binding process helps oestrogen to be excreted more easily in stool, bile and urine.

If Phase I is impaired, then too much oestrogen accumulates in the blood and over time can trigger breast, endometrial or cervical cancer in women. If Phase II is impaired, again not enough oestrogen will be excreted and oestrogen keeps recirculating in the body.

What are the common symptoms?

Excess oestrogen not only creates uncomfortable symptoms, it is linked to certain chronic disease. These symptoms range from fatigue and anxiety to fibroids and even breast cancer.

In women:

  • Fibroids
  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
  • Tender and fibrocystic breasts
  • Oestrogen-related cancers like breast, ovarian
  • Endometriosis
  • Weight gain especially around the hips and thighs
  • Infertility
  • Water retention
  • Anxiety

Can oestrogen dominance occur in men too? Yes it can – it can lead to enlarged breasts and infertility.

Causes of Oestrogen Dominance

  1. Xenoestrogens

Oestrogen dominance is on the rise, fuelled by xenoestrogens prevalent in our modern environment. These are endocrine-disrupting chemicals/inflammatory agents that mimic oestrogen. We are surrounded by them – in our personal care products, food, clothes, furniture and much more. Here are some common examples:

Parabens are widely used as a preservatives in a huge number of personal products

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a well-known endocrine disruptor used in water bottles, used to coat the inside of food cans and also used in paper receipts. These BPAs leak into our foods, drinks and our bodies.

Phthalates are found in plastics and as emulsifiers in topical products

Growth hormones in our meat: Conventional meat is often pumped with antibiotics and growth hormones to help them grow faster. These hormones end up in our bodies when we consume these meats, disrupting our hormonal balance. Choose organic meats.

Pesticides are known endocrine-disruptors and our foods are sprayed with these readily – this is why eating organic fruit and vegetables as much as possible to reduce your toxin load might be wise.

Excess oestrogen can induce an overexpression of oestrogen receptors, harming tissues and can lead to conditions such as autoimmunity.

2. Gut health (and sluggish digestion)

Our gut and liver health are also driving forces. A standard Western diet with unhealthy fats may raise your oestrogen levels because dietary fat encourages your gut to reabsorb oestrogen.

Fibre, on the other hands lowers oestrogen levels by increasing conjugation and encouraging excretion of oestrogen.

3. Chronic Stress

When we are stressed, we have the phenomenon known as progesterone ‘steal’. This means our adrenal glands steal the building block for progesterone and converts it to cortisol. And this can lead to oestrogen dominance as levels of progesterone are lowered.

Nutrition Tips for Oestrogen Dominance

Support optimal oestrogen metabolism and liver detoxification by:

  1. Increasing fibre (particularly from cruciferous vegetables) in your diet helps lower oestrogen levels – about 40g of fire daily
  2. Cut out conventionally grown meat and dairy – choose organic grass-fed beef in small portions and lean organic poultry
  3. For oestrogen metabolism: supplement with : Calcium-d-glucarate (binds oestrogen and flushes it out of the body), Diindolemethane aka DIM (it reduces excess oestrogen and favours production of good, ‘protective’ oestrogens and reduces bad oestrogens)
  4. For liver support: supplement with alpha-lipoic acid or milk thistle to optimise your detoxification

But of course, consulting a qualified nutritional therapist or functional medicine specialist for the appropriate nutritional protocol is wise.