Introduction
Do you feel bloated, moody, or constantly tired — even though your blood tests say everything’s “normal”? You may be dealing with estrogen dominance, a hormonal imbalance where estrogen levels are too high relative to progesterone.
This silent disruptor affects women of all ages — and it’s more common now than ever due to stress, synthetic hormones, and toxins in our environment. In this blog, we’ll break down the signs of estrogen dominance, what causes it, and how to fix it naturally.
What Is Estrogen Dominance?
Estrogen dominance happens when:
- Your body makes too much estrogen, OR
- You don’t have enough progesterone to balance it
It can occur even if your estrogen levels are technically “normal”, because progesterone is low — leading to symptoms.
Top Signs of Estrogen Dominance in Women
1. Heavy, Painful Periods
Excess estrogen thickens the uterine lining, making periods longer, heavier, and more painful.
2. Severe PMS or PMDD
Mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and breast tenderness before your period? That’s often estrogen overpowering progesterone.
3. Weight Gain (Especially Around Hips and Thighs)
Estrogen encourages fat storage — especially in the lower body.
4. Bloating and Water Retention
You may feel puffy or swollen before your period due to estrogen’s effect on salt and fluid balance.
5. Fibroids, Endometriosis, or Ovarian Cysts
These estrogen-fuelled growths are common signs of imbalance and often go hand-in-hand with estrogen dominance.
6. Mood Swings, Anxiety, or Low Mood
Too much estrogen impacts serotonin and GABA — your calming brain chemicals.
7. Breast Tenderness or Swelling
Especially mid-cycle or before your period. Estrogen stimulates breast tissue.
8. Low Libido
High estrogen + low progesterone = hormonal imbalance that often kills desire.
9. Headaches or Migraines (Especially Around Your Period)
Hormonal headaches are common when estrogen fluctuates or dominates.
10. Fatigue or Brain Fog
Estrogen affects thyroid function and cortisol levels, making you feel sluggish or unfocused.
What Causes Estrogen Dominance?
Estrogen dominance doesn’t happen randomly — it’s often triggered by:
- Chronic stress → lowers progesterone
- Birth control → synthetic estrogen builds up
- Poor liver detoxification
- Exposure to xenoestrogens (plastics, parabens, pesticides)
- Constipation → estrogen is reabsorbed
- Diet high in sugar, alcohol, or processed food
How to Test for Estrogen Dominance
We recommend:
- Serum hormone tests (Estrogen + Progesterone + Ratio)
- DUTCH test (advanced urine hormone panel)
- Liver function and gut testing (since detox matters)
📍Available via virtual testing and consultation on AskDrOlz.com across South Africa.
Natural Fixes for Estrogen Dominance
1. Support Estrogen Detox Through Diet
- Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage
- Fiber-rich foods: Help bind and eliminate estrogen via stool
- Liver-supporting foods: Beetroot, lemon water, dandelion root
2. Supplements That Help
- DIM (Diindolylmethane) – promotes healthy estrogen metabolism
- Calcium-D-Glucarate – supports liver detox of excess estrogen
- Vitamin B6 & Magnesium – support progesterone and calm mood
- Probiotics – gut health helps eliminate excess estrogen
- Chaste Tree (Vitex) – encourages natural progesterone production
AskDrOlz offers a curated selection of hormone-balancing supplements — available for delivery across South Africa.
3. Manage Stress and Cortisol
High stress = low progesterone = relative estrogen dominance.
- Practice mindfulness, breathwork, or yoga
- Sleep 7–9 hours
- Consider adaptogens like Ashwagandha to buffer cortisol
4. Fix Your Gut & Bowel Movements
Estrogen is removed through your stool — constipation = recirculation.
- Eat fiber-rich meals
- Stay hydrated
- Consider natural support like flaxseed or magnesium citrate
5. Reduce Xenoestrogen Exposure
- Use glass or stainless steel instead of plastic
- Switch to natural beauty and cleaning products
- Avoid receipts and non-organic produce when possible
When to Get Professional Help
If your symptoms are persistent, worsen, or affect your quality of life, it’s time for proper hormone testing and expert support. Many women are misdiagnosed with depression or given the pill when they need deeper, root-cause care.
Ask Dr Olz can help you test and treat estrogen dominance naturally — from anywhere in South Africa.
FAQs
Q: Can estrogen dominance affect fertility?
Yes. It can disrupt ovulation, progesterone levels, and endometrial health — making conception harder.
Q: Is estrogen dominance only a problem before menopause?
No. It can affect teens, women on birth control, postpartum moms, and even women in menopause (especially if unbalanced HRT is used).
Q: How long does it take to balance estrogen naturally?
With consistent lifestyle and supplement changes, many women feel improvement within 6–12 weeks.
Estrogen dominance is common — but it’s not normal. Your body is wise, and when it’s overloaded with estrogen, it lets you know. The good news? You can take back control, naturally and effectively.
Let AskDrOlz guide your journey to balanced hormones, vibrant energy, and emotional stability — with expert tools, testing, and supplements designed just for you.
🔗 Related Blog Posts
- Signs of Hormonal Imbalance in Women
- Low Progesterone Symptoms and Fixes
- Hormone Testing Services in South Africa
📞 Ready to Heal?
💻 Book a Virtual Hormone Consult → Schedule Here
🛒 Shop Estrogen Detox Supplements → View Products