Natural Solutions for Estrogen Dominance

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In today's fast-paced world, hormonal imbalances are becoming increasingly common, affecting both men and women alike. Among these imbalances, estrogen dominance stands out as a significant concern, especially among women. Estrogen dominance occurs when the levels of estrogen in the body are high overall or are higher relative to progesterone. In this protocol, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and natural therapies for estrogen dominance. 

Causes of Estrogen Dominance

1. Dietary Choices: Consuming a diet high in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats can contribute to estrogen dominance. These foods may contain xenoestrogens, synthetic compounds that mimic estrogen in the body, disrupting hormonal balance.

2. Environmental Toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides, plastics and pollutants can also disrupt hormone levels. These toxins, known as endocrine disruptors, interfere with the body's hormonal signaling pathways, leading to estrogen dominance. Mold is also estrogenic.  

3. Stress: Chronic stress can impact hormone production and metabolism, leading to imbalances between estrogen and progesterone. Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, can suppress progesterone production, exacerbating estrogen dominance. Refer to 'adrenal fatigue' as well. 

4. Hormonal Birth Control: Some forms of hormonal birth control, such as birth control pills, contain synthetic hormones that can disrupt the body's natural hormone balance, potentially leading to estrogen dominance. Due to lack of ovulation while on birth control, this stops our body from making progesterone, which is another risk factor of estrogen dominance. 

Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance

1. Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Women with estrogen dominance may experience irregular periods, including heavy bleeding, prolonged menstrual periods, or spotting between cycles.

2. Breast Tenderness: Increased levels of estrogen can cause breast tenderness or swelling, especially before menstruation. Consider iodine supplementation for breast tenderness. 

3. Weight Gain: Estrogen dominance is associated with weight gain, particularly in the hips, thighs, and abdomen.

4. Mood Swings: Hormonal fluctuations can contribute to mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression.

5. Fatigue: Chronic fatigue or low energy levels are common symptoms of estrogen dominance.

6. Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep may occur due to hormonal imbalances.

7. Histamine Intolerance: High levels of estrogen increase histamine production in the body. They can also interact with DAO, by slowing it down, leading to poor histamine clearance. 
8. Stagnant Gallbladder: High levels of estrogen can lead to sludgy bile which also increases your risk of gallstones, constipation and nutrient deficiencies. 
9. Cancer: High estrogen increase risk of cancer particularly ovarian and breast cancers.

Order of Operations

1. Fix constipation. You cannot excrete excess estrogen unless you are having at least one complete bowel movement a day. 
2. Support bile quality and flow with TUDCA. Excess hormones will be dumped into the bile for elimination.
3. Consume fiber particularly seasonal vegetables & fruits, and whole-grains. Diets high in fiber reduce circulating estrogen. 
4. Support methylation with:
   1. Magnesium: Magnesium is a cofactor for COMT enzyme activity. It helps activate COMT, enabling it to efficiently metabolize catecholamines. Good dietary sources of magnesium include leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Most people are deficient in magnesium and can benefit from supplementing it: Magnesium Breakthrough (code: PAOLA), 1 capsule, twice a day, with meals

   2. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Vitamin B6 is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, which is metabolized by COMT. Adequate levels of vitamin B6 support optimal COMT activity. Foods rich in vitamin B6 include poultry, fish, bananas, potatoes, and fortified cereals.

   3. Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 plays a role in methylation processes in the body, which are essential for COMT function. Foods high in vitamin B12 include meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, and fortified plant-based foods.

   4. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Riboflavin is involved in the production of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), a coenzyme that supports COMT activity. Good dietary sources of riboflavin include dairy products, lean meats, eggs, nuts, and green leafy vegetables. A good methylation support B complex is Methyl Guard Plus, 1 capsule up to 3 times a day, with or without food. 

   5. Zinc: Zinc is another cofactor for COMT activity. It helps stabilize and activate the enzyme, facilitating the breakdown of catecholamines. Dietary sources of zinc include meat, shellfish, legumes, nuts, seeds, and dairy products. A food source supplement is Oyster Zinc, 4 capsules a day, with or without meals.

   6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, support brain health and neurotransmitter function. They can indirectly support COMT activity by promoting overall neuronal health. A good supplement option is OmegaGenics, 1 capsule 3 times a day, with meals

   7. Phosphatidylcholine: Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid that supports methylation processes in the body, which are essential for COMT function. Good dietary sources of phosphatidylcholine include eggs, soybeans, sunflower seeds, and organ meats. This is particularly important especially if you have mutations in the PEMT gene, in which case you can supplement PC by Bodybio, 1/2 teaspoon with breakfast. 

5. Support Estrogen Metabolism:
   1. Complete a DUTCH test (See options below)
   2. If 4-OH-E1 is high
      1. Increase 2-OH-E1 with:
         1. DIM: 100-150 mg/day for up to 12 months, with meals
      2. Increase 2-OH-E1:16-OH-E1 ratio with:
         1. I3C: 300-400 mg/day, with meals
            1. Can be used in doses up to 800mg/day for 1 month
6. Incorporate stress-reducing practices such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature to help lower cortisol levels especially in the luteal phase. Cortisol steals progesterone, increasing the risk of estrogen dominance. 
7. Engage in regular physical activity, including cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Exercise helps move the lymph which supports hormone balance. 
8. Minimize exposure to environmental toxins by choosing organic produce, using natural household cleaners, and avoiding plastic containers and food packaging whenever possible.
   • BranchBasics Household Cleaner (code PAOLA)
   • Dropps Dishwasher & Laundry pods
   • Aquatru reverse osmosis (the link applies the discount automatically)
   • AirDoctor air filter (the link applies the discount automatically) especially if you are exposed to mold

Functional Tests

• DUTCH Complete (code: pxi100) – Great if you do not feel groggy and tired in the morning.
• DUTCH Plus (code: pxi100) – Great if you feel tired and not refreshed in the morning.
• Cycle Mapping (code: pxi100) – Great if you skip cycles, your cycle length varies, and you are not sure if you’re ovulating.