Estrogens belong to the group of female steroid sex hormones, which are produced mainly by the ovaries in the fair sex. They are produced by the testicles in men, as well as by the adrenal cortex in both sexes. The increased estrogen content in the human body indicates hormonal disorders. As a result, malfunctions in the menstrual cycle are observed, intensive weight gain occurs, and growth of benign tumors of the uterus and ovaries is stimulated. How to reduce estrogen levels in women and men, we will tell in our article. Let us dwell on the principles of nutrition, as well as traditional and traditional medicine.
The role of estrogen in the body
Female sex hormones provide reproductive function. They are always present in the body, but their ratio and quantity at different periods of a person's life can vary. The highest level of the main female sex hormones - estrogen - in women of reproductive age. In the first phase of the menstrual cycle, when the body prepares for conception, the formation of eggs and thickening of the uterine mucosa occurs. It is in this phase that estrogens work.
Female sex hormones perform the following functions:
- provide the yield of a mature egg and the possibility of fertilization after ovulation;
- regulate the menstrual cycle;
- contribute to the development of mammary glands;
- participate in the distribution of subcutaneous fat characteristic of the female type of figure;
- cause libido.
Estrogens are otherwise called hormones of female attractiveness. They make the representative of the beautiful half of humanity feminine and signal that she is ready to conceive and bear a child.
Causes of Increased Estrogen Levels
Sudden growth of sex hormones responsible for reproductive function in a woman’s body occurs in the following cases:
- With menopause. Usually, with the onset of menopause, the amount of estrogen in the body decreases. At the same time, weight gain occurs due to the cessation of ovarian function. As a result of an increase in the subcutaneous fat layer, the process of estrogen growth begins.
- During pregnancy.
- With endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and other diseases accompanied by menstrual irregularities.
- In obesity caused by malnutrition with a predominance of foods containing fats and genetically modified organisms.
- With chronic lack of sleep (sleep less than 7 hours a day).
- With constant contact with household chemicals (fumes of cleaning products, glue, plastics, sprays and deodorants).
- With liver disease.
- Under stress.
Before figuring out how to lower estrogen levels, you need to determine the cause of its increase. Only in this case the treatment will be effective.
Symptoms of increased estrogen in women
Imbalance of hormonal balance necessarily leads to malfunctions in the menstrual cycle. This is the first signal to check the relationship between estrogen and progesterone in the body.
Symptoms of increased levels of female sex hormones in the body:
- regular headaches;
- uterine bleeding;
- acne on the face;
- high blood pressure;
- weight gain;
- dryness and sagging skin;
- hair loss;
- night cramps in the calf muscles and foot;
- frequent fractures.
Having identified the symptoms of hormonal imbalance, it is necessary to take all necessary measures regarding how to reduce estrogen levels. If you ignore the symptoms, the consequences can be dire: starting from the growth of benign tumors in the uterus and ovaries (fibromyomas, cysts) and ending with cancer.
How is estrogen excreted
The liver is responsible for the balance of female sex hormones. It is in this body that estrogen is converted to non-toxic fatty acids, which are then excreted from the body. In a healthy body, this process proceeds naturally and is completely invisible to humans. If there are any deviations in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, then toxic compounds will form in the liver, which can subsequently lead to cancerous formations.
About how to reduce estrogen levels in women, you should think about the first symptoms of hormonal disorders in the body.
Diagnosis of the disease and medical advice
Women who have obvious symptoms of excess estrogen in the body, such as overweight, acne, facial rash, migraines, mammary glands, must necessarily control the level of sex hormones. For diagnosis, it is necessary to regularly donate blood from a vein under laboratory conditions. The analysis is performed on a 5-7 or 21-24 day cycle. For an accurate diagnosis, gynecologists advise conducting a routine ultrasound examination at least 1 time in 6 months.
If hormonal disorders are detected, medication is prescribed. In addition, regarding how to reduce estrogen levels in women, gynecologists give these tips:
- complete rejection of alcohol;
- the use of only natural products;
- reduction in the amount of milk consumed;
- maintaining an active lifestyle.
In addition to milk, which contains about 80% of all estrogens consumed with food, you will have to give up coffee, sweets and fatty foods.
Principles of nutrition with increased estrogen
It is worth noting that adjusting the diet reduces the level of female sex hormones to normal. In combination with drug treatment and herbal medicine, moderate physical activity and a healthy lifestyle, you will soon be able to forget about hormonal disorders.
