Signs of Estrogen Excess and How This is Linked to Thyroid
By Naturopath and Hormone Expert Lesley Oakes
Estrogen excess, which is often referred to as estrogen dominance, is a common hormonal imbalance that can affect menstrual health, mood, metabolism, and thyroid function. It occurs when estrogen levels are too high - relative to other hormones, particularly progesterone - or when estrogen is not being effectively cleared from the body.
Common Signs of Estrogen Excess
For menstruating women, some of the symptoms may include:
Intensifying or worsening PMS - can include irritability, low mood, more bloating, fluid retention and cravings for carbs or sugar
Painful periods
Heavy bleeding or clotting
Breast tenderness
Irregular cycles
Mental and emotional symptoms can include:
Mood swings and irritability
Low mood with anxiety
Brain fog
Physical symptoms may include:
Acne or hair loss
Weight gain
Bloating or fluid retention
Carbohydrate cravings
Headaches
Uterine fibroids
When Estrogen-Related Symptoms Commonly Show Up
Symptoms of estrogen excess often emerge during times of hormonal transition or increased physiological stress. This includes puberty, when estrogen rises rapidly; perimenopause, where estrogen becomes more erratic while progesterone typically declines; and during or after pregnancy, particularly postpartum, when hormone levels shift abruptly.
These symptoms can also appear or worsen during periods of chronic stress, burnout, or following acute or unresolved trauma, as stress hormones directly impact thyroid function, progesterone production, liver detoxification, and estrogen metabolism.
In these life stages, the body may still be producing estrogen, but its ability to regulate, balance, or clear excess effectively is reduced, leading to increased estrogenic effects even when blood levels appear “normal.”
How Estrogen and Thyroid Function Are Connected
Thyroid health plays a key role in hormone balance. Low thyroid function can reduce levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that binds estrogen in the bloodstream. When SHBG is low, more estrogen remains active and available, increasing estrogenic effects in the body. This can worsen symptoms and further disrupt hormonal balance.
Possible Causes of Estrogen Excess
Environmental estrogens (xenoestrogens): Found in plastics, food packaging, plastic water bottles, and heating food in plastic containers
Poor liver function: The liver is essential for breaking down and clearing estrogen
Low thyroid function: Can increase active estrogen levels
Low progesterone: Progesterone helps keep estrogen balanced
Methylation issues: Proper methylation is required for healthy estrogen metabolism
Heavy metals: Endocrine disruptors that may increase estrogen receptor activity
Supporting the Clearance of Excess Estrogen
Simple, consistent strategies can help support healthy estrogen balance:
Reduce your exposure to plastics and other xenoestrogens - switch to glass jars and storage containers, avoid plastic drink bottles, and reduce how much food you eat out of plastic packaging
Improve bowel health by increasing dietary fibre - add foods such as psyllium to your smoothies or cereals, flaxseeds on salads, and add more vegetables, fruit, and wholegrains to your overall diet
Limit refined carbohydrates and added sugars - most processed foods contain these, so try to eat less packaged and processed foods
Support estrogen metabolism with cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower
Maintaining a healthy weight for your body type
Engage in regular physical activity and ensure you also rest!
Testing and Assessment
When assessing hormones, it is important to measure not just total hormone levels, but the free and available hormones and their metabolites. A comprehensive urine hormone test can provide insight into baseline hormone levels, estrogen metabolism, adrenal hormone balance, and exposure to endocrine disruptors such as BPA and heavy metals.
If you suspect estrogen excess or thyroid-related hormonal imbalance, book in with me for a personalised assessment and I will help identify contributing factors and guide you towards the appropriate support - whether that's herbal medicine, dietary adjustments or other lifestyle modifications to help bring your body back to a healthy balance.
Book an appointment online now or call us on 08 9328 9233 to find out when Lesley is next available.