From the Guidelines
Estrogen dominance is characterized by symptoms such as irregular menstrual periods, breast tenderness, mood swings, and weight gain, which can be diagnosed through hormone level tests, including LH, FSH, and progesterone levels, as indicated in the study by 1. When evaluating symptoms of estrogen dominance, it is essential to consider the hormonal imbalance between estrogen and progesterone. Common symptoms include:
- Irregular or heavy menstrual periods
- Breast tenderness or swelling
- Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression
- Headaches, particularly before menstruation
- Bloating, water retention, and weight gain, especially around the hips and abdomen
- Decreased sex drive, fatigue, insomnia, and brain fog
- Worsening of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Some women may also experience uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or fibrocystic breasts. According to the study by 1, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of irregular periods in women, affecting approximately 4-6% of women in the general population, and is characterized by hyperandrogenic chronic anovulation. The diagnosis of estrogen dominance can be made through hormone level tests, including:
- LH and FSH levels, with an LH/FSH ratio >2 indicating estrogen dominance, as shown in the study by 1
- Progesterone levels, with low mid-luteal phase progesterone levels indicating anovulation
- Testosterone and androstenedione levels to rule out other causes of hyperandrogenism
- Pelvic ultrasound to evaluate for polycystic ovaries. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, which may include lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, stress management, or hormone therapy, depending on individual circumstances, as suggested by the study by 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance
There are no direct research papers to assist in answering this question. However, the provided studies discuss the role of estrogen in breast cancer and the use of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and aromatase inhibitors in treating estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
Estrogen and Breast Cancer
- Estrogen stimulates the proliferation of breast epithelial cells, and both endogenous and exogenous estrogens have been implicated in the pathogenesis of breast cancer 2.
- Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers are the most common molecular subtype of breast cancer, comprising about 70% of breast carcinoma diagnoses worldwide 3.
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
- SERMs, such as tamoxifen, have been used to treat estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer by antagonizing estrogen-dependent growth 4.
- Other SERMs, such as raloxifene, have been shown to decrease the incidence of osteoporosis and related fractures, and offer benefits for breast cancer prevention 2, 5.
- The use of SERMs has been associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer, but may also have estrogenic agonist effects in other tissues, such as bone and endometrium 4.
Aromatase Inhibitors
- Aromatase inhibitors, such as anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane, have been used to treat estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer by reducing estrogen production 6, 3.
- These inhibitors have been shown to be effective in improving disease-free survival and reducing the incidence of contralateral breast cancer deaths 6.