Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Having Too Much Estrogen is Bad For You

The effects on a woman's body of having too much estrogen can be quite serious.
A chronic condition of increased levels of estrogen (estrogen levels that are not balanced by sufficient levels of progesterone in the body) are the single greatest factor for an increased risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterus).
This is not one hormone. Estrogen is actually three different hormones: estrone, estradiol and estriol. In addition to what the body produces on its own, women are exposed to estrogen-like environmental chemicals (they mimic the effects in our bodies) called "xenoestrogens", and dietary sources (estrogen contained in food). As a result, elevated levels in a woman's body may be traced to several different factors including biological, environmental or dietary/lifestyle, or may be a combination of all of these.
So why exactly does this matter? Why is having too much estrogen bad for you?
Too much estrogen or the condition of "estrogen dominance" can be the cause of serious health issues. Normally during a woman's childbearing years, estrogen and progesterone levels increase and decrease in coordination with one another throughout her monthly reproductive cycle. When these hormones are in a state of imbalance, with it occurring in higher levels, women experience problems such as headaches/migraines, clouded thinking, breast tenderness, anxiety, depression, heart palpitations, food cravings, and water retention.
If increased levels of estrogen are not treated, they can lead to much more serious and problematic circumstances including infertility, heavy menstrual bleeding, infrequent menstrual cycles, fibroids, endometriosis, stroke, and cancer. Educating yourself about estrogen, it's role and the effects it has on your body is very important. Learning to monitor and maintain your body's hormonal balance is of great benefit, and will promote lasting results for your overall health.

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