Unopposed estrogen, what it is, and how it might be a contributor
Several years ago, I began to notice that the majority of women I knew had chronic and undiagnosed health issues. As I considered the different people in my life who had health issues that were affecting their everyday life- what they could eat, energy, and ability to participate in everyday activities- the vast majority were women
Women are twice as likely to have autoimmune diseases, and more likely to have chronic diseases than men. Not only this, but women tend to visit the doctor more often than men. One study called, “Gender differences in time spent during direct observation of doctor-patient encounters” found that 64% percent of patient visits are from women and on average were found to have poorer health than the male patients (Tabenkin 2004). Some have speculated that women are just more apt to visit the doctor for the same symptoms than a man is. However, there have also been studies on this that show this may not be the case. One such study looked at common symptoms such as headaches and back pain, and overall, they did not find sufficient data to conclude women are more apt to utilize the healthcare system for similar symptoms as men (Hunt, 2011). On the other hand, this data may just indicate what I and many others observe; women seem to have more unresolved health issues than men.
So the question remains, why might women have more autoimmune, chronic disease, and unresolved health issues than men? One reason that is a likely contributor has to do with estrogen and endocrine disruptors in the environment that impact hormone levels. Both men and women have estrogen receptors, but women have more, which means they would be more impacted than men. Estrogen or estrogen mimicking molecules go through the blood and bind with estrogen receptors and create an action in that cell. Estrogen does beneficial actions, such as promoting bone and heart health, however in excess, it can cause all kinds of health issues.
There are several things that can contribute to excess estrogen. Our environment is full of xenoestrogens, which are chemical toxins that our bodies confuse with estrogen and disrupt the body’s normal hormones. Xenoestrogens are in all kinds of products that we use: fragrances, cleaning agents, makeup, pill coatings, dental fillings, plastic, on food (pesticides and herbicides), and more. We also consume estrogen in animal products that have been given estrogen to increase growth and in dairy products. Our bodies convert testosterone to estrogen in our fat tissue, so excess body weight can increase levels as well. Additionally, estrogen excess can happen from our bodies not breaking down and getting rid of estrogen well. Estrogen is broken down by various enzymes in our bodies. Important nutrients in this process include magnesium, antioxidants (such as vitamin E and NAC), indole-3-carobinol (a nutrient in cruciferous vegetables), calcium D-glucarate, and B vitamins (Metagenics Institute, n.d.). Gastrointestinal health is also important in the breakdown of estrogen, as it has enzymes that are part of this process and when there is bacterial dysbiosis estrogen can be reabsorbed and circulated back into the system. After estrogen is broken down, it is excreted through urine and bile.
So what all can increased estrogen levels cause? Heavy and painful periods, endometriosis, fibroids, irritability, mood swings, and an overabundance of histamine, among other things including increased cancer risks. Increased histamine levels can lead to all kinds of symptoms. Estrogen stimulates the production of histamine and decreases the enzyme that breaks down histamine, called diamine oxidase (DAO). Progesterone balances the effect estrogen has on histamine production, but with unopposed and excess estrogen, histamine levels can greatly increase. Excess histamine can impact every system in the body including digestive health, mood, energy, skin, breathing, muscle, nerves, and the urinary tract. As you can see, estrogen levels can directly and indirectly impact all of the systems of the body and the disruption of this hormone will impact females more than men.
There are many ways to address excess estrogen. At a bird’s eye view, you can decrease exogenous estrogen and xenoestrogen exposure, promote the breakdown of estrogen through nutritional and dietary support, and support the means of elimination. As a Naturopath, I have various protocols to address each of these areas. For more information on how to test and treat for estrogen excess, schedule an appointment.
- Hunt, K., Adamson, J., Hewitt, C., & Nazareth, I. (2011). Do women consult more than men? A review of gender and consultation for back pain and headache. Journal of health services research & policy, 16(2), 108–117, https://doi.org/10.1258/jhsrp.2010.009131
- Metagenics Institute (n.d.). Estrogen Metabolism Chart. Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://www.metagenicsinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/MET2695V2_Estrogen-Metabolism-Chart-1.pdf
- Tabenkin, H., Goodwin, M. A., Zyzanski, S. J., Stange, K. C., & Medalie, J. H. (2004). Gender differences in time spent during direct observation of doctor-patient encounters. Journal of women’s health (2002), 13(3), 341–349, https://doi.org/10.1089/154099904323016509