Last time, we covered how low estrogen can impact women's health. Today, our focus is on excess estrogen, and how this can affect both women's and men's health. Having too much estrogen in the body is also referred to as estrogen dominance. Because this hormone plays such a significant role in the body, outcomes of estrogen dominance can have a serious impact on our health.

An excess of estrogen in women can lead to weight gain around the midsection, breast enlargement, period and cycle changes, severe PMS, sleeping difficulties, and more. In men, high estrogen can lead to low sex drive, gynecomastia, decrease in muscle tone (in spite of exercise), and depression.

Our bodies, when stressed, release cortisol. When cortisol release is irregularly high, the body's ability to produce progesterone, which balances estrogen, is compromised. Drinking alcohol daily can also increase estrogen levels because it directly impacts the liver, where estrogen is metabolized.

There are also chemicals in plastic products like pesticides, skincare, fragrances, food storage, and more which can influence estrogen production negatively. These substances are called estrogen disruptors (or EEDCs), and they alter the function of the hormonal system. Keeping your hands clean throughout the day, avoiding plastic, and choosing organic foods can limit your exposure to these toxic chemicals.

Poor diet and increased carbohydrate intake are linked to increased estrogen in men. High stress, poor sleep, and lack of exercise can also lead to increased estrogen levels in men. Avoiding alcohol, smoked meat, and fish, while enjoying more cruciferous vegetables, fermented foods, and flavones (found in chamomile) can help keep estrogen balanced in men.

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