Estrogen is a vital hormone in women’s reproductive system that plays an essential role in sexual development, menstruation, and pregnancy.

However, when estrogen levels in the body become too high or unbalanced, it can lead to a variety of health issues. This article will explore the causes and effects of increased estrogen levels in women.

Causes of Increased Estrogen in Women

There are several factors that can contribute to elevated estrogen levels in women:.

1. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances are one of the primary causes of increased estrogen in women. An imbalance occurs when the body produces too much or too little of a hormone.

In the case of estrogen, this can happen when a woman’s ovaries produce too much or too little estrogen, or when other hormones such as progesterone are out of balance, which can affect estrogen levels.

2. Diet

What we eat can also affect our hormone levels, including estrogen. Diets high in animal fats, dairy products, and red meat have been linked to increased estrogen levels.

On the other hand, diets high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have been shown to help regulate estrogen levels in the body.

3. Environmental Factors

Environmental factors such as pollution, pesticides, and chemicals found in household products can also increase estrogen levels.

These environmental estrogens are also known as xenoestrogens and can mimic the body’s natural estrogen, leading to an imbalance.

Effects of Increased Estrogen in Women

When estrogen levels in women get too high, it can have several negative effects on their health, including:.

1. Irregular Menstrual Cycles

High estrogen levels can disrupt a woman’s menstrual cycle, causing irregular periods. This can make it challenging to predict ovulation, making it more difficult to get pregnant for women trying to conceive.

2. Breast Tenderness

Increased estrogen levels can also result in breast tenderness and swelling. This is because the hormone stimulates the growth of breast tissue and increases blood flow to the area, causing them to feel sore and uncomfortable.

3. Mood Swings

Hormonal fluctuations can lead to mood swings, and increased estrogen levels are no exception. Women with high estrogen levels may experience anxiety, irritability, and depression.

4. Weight Gain

Estrogen plays a role in regulating body weight, and an imbalance can cause weight gain.

High estrogen levels can also lead to an increase in belly fat, which can be especially concerning, as belly fat has been linked to several health issues, including heart disease and diabetes.

5. Increased Risk of Breast Cancer

Studies have linked high estrogen levels to an increased risk of breast cancer. Estrogen stimulates the growth of breast cells, and prolonged exposure to high estrogen levels can increase the risk of abnormal cell growth.

6. Infertility

As previously mentioned, high estrogen levels can disrupt a woman’s menstrual cycle, making it more challenging to conceive. Furthermore, elevated estrogen levels can interfere with ovulation and reduce fertility.

Conclusion

Estrogen is a crucial hormone in a woman’s body, but an imbalanced level can lead to several health complications. There are various causes of high estrogen levels, including hormonal imbalances, diet, and environmental factors.

The negative effects of increased estrogen levels can be far-reaching, ranging from mood swings and weight gain to infertility and increased cancer risk. Thus, women must pay attention to their overall health and seek medical guidance if they experience any adverse effects related to estrogen levels.