So You Think Your Hormones Might Be Off - A Look at the Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance

In this second article of a 4-part discussion on hormone balance and the effects on weight gain we will look at the symptoms associated with estrogen dominance and the factors that may contribute to increased body estrogen levels.      

As women age they often begin to experience many symptoms and issues that they have never encountered in their pasts.  They often attribute most of these things to "hormonal problems", thought to be caused by estrogen deficiency.  This leads to a request for synthetic estrogen in an attempt to balance things out and get back to normal.  The reality is her symptoms may actually be due to a progesterone deficiency.  The decreased levels of progesterone cause an imbalance in the natural ratio of progesterone and estrogen and a subsequent state of estrogen dominance.

      From the onset of puberty until a woman enters her early 30's, the ratio of estrogen to progesterone production by the ovaries is optimal and balanced.  As a woman approached her mid thirties (35yrs) there is a shift in the balance of hormones.  The ovaries begin to secrete decreased amounts of both estrogen and progesterone, however the decrease in progesterone production is as much as 120x faster than that of estrogen.  Specifically, from age 35 to 50, there is a 75% reduction in the production of progesterone compared to a 35% reduction in the production of estrogen.  So even if a woman has low or normal levels of estrogen, her progesterone levels are likely be even lower and thereby create an environment of estrogen dominance.
       When this imbalance occurs, a woman has an increased risk of developing many health issues, including weight gain and abdominal obesity.  Some of the common gynecological conditions reported by women include fibrocystic breast disease, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, infertility, endometrial polyps, PCOS, menstrual irregularities, premenstrual disorders, auto-immune disorders, low blood sugar problems, and an increased risk of developing breast cancer. 
      So, you may now be asking how to determine if you are estrogen dominant.  If you have any of the gyne conditions listed above there is a high probability that you are in an estrogen dominant state.  If you greater than 10 lbs overweight, you have an even greater issue.  As discussed before, the high estrogen levels increase the production of fatty tissue in the body.  This fat is then used to produce more estrogen, which then increases fat storage....and the cycle continues.  Lastly, if you are beyond age 35 years, you have already begun to tip the scale in favor of a greater estrogen ration.

      The following is a list of symptoms that women experience that may be linked to a hormonal imbalance:

• mood swings (irritability/depression/anxiety)
• mental cloudiness, foggy thinking, and memory problems
• irregular menstrual cycles/heavy periods
• decreased sex drive
• fibrocystic breast disease, breast tenderness
• weight gain/fat gain in abdomen
• trouble sleeping/insomnia
• bloating/water retention 
• premenstrual syndrome 
• unexplained fatigue
• gastrointestinal disorders (digestion problems)
• osteoporosis
• Thyroid dysfunction

Experiencing two or more of these symptoms over a periods of months may warrant investigation of a woman's hormonal balance.

Before ending this portion of the discussion, we will review other potential factors that may also contribute to elevated estrogen levels in the body.
1.  Commercial food products - many animals are fed estrogen-like hormones as well as growth
factors that are passed on to humans when consumed.  Also fruits and vegetables may be treated with
pesticides that may affect hormone levels.  Some pesticide residues have chemical structures that are similar to estrogen and act as estrogen in the body.
2.  Xenoestrogens (foreign estrogens) - many chemicals found in everyday products (nail polish, paint removers, plastics, dry cleaning products, fuels, and car exhaust) have chemical structures similar to estrogen and act like an estrogen in the body.
3. Synthetic Hormone Replacement (HRT) -
  One interesting source of xenestrogen is from synthetic estrogens (birth control pills/HRT); they are excreted in the urine of women, flushed down the toilet, and eventually make their way back in to the food chain.
3.  Over production of estrogen - may be caused by estrogen secreting ovarian cysts/tumors
4.  Stress - stress causes adrenal fatigue and decreased production of progesterone
5.  Obesity - fat tissue contains and enzyme that converts other body hormones into estrogen
6.  Vit B6 and/or Magnesium deficiency - both are required by the liver to break down estrogen in the liver
7.  Caffeine consumption - drinking as little as 2 cups of coffee/day can increase estrogen levels.  Women who consume 500mg or caffeine per day have been found to have estrogen levels 70%
higher than those who consume less than 100mg.  This includes all sources of caffeine, including, coffee, tea, fat burners, and energy drinks.
8.  Foods high in saturated fat - ie, high-fat meats, cookies, pastries, fried foods, etc, have all been linked to higher levels of circulating estrogen.

