Lowering Estrogen Dominance in Menopause
Estrogen dominance, the production of too much estrogen, is common, especially during menopause. It can cause painful periods; increase risk of breast cancer, uterine fibroids, and fibrocystic breast disease; and contribute to osteoporosis. Diet, genetics, and environmental factors such as chemicals that mimic estrogen when absorbed all contribute to estrogen dominance.
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Types of Treatment
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Means of lowering estrogen dominance may include taking supplements, using progesterone cream to balance estrogen levels, and making dietary changes.
Lipotropic Agents
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Supplements like lecithin, choline, L-taurine, milk thistle and dandelion are lipotropic, meaning they stimulate the production of bile in the liver. Lipotropic agents are useful for clearing excess estrogen from the body.
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Progesterone
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Natural progesterone cream is usually applied to the skin in small amounts, 1/4 to 1/2 tsp., once or twice per day.
Expert Insight
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Dr. Joseph Mercola, a medical doctor who focuses on natural treatments, warns that progesterone stays in fatty tissue for a long time, so long-term use of progesterone creams can lead to an excess of progesterone in the body.
Diet
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Consuming a high-fiber diet and drinking eight to 10 glasses of water daily are effective ways to flush excess estrogen from the body.
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