Estrogen, medically, is known as the female hormone, and although it is mainly found in women, it can be present in men, but in small quantities.

Estrogen and progesterone are the main factors when it comes to female sex hormones.

Estrogen has essential roles in the body, from regulating the menstrual cycle and controlling puberty to forming bones and affecting skin and hair. But when a woman has too much estrogen, it may not actually be good, as estrogen dominance can affect the female body in many ways and cause unpleasant symptoms.

Hormones determine how we sleep, appetite, libido, and a number of other bodily functions.

Estrogen is produced by the endocrine system and its main purpose is to promote growth. For example, the hormone is needed during puberty and pregnancy and it supports bone strength, helps maintain normal cholesterol levels, and is involved in the menstrual cycle.

On the other hand, progesterone is made by the ovaries, placenta, and adrenal glands. The female reproductive system secretes this hormone to regulate the lining of the uterus. Therefore, both hormones play a role in pregnancy and regulating the menstrual cycle.

And when the sex hormones are in balance, the body does what you expect it to do. However, when you have too much estrogen (estrogen dominance), you may start to develop some unpleasant symptoms.

High levels of estrogen can occur naturally or can occur as a result of:

Insulin and cortisol imbalance

Contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy

Impaired liver function (the liver detoxifies and gets rid of estrogen through the intestines)

Weight gain (fat cells make estrogen)

Poor diet (especially if you lack B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, omega and protein)

– Genetics

Chemical estrogen (through pesticides or beauty products)

And if you have estrogen dominance, possible symptoms are:

– bloating

Swollen or tender breasts

fibrocystic lumps in the breast

Low sex drive

Menstrual disorder

Severe headache

– Mood Swings

Fatigue

Anxiety and depression

– fibroids

Hormonal weight gain

hair loss

Cold hands or feet

– Insomnia

Memory problems

Premenstrual syndrome (a group of physical, psychological and emotional symptoms associated with the occurrence of menstruation in women)

Endometriosis (the presence of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus outside the uterus)

If there is a predominance of estrogen, this is related to the progesterone levels, which will be low.

Women who don’t make enough progesterone may find it difficult to get pregnant or continue to get pregnant because progesterone helps the uterus thicken and get a fertilized egg.

Symptoms of low progesterone can include hot flashes, irregular or absent menstrual cycles, mood swings, anxiety and depression, night sweats, vaginal dryness, headaches or migraines.