What is hyperestrogenism?

Hyperestrogenism refers to an excess of estrogen in the female body. This can be an absolute surplus or a hormonal imbalance , when estrogen levels are too high compared to progesterone. These hormones play a vital role in the menstrual cycle, particularly in regulating the pre- and post-ovulatory phases . Hyperestrogenism can lead to cycle disturbances, such as heavy periods, problems during the post-ovulatory phase, or an increased premenstrual syndrome.

It is important to differentiate between natural estrogens, produced primarily by the ovaries, and synthetic estrogens . The latter are present in some hormone treatments or come from endocrine disruptors present in the environment. These substances can unbalance the hormonal system by accumulating in adipose tissue, thus overloading the liver's elimination capacity. This disrupts the enterohepatic cycle and promotes excess estrogen.

Hyperestrogenism can occur for several reasons: an overproduction of estrogen , insufficient progesterone to counterbalance these hormones, or a reduction in the elimination of estrogen by the liver, often linked to liver detoxification disorders. In addition, this excess can be aggravated by an unhealthy lifestyle, frequent exposure to endocrine disruptors, or certain pathologies such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis.

Understanding these dynamics is essential to identify menstrual cycle disorders and their symptoms, thus allowing better adaptation of treatment .

Causes of Hyperestrogenism: Why Does It Happen?

Hyperestrogenism doesn't happen by chance. It often results from a combination of factors related to our lifestyle, environment, or hormonal disorders. Here are the main causes to better understand this hormonal imbalance .

• Exposure to endocrine disruptors : Our daily environment is full of chemicals that mimic estrogen, such as certain plastics (bisphenols, phthalates), cosmetics, pesticides, and household products. These endocrine disruptors can accumulate in the body and permanently disrupt hormonal balance by artificially increasing the presence of estrogen, even when cycles remain regular.
• Hormonal disorders (PCOS, endometriosis) : Certain female pathologies promote hyperestrogenism. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis are associated with anovulatory cycles that lead to insufficient progesterone, accentuating the estrogen/progesterone imbalance. Hypothyroidism, by slowing metabolism, can also limit hormonal elimination and contribute to excess estrogen .
• Diet and lifestyle : An unbalanced diet, rich in refined sugars, saturated fats, dairy products or meats from intensive farming (often loaded with hormones or disruptors), can promote estrogen overload. Deficiencies in essential nutrients (B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, iodine) weaken the liver, a key organ in the detoxification of estrogens , and complicate their elimination. Chronic stress as well as excessive consumption of alcohol or coffee are also aggravating factors, because they put stress on the liver and unbalance menstrual cycles .
• Hormonal treatments and contraception : Some estrogen-progestin contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause, or assisted reproductive technology (ART, ovarian stimulation) protocols provide synthetic estrogens which, when poorly dosed or poorly eliminated, can increase hyperestrogenism. Abruptly stopping the pill can also disrupt hormonal balance and reveal a relative excess of estrogen.
• Overweight and adipose tissue : Adipose tissue is a veritable estrogen "factory." In cases of excess weight or obesity, estrogen production increases, accentuating hormonal imbalances, especially if liver activity is impaired and hormone elimination is slowed.
• Other aggravating factors : Early puberty, late menopause, chronic inflammation, liver or intestinal disorders, lack of breastfeeding, and certain genetic predispositions can also contribute to hyperestrogenism. These factors illustrate the diversity of possible causes and the need for a comprehensive approach to restoring hormonal balance.

Understanding these causes allows us to act on several levers, whether related to lifestyle, the environment or medical care, to better prevent and manage hyperestrogenism on a daily basis.

Symptoms of hyperestrogenism: how to recognize them?

Recognizing hyperestrogenism isn't always easy. Clinical signs can be varied, sometimes subtle, and many women are unaware that a hormonal imbalance is causing their problems. Here are the most common symptoms to watch for to identify possible estrogen dominance in your cycle.

