High Estrogen: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

High estrogen levels occur when the hormone estrogen becomes elevated beyond the body’s balanced needs. This hormonal imbalance can impact both men and women and often results from lifestyle, medications, or underlying health conditions.

In women, high estrogen is linked to bloating, mood swings, irregular periods, and weight gain, while men may experience reduced libido and fatigue. Addressing high estrogen requires identifying the root cause and opting for the right mix of lifestyle, medical, or hormonal treatment.

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company supports access to diagnostics and hormonal therapies through its health plans and a network of 18,400+ hospitals.

What is Estrogen?

Estrogen is a key sex hormone responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system, though it is also present in men in smaller amounts. It plays a crucial role in menstrual cycle regulation, bone health, skin texture, and mood stability.

Estrogen is produced mainly in the ovaries, but also in adrenal glands and fat tissues. Understanding what estrogen is helps clarify how an imbalance can affect overall well-being. Health insurance plans by Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company often cover hormone tests to track and manage estrogen-related issues effectively.

Key Functions of Estrogen in the Body

Estrogen supports multiple essential functions in the body. In women, it helps regulate the menstrual cycle, supports pregnancy, and promotes the development of secondary sexual characteristics. It also maintains bone density, influences cholesterol levels, and supports cardiovascular health.

In men, estrogen helps modulate libido and sperm production. It affects brain function, mood, and skin elasticity in both genders. Disruption in these functions due to high or low levels of estrogen can impact quality of life significantly.

How Estrogen Levels Affect Different Life Stages?

Estrogen levels fluctuate across different life stages. In puberty, it triggers sexual development in girls. During menstruating years, estrogen regulates ovulation and the menstrual cycle. In pregnancy, levels rise to support foetal development. At menopause, estrogen declines sharply, leading to symptoms like hot flashes and bone thinning.

In men, estrogen levels remain lower but still play roles in reproductive and emotional health. Imbalance at any stage may require diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of High Estrogen Levels

High estrogen can be caused by several factors, including:

• Obesity: Fat tissues produce additional estrogen.
• Hormonal therapy or contraceptives
• Liver disorders: Impaired liver function affects hormone breakdown.
• Chronic stress: Leads to hormonal imbalance.
• Tumours or cysts: Especially oestrogen-secreting ones in ovaries or adrenal glands.
• Exposure to xenoestrogens: Found in plastics, cosmetics, and pesticides.

Identifying the root cause is critical in managing high estrogen levels effectively.

Symptoms of High Estrogen Levels

Symptoms of high estrogen can vary but commonly include:

In Women:

• Irregular or heavy periods
• Weight gain, especially in hips and waist
• Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
• Bloating and breast tenderness
• Decreased libido and fatigue

In Men:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Gynecomastia (breast tissue growth)
• Mood changes
• Reduced muscle mass

Both genders may experience headaches, poor concentration, and sleep disturbances. These high estrogen level symptoms often go unnoticed until they become persistent.

How to Reduce Estrogen?

Reducing estrogen levels depends on the cause. Key strategies include:

• Dietary Changes: Reduce intake of processed foods and alcohol. Increase cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.
• Weight Management: Obesity can elevate estrogen, so exercise and a balanced diet are crucial.
• Liver Support: Consume foods that support liver detox like garlic, turmeric, and green tea.
• Avoid Xenoestrogens: Limit exposure to chemicals found in plastics, cosmetics, and canned foods.
• Medication: Doctors may prescribe anti-estrogenic drugs or hormone therapy.

Consulting a specialist is vital to choosing the right course of action. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company makes specialist consultations and diagnostics accessible and affordable.

How Estrogen Imbalance Affects Men and Women Differently?

In women, excess estrogen may lead to reproductive issues, weight gain, fibroids, or increased risk of certain cancers. In men, it can cause low libido, infertility, and gynecomastia. Emotional and physical symptoms also differ, with women experiencing menstrual irregularities and men facing muscle loss or fatigue. Gender-specific evaluation and treatment are crucial to manage this hormonal imbalance effectively.

How Estrogen is Measured (Tests and Diagnosis)?

Estrogen levels are measured through a simple blood test. Doctors may also request a urine or saliva test depending on symptoms. Blood tests typically evaluate three types: estradiol, estrone, and estriol. These levels vary based on age, gender, and life stage.

Treatment Options for Estrogen Imbalance

Treating high estrogen involves:

• Lifestyle modifications: Weight loss, dietary changes, and exercise.
• Medications: Hormone blockers like aromatase inhibitors or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists.
• Surgery: In rare cases, removal of hormone-secreting tumours.
• Supplements: Natural remedies like DIM (diindolylmethane) may help under medical supervision.

Treatment depends on underlying causes and may include addressing liver function or reducing exposure to synthetic estrogens. With the right treatment and insurance support.

Natural Ways to Maintain Healthy Estrogen Levels

To naturally regulate estrogen:

• Eat fibre-rich foods
• Stay active and maintain a healthy body weight
• Avoid processed and high-sugar foods
• Limit alcohol and caffeine
• Choose BPA-free and natural personal care products

Consistent health habits and annual check-ups can go a long way in maintaining hormonal balance.

Conclusion

High estrogen can impact daily life and long-term health for both men and women. By understanding its symptoms, causes, and treatments, individuals can take proactive steps to restore balance. Regular testing and lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference.

FAQs

What happens if estrogen is high in females?

It can lead to heavy periods, weight gain, mood swings, and an increased risk of conditions like fibroids or certain cancers.

What happens when estrogen levels are too high?

Excess estrogen can cause reproductive, metabolic, and emotional imbalances, including bloating, anxiety, and reduced fertility.

How is estrogen imbalance diagnosed?

A simple blood test measuring estradiol, estrone, and estriol can diagnose estrogen imbalance. Doctors may suggest further hormonal evaluations.

What are five estrogen foods to avoid?

Avoid soy products, flax seeds in excess, alcohol, processed meats, and foods with added hormones or preservatives.

How do I flush excess estrogen from my body?

Support liver health with detox-friendly foods, stay hydrated, eat fibre-rich meals, and exercise regularly to remove excess estrogen.

How can I test for high estrogen at home?

At-home hormone test kits are available, usually involving saliva or dried blood spot samples. However, lab-based tests remain more reliable.

What are the risks of an untreated estrogen imbalance? It can lead to reproductive disorders, cardiovascular issues, mood disorders, and an increased risk of hormone-sensitive cancers.

How can lifestyle changes help maintain healthy estrogen levels?

Healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and toxin-free living help naturally regulate estrogen and improve overall well-being.

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