Estrogen Dominance & Hormonal Imbalances: A Root-Cause Approach to Hormone Health

Written By Anya Szigeti

Hormonal balance is one of the most foundational elements of overall wellness, yet for many women, it's also one of the most misunderstood and chronically overlooked areas of health. One common but often unrecognized culprit behind fatigue, mood swings, thyroid issues, and stubborn weight gain is estrogen dominance.

Estrogen dominance occurs when estrogen levels are too high in relation to progesterone. While estrogen is an essential hormone for both reproductive and overall health, too much of a good thing can become harmful especially when the body lacks the capacity to metabolize and clear it efficiently.

This imbalance often underlies symptoms that are misdiagnosed or dismissed as “normal” parts of aging, PMS, or stress.

How Estrogen Dominance Affects the Body

Estrogen dominance can disrupt multiple systems in the body, and it’s especially concerning for women with autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Here’s why:

  • Suppresses Thyroid Function: High estrogen levels can inhibit thyroid hormone conversion and increase levels of thyroid-binding globulin, making thyroid hormones less available to your cells.

  • Drives Inflammation: Excess estrogen, especially when not properly detoxified, contributes to systemic inflammation, a key factor in autoimmune flare-ups and chronic fatigue.

  • Alters Gut Function: Estrogen influences gut motility and microbiome balance. An imbalanced gut can recirculate estrogen, perpetuating the cycle.

  • Disrupts Mood & Energy: From mood swings and anxiety to insomnia