• Heavy and painful periods : If your periods become painful, longer, heavier, or even hemorrhagic, and are accompanied by intense pain, this may indicate an excess of estrogen compared to progesterone. These menstrual cycle disorders often occur in the post-ovulatory phase, when hormonal balance is disrupted.
• Breast tenderness and swelling : Breast tenderness , pain, or swelling, especially before or during menstruation, is a common symptom in women with high estrogen. This breast tenderness is often associated with a more pronounced premenstrual syndrome (PMS) .
• Weight gain and water retention : Excess estrogen can promote fat storage, particularly around the hips and abdomen, and lead to water retention . This can result in heavy legs, swelling, or a visible increase in weight on the scale. This weight gain is often localized and difficult to lose, even with a healthy lifestyle.
• Fatigue, irritability, and mood swings : High estrogen can also disrupt your emotional balance. You may experience persistent fatigue , unusual irritability, anxiety, or mood swings, especially in the second half of your cycle or during premenstrual periods.
• Skin Problems : Oilier skin, acne or pimples around your period, and rashes are common signs of a hormonal imbalance between estrogen and progesterone.
• Changes in cervical mucus : When observing your cycle, you may notice an abundance of cervical mucus and a prolonged slippery sensation. This can be a sign of an enlarged fertile window, but also of excess estrogen in the pre-ovulatory phase.
• Digestive problems : Bloating, constipation or a feeling of digestive heaviness can also accompany hyperestrogenism, particularly during premenstrual syndrome.
• Decreased Libido : A loss of sexual desire can occur due to hormonal imbalance and associated fatigue.
• Appearance of cysts, fibroids or fertility problems : Some women may develop ovarian cysts, fibroids or experience difficulty conceiving, particularly if hyperestrogenism becomes chronic.

If you experience several of these symptoms, it's a good idea to consider assessing your hormonal balance , particularly your estrogen/progesterone ratio. Appropriate medical monitoring and healthy lifestyle habits can help you regain greater comfort in your daily life.

The consequences of hyperestrogenism on women's health

Hyperestrogenism can have a profound and varied impact on women's general and reproductive health. Gynecologically, this excess estrogen promotes the development of pathologies such as endometriosis , characterized by excessive proliferation of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, causing pain and complications. Likewise, it can increase the risk of uterine fibroids and polyps, which disrupt the health of the uterus and lead to heavy and painful periods.

In terms of fertility, hyperestrogenism can lead to irregular cycles, absent or poor quality ovulation, particularly in connection with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) , thus complicating conception. This hormonal imbalance, often aggravated by a relative insufficiency of progesterone, directly affects the preparation of the uterus for implantation and disrupts the regularity of the menstrual cycle.

Beyond reproductive problems, excess estrogen puts women at increased risk for hormone-dependent cancers , such as breast and uterine cancers. Some metabolites of hepatic estrogen elimination can become carcinogenic if they accumulate, particularly when hepatic detoxification is insufficient or when excess estrogen is chronic.

Systemic consequences should not be overlooked: hyperestrogenism is often associated with weight gain , particularly in the adipose tissue around the abdomen and thighs, as well as persistent water retention . These metabolic disorders increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and can lead to chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, and a negative impact on overall quality of life.

Finally, this hormonal state promotes emotional symptoms such as mood swings , irritability, a drop in libido, and even anxiety or depressive disorders, thus contributing to significant psychological suffering.

In summary, beyond the immediate symptoms, hyperestrogenism creates an environment conducive to serious medical complications , thus highlighting the need for appropriate management to prevent these deleterious effects on women's health.

Strategies to Regulate Hyperestrogenism and Rebalance Your Hormones

• To combat hyperestrogenism and restore hormonal balance, several natural strategies can be implemented, centered around diet , lifestyle and appropriate supplementation.
• Balanced and detoxifying diet : Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts are particularly effective in supporting hepatic detoxification of estrogen thanks to their richness in sulfur compounds . Dietary fiber , present in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and seeds (chia, flax, sesame), promotes the elimination of estrogen via the enterohepatic cycle by trapping bile salts, thus reducing their reabsorption. It is also advisable to favor good fats , particularly from oily fish, avocados and quality vegetable oils, while limiting refined sugars and ultra-processed foods which disrupt hormonal balance.

• Stress Management and Lifestyle : Chronic stress increases the production of cortisol, a hormone that can disrupt the hormonal system and worsen estrogen dominance. Incorporating practices like meditation , yoga, or breathing exercises helps regulate hormones.
• Regular physical activity improves blood circulation, stimulates metabolism and promotes the elimination of excess hormones, while helping to maintain a healthy weight , an important factor in controlling estrogen produced by adipose tissue.
• Targeted Natural Supplementation : Some dietary supplements , such as those offered by the Miyé range, contain a blend of medicinal plants and nutrients to support liver detoxification and estrogen elimination. For example, milk thistle complexes help the liver better filter hormones, while chasteberry acts as a hormone regulator.

