Five concerning indicators of elevated estrogen levels

Even a slight imbalance can trigger numerous health issues within the body, and hormones are no exception. When hormones are balanced, everything functions properly, but when they’re out of balance, various problems arise. Maintaining the proper balance of estrogen hormone is crucial for optimal bodily function. Estrogen, often referred to as the ‘female hormone,’ and testosterone, known as the ‘male hormone,’ are both present in males and females, though they are typically associated with specific genders. Women naturally have higher levels of estrogen compared to men, while men have higher levels of testosterone. However, what happens when your body begins producing excess estrogen?

Elevated estrogen levels are commonly observed during puberty and pregnancy, but this condition can occur at any other time as well. There are two primary ways estrogen can accumulate in the body: either the body produces too much estrogen on its own, or it is obtained from the environment or diet. Excessive alcohol consumption, stress, medications, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, and other factors can also contribute to increased estrogen levels.

Here are five alarming signs that your body might be producing excessive estrogen:

Weight gain

If your weight continues to increase, particularly around the hip area, without any changes in your lifestyle, it could be a sign of elevated estrogen levels. Losing weight may become challenging, even with regular diet and exercise. It’s crucial to address the increased estrogen levels to effectively manage weight and maintain an ideal body weight.

Frequent headache attacks could be indicative of elevated estrogen levels

When estrogen outweighs progesterone in your body, it’s not surprising that headaches can occur more easily. While there are various factors contributing to headaches such as genetics and dietary triggers, elevated estrogen levels in women play a significant role, contributing to chronic headaches and menstrual migraines.

Irregular or abnormal menstruation patterns can also indicate elevated estrogen levels

Numerous hormones intricately regulate your menstrual cycle. Raised estrogen levels can be one of the reasons for a delay or early arrival of your period. If your menstrual cycle, which is usually regular, becomes unpredictable without pregnancy being a factor, elevated estrogen levels could be the cause.

Diminished memory sharpness can also be linked to elevated estrogen levels

Forgetting important items like car keys or phone, missing work deadlines, and experiencing other memory lapses could be attributed to elevated estrogen levels. While low estrogen levels are associated with conditions like Alzheimer’s and memory loss, experts have also found that increased estrogen can lead to difficulties in memory recall, though the exact reasons remain unclear.

Lack of emotional control can also be a sign of elevated estrogen levels

Estrogen influences various systems within your body, directly affecting your mental state and emotions. Elevated estrogen levels may lead to experiences of depression, panic attacks, anxiety, unexplained anger, and other mood disturbances. Some doctors even categorize individuals who exhibit signs of depression and anxiety alongside elevated estrogen levels as having ‘agitated depression.’