There are many sources of estrogen found in common everyday things we encounter.  If you think that you may have a hormonal imbalanve that is affecting your health and impeding your weight loss efforts, it is impotant to identify the things that you may be using that can be contributing.  By making the appropriate changes in your diet, assessing the products that you use, and possible adding hormone replacement, you can achieve an overall balance in your health and untimately achieve a healthier desirable weight.

 Thank you for reading my article.  In the next two additions, we will look into the testing and treatment options for balancing hormones and end with a review of how you can use your diet to assist with having appropriate estrogen levels. 

Please feel free to leave comments and any questions that you may have.

As always, this article is purely informational and does not replace the evaluation and treatment of your own physician.

Shyrlena L. Bogard, MD

Baby Steps are Still Steps....Aren't They?

Woke up this morning a little.  After being out of the gym the past two days my motivation was a little low.  As much as I love working out and getting my blood pumping every morning with some form of cardiovascular activity, it has been very difficult for me to get back into my groove since getting my medical clearance earlier this month.  Not really sure what is going on, but every since my surgery in November I have had persistent hip and lower back pain.  Initially I attributed to inactivity since I was in bed so much after surgery.  But after being cleared to do low-intensity cardio, I found it somewhat difficult to just jump back into things.  Each time I attempted to do anything, I would have crazy pelvic spasms.  I finally decided to just allow my body to completely recover and not try to get back into the gym until I received full medical clearance.  It has been two weeks now, and still I can't get back to my normal level of "getting it in" because of pelvic discomfort.  I know that it is early, and things will eventually get back to normal, but the problem with being an overachiever is that you can never accept "it takes time" as an excuse.  My reality is that I am 41 years old and although I am in excellent shape, MY BODY IS STILL 41 YEARS OLD.  So my physical "snapback" is just a little slower than my "mental" snapback.
I did get up and make it to the gym for some cardio.  I plugged in my headphones, dialed in Rhiana (bc no matter what I still "Shine Bright Like a Diamond"), set the machine to an interval workout, and began my steps..... My intention was to do 30 minutes and then do some abs.  I ended up making myself get off the machine at 45 minutes.  And that is the beauty of my drive to be fit and healthy.  I may start out feeling low motivated or down because I am not where I want to be, but once I get started something kicks in and my drive to succeed overpowers any excuse to give up. 
Alot of people look at me and think that I am 100% motivated and geeked about working out every single day.  The truth is I have just as many low days as high days.  I am getting older and I do feel the effects of that on my body.  My sleep is erratic because I am an obstetrician and babies could care less  that I'd like to get a good night's rest so that I am energized in the morning.  All in all I have many excuses and reasons to slow down or give up and quit, but there is something within me that will not allow that.  I am 110% committed to this lifestyle and as long as I continue on the path I am still taking steps toward my goals.........even when those steps are small enough to be baby steps.
Don't ever allow your temporary circumstances deter you from your goals.  There will be many things that are beyond your control - family obligations, health issues, job requirements, etc- that may come along, but they are just temporary obstacles.  Focus on finding ways to stay on your journey, even if you have to slow down for a bit, just don't stop.  In time, things settle down and you will be able to get back to your routine.  Life will continue to happen, it's just how you choose to view it and deal with it. 
Have a fit and blessed day!!

Shyrlena

Can I please have spaghetti tonight!!

Tonight I had a strong desire to have spaghetti for dinner.  While I enjoy the ease and convenience of of my normal clean diet, tonight I the grilled chicken breast and tilapia just were't going to satisfy my pallet.  After a quick survey of the contents of my refrigerator, I was excited to find a Miracle waiting for me.  Sitting there on the second shelf was a package of Garlic and Herb Miracle Noodles.  I knew exactly what I would do with them..........prepare a healthy version of meat and pasta with red sauce that would satisfy my craving, yet not have the calories that come along with traditional pasta dishes.
A few ingredients and twenty minutes later, I was ready to enjoy my dinner.

