Estrogen is a reproductive hormone present in females. It is the main female sex hormone. It is also present in men but in a lower amount as compared to women. Estrogen plays a vital role in the reproductive and menstrual while men have this hormone only for sexual function. They have testosterone as the chief sex hormone. Higher levels of estrogen both in males and females cause damage to overall health.

Importance of Estrogen

Estrogen brings puberty to a girl. It converts her physical features to a woman. The period of puberty includes the following changes:

• The girl starts having periods
• Growth of the pubic hair i.e. underlegs and underarms
• Growth of her breasts

Estrogen is important in the reproductive cycle of a female and is therefore necessary for conceiving a baby. There are some other functions of estrogen such as:

• Improves the bone health
• Controls the level of cholesterol in the body
• Have an influence on the brain, heart, kidney, liver, etc

Working of Estrogen

Ovaries in a woman that produce eggs are the basic origin or source of estrogen. A small amount of the hormone is also produced by adrenal glands above the kidneys and by the fat tissues. It travels in the bloodstream to act on the targeted area.

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High Estrogen

There can be certain reasons for hormonal imbalance in men and women. The body may produce a high level of oxygen or high levels of it as compared to other hormones such as progesterone and testosterone causing estrogen dominance.

Any medication such as hormonal replacement therapy for managing the symptoms of menopause can also be a causing agent of higher levels of estrogen in the body. Some other medications that can possibly elevate the level of estrogen are:

• Some Natural/herbal remedies
• Some antibiotics
• Contraceptives (hormonal)
• Phenothiazines, a drug used to treat emotional and mental issues

Other factors that trigger the increase of estrogen level are:

1. Ovarian cysts
2. Liver diseases
3. Obesity

Symptoms

The symptoms that indicate the raised than normal level of estrogen in males and females include:

Males

• Erectile defect
• Gynecomastia (big breasts)
• Infertility

Females

• Menstrual problems such as irregular periods, heavy bleeding, light spotting, Sever Pre-menstrual syndrome symptoms
• Weight gain especially in the region of hips, waist, things, and breasts
• Insomnia
• Lethargy
• Compromised sex drive
• Colds hands and feet
• Excessive hair loss
• Mood swings
• Depression, anxiety, and stress
• Headache
• Inflammed breasts
• Memory loss
• uterine fibroids (non-cancerous tumors in the area of the uterus)
• Lumps in breasts

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Diagnosis

The level of estrogen varies from person to person depending upon the factors of age and sex. The levels may alter throughout the menstrual cycle of a female. The diagnosis can be done by going for a blood test. The three basic forms of estrogen with their normal value are:

1. estradiol
2. estriol
3. estrone

Females

According to Mayo Medical Laboratories, the normal blood levels of estradiol in females are:

• children and adolescents: up to 350 pg/ml
• adults: 15–350 pg/ml
• postmenopausal adults: less than 10 pg/m

Normal blood levels of estrone in females are:

• children and adolescents: up to 200 pg/ml
• adults: 17–200 pg/ml
• postmenopausal adults: 7–40 pg/ml

Males

Normal blood levels of estradiol in males are:

• children and adolescents: up to 40 pg/ml
• adults: 10–40 pg/ml

Normal blood levels of estrone in males are:

• children and adolescents: up to 60 pg/ml
• adults: 10–60 pg/ml

Complications

More than normal level of estrogen can cause serious health concerns including:

• breast cancer
• blood clots
• heart attack
• Stroke
• ovarian cancer
• thyroid diseases

According to researches, men suffering from high levels of estrogen are prone to depression because of enlarged breasts.

In 2018, a survey involving 4000 men were found to be victims of depression due to raised Estradiol levels.

Treatment

The treatment of higher levels of estrogen is important to avoid any hormonal imbalances. Listed below are the ways to treat it:

?     Fiber-Rich Diet

According to studies, foods rich in fiber such as Wholegrain, Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts,

Potatoes, etc promote the excretion of extra estrogen through feces and maintain their normal level.

?     Processed Foods and Carbs

Limiting foods rich in carbohydrates and processed foods such as fries, junk food decreases the level of estrogen. You do not have to completely abandon these food items but reducing the frequency and quantity can really help.

?     Exercise

Increased levels of estrogen can be a cause of breast cancer. Exercising can help out in decreasing the circulation of estrogen and hence decreasing the risk of breast cancer.

?     Animal Based Products

Researches show that red meat triggers the release of estrogen. Avoiding eating red meat can decrease the estrogen level up to the normal one.

?     Alcohol

Drinking alcohol often can disturb the overall balance of hormones. Limiting the consumption of alcohol solves this problem. Besides this problem, drinking alcohol frequently is damaging in almost every aspect of an individual.

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?     Mediterranean Diet Plan

The Mediterranean diet (Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes) is found to be useful in the regulation of the normal levels of estrogen in the body both for males and females.

?     Increased Body Fat

Overweight individuals with high body fat composition are susceptible to hormonal imbalances and other medical complications such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome PCOS. Reducing the elevated levels of estrogen can make you escape from these medical issues as well.

?     Hormone Replacement Therapy

Females getting hormonal replacement therapy can have raised levels of estrogen. Try to avoid the therapy if it can be. Otherwise, talk to your doctor if you are facing issues after the therapy is done.

?     Surgical Method

Oophorectomy is a surgical procedure in the ovaries of a female are removed if there is any risk or indication of breast or ovarian cancer. Once the ovaries are removed, the production and circulation of estrogen are also ceased. The surgery is done in very severe cases otherwise, you can opt for other possible and effective ways to reduce the levels of estrogen in the body.

Takeaway

You may have heard many times that ‘’excess of everything is bad’’. The phrase is damn true even in the case of the substances present naturally inside the human body. The same is the case for estrogen. An imbalance in the production, secretion, or circulation of this sex hormone can cause adverse effects. If you are dealing with more than a normal level of estrogen, try follwoing the tips described above.