Estrogen Dominance and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
 

Estrogen Dominance and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Estrogen dominance describes a condition where you can have normal or excessive estrogen, but have too little progesterone to balance estrogen's effects in your body.
An important cause of low progesterone occurs when the follicle does not release the egg. The follicle becomes a cyst and the normal progesterone surge does not take place. The lack of increase in progesterone signals the hypothalamus to produce more LH and FSH, which stimulates the ovary to make more estrogen and androgens, which in turn stimulates more follicles toward ovulation. If these additional follicles are also unable to produce a matured ovum and make progesterone, the menstrual cycle is dominated by estrogen and androgen production without progesterone. This failure to ovulate contributes to a condition called "estrogen dominance."

Women with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) frequently do not produce enough progesterone.

What Causes Estrogen Dominance?

An increasing number of researchers suspect that "environmental estrogens" are contributing to hormonal imbalances. Estrogenic petrochemicals are pervasive in our air, food and water. They include pesticides and herbicides (e.g., DDT, dieldrin, heptachlor, etc.) as well as various plastics (polycarbonated plastics found in baby bottles and water jugs) and PCBs. At least 50 environmental hormone mimics have been identified. Tens of thousands of environmental chemicals have not even been tested for their effect on your hormone function.

These estrogen-mimics are highly fat-soluble and are stored in your fatty tissues. They are not biodegradable or easily excreted so they simply accumulate in your body. For example, most women have detectable amounts of DDT residue. These chemicals mimic natural estrogen or other hormones and are taken up by the hormone receptor sites in your body, thus interfering with natural biochemical activity.

Another possible factor is that your body may have an impaired ability to metabolize and dispose of estrogens. This could be the case if you have impaired liver function or constipation.

Excessive Estrogen Symptoms

A long-term estrogen dominance leads to a vast array of possible health problems:

Acceleration of aging
Allergies or asthma
Autoimmune disorders
Bone loss
Breast cancer
Breast tenderness or fibrocystic disease
Cervical dysplasia
Decreased sex drive
Depression/anxiety/irritability
Dry eyes
Endometrial (uterine) cancer
Fat gain (abdomen, hips thighs)
Fatigue
Fibroids
Gallbladder disease
Hair Loss
Headaches
Hypoglycemia
Increased blood clotting
Infertility
Insomnia
Irregular menstrual periods
Memory loss or foggy thinking
Mood swings
PMS
Polycystic ovaries
Thyroid dysfunction or sluggish metabolism
Uterine cancer
Water retention, bloating.

If you have any of the above symptoms, consult with a licensed naturopathic physician or MD in order to determine whether you have a chronic estrogen-progesterone imbalance.


Disclaimer: The information in this website is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All material provided in the pcos forum via the 3FC website is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health program.