Effects of Excess Estrogen in Women

Although we usually typecast testosterone and estrogen as specifically male and female hormones respectively, both men and women have both these hormones, though in varying proportions. In women, the level of estrogen is considerably higher and in men, the same is true for testosterone and this is what has led to all this stereotyping of testosterone as a metaphor for masculinity and of estrogen as being universally symbolic of all things female. Well, that does make sense and it is this disparity of proportions between these two primary sex hormones in both genders that, to a significant extent, set men and women apart. That being said, it must be understood that despite having higher estrogen levels than men being the normal course of things, very high levels of this female hormone can do women more harm than good. Excess estrogen is a condition that comes within the purview of a set of female hormonal discrepancies which are collectively known as estrogen dominance. Come, let's proceed towards the next segment to get up close and personal with the effects of excess estrogen in women.

Effects of Too Much Estrogen in Women

Before we get to the effects, let's dig a bit deeper into the phenomenon of estrogen dominance. This condition is not just about an excess of estrogen. A person can have very low levels of estrogen and could still be suffering from estrogen dominance! Yes, impossible as it might sound but it's true. You see, estrogen dominance is more to do with absence of sufficient levels of progesterone to balance it off than the levels of estrogen alone. So, even if you have very low estrogen levels, insufficient amounts of progesterone can still make you suffer the effects of excess estrogen. Following are some of the most common effects of excess estrogen in women that are far from pleasant or negligible:-

Weight gain Early and irregular menstruation Constant fatigue and low stamina Faster aging Fluid retention and resultant puffiness Fat accumulation in the abdomen, hips and thighs Anxiety, depression and moodiness Breast tenderness Breast and uterine cancer Predisposition towards allergies and skin problems Low libido Fibrocystic breasts and uterine fibroids Endometriosis Elevated levels of copper and low zinc and magnesium levels Severe PMS and menstrual cramps Sluggish metabolism and insulin resistance Frequent headaches and migraine attacks Inability to concentrate, think clearly or memorize details Dysfunction of thyroid gland Rapid and unexplained hair loss

High blood pressure and low blood sugar Increased frequency and volume of blood clots Decrease in or loss of fertility Increased spotting and abnormal pap smears Insomnia and sleep disturbances Cold and clammy soles and palms Increased susceptibility to autoimmune conditions Osteoporosis due to loss of bone mass and high risk of fractures Polycystic ovaries Vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse Dryness of the eyes and skin Irritability Heavy bleeding during menstruation Night sweats and hot/cold flashes Increased risk of miscarriages Delayed menopause Cervical dysplasia Increased risk of strokes and cardiovascular diseases owing to increased internal blood clotting

So, you see, estrogen dominance can have a wide range of adverse effects on the female physiology, right from something as slight moodiness and skin and hair problems to something as serious and life-threatening as breast and uterine cancer! Besides these, the other very undesirable effects such as weight gain, stubborn girth fat and early aging are some of the extremely distressing effects the mere mention of which can knock the daylights out of any member of the fair sex. However, estrogen dominance is a treatable condition and an early diagnosis can go a long way in keeping most of these unpleasant effects at bay by beginning therapy while there's still time. That brings us to the question that what causes estrogen dominance and if it can be prevented. Well, aside from hereditary factors (yup, if your mama had it, chances are high that you'll get it too), a lot of environmental factors also play their ominous roles in disrupting the estrogen-progesterone balance in the body. Xenoestrogens found in manufactured and artificial objects such as Styrofoam, plastic, food and cosmetics additives are some of the biggest factors that lead to abnormal estrogen levels in the body. Apart from these, unhealthy food habits and a stressful lifestyle can also play the devil with your estrogen levels.