12/10/2023
Excess estrogen: What you need to know
Estrogen is a female s*x hormone that plays an important role in the development and maintenance of reproductive functions. Excess estrogen can lead to many physiological and psychological abnormalities, greatly affecting the patient's life.
1. What is estrogen?
Estrogen is a female s*x hormone but is still present in the male body. Females have higher levels of estrogen, while men have more testosterone. In women, estrogen plays a role in the menstrual cycle and reproductive function. In men, estrogen is also very important for s*xual function.
Estrogen hormone levels in the body increase when the body absorbs too much estrogen or when concentrations of other s*x hormones such as progesterone decrease. Increased estrogen leads to the appearance of many physiological and psychological symptoms, affecting the patient's life.
2. What are the symptoms of excess female estrogen?
As estrogen levels in the body increase, the following symptoms may begin to develop:
Bloating
Swelling and pain in the chest, fibroids in the breast
Reduced s*xual desire
Irregular menstruation, increased symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
Mood changes, anxiety and panic
Weight gain, especially around the hips and waist
Hair loss
Cold hands or feet
Difficulty sleeping or drowsiness and fatigue
Have memory problems
Fibroids
4. Causes of excess estrogen
The body increases production of estrogen or reduces production of another hormone, such as testosterone or progesterone. This leads to an imbalance between s*x hormones.
Estrogen levels may increase as a result of the medication. For example, people taking estrogen replacement therapy, a treatment for menopausal symptoms, may experience side effects of high estrogen. Other drugs that can increase estrogen levels include: Hormonal contraceptives, some antibiotics, some herbal medicines, phenothiazines.
High estrogen may run in families.
Additionally, certain health problems can cause estrogen levels to increase, including: obesity, ovarian tumors, liver disease.
5. Treatment for excess estrogen
Surgery In cases of ovarian cancer, the doctor may recommend removing the ovaries, because the ovaries produce most of the estrogen in a woman's body. A doctor may also recommend an oophorectomy if the patient is at very high risk for breast or ovarian cancer.
Use medications that help reduce estrogen levels
Diet: to help reduce your estrogen levels, change your eating habits. Encourage eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet.
Additionally, weight loss can reduce estrogen levels in people who are overweight or obese. This is because fat cells produce extra estrogen.
If the medication causes high estrogen levels, your doctor may recommend a lower dose or alternative treatments.