What is hyperestrogenism? Causes and types
Hyperestrogenism means, literally excess estrogen. And this concept, which seems quite simple, hides many complexities that we are going to explain in this article.
But starting at the beginning, an excess of estrogen can basically occur for two very different reasons:
- because they are producing too much estrogen.
- Because estrogen is eliminated less, or more slowly of the normal.
Hyperestrogenism is relevant because it increases the risk of suffering from different gynecological pathologies such as premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia (uncontrolled growth of the endometrium, without being cancerous), heavy menstrual bleeding, breast fibrosis, uterine fibroids and even cancer. breast, ovary or endometrium.
There are many pathologies that are directly or indirectly related (or may be) to hyperestrogenism.
We are going to explain these circumstances a little more in detail and present what we can do to prevent them.
Hyperestrogenism due to excessive estrogen production
To understand the situations in which the body could manufacture more estrogen than necessary, it is necessary to know that estrogen is manufactured from androgens or male hormones.
These androgens are converted to estrogens by an enzyme. And this enzyme can be accelerated due to an excess of insulin in the blood. That is, anything that produces insulin spikes or high insulin levels will favor the transformation of androgens into estrogens.
These insulin spikes occur when we follow a diet rich in carbohydrates, pastries, dairy products, processed foods, juices -even natural ones- and soft drinks.
Relative estrogen excess
During the women's menstrual cycle there is a dynamic balance between two hormones: estrogen and progesterone.
If a woman's ability to produce progesterone is affected, the absence of this hormone It will show an excess of estrogen that is not real.
In these cases, it is not that there is too much estrogen but that there is little progesterone. And, due to this lack of progesterone, the ratio is favorable to estrogen.
It is known as relative estrogen excess. It is common in women who have problems ovulating correctly or producing progesterone in normal amounts. This is the case, for example, of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). You can see our post on how to treat PCOS here (Link).
Excess free estrogen: functional hyperestrogenism
Hormones need transport molecules to travel through the body. When hormones are bound to these molecules, they hardly have any activity.
But if they are free, they do develop their hormonal functions.
Thus, any process that limits the production of sex hormone transport molecules (albumin and SHGH) will cause more free estrogen, generating a situation of functional hyperestrogenism.
These transporters are manufactured in the liver, so any condition that compromises their correct production increases the chances of suffering from hyperestrogenism.
Furthermore, age, being overweight, insulin resistance condition, chronic low-grade inflammation, and excess sugar and dairy in the diet are known to reduce their amount.
By contrast, good levels of vitamin D, proper thyroid function, losing weight and physical exercise increase their number, thus controlling the hormonal activity of estrogens.
The use of olive oil, the consumption of nuts such as almonds, or eating fruit, vegetables and oily fish improves SHBG levels.
Saturated fats from processed meat and dairy cut them down, as do free sugars and simple carbohydrates. Again, a healthy diet that avoids spikes in blood sugar and insulin is a versatile and powerful tool for maintaining health in many different ways.
Excess estrogen that comes from outside: endocrine disruptors
Finally, it is interesting to note that there are substances in our immediate environment that behave like false estrogens.
They are known as endocrine disruptors because they disrupt normal hormonal function. These substances can be present in the air, in food, in different fabrics that we use, in kitchen utensils (bisphenol A or BPA), in tinned food, in toys... but above all in food that has been highly treated with pesticides and pesticides.
The main consequence of these is an altered estrogen response that usually generates complications in fertility processes, as well as other alterations due to hyperestrogenism.
Hyperestrogenism due to poor elimination of estrogens
Once produced and used, hormones must be removed from the body. This process of metabolizing estrogens, among other hormones, is carried out mainly in the liver.
If this main route of elimination fails or slows down, other tissues may try to help break down estrogen, but they do it in a very inflammatory way. This secondary way of metabolizing estrogens increases the risk of suffering from all the pathologies that we have already related to hyperestrogenism.
Any condition that hinders proper liver function could contribute to this abnormal situation: fatty liver, diet rich in carbohydrates, diet rich in fructose, excessive intestinal permeability, excess toxins (tobacco, alcohol, or exposure to pesticides or herbicides), etc.
Part of the waste from estrogen metabolism is excreted through the urine, while others reach the intestine to finish being eliminated.
A correct intestinal flora is basic to avoid a condition of hyperestrogenism due to poor estrogen elimination. Following a diet based on the consumption of vegetables, quality protein and fats and some fruit and nuts is also necessary to maintain a healthy flora.
How do I know if I have hypoestrogenism?
The imbalance in estrogen levels can cause diseases that affect various systems such as the immune, metabolic and neuronal to appear.
