If you’re a woman who struggles with being bloated, moody, anxious, or just exhausted, it might not be in your head. These symptoms are often chalked up to stress, age, or even being “just hormonal,” but they may point to a common yet overlooked condition: estrogen dominance.
At The How Clinic, we see this pattern all too often in women of all ages, especially those in their 30s to 50s. Estrogen dominance is a type of hormone imbalance in women that can disrupt everything from your menstrual cycle to your metabolism and mental health.
Fortunately, with hormone optimization treatments and personalized care, you can start feeling like yourself again.
What Is Estrogen Dominance?
Estrogen dominance occurs when the level of estrogen in the body is disproportionately high compared to other hormones, particularly progesterone. It’s not always about having “too much” estrogen, but rather an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone, which work together to regulate many aspects of your health.
What Causes Estrogen Dominance?
There are several possible reasons for estrogen dominance in women, including:
- Chronic stress, which depletes progesterone and elevates cortisol
- Poor liver detoxification, leading to recirculation of estrogen in the body
- Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in plastics, cosmetics, and cleaning products
- Obesity, as fat tissue produces additional estrogen
- Hormonal birth control, which can alter the body’s natural hormone production
- Aging, particularly in perimenopause, when progesterone declines faster than estrogen
Understanding the root cause is crucial. That’s why we take a comprehensive, personalized approach to hormone health at The How Clinic.
Signs and Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance
Women experiencing estrogen dominance often report a cluster of frustrating and seemingly unrelated symptoms. Some of the most common include:
- Weight gain, especially around the hips, thighs, or abdomen
- Severe PMS, including irritability, bloating, breast tenderness, and migraines
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Anxiety or mood swings
- Fatigue or brain fog
- Difficulty sleeping
- Low libido
- Hair loss
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Fibrocystic breasts or uterine fibroids
Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone and you’re not crazy. These symptoms are real, and they’re often the body’s way of waving a red flag.
Why Conventional Medicine Often Misses It
In conventional healthcare, hormone imbalances are often underdiagnosed or brushed off unless they’re severe. Many women are told their labs are “normal,” even when they clearly don’t feel well.
The problem? Most conventional hormone panels only look at basic levels at a single point in time and don’t assess the balance between hormones or how your body is metabolizing them.
At The How Clinic, we go deeper. We use advanced hormone testing, including dried urine testing (DUTCH test) and saliva testing, to measure hormone fluctuations over time, assess cortisol patterns, and analyze how estrogen is being broken down in the body. This allows us to build a tailored plan for hormone optimization for women.
The Dangers of Untreated Estrogen Dominance
Ignoring estrogen dominance can do more than just make you feel miserable. Over time, chronic hormone imbalance can contribute to serious health risks, including:
- Increased risk of breast and uterine cancer
- Endometriosis
- Infertility
- Autoimmune conditions
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
By addressing estrogen dominance early, you can prevent long-term damage and support overall well-being.
How We Treat Estrogen Dominance at The How Clinic
Our team at The How Clinic takes an integrative approach to hormone health. Here’s how we help patients balance estrogen naturally and effectively:
1. Comprehensive Hormone Testing
We start with advanced hormone testing to assess estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol, and their metabolites. This helps us understand both your hormone levels and how your body processes them.
2. Liver and Gut Support
Since the liver and gut play crucial roles in estrogen detox, we focus on optimizing these systems with targeted nutrients, herbal support, and dietary strategies.
3. Lifestyle and Stress Management
Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your hormones. We provide guidance on stress reduction techniques like breathwork, adaptogenic herbs, and sleep hygiene to rebalance the HPA axis.
4. Diet and Nutrient Support
We recommend an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fiber, cruciferous vegetables, and phytonutrients that help with estrogen metabolism. Key nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, and DIM (diindolylmethane) can also be helpful.
5. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
In some cases, especially for women in perimenopause or menopause, we may recommend bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to restore proper balance in a way that mimics your body’s natural hormones.
6. Detox and Environmental Clean-Up
Reducing your exposure to xenoestrogens (estrogen-like chemicals) found in plastics, personal care products, and household cleaners can have a major impact on hormone health.
You Don’t Have to Feel This Way Forever
If you’re tired of being told your symptoms are “just part of being a woman” or if you’ve tried everything and still don’t feel right, it’s time to dig deeper. Estrogen dominance is real, and it’s treatable with the right support.
At The How Clinic, we specialize in helping women like you regain balance, clarity, and control over their bodies. Through personalized hormone optimization plans, advanced testing, and compassionate care, we help you finally feel seen and supported.
Ready to Balance Your Hormones Naturally?
If you’re struggling with weight gain, anxiety, or PMS, and suspect hormones may be to blame, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with a hormone doctor at The How Clinic in Encinitas today. Our team is here to guide you back to balance and well-being.
Book your hormone consultation now and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
Call us at 877.381.4115 or visit www.TheHowClinic.com to learn more.
