Estrogen
Synopsis of Estrogen
Estrogen is a primary female sex hormone, though it is also present in males in smaller amounts. It plays a vital role in the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. Estrogen is produced mainly in the ovaries, with smaller amounts from the adrenal glands and fat tissue. During pregnancy, the placenta also produces significant estrogen.
There are three main types of estrogen:
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Estradiol (E2): The most potent and predominant form during reproductive years.
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Estrone (E1): Weaker and more prominent after menopause.
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Estriol (E3): Elevated during pregnancy and considered the weakest form.
Estrogen regulates the menstrual cycle, maintains vaginal and uterine lining health, supports bone density, cardiovascular health, mood, skin elasticity, and cognitive function. Imbalances can result in a wide range of symptoms. Estrogen dominance (too much relative to progesterone) may cause bloating, breast tenderness, heavy periods, and mood swings. Estrogen deficiency (as in menopause) can cause hot flashes, vaginal dryness, insomnia, and bone loss.
Estrogen levels are influenced by age, diet, stress, body fat, liver function, gut microbiome, and environmental factors such as xenoestrogens (synthetic chemicals found in plastics, pesticides, and personal care products).
Natural remedies to support Estrogen
Fiber-rich diet: Helps bind and eliminate excess estrogen through the bowel.
Cruciferous vegetables: Contain compounds like indole-3-carbinol that support estrogen metabolism in the liver.
Limit xenoestrogen exposure: Avoid BPA, phthalates, and parabens in plastics and cosmetics.
Healthy body fat percentage: Excess fat tissue can raise estrogen through increased aromatization.
Phytoestrogens: Found in flaxseed and soy, these plant compounds may gently balance estrogen levels.
Support liver detox: Herbs like milk thistle and dandelion enhance estrogen breakdown and clearance.
Adaptogenic support: Helps buffer hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to support Estrogen.
27-deoxyactein
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)
8-Prenylnaringenin
Agnuside
anise
anti-aromatase
barbasco
biochanin
black cohosh
Brassica
bugbane
casticin
chaste tree
Clary sage
cohosh
coumesterol
cruciferous
d-glucarate
daidzein
daidzin
dandelion
DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dioscorea
diosgenin
dong quai
dong quai root
equol (proprietary)
fennel
flaxseed
formononetin
genistein
genistin
ginseng
Ginsenosides
Glabridin
Glycetein
HMR lignan
hops
horny goat weed
hydroxymatairesinol
indole-3-carbinol
isoflavones
Labisia pumila
Lariciresinol
licorice root
lignans
maca
Miroestrol
Phytoestrogens
Puerain
red clover
sage
secoisolariciresinol diglucoside
Shataverins
Soy
soy isoflavones
Soy Protein
soybean
spearmint leaf
vitamin B6
vitamin E
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Wild yam
Yarrow
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