Estrogen Dominance: What Every Woman Needs to Know 

September 15, 2025

If you’ve ever felt like your body was working against you—one month your cycle is normal, the next it’s unpredictable—you’re not alone. Many women chalk it up to stress, “getting older,” or just bad luck with genetics. But often, the real culprit is something deeper: hormones that are out of balance. 

One of the most common issues women face is estrogen dominance. This doesn’t always mean you have “too much” estrogen. It usually means estrogen has tipped the scales because progesterone, its balancing partner, is too low. When that ratio is off, it shows up in your daily life—your energy, mood, weight, sleep, and even your confidence. 

At Hotze Health & Wellness Center, we meet women every day who have been told by other doctors that their labs look “normal.” But they still don’t feel normal. That’s when they turn to us, because they’re ready for an integrative approach that gets to the root of what’s really going on. 

What Is Estrogen Dominance? 

Think of estrogen and progesterone like two sides of a seesaw. Estrogen builds up the uterine lining and supports bone and heart health, while progesterone keeps things steady, calming the body and preparing it for rest. When progesterone dips, the seesaw tilts—and estrogen takes over. 

This doesn’t just affect your reproductive system. Hormones influence your brain, metabolism, and even your skin. That’s why estrogen dominance can feel like it touches almost every area of your life. 

Everyday Signs You Might Notice 

Estrogen dominance shows up in ways that are easy to brush off as “normal.” But if you recognize yourself in this list, it’s worth paying attention: 

• Your cycles have gotten heavier, longer, or less predictable. 
• You dread the week before your period because of mood swings, cramps, or bloating. 
• Sleep feels harder to come by, and fatigue lingers through the day. 
• Weight seems glued to your hips and thighs, no matter what you try. 
• Your breasts feel tender or swollen before your period. 
• You get headaches at the same point in your cycle every month. 
• Breakouts appear even though you’re no longer a teenager. 

Any one of these might not raise concern. But when they stack up, it’s often a signal your hormones are out of sync. 

Why Estrogen Dominance Happens 

Stress That Doesn’t Quit 

Life is busy. Between work, family, and daily pressures, your body stays in “go mode.” Chronic stress raises cortisol, your stress hormone. Since cortisol and progesterone share the same raw material, your body may divert resources away from progesterone production—leaving estrogen unopposed. 

What You Eat and Drink 

A diet high in processed foods, sugar, or alcohol adds strain to your liver, the organ responsible for breaking down excess estrogen¹. If your liver can’t keep up, estrogen builds up in your system. 

Everyday Toxins 

Plastics, pesticides, and even some personal care products contain chemicals called xenoestrogens. These compounds mimic estrogen in the body and disrupt balance². 

Natural Changes in Life Stages 

During perimenopause, progesterone drops faster than estrogen. This is why many women in their 40s suddenly experience heavier cycles, sleep changes, and more mood swings. 

The Calming Power of Progesterone 

Progesterone is like your body’s “brake pedal.” It slows racing thoughts, supports restful sleep, and balances estrogen’s stimulating effects. Without it, your body can feel stuck in overdrive. That’s why restoring balance often means supporting progesterone, not just lowering estrogen. 

Practical, Integrative Ways to Rebalance 

Choose Foods That Help Your Hormones 

Instead of a total diet overhaul, focus on small swaps and additions that make a difference over time: 

• Add one cruciferous veggie daily: Include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower with lunch or dinner to help your body break down estrogen³. 
• Aim for 25–30 grams of fiber: Beans, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and whole vegetables all support healthy elimination. 
• Switch to clean proteins: Choose chicken, fish, or plant-based proteins over heavily processed meats. 
• Balance your plate: Make half vegetables, a quarter lean protein, and a quarter complex carbs (like quinoa or sweet potatoes). 
• Hydrate with intention: Replace one soda, juice, or alcohol serving per day with water or herbal tea. 

Manage Stress Before It Manages You 

You can’t eliminate stress, but you can train your body to respond differently. Try these quick resets: 

• Five deep breaths: Inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for six. Repeat whenever you feel tension. 
• Unplug before bed: Turn off screens 30 minutes before sleep and pick up a book, prayer journal, or calming music instead. 
• Ten-minute reset walks: Step outside without your phone. The fresh air and sunlight naturally lower cortisol. 
• Morning grounding: Start your day with gratitude—list three things you’re thankful for before checking email. 
• Weekly “white space”: Block out one non-negotiable hour for yourself each week—no chores, no work, just recharge. 

