Chances are good that you have never heard of estrogen dominance, but it’s a major health hazard for women—and men—over 40. With the correct balance, estrogen provides anti-inflammatory properties and protects our health in many ways. However, an imbalance where there is an excess of estrogen and xenoestrogens (chemicals in the environment that mimic the effects of estrogen) leads to estrogen dominance.

This overabundance of estrogen is responsible for a variety of health problems such as…

• Weight gain―especially belly fat―without eating more
• Hot flashes and uncomfortable menopausal symptoms
• Unwanted facial hair
• Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse
• Bloating and water retention
• Memory loss and “senior moments”
• Depression and anxiety
• Migraines or headaches associated with the menstrual cycle
• Irregular or skipped menstrual cycles
• Trouble sleeping
• Low sex drive
• Dry skin and wrinkles
• Brittle bones
• Breast tenderness

To help prevent estrogen dominance, Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP, indicates that the two primary female sex hormones—estrogen and progesterone—must be in balance. Estrogen is responsible for stimulating tissue growth and progesterone is the hormone that signals the body to absorb and remove it.

What throws off this delicate balance? Aging can play a part because, unfortunately, as you get older, your hormone levels change and create more estrogen in your body than you need.

An overabundance of estrogen can also be brought on by environmental, dietary and lifestyle factors.

The question of estrogen dominance and what causes it is as complicated as each individual is unique—therefore, you should discuss your individual complications with a physician who is open to natural alternative hormone therapy.