Having high levels of estrogen can cause some problems.
According to WebMD, having too much estrogen can cause weight gain. Also known as the female hormone, estrogen is produced in the ovaries but can also be produced by the adrenal gland and fat tissues. It plays a major role in the development of pubic hair, armpit hair, and breasts during puberty.
Estrogen also controls the growth of the lining of the uterus to regulate the menstrual cycle. Its other roles include maintaining the strength and thickness of the vaginal wall, initiating sexual development, bone formation, blood clotting, and other bodily functions.
High levels of estrogen can occur naturally. However, taking certain medications can also result in too much estrogen. Other causes of excess estrogen are stress, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart ailments, and consumptions of foods high in phytoestrogens.
Below are signs that your body is producing too much estrogen.
#1. Tender or Swollen Breasts
Most women experience changes in their breasts a week or a few days before their period. During pregnancy, estrogen also causes the breast ducts to expand. If your breasts are swollen or sore even if you are not pregnant or ovulating, it could be a sign that you have too much estrogen.
#2. Abdominal Weight Gain
Assuming you haven’t been lying on the couch all day and/or overeating and you are gaining weight, especially in the hip area, it could be because your estrogen levels are high. Besides experiencing bloating frequently, you may also find it hard to lose weight even if you are exercising regularly and cutting calories.
#3. Irregular Periods
A woman who has an irregular period may experience weight gain, which is a sign of high estrogen levels. Because fat tissues also produce estrogen, this means that estrogen production is increased when you gain weight.
#4. Thyroid Dysfunction
Many women in their 30’s may notice symptoms related to conditions like thyroid disease. When the level of estrogen is too high, the thyroid binding globulin increases. When this happens, the T3 and T4 thyroid hormones decrease as they become attached to the thyroid globulin. This can result in symptoms of hyperthyroid.
#5. Frequent Headaches
Females are more prone to migraines and headaches due to their reproduction systems. When you have more estrogen than progesterone, headaches are more likely to occur. Birth control pills, menstruation, and pregnancy all have an effect on your estrogen levels, which can lead to headaches or migraines if they are too low or too high.
#6. Memory Problems
As we have mentioned before, one of the signs that your body is producing too much estrogen is having thyroid problems that can lead to hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can cause memory problems, according to Healthline. While low levels of estrogens have been linked to memory-loss conditions like Alzheimer’s, experts have found that high estrogen can cause difficulty remembering things.
#7. Fibrocystic Breasts
The changes in women’s breasts occur in response to the hormones produced by the ovaries. According to Healthline, if you have fibrocystic breasts, this could be caused by low progesterone and high estrogen levels.
#8. Mood Swings
Hormonal imbalance such as high levels of estrogen can cause mood swings. Women who are going through menopause or pregnancy often experience this problem.
Be Brain FitThere are many things to manage your estrogen levels. Avoid or limit alcohol consumption, increase fiber and probiotics intake, follow a balanced diet, and reduce stress levels.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you know other signs of high estrogen levels? Let us know in the comments section below! Don’t forget to SHARE this info with your friends and family!