Estrogen vs. Progesterone Imbalance: What Your Symptoms Are Telling You

Feeling Off, But Not Sure Why?

If you’re a woman dealing with mood swings, bloating, insomnia, anxiety, or irregular periods, your body may be whispering (or screaming), “Hormonal imbalance!”
And 9 times out of 10, the tug-of-war between estrogen and progesterone is to blame.

These two hormones work together like yin and yang. When one is too high or too low, you feel it—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Let’s break it down.

🔬 Estrogen vs. Progesterone: What’s the Difference?

When estrogen is too high (or not cleared properly), and progesterone is too low, you get estrogen dominance—even if estrogen levels are normal.

🚨 Common Estrogen-Progesterone Imbalance Symptoms

🔺 Signs of Estrogen Dominance (Too Much Estrogen / Not Enough Progesterone):

• Bloating and water retention
• Painful or heavy periods
• Breast tenderness
• Mood swings or irritability
• Weight gain around hips/thighs
• Hormonal acne (jawline/chin)
• Fibroids or endometriosis
• Sleep issues

👉 You might still have “normal” estrogen on labs—but if progesterone is too low, symptoms will show up.

🔻 Signs of Low Progesterone:

• Anxiety or feeling “on edge”
• PMS gets worse with age
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Spotting before your period
• Short menstrual cycles (less than 26 days)
• Infertility or miscarriage
• Estrogen-related symptoms (see above)

🔍 Why This Happens (Especially After 30)

From your mid-30s, progesterone naturally starts declining, especially with:

• Stress (high cortisol blocks progesterone)
• Poor sleep
• Birth control history
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Perimenopause
• Estrogen overload from environment (plastics, food, etc.)

🌿 How to Fix Estrogen & Progesterone Imbalance Naturally

✅ 1. Detox Excess Estrogen

Support your liver and gut so estrogen is broken down and excreted.

🔹 Use:

• Calcium-D-Glucarate
• I3C / DIM
• EstroFactors
• Milk Thistle
• Sulforaphane (broccoli extract)
• Eat cruciferous veggies + ground flax (rich in lignans)

✅ 2. Boost Progesterone Naturally

Support your body to produce more progesterone and reduce cortisol.

🔹 Use:

• Vitex (Chasteberry)
• Vitamin B6 + Magnesium Glycinate
• Zinc + Vitamin C
• Reduce screen time at night + get sunlight in the morning
• Prioritize sleep and stress reduction

🩺 Ask Dr Olz Hormone Balancing Protocol

✨ Personalized based on blood or DUTCH hormone testing.
Here’s what we may recommend:

🧪 Step 1: Test – Estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, thyroid, insulin
🌱 Step 2: Cleanse – Gut and liver support (EstroFactors, Milk Thistle, Sulforaphane)
💊 Step 3: Rebuild – Nutrients for progesterone (B6, zinc, Vitex)
📈 Step 4: Balance – Manage stress + sleep, adjust nutrition
🛒 Step 5: Support – Targeted supplements from our natural hormone bundle

💡 Final Word: What Your Body is Trying to Tell You

Your cycle is your fifth vital sign. If you feel like something’s off—don’t ignore it. Mood swings, fatigue, painful periods, and insomnia aren’t just part of being a woman. They’re hormone signals calling for balance.

At Ask Dr Olz, we combine functional testing, science-backed supplements, and real-life protocols tailored to your body—right here in South Africa.

Want your hormones reviewed?
📩 Submit your blood test
💻 Book a virtual consult
🛒 Shop our Estrogen-Progesterone Reset Supplements