Tip of the Month

Estrogen Dominance
By Celeste Brinson, MSc
Nutritional Consultatnt

Estrogen Dominance is a condition that affects men and women of all ages. When estrogen is deficient or excessive, with too little progesterone to balance the estrogen levels, Estrogen Dominance occurs, causing endocrine disruption.  It is increasingly prevalent due to common health, diet and environmental factors.  Remedies for this condition include acupuncture, herbal and nutritional supplements and eliminating environmental causes.

Causes:
Common causes of Estrogen Dominance include: stress, oral contraceptive use, conventional hormone replacement therapy, adrenal fatigue, poor diet, and obesity.  Environmental estrogens from plastics and other petro-chemicals like parabens present in personal care products and cosmetics have further increased the occurrence of estrogen dominance in men, women, and children.

Symptoms:
Common symptoms can include: anxiety, irritability, cramps, prolonged menses, bloating, breast tenderness and fibrocystic disease, moods swings and depression, acne, brain "fog", decreased sex drive, infertility, autoimmune disorders, insomnia, osteoporosis, uterine fibroids, muscle pain and back pain, food cravings, and fat gain in the abdomen.

Treatments:
Acupuncture treatment affects the production and circulation of hormones as well as endorphins, which are closely linked to hormones and to the mood changes experienced during certain times such as pregnancy and menopause, making acupuncture a great treatment for hormone balancing and mood regulation.

The number one nutritional treatment for Estrogen Dominance is to switch to a low-carb Mediterranean Diet.  However, there are many herbs and nutritional supplements that have been very helpful in rebalancing the sex hormones in Estrogen Dominance.  Vitex, or Chaste Tree Berry, in particular is often recommended for women and girls from puberty through childbearing years.

Standard Process’ Chaste Tree supplement comes in tablet form, while EZ Herbs’ Vitex is an herbal extraction tincture.  New Chapter’s Estrotone includes Vitex, Evening Primrose Oil, Schizandra, Black Cohosh, and Rosemary and is especially supportive of women during menopause and post-menopause.  As always, all our herbal supplements are highly bioavailable and pure.

Environmental Factors:
To help you avoid environmental estrogens, we offer a variety of chemical-free bath, body and skin care products such as Dr. Hauschka skin care and cosmetics and 100% Pure bath and body products.  We also offer Sigg water bottles which are a great replacement for those plastic bottles we often carry with us.

There is so much useful information on Estrogen Dominance here at Plum Blossom.  Not only do we offer the products and services listed above, but we offer a detailed description of a Mediterranean Diet and Nutritional Consulting during your transition.  Clearing up acne, loosing extra weight, and uplifting the mood can be invaluable to growth and confidence. Stop by Plum Blossom to discuss Estrogen Dominance, how you may be affected, and what course of treatment is best for you!