How Do You Know If You Have Estrogen Dominance? Common Signs & Symptoms

Estrogen dominance happens when estrogen levels are too high relative to progesterone, even if your estrogen is technically in the “normal” range. This imbalance can wreak havoc across multiple body systems—especially in women over 35 as progesterone naturally declines with age or stress.

How Do You Know If You Have Estrogen Dominance?

Common Signs & Symptoms:

Weight gain, especially around hips, thighs, and lower belly
PMS: mood swings, irritability, breast tenderness
Heavy, painful, or irregular periods
Bloating and water retention
Fatigue, especially before your period
Anxiety or depression
Low libido
Fibroids, endometriosis, or ovarian cysts
Insomnia or poor sleep
Brain fog or memory issues
Cold hands and feet (thyroid slow-down)

Effects of Estrogen Dominance on Body Systems:

Brain & Mood

Disrupts serotonin and dopamine balance → depression, irritability, anxiety
Estrogen affects GABA, the calming neurotransmitter → less mental calm, more overstimulation

Endocrine System

Suppresses thyroid function → slower metabolism, weight gain, fatigue
Throws off blood sugar control → cravings, insulin resistance
Cortisol rises with stress → further suppresses progesterone production

Cardiovascular System

Estrogen thickens blood and increases clot risk
Can raise triglycerides and impact blood pressure

Liver

Liver is responsible for breaking down and eliminating excess estrogen
If sluggish (from alcohol, poor detox, medications), estrogen recirculates → worsens dominance

Nervous System

Progesterone calms the nervous system (think: nature’s Xanax)
Too little = overstimulation, panic, disrupted sleep, low stress resilience

Musculoskeletal

Estrogen affects joint fluid and collagen → can contribute to joint pain or laxity
Excess estrogen slows muscle growth and fat burning

Digestive System

Disrupts gut microbiome (estrobolome)
Poor estrogen clearance via bile/stool = recirculating estrogen → constipation, bloating

How to Confirm Estrogen Dominance

Symptom picture (like the list above)
Saliva or DUTCH hormone testing (measures free estrogen vs progesterone and estrogen metabolites)
Blood test (not ideal for free hormone ratios but can give clues)

Always check with a qualified practitioner before combining multiple hormone-balancing supplements—especially if you’re on medications, have thyroid issues, or are postmenopausal.

Does this Sound like You?

Post ED if it does ✅

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