Let’s talk about one of the most common yet often overlooked health issues many women experience—sometimes for years—without realising it: estrogen dominance.
Understanding Estrogen Dominance
So many of the symptoms women attribute to “just getting older” or “normal hormonal changes” can actually be linked to this imbalance. To understand why this happens—and what you can do about it—let’s unpack what estrogen dominance really means.
What Is Estrogen Dominance (and Relative Estrogen Dominance)?
When we talk about estrogen dominance, we’re usually referring to one of two situations:
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True estrogen excess — when your body is producing or absorbing too much estrogen.
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Relative estrogen dominance — when estrogen levels are within the normal range but are too high relative to other hormones, such as progesterone.
In both cases, the body feels the effects of “too much estrogen,” even if the actual hormone levels differ. These imbalances can lead to similar symptoms, which we’ll explore shortly.
It’s important to remember that every woman’s hormonal landscape is unique. If you suspect your hormones are out of balance, working with a qualified healthcare provider is always the safest approach. Sometimes medical support—like hormone therapy—may be necessary.
How Hormones Change Through the Life Cycle
While estrogen dominance can occur at almost any stage after puberty, it’s most common after age 30.
Here’s why:
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Progesterone levels naturally start to decline in your early 30s and drop more rapidly after 35.
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Chronic stress can make things worse, as your body uses the same building blocks to produce stress hormones (like cortisol) instead of progesterone.
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Estrogen, on the other hand, tends to decline more slowly—often not dropping sharply until menopause (around age 50–51).
This mismatch between progesterone and estrogen creates the “dominance” effect.
Exposure to hormone disruptors—like chemicals in plastics, pesticides, and cosmetics—can also contribute to estrogen excess earlier in life.
Common Signs of Estrogen Dominance
You might be experiencing estrogen dominance if you notice:
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PMS or irregular cycles
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Bloating and water retention
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Weight gain, especially around the hips or belly
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Fatigue and low mood
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Breast tenderness or fibrocystic breasts
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Endometriosis or fibroids
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Irritability or “brain fog”
These symptoms can make you feel sluggish, unmotivated, and out of balance—but the good news is, there are natural ways to restore harmony.
What You Can Do: Steps Toward Hormonal Balance
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Get your hormones tested.
A blood test can help you identify whether estrogen or progesterone levels are out of sync. If progesterone is low, managing stress and supporting adrenal health can help. In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend bioidentical progesterone or herbal alternatives. -
Support your body’s detox pathways.
Reducing your exposure to estrogenic substances (like BPA plastics and chemical-laden cosmetics) is key. Support your liver and kidneys by eating plenty of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, cauliflower), drinking detoxifying herbal teas like milk thistle and dandelion, and getting regular exercise or using infrared saunas to promote sweating. -
Check your cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol often gets a bad rap, but it’s the foundation for hormone production. If your cholesterol is too low, your body may struggle to make enough progesterone.
The Takeaway
Estrogen dominance doesn’t happen overnight—and it’s not something you have to simply “live with.” By tuning into your body, making smart lifestyle changes, and getting the right medical support, you can bring your hormones back into balance and reclaim your energy, clarity, and sense of wellbeing.
See below for more hormone imbalance stories
Welcome To The Land of Hormonal Imbalance, Otherwise Known As Modern 21st Century Life!
Do you suffer from estrogen dominance? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below!
