Wait, What is Estrogen Dominance?
Estrogen dominance occurs when the body has too much estrogen relative to progesterone. For many women, estrogen naturally peaks during the first half of their menstrual cycle. However, when the body can’t metabolize and eliminate excess estrogen efficiently, it leads to hormonal imbalances that can trigger inflammation. This hormonal imbalance is particularly problematic for those managing autoimmune conditions like lupus, which are already characterized by inflammation.
How Does Estrogen Affect Lupus Flares?
Estrogen isn’t just about reproductive health. It also plays a significant role in regulating the body’s immune response. When estrogen levels are high without the balancing effects of progesterone, it can cause the immune system to become overactive. This heightened immune response triggers inflammation, leading to worsened lupus flares around your period.
Signs You May Have Estrogen Dominance
Unsure if estrogen dominance is a problem for you? Here are some common signs that could indicate an imbalance:
Breast tenderness or swelling
Severe PMS symptoms, including menstrual cramps, irritability and/or bloating
Unexplained weight gain, particularly in the hips, thighs, or midsection
Mood swings, fatigue, and anxiety
If you notice any of these symptoms, estrogen dominance might be contributing to your flare-ups.
The Hidden Impact of Environmental Toxins
It’s not just hormonal imbalances that can trigger lupus flares—environmental toxins in everyday products like skincare, hair care, makeup, and beauty supplies could be playing a role as well. Many of these products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, which can throw off your hormonal balance and contribute to estrogen dominance. These toxins accumulate in your body over time, putting additional strain on your liver and immune system, potentially leading to worsened lupus symptoms.
To reduce exposure, it’s crucial to opt for clean beauty products that are free of harmful chemicals. One way to ensure you're making healthier choices is to check the Environmental Working Group (EWG) ratings of the brands you use. EWG ratings provide transparency on a company’s commitment to sustainability and safety, especially regarding the ingredients they use.
See What You Can Do: Get Tested for Hormonal Imbalances
If you suspect that estrogen dominance is contributing to your lupus flares, it's essential to take proactive steps to understand your hormonal health. A great first step is to consult with an endocrinologist, a specialist in hormone-related conditions. They can help you identify imbalances and provide a comprehensive treatment plan.
When visiting an endocrinologist, ask for these specific tests to get a clearer picture of your hormonal balance:
Estradiol Test: This measures the levels of estradiol (a form of estrogen) in your body, helping identify if you're dealing with excess estrogen.
Progesterone Test: It's critical to see if your progesterone levels are low, especially during the luteal phase (the second half of your menstrual cycle), as low progesterone often signals estrogen dominance.
Comprehensive Hormone Panel: This test checks not only estrogen and progesterone but also other hormones like testosterone, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), and LH (luteinizing hormone), providing a full view of your reproductive hormone health.
Cortisol Levels: Chronic stress can disrupt your hormone balance. Checking cortisol levels can help determine if stress is impacting your progesterone production.
Thyroid Function Tests: Since the thyroid plays a role in hormone regulation, it's a good idea to check your TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), T3, and T4 levels to ensure that your thyroid isn’t contributing to hormonal imbalances.
By getting these tests, you'll have a much clearer understanding of whether estrogen dominance or other hormonal imbalances are exacerbating your lupus flares. It’s crucial to perform these tests at the optimal time in your menstrual cycle. Be sure to coordinate with your doctor for accuracy. These results will help you and your healthcare provider create a tailored approach to restore balance and reduce the impact of your menstrual cycle on your flares.
How to Balance Hormones Naturally
The good news is, you can take steps to balance your hormones naturally. Here’s how:
Support Liver Health: The liver plays a vital role in metabolizing and eliminating excess estrogen. Include foods that support liver detoxification, such as cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, kale and collard greens), berries, turmeric, and dandelion root tea. These foods help remove extra estrogen, reducing inflammation.
Increase Progesterone-Boosting Foods: Incorporate foods that support healthy progesterone levels to balance out estrogen. Flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds are rich in lignans, which help maintain hormonal balance.
Reduce Stress: Chronic stress can lead to lower progesterone levels, which worsens estrogen dominance. Practice stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga to keep stress levels in check. My favorite stress balancing herb is tulsi.
Eat Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s are essential for hormone health and can help reduce inflammation. You’ll find them in foods like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. In fish, you can find omega-3s generously in sardines, mackerel, wild-caught salmon and herring.
Have You Experienced a Link Between Your Period and Lupus Flares?
If you’ve noticed your lupus flares worsen around your period, this could be an indication of hormonal imbalance. Have you tried balancing your hormones naturally? Let’s talk about your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!
As always, the more you know, the more you glow!
Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your health regimen.
Warmly,
Genny Mack
Holistic Nutritionist & Lupus Warrior
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