High Estrogen
Description
Estrogen dominance refers to an imbalance where estrogen outweighs progesterone—whether due to excess estrogen, low progesterone, or both. This condition can affect both women and men, but is most common in women of reproductive or perimenopausal age. Symptoms often include heavy, painful periods, breast tenderness, mood changes, and stubborn weight gain. Functional medicine investigates the root causes of estrogen dominance, such as liver congestion, gut dysbiosis, chronic stress, and exposure to xenoestrogens (from plastics and personal care products). With the right testing and support, estrogen metabolism can be improved and symptoms reduced naturally.
Symptoms
Heavy or prolonged periods
Breast tenderness or fibrocystic breasts
PMS and mood swings
Weight gain (especially hips and thighs)
Bloating or water retention
Fatigue
Anxiety or irritability
Headaches or migraines (cyclical)
Low libido
Irregular cycles
Labs & Testing Options
ZRT test (estrogen, progesterone, cortisol)
Serum estradiol, progesterone, LH, FSH
SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin)
Liver function panel
GI-MAP (for beta-glucuronidase and gut health)
Thyroid panel
Environmental toxin panel (if exposure suspected)
Treatment Options
DIM (diindolylmethane) and calcium-D-glucarate to support estrogen detox
Liver support herbs (milk thistle, dandelion, turmeric)
High-fiber, cruciferous-vegetable-rich diet
Elimination of xenoestrogens (plastics, parabens, fragrances)
Seed cycling and bioidentical progesterone (case-dependent)
Gut repair to reduce beta-glucuronidase
Blood sugar and cortisol regulation
Infrared sauna, dry brushing, and sweating for detox pathways
Struggling with heavy periods, mood swings, or weight gain? Let’s assess your estrogen metabolism and restore balance.