Chicken & "Pasta" with Red Sauce
Ingredients
4 oz chicken breast (mine was already cooked and seasoned)
1/3 cup Walden Farms Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce
1 Package Miracle Noodles (I used garlic & herb flavored)
Crushed Garlic
Onion Flakes
Crushed Red Pepper
Italian Seasoning
Oregano

Prepare Miracle Noodles per package directions.  Be sure to rinse them thoroughly prior to cooking to get rid of the strong scent thatthey have.
While the noodles are cooking, in a different pan add the chicken breast, pasta sauce and garlic.  Add seasonings to taste and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
Place noodles in a plate and add pasta and chicken on top.  If your diet allows you can sprinkle a little fresh parmasean cheese on top.

Miracle Noodles are a very low calorie alternative to traditional pasta.  At just 15 calories per serving (2 servings per package) they can be enjoyed without the guilt.  They are made from the soluble fiber of the root of a plant called konnyakuimo, and contains only a healthy soluble fiber.

Walden Farms products are a popular line of low/zero calorie foods that have zero carbs and zero fat.  They have many different sauces, flavorings, salad dressings, and even fruit toppings; and they are all "calorie free".  I do caution you in their use however becuase they are sweetened with Slenda sugar substitute.  Although Splenda is advertised to be calorie free, it does have an effect on insulin levels, and therefore should be considered if dieting to lose weight.

I do eat Miracle Noodles even when I am dieting for competition, however I typically cut out all unnatural food sources 4-6 weeks out. 
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Shyrlena-Bogard-NPC-Figure-Athlete/543832902297805

The Link Between Estrogen Dominance and Your Weight - Part 1

      There has been much scientific research that has proven a direct link between hormonal imbalance and abdominal weight gain. The average woman gains about 2lbs of abdominal fat every year after 35years. And when this weight gain is associated with a hormonal imbalance, it is very difficult if not impossible to lose. Because this weight gain is... noticed most significantly by those in the peri-menopausal years, estrogen levels are often blamed for the added abdominal weight, but it may be more closely associated with an estrogen/progesterone imbalance that leads to a condition of estrogen dominance.

       These two hormones have very specific roles. To put it very basic, estrogen is responsible for maintaining the things that make women feminine: development of breasts and pubic hair, maintain the menstrual cycle and growth of the uterus, and it also stimulates cell growth (this is important). Progesterone, on the other hand, serves to maintain a pregnancy, stimulates bone growth, operates as a natural antidepressant and provides a sense of well being, promotes regular sleep patterns, and has a function in maintaining a libido. Progesterone also opposes the effects of estrogen on cell growth.

So what happens when there is an imbalance between these two hormones........ESTROGEN DOMINANCE.

Estrogen dominance can then lead to many metabolic issues, including

1. Increased body fat - higher levels of estrogen cause an increased amount of body fat. The irony is that the fat in our bodies is then converted into even more estrogen, thus perpetuating an increase in body fat
2.  Higher estrogen levels make it more difficult for the body to use fat for energy, thus exercising is less effective.
3. High estrogen/low progesterone increase storage of fat in the abdomen specifically.
4. And to further explain the risks of unchecked Estrogen Dominance:

• Estrogen related belly fat is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and Metabolic Syndrome.
• Estrogen increases cell growth and if left untreated can be a precursor for cancer (breast and uterine) as well as increase the risk for development of endometriosis and uterine fibroids.

These are all very serious and unfortunately very common conditions seen in the gynecology office everyday. There is also a myriad of common complaints made by women that are definite indicators of an underlying hormonal imbalance. The problem is that if any treatment at all is offered to her, it is most likely hormone replacement therapy in the form of synthetic estrogen. And if the woman is already estrogen dominant, adding a synthetic estrogen replacement can do more damage and lead to further health care risks and metabolic derangement.

 

So you might be wondering how to determine if you are estrogen dominant and most likely progesterone deficient, and how to treat and correct the condition. In the next three parts of this discussion, I will review the symptoms, the test that can be performed for evaluation, and how your diet can be used to optimized to support a balanced hormone profile.

 

I will end by saying that the information that I discuss is not intended to replace the evaluation and treatment by your physician. These discussions are meant to provide a little bit of education so that women can better understand their bodies and hopefully use that information to optimize their health.