Signs and Symptoms of High Estrogen Levels

All of your body’s hormone levels go up and down pretty regularly. When perfectly balanced, your body functions as it should.

The problem is when they are not at the right levels and your body experiences related problems.

Do you know what estrogen is? It’s known as the “feminine” hormone. Testosterone is the “masculine” hormone.

Although each is identified by gender, both are found in men and women. Women have more estrogen, and men more testosterone.

Estrogen regulates sexual development, the menstrual cycle and reproductive system in women.

What Causes High Estrogen Levels?

Increase in estrogen can range from accidental causes to what could be a bad habit, such as:

• Alcohol abuse
• Too much fast food
• Certain medications

There are other reasons why estrogen levels increase. The most notable are:

• Cardiovascular diseases
• Old age (which leads to lower testosterone)
• Obesity
• Exposure to phytoestrogens or xenoestrogens.
• Abnormal drop in progesterone levels.
• Insulin problems, like diabetes.
• Medicine that contains estrogen.
• Steroids.
• Drug use.
• Birth control pills.
• Problems with the digestive system.
• Exposure to chemical products, such as pesticides in food.

Other reasons for high estrogen levels are illnesses such as:

• Kidney problems
• Hyperthyroidism
• Testicular tumors
• Cirrhosis

What Are The Symptoms of High Estrogen Levels?

When your body has high levels of estrogen or testosterone, they are not correctly balanced. The most common symptoms are:

• Swelling.
• Breast swelling and soreness. Growth of cysts in the breasts.
• Increased premenstrual symptoms and decrease in sexual desire.
• Irregular menstrual periods.
• Headaches and difficulty remembering.
• Mood changes.
• Weight gain.
• Hair loss.
• Cold hand or feet.
• Fatigue or loss of energy. Problems with sleep.

Effects of High Estrogen Levels in Men

• Sterility: Estrogen is partly responsible for healthy sperm development. When there are high levels of estrogen, the number of sperm in the semen can decrease, which leads to fertility problems.
  If you and your partner have been trying to get pregnant for some time without results, you should consult your doctor to see if high estrogen levels are the problem.
• Gynecomastia: Estrogen stimulates growth of breast tissue. An excess of estrogen may cause abnormal breast growth in men.
  This also impacts self-esteem. Fortunately, there is now the option of plastic surgery, which in fact is becoming more common.
• Erectile dysfunction: The balance between testosterone and estrogen is important for sexual development in both men and women. Sexual functions may be impacted when there is an imbalance. When men have high levels of estrogen, it is difficult to maintain an erection.

How Are High Levels of Estrogen Diagnosed?

Your doctor will likely require a blood sample to verify the estrogen levels in your body. This is the surest way to know if your estrogen levels are high, low or have a healthy balance.

Once you have the results, your doctor can use this as a basis to prescribe medicine that helps you maintain balanced levels.

He or she may also ask that you change aspects of your lifestyle to treat symptoms.

Avoid Increasing Estrogen Levels

There are many ways you can help your body maintain correct levels of estrogen. If you change some habits in your lifestyle with simple actions, you will be doing a lot for your health:

• Lower your alcohol consumption
• Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet
• Avoid fatty foods
• Reduce stress levels
• Eat more fiber
• Play a sport or exercise at least three times a week

High levels of estrogen may increase the risk of other serious conditions like breast cancer. Exposure to high estrogen levels for extended periods can cause endometrial cancer.

Ask Your Doctor

If you are experiencing unusual symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor. He or she is the only one who can determine if the cause is high levels of estrogen.

It is very important to quickly treat hormone imbalances and their underlying causes.

When treated in time, some symptoms can be avoided, but if you have bad habits and an unhealthy lifestyle, it will be hard to treat and overcome them all.