Excess Estrogen: Navigating Estrogen Dominance in a Modern World
Author: Rohan Smith | Functional Medicine Practitioner | Adelaide, SA
Quick Answer: What Is Estrogen Dominance?
Estrogen dominance is a functional hormone pattern in which estrogen activity becomes excessive relative to progesterone (in women) or testosterone (in men). This pattern is not always due to increased estrogen production. More commonly, it reflects impaired estrogen breakdown and excretion, increased exposure to estrogen-mimicking environmental chemicals (xenoestrogens), or altered hormone metabolism in the liver and gut (4,11).
Understanding Estrogen Clearance and Balance
In healthy physiology, estrogen is metabolised by the liver through Phase I and Phase II detoxification pathways, including methylation, glucuronidation, and sulfation. Once processed, estrogen metabolites are excreted via the bile into the digestive tract and eliminated through the stool. Disruption at any point in this process may contribute to relative estrogen excess and associated symptoms.
The Environmental Impact of Xenoestrogens
Xenoestrogens are synthetic or naturally occurring environmental compounds that can bind to estrogen receptors and mimic endogenous estrogen. Common sources include plastics, pesticides, and personal care products.
Plastic Exposure
Compounds such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates have been shown to exhibit estrogenic activity. Heating plastics, particularly food containers, may increase chemical migration into food, raising internal estrogenic burden (4,15).
Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
Parabens and alkylphenols used in cosmetics may be absorbed transdermally and bypass initial hepatic detoxification, contributing to cumulative estrogenic exposure.
Pesticides
Several agricultural chemicals exhibit endocrine-disrupting properties. Diets higher in organic produce have been associated with lower measurable pesticide metabolites and reduced estrogenic load (1,12).
Dietary Strategies to Support Estrogen Balance
Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables such as broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower contain compounds including indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and sulforaphane. These compounds have been shown to influence estrogen metabolism by promoting the conversion of potent estrogens into less biologically active forms (3,15).
Dietary Fibre and Gut Excretion
Following hepatic processing, estrogen is excreted through the digestive tract. Inadequate fibre intake or constipation may increase enterohepatic recirculation, allowing estrogen to be reabsorbed into circulation. Adequate intake of soluble and insoluble fibre supports healthy gut excretion of estrogen (6,12).
Methylation Pathways
Methylation is a Phase II liver detoxification pathway required for estrogen inactivation. Nutrients involved in this process include methionine, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6. Reduced methylation capacity may be associated with impaired estrogen clearance (5,15).
The Role of Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds that bind to estrogen receptors with significantly lower affinity than endogenous estrogen. By occupying receptor sites, phytoestrogens may modulate estrogenic activity and reduce the effects of stronger estrogens, depending on hormonal context (5,12).
Lifestyle Factors Influencing Estrogen Balance
- Dietary fat composition influences estrogen storage and metabolism.
- Caffeine intake has been associated with altered circulating estrogen levels in some populations (15).
- Chronic stress and elevated cortisol may disrupt progesterone production, indirectly affecting estrogen balance (12).
When to Consider Functional Hormone Testing
Persistent symptoms such as weight gain, mood changes, breast tenderness, heavy periods, or reduced stress tolerance may warrant further evaluation. Functional testing can assess estrogen metabolism patterns rather than isolated hormone levels.
Next Steps
At Elemental Health and Nutrition in Adelaide, we assess hormone metabolism using comprehensive tools such as hormone metabolism testing and targeted methylation assessment. This allows personalised strategies focused on clearance, balance, and long-term hormonal regulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is estrogen dominance a medical diagnosis?
No. Estrogen dominance is a functional medicine pattern describing relative estrogen activity, not a formal medical diagnosis.
Can men experience estrogen dominance?
Yes. Men may experience relative estrogen excess when estrogen clearance is impaired or testosterone levels decline.
Does eating soy increase estrogen levels?
Soy contains phytoestrogens, which are weaker than human estrogen and may modulate receptor activity rather than increase estrogen load.
How does gut health affect estrogen levels?
The gut plays a key role in eliminating estrogen. Impaired digestion or low fibre intake may increase estrogen reabsorption.
Key Insights
- Estrogen balance depends on effective liver metabolism and gut excretion.
- Environmental xenoestrogens may contribute to relative estrogen excess.
- Cruciferous vegetables and dietary fibre support estrogen clearance.
- Methylation capacity plays a critical role in hormone detoxification.
Restore Your Hormonal Balance in Adelaide
If you are experiencing symptoms suggestive of estrogen imbalance, personalised assessment may help clarify underlying drivers. At our Adelaide clinic, we focus on identifying how your body processes hormones rather than relying on single laboratory values.
Book a Discovery Call with Rohan Smith at Elemental Health and Nutrition to explore whether functional hormone testing is appropriate for you.
References
- Diamanti-Kandarakis E, et al. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. Endocr Rev. 2009.
- Rochester JR. Bisphenol A and human health: a review of the literature. Reprod Toxicol. 2013.
- Higdon JV, Delage B, Williams DE, Dashwood RH. Cruciferous vegetables and human cancer risk. Pharmacol Res. 2007.
- Vandenberg LN, et al. Hormones and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Endocr Rev. 2012.
- Zhu BT, Conney AH. Functional role of estrogen metabolism in target cells. Pharmacol Ther. 1998.
- Gaskins AJ, et al. Dietary fiber intake and serum estrogen concentrations. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009.
- Adlercreutz H. Phytoestrogens and breast cancer. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2002.
- Cavalieri EL, Rogan EG. Role of endogenous estrogens in carcinogenesis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2006.
- Safe SH. Endocrine disruptors and human health. Environ Health Perspect. 2000.
- Setchell KD, Clerici C. Equol: history, chemistry, and formation. J Nutr. 2010.
- Strott CA. Sulfonation and molecular action. Endocr Rev. 2002.
- Flores R, et al. Fecal microbial determinants of estrogen metabolism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2012.
- Rosenfeld CS. Gut microbiome, estrogens, and metabolic health. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2017.
- Thomas MP, Potter BV. Estrogen sulfotransferase. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2013.
- Tworoger SS, et al. Caffeine and circulating sex hormones. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2012.