Other ingredients such as green tea polyphenols , B vitamins , magnesium and sulfur (found in garlic and green vegetables) effectively support this approach.

• Menstrual cycle regulation : Promoting a healthy balance between estrogen and progesterone is essential. To achieve this, reviewing your overall lifestyle and supporting your liver often helps improve the post-ovulatory phase, thus reducing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and the resulting relative estrogen dominance. In some cases, support from a healthcare professional may be necessary to balance hormones through specific or appropriate natural treatments.

By combining these approaches— healthy eating , stress management, targeted supplementation, and cycle awareness—you can effectively reduce excess estrogen, improve your hormonal well-being , and prevent complications related to hyperestrogenism.

FAQs about hyperestrogenism and hormonal balance

What are the symptoms of hyperestrogenism to watch for?

Symptoms of high estrogen include heavy and painful periods , weight gain around the hips and abdomen, breast pain or tenderness , irritability, and mood swings. You may also notice skin problems such as acne, digestive problems, and water retention, which can be seen in heavy legs. Premenstrual syndrome ( PMS ) is often exacerbated by high estrogen.

How to regulate estrogen levels naturally?

To naturally regulate estrogen levels, several approaches can be taken:

– Choose a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables , such as broccoli and cabbage, which promote liver detoxification.

– Reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors found in household products, cosmetics and plastic containers.

– Adopt regular physical activity and practice stress management techniques to promote hormonal balance.

– Consider supplementing with herbs , such as milk thistle, which support the liver in its role of detoxifying estrogen.

Can high estrogen cause fertility problems?

Yes, hyperestrogenism can lead to fertility complications. Excess estrogen can disrupt menstrual cycles , cause irregular ovulation, and even ovulatory disorders, making conception more difficult.

Additionally, it promotes the appearance of ovarian cysts , some of which may be linked to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS ), which also affects fertility.

When should you consult a healthcare professional?

It is essential to consult a healthcare professional if you experience several symptoms of hyperestrogenism, including abnormally heavy or painful periods , changes in your mood or libido, or difficulty conceiving. A hormone assessment can help identify an imbalance and determine the best regulation strategy.

Furthermore, in the event of fibroids , suspicious cysts, or persistent abdominal pain, a medical consultation is essential to assess your state of health and put in place appropriate treatment.

Sources

The information presented in this article is based on a variety of reliable scientific and medical sources . These include studies on hormonal imbalances such as hyperestrogenism , as well as reputable health websites. These resources help to inform readers on this essential topic for women's health .

• 1. National Institutes of Health (NIH)

  According to the NIH , hyperestrogenism often results from a decrease in hepatic estrogen metabolism, associated with pathologies such as endometriosis or fibroids.
  National Institutes of Health. Hyperestrogenemia overview.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=hyperestrogenemia

  
  

• 2. Hormone Health Network (Endocrine Society)

  The Endocrine Society describes the impact of hyperestrogenism on overall hormonal balance and its link to infertility and metabolic disorders.
  Hormone Health Network. Understanding Estrogen Dominance.
  https://www.hormone.org

• 3. Mayo Clinic

  The Mayo Clinic lists the main symptoms of hyperestrogenism as well as its common medical causes.
  Mayo Clinic Staff. High estrogen: causes, symptoms, and treatments.
  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/

To delve deeper into these topics, these resources provide an excellent starting point for more detailed and enriching exploration.

What to remember from the hyperestrogenism

Hyperestrogenism , defined as an excess of estrogen over progesterone, can have a significant impact on your menstrual cycle and overall well-being . It can lead to a variety of symptoms such as heavy periods, weight gain, water retention, and emotional disturbances. Additionally, this condition increases the risk of developing certain conditions such as endometriosis or certain types of cancer.

To regain hormonal balance, it is important to adopt a healthy diet , manage your stress effectively and support your liver functions through appropriate detoxification.

Don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional to consider natural solutions, such as Miyé supplements, to preserve your hormonal health in the long term.