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Understanding Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen plays a critical role in reproductive and whole-body health. But when estrogen levels become too high relative to other hormones—especially progesterone—it can lead to a condition known as estrogen dominance. This hormonal imbalance is common during perimenopause and menopause, but it can affect women at any age.

At Aligned Modern Health, we specialize in identifying and treating hormone imbalances like estrogen dominance using Functional Medicine and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT). Our approach helps uncover root causes and supports your body’s natural balance—with care that fits your life and is often covered by insurance.

What Is Estrogen Dominance?

Estrogen dominance occurs when estrogen levels are elevated relative to progesterone. This can happen when the body produces too much estrogen, doesn’t eliminate it efficiently, or when progesterone levels are too low to counterbalance it.

The imbalance may be subtle—but the symptoms can be disruptive, especially if left unaddressed.


Common Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance can present differently for everyone, but frequent symptoms include:

  • Weight gain, especially around the hips, thighs, or abdomen

  • Fatigue or poor sleep quality

  • Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability

  • Irregular or heavy periods

  • Breast tenderness or swelling

  • Brain fog or trouble concentrating

  • Bloating or water retention

  • Low libido

  • Headaches or migraines (especially around menstruation)

These symptoms often overlap with other conditions, which is why proper testing is essential before starting treatment.


What Causes Estrogen Dominance?

Estrogen dominance may result from:

  • Chronic stress (which suppresses progesterone)

  • Poor liver detoxification of excess estrogen

  • Hormonal shifts during perimenopause or menopause

  • Environmental exposure to xenoestrogens (estrogen-like compounds in plastics and chemicals)

  • Excess body fat, which can increase estrogen production

  • Use of synthetic hormones or certain medications

  • Gut health imbalances that impair estrogen clearance

At Aligned Modern Health, we don’t guess—we test. Our advanced hormone testing, including DUTCH urine hormone panels, helps us understand your full hormone picture so we can target the real issue.


Estrogen Dominance and Related Conditions

Estrogen dominance is often connected to or mistaken for other conditions, including:

  • Perimenopause & Menopause: Estrogen may spike erratically while progesterone declines.

  • PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): Often involves hormone imbalance, including elevated estrogen or unopposed estrogen.

  • Thyroid Disorders: Estrogen dominance can suppress thyroid function, and vice versa.

  • Fibroids & Endometriosis: Both are estrogen-sensitive conditions that may worsen with excess estrogen.

  • Insulin Resistance or Metabolic Syndrome: These can disrupt hormone metabolism and worsen symptoms.

Treating estrogen dominance often helps stabilize or improve these related conditions as well.


How We Treat Estrogen Dominance

At Aligned Modern Health, we treat estrogen dominance using a whole-body approach:

  • Comprehensive Hormone Testing
    We use advanced testing including urine panels and bloodwork to assess hormone levels, detox pathways, and imbalances.

  • Personalized Nutrition & Supplementation
    Targeted support for liver detox, adrenal health, and estrogen metabolism—including key nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, and DIM.

  • Lifestyle & Stress Support
    We help you address root causes like chronic stress, poor sleep, or environmental exposures that may be contributing.

  • Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (When Appropriate)
    If needed, our providers use BHRT to safely restore hormone balance in perimenopausal and menopausal women.

You’ll work with a provider who understands your full health picture—not just your lab values—and who stays with you throughout your care.


Start Feeling Like Yourself Again

If you suspect your symptoms may be related to estrogen dominance, we’re here to help. With expert providers, advanced testing, and virtual care available seven days a week, Aligned Modern Health makes it easier to get to the root of hormonal imbalance—and finally feel better.

Schedule an Appointment

Fill out the form below and our team will get back to you as soon as possible. For immediate assistance, please call 773-598-4387.

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