Estrogen dominance is an excess of estrogen in relation to progesterone.  This condition sometimes occurs in women throughout the reproductive phase, but tends to be more apparent for women during perimenopause and in menopause. Estrogen dominance is worsened by women who aren't ovulating, women that are exposed to synthetic estrogens and/or women who are unable to metabolize estrogens correctly.

Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance:

• Fibrocystic and tender breasts
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Mood swings
• Vasomotor symptoms
• Abnormal weight gain
• Uterine fibroids
• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Low libido
• Foggy thinking
• Endometriosis
• Breast disease
• Breast cancer

What causes Estrogen Dominance?

• Lack of ovulation or reduction of ovarian production of progesterone in the reproductive years.
• Lack of ovulation or erratic cycles, when estrogen levels vary from high to low, in the absence of adequate progesterone.
• An imbalance of estrogen to progesterone during the menopausal years when ovarian production of estrogen can decline by as much as 60% and levels of progesterone can drop to zero after ovulation stops.

Women of all ages benefit from balanced hormones. With menstrual irregularities, PMS, endometriosis and infertility, testing can be helpful in understanding the underlying condition. Dr. Haendiges works with you to determine the appropriate tests to detect and correct these imbalances.

What is the best means of testing for Estrogen Dominance?

• Saliva and/or blood spot testing is the most reliable means for determining estrogen dominance.  

What hormones should be tested for Estrogen Dominance?

• Estradiol (E2)
• Progesterone (Pg)
• Testosterone
• DHEAs
• Cortisol
• Thyroid profile