Hyperestrogenism may be responsible for some of these symptoms:
- Premenstrual syndrome (breast tenderness, pain in the area of ​​the ovaries and uterus, lower back and leg pain, fatigue, irritability or depression, fluid retention, headaches or migraines or anxiety about eating sweets).
- Alteration of menstrual cycles (both in quantity and frequency).
- Anxiety, irritability, depression.
- Compulsive increase in appetite.
- Loss of libido.
- Shallow sleep.
- Muscle contractions
- Excess vaginal discharge.
- Weight gain and fluid retention.
- Hypothyroidism or difficulty losing weight.
In the long term, in addition, hyperestrogenism can increase the risk of suffering from:
- PCOS.
- Varicose syndrome.
- Ovarian cysts.
- Endometrial changes (from hyperplasia to endometrial cancer).
- Fibroids, fibrous breasts, endometriosis.
- Breast changes (mastopathy, fibroadenomas or cancer).
- Skin disorders such as acne or hirsutism.
- Proliferation of various types of cancer associated with overexpression of the estrogen receptor.
- Impaired fertility.
- Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis.
In addition, there seems to be a certain tendency for people to be perfectionists, self-demanding, planners, obsessive, controlling, far from improvisation, efficient and constant. And that they probably tend to clench their teeth at night (bruxism).
There are more complex laboratory tests to be able to find out the ratio between the different types of estrogens, the levels of SHBG and homocysteine ​​in the blood, or assess the existence of gastritis that could affect the liver to eliminate estrogens.
All these tests must be prescribed by a specialized health professional.
How to prevent hyperestrogenism?
Diet and physical exercise are two great allies to reduce a situation of hyperestrogenism.
Reducing blood sugar spikes is one of the first steps to take.
To do this, choose complex carbohydrates (vegetables, legumes, some cereal but whole grain) and avoid sugar-free juices, soft drinks, snacks, pastries, dressings or alcohol. And if, for some reason, you eat these products, do not eat them alone, but try to eat, at the same time, some food rich in fiber, fat or protein. High-fiber foods also decrease the activity of the aromatase enzyme.
The consumption of quality protein is essential for the proper functioning of the liver and its estrogen elimination process.
For the correct management of estrogens in the liver, some specific vitamins and minerals are necessary. This is the case of magnesium, group B vitamins and trimethylglycine, which is found mainly in beets.
And foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids such as oily fish, nuts, chia and flax seeds are essential.
On the other hand, there are also foods capable of modulating the activation of estrogen receptors. This is the case of the B complex vitamins that you can find in foods such as sardines, whole eggs, liver, lean beef and chicken, fish, yeasts and seeds such as sunflowers, nuts.
Some examples of foods to include in the diet would be:
- Vitamin B9 (folic acid): beets, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, seaweed, legumes, green leaves, avocado or cod liver.
- Vitamin B12: Seafood, fish, meat, egg yolk and spirulina algae.
- Vitamin B6: Pistachios, banana, dates, potato, garlic, cabbage.
- Vitamin B2: Whole grain cereals, oily fish, cheese, sesame, nuts, cod liver.
- Magnesium: Spinach, cocoa, nuts, legumes, sesame.
- Methionine: Meat, fish, eggs, cheese, sesame, nuts.
- Hill: Egg yolk, Brazil nuts, peanuts, etc.
- Inositol: Whole grains and legumes.
- Trimethylglycine: Broccoli, beets, spinach.
On the contrary, try to reduce the consumption of foods rich in estrogens such as dairy products and their derivatives (cheese, yogurt, cream...).
You should avoid foods with a high glycemic index, such as refined cereals, refined sugar, soft drinks, gum or candies with sugars or sweeteners, alcohol, and coffee. And in case of consuming cereals, that are integral.
In addition, another piece of advice is to consume as many organic products as possible free of pesticides, reduce the use of hygiene and cosmetic products, use pans without Teflon and do not reheat plastics. Also try to spend time in nature and breathe clean air.
If you feel identified with this article, we suggest that you put yourself in the hands of a professional specialized in the matter for more personalized attention.
References:
- Xevi Verdaguer (Blog). Elimination of estrogens. Estrogen methylation. August 2015. https://www.xeviverdaguer.com/es/la-eliminacion-de-los-estrogenos-la-metilacion-de-los-estrogenos/
- H. Adlercreutz. Western diet and Western diseases: Some hormonal and biochemical mechanisms and associations. Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation. Mar 29, 2011. 1990;201:3-23.
- WangN et al. Combined Association of Vitamin D and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Men and Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study. Medicine (Baltimore). Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2016 Jan;95(4):e2621
- Frye CA, et al. Endocrine disrupters: a review of some sources, effects, and mechanisms of actions where behavior and neuroendocrine systems. Journal of Neuroendocrinology. 2012 Jan;24(1):144-59.
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