What is oestrogen excess or oestrogen dominance? 

Have you heard of the term oestrogen dominance? Or as I prefer to call it, oestrogen excess?  

Oestrogen dominance or excess is a common scenario that occurs when the production of oestrogen is significantly higher than progesterone production. Oestrogen is our feminine hormone, causing fat distribution on our hips, butt and thighs. This hormone builds in the follicular phase of our menstrual cycle, and thickens the endometrial lining, controls fluid and electrolyte balance, stimulates vaginal lubrication, increases libido, brain function, memory and mood balance, and is essential for cardiovascular and bone health. While this hormone is incredibly important, we also need to have an adequate level of our equally important hormone progesterone. 


The most common symptoms of excess oestrogen include:

  • Fatigue

  • Brain fog

  • Mood swings/irritability 

  • Headaches

  • Weight gain

  • Sore breasts 

  • Bloating

  • Fluid retention

  • Low libido

  • Irregular period

  • Skin conditions

  • Changes in gut function

  • Heavy periods



What causes oestrogen excess?

  • Anovulation or low progesterone levels: when we aren’t ovulating or producing enough progesterone to balance the effects of oestrogen.

  • Poor liver function: our liver is essential in conjugating or metabolizing our oestrogen (step 1) for excretion through the bowels (step 2). 

  • Poor gut health: an imbalance in gut bacteria, or gut dysbiosis, has been shown to increase the activity of beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme that reverses hormone conjugation in the liver. This results in a recirculation of estrogen, contributing to estrogen dominance.

  • Poor diet low in fibre and constipation: we excrete a large amount of our hormones via the bowel through poo. In constipation however, our oestrogen can be recirculated, leading to oestrogen dominance.

  • Exposure to exogenous oestrogens or endocrine disrupting chemicals: which mimic the action of oestrogens, causing oestrogen dominance symptoms. 

  • A lack of exercise: exercise is another way our body helps to metabolise our hormones. 

  • Stress: stress hormones can lead to poor progesterone production, which exacerbates low oestrogen dominance. 

  • Alcohol and other drugs: our body will prioritize metabolising potentially harmful substances like drugs and alcohol over metabolising our hormones, which can then lead to an imbalance in oestrogen. Even one drink per day can increase your blood level of oestrogen. 

  • Contraceptives: Extended use of the oral contraceptive pill. 


So how do we correct oestrogen dominance? Using lifestyle change alongside herbs and nutrients to:

  • Support the liver, adrenals and nervous system: using specific herbs and nutrients.

  • Support the gut: correct any bacterial dysbiosis and increase dietary fibre to ensure we are emptying our bowels daily to prevent the recirculation of hormones. 

  • Reduce exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (see previous post)

  • Dietary and lifestyle: improve dietary intake of fibre, cruciferous vegetables, reduce alcohol intake, and increase exercise. 


Do you experience symptoms of oestrogen excess? If this rings true for you, book in a consultation to see how naturopathy can help.

Hayley Brass