Oestrogen dominance is a state where oestrogen is high relative to progesterone, and it is behind many of the hormonal symptoms women experience but often cannot fully explain. It does not necessarily mean oestrogen is excessively high in absolute terms. It means the balance has tipped in a way that causes symptoms.
This imbalance can arise from excess oestrogen production, impaired oestrogen clearance by the liver and gut, low progesterone, or exposure to environmental oestrogens in plastics, cosmetics and food packaging. In practice, multiple factors are usually at play simultaneously.
Understanding which mechanisms are driving your specific pattern is essential for addressing it effectively. This is where functional testing, particularly the DUTCH Complete, becomes genuinely valuable.
Heavy, prolonged or painful periods
Bloating and weight gain around the hips and thighs
Breast tenderness or fibrocystic breasts
PMS: mood changes, irritability, fluid retention
Fibroids or endometriosis
Low libido
Fatigue and brain fog
Anxiety or mood changes that track with the menstrual cycle
My nutritional approach to oestrogen dominance focuses on three main mechanisms: reducing oestrogen production where it is excessive, supporting the liver pathways responsible for oestrogen metabolism and clearance, and improving gut health to ensure cleared oestrogen is excreted rather than recycled.
Cruciferous vegetables, specific food compounds such as DIM and calcium-d-glucarate, fibre, and liver-supportive nutrients all play important roles. Reducing exposure to xenoestrogens found in plastics and personal care products is also addressed.
Stress management is a critical component. Chronic stress suppresses progesterone production via the cortisol-progesterone pathway, worsening the oestrogen-to-progesterone ratio. Any effective approach must address adrenal function alongside liver and gut health.
The DUTCH Complete maps the specific oestrogen metabolic pathways active in your body, showing whether oestrogen is being cleared through protective or potentially harmful routes. This is clinically important information for both symptom management and long-term health.
View DUTCH testingYes. High oestrogen relative to progesterone can interfere with implantation and early pregnancy maintenance. Addressing oestrogen dominance is an important part of preconception preparation for women with this pattern.
Oestrogen dominance is considered a contributing factor in both conditions. Reducing the oestrogen load and improving clearance is typically a core component of nutritional management for both endometriosis and fibroids.
Chronic stress (which suppresses progesterone), excess body fat (which produces oestrone), alcohol (which impairs liver clearance), constipation (which allows cleared oestrogen to be reabsorbed), and exposure to plastics and synthetic chemicals all worsen oestrogen dominance.
Book a free discovery call to discuss your symptoms and whether oestrogen dominance may be a factor.
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