It is possible to reduce the level of estrogen in the body of a woman of both reproductive age and after menopause, subject to the following nutrition principles:
- The use of natural and environmentally friendly products that do not contain pesticides, dyes and other harmful substances that accumulate over time in the body.
- Adding fresh fiber-rich vegetables and fruits to the diet. Coarse vegetable dietary fiber helps to remove excess estrogen from bile.
- When choosing protein products, seafood and white meat (turkey, chicken) should be preferred.
- Limit salt intake (up to 2 g per day).
- A complete rejection of animal fats, as well as margarine and spread.
Estrogen Reducing Products
As mentioned above, with hormonal disorders in the body, it is very useful to consume fresh vegetables and fruits. They are rich in fiber, which means they contribute to the natural elimination of excess estrogen from the body. At the same time, alcohol, fast carbohydrates, sausages, smoked meats, etc. should be abandoned.
The following is a list of estrogen-lowering foods:
- garlic and onions;
- citrus;
- egg yolk;
- flaxseeds, sesame seeds;
- brown unpolished rice;
- red grapes with pits;
- any kind of cabbage;
- mushrooms;
- green tea;
- pomegranates and pomegranate juice;
- fish;
- seafood and seaweed;
- chicken, rabbit, turkey, veal;
- olive and linseed oil;
- celery;
- apples
- legumes;
- nuts.
In addition, it is recommended to take vitamin-mineral complexes, which must necessarily include elements such as zinc, magnesium, selenium, chromium and copper.
Physical exercise
Excess weight is one of the main reasons for the increased content of estrogen in the body. And in order to deal with it, regular physical activity is necessary. They will help not only maintain your body in a fit form, but also reduce the level of estrogen in the body. How to do it right?
First, physical activity should be of medium intensity. It is important not to overdo it so as not to harm yourself. Secondly, classes should be conducted daily for 15-30 minutes. It will be effective and morning exercises, and walking, and cycling, as well as swimming and yoga. Thirdly, it is important to eliminate any stress. They lead to a decrease in the level of progesterone needed by every woman and an increase in estrogen levels. Fourth, you need to constantly monitor your weight so that its excess over the norm is no more than five kilograms.
How to reduce estrogen levels folk remedies?
Herbal medicine has long been used by women to normalize hormonal levels. With the proper selection of herbs, you can both increase and lower the level of estrogen in women. Folk remedies are recommended to be used only after agreement with the doctor, since they are only an aid to traditional drug therapy.
The following herbs help normalize the balance of hormones in the body:
- Boron uterus, red brush, hops, licorice, alfalfa, oregano, clover. These herbs are phytoestrogens. They displace natural and synthetic estrogen from the body, subsequently completely neutralizing it. They should be used only as directed by a doctor.
- Icelandic Moss. This herb has a unique healing effect. Decoctions of Icelandic moss are especially recommended for fibrocystic mastopathy.
- Vitex, or Abraham's tree. The tincture based on this plant helps with premenstrual symptoms, helps stabilize the menstrual cycle, and improves well-being.
Self-medication with the above herbs is excluded.
Traditional medicine
If hormonal disorders are detected, the following medications are prescribed by the gynecologist:
- "Mastodinon" - allows you to eliminate the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, restore the regularity of the menstrual cycle, increase fertility. According to reviews, this drug lowers estrogen levels and promotes conception. When pregnancy occurs, its reception is stopped.
- "Tamoxifen" - this drug is often prescribed for diagnosed breast cancer. It provides a decrease in estrogen levels and cessation of tumor growth. Unlike the previous drug, "Tamoxifen" prevents conception.
- "Yarina" - refers to the group of birth control drugs, but can also be used to reduce estrogen levels. It is a prophylactic with a risk of growth of benign tumors and ovarian cancer.
How to reduce estrogen levels in men?
Female sex hormones are produced in small quantities by the testes. Their concentration in the body of men is negligible. At the same time, an increase in estrogen occurs with a simultaneous decrease in testosterone (male sex hormone) and is accompanied by symptoms such as decreased libido, problems with erection, fatigue and lack of energy, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, hair loss. To normalize the condition, restoration of the hormonal background is required.
In men, it is possible to reduce estrogen levels, as in women, by changing the diet. The menu should include products that increase testosterone. These include seafood, fish oil, caviar, oatmeal and wheat flakes, ricotta cheese, fresh vegetables, parsley. We should not forget about strength exercises, as well as about a full sleep and a healthy lifestyle in general.