Get Moving in a Way That Works for You 

You don’t need to commit to long workouts or sign up for an expensive gym membership. Small, consistent movement makes a big difference. Try breaking exercise into approachable steps: 

• Daily walks: Aim for 20–30 minutes at a brisk pace. Walking helps lower stress hormones and improves circulation. 
• Strength at home: Use bodyweight moves like squats, lunges, or push-ups two to three times a week. These build muscle, which helps your body metabolize estrogen more efficiently. 
• Short bursts of cardio: Add in activities like biking, swimming, or a quick dance session to get your heart rate up. Even 10 minutes counts. 
• Stretch and restore: Yoga or stretching before bed can lower tension, improve sleep, and give your body the reset it needs. 

The key is to stay consistent. Think of it as sprinkling movement into your day instead of saving it all for a single long session. 

Support Detox Pathways 

Your liver is your body’s main detox organ, and supporting it doesn’t have to be complicated: 

• Start your morning with warm lemon water: This simple habit can stimulate digestion and hydration. 
• Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep: Deep sleep helps your liver process hormones overnight. 
• Load up on greens: Spinach, kale, and parsley provide nutrients your liver needs to function well⁴. 
• Sweat it out: Whether through exercise, a sauna, or even a hot bath, sweating helps your body release toxins. 

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) 

For many women, lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough to bring relief or lasting relief from estrogen dominance. That’s where bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) comes in. Unlike synthetic hormones (or what we call counterfeit hormones), which are chemical based and mostly contain molecules your body doesn’t naturally make, bioidentical hormones are plant and animal based and are structurally identical to the estrogen and progesterone produced in your body. This means they can restore balance in a way that is more natural, often with fewer side effects. At Hotze Health & Wellness Center, we believe in only utilizing bioidentical hormones and we have seen life changing results. Our guests constantly share with us that we have transformed their lives. Their words, not ours! 

At Hotze Health & Wellness Center, we have specialized in personalized BHRT programs since 1989. We have over 35 years of experience in bioidentical hormone replacement, allergy resolution, candida and gut issue resolution, adrenal fatigue, joint pain resolution, and so much more utilizing our integrative and alternative medicine approach. Our providers don’t just look at lab numbers; we listen to your clinical symptoms, your history, and your health goals. Then, we create an individualized plan designed to bring your hormones back into balance. We treat the entire body, not just one symptom. Through careful monitoring and adjustments, we help you reclaim energy, stabilize mood, improve sleep, and support overall wellness—all with an integrative approach that addresses the root cause of your imbalance or symptoms. 

How Estrogen Dominance Shows Up Across Life 

• Teens: Cycles can be irregular from the start. Environmental estrogens may make it worse. 
• 20s–30s: Stress, diet, and contraceptives often contribute to symptoms like mood swings or stubborn weight. 
• 40s (Perimenopause): Progesterone drops, estrogen stays higher, and symptoms intensify. 
• Postmenopause: Even with lower estrogen, the balance with progesterone still matters for overall health. 

Why Testing Isn’t the Whole Story 

Many women are told their hormone levels are “within range.” But ranges don’t always reflect how you feel. That’s why we combine comprehensive lab work with an in-depth conversation about your symptoms. Your story matters just as much as your numbers. 

Taking Back Control of Your Wellness 

If you’ve felt brushed off, or if your symptoms don’t add up to the “normal” explanation you’ve been given, it’s time to take a closer look. Hormone balance is not just about lab results—it’s about how you live, function, and thrive each day. 

At Hotze Health & Wellness Center, we believe women deserve answers, not quick fixes. Our team listens, investigates, and partners with you to find the root cause. 

📞 Ready to explore whether estrogen dominance is behind your symptoms? Call 281-698-8698 or schedule a complimentary consultation. There’s no pressure, just a conversation about your health. 

References 

1. Michalowska, Magdalena, et al. “The Role of the Liver in Estrogen Metabolism and Hormonal Balance.” Endocrine Reviews, vol. 41, no. 2, 2020, pp. 171–184. Oxford University Press. 
2. Gore, Andrea C., et al. “EDC-2: The Endocrine Society’s Second Scientific Statement on Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals.” Endocrine Reviews, vol. 36, no. 6, 2015, pp. E1–E150. Oxford University Press. 
3. Higdon, Jane, and Victoria J. Drake. “Cruciferous Vegetables and Human Health.” Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center, Oregon State University, 2021. 
4. Ross, Abigail C., et al. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 12th ed., Wolters Kluwer, 2020. 

Categories: Alternative Medicine, BHRT, BHRT, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, Estrogen, Progesterone, Women(s) Health

Tags: BHRT, estrogen dominance, hormone balance, hormone imbalance, integrative medicine, perimenopause, progesterone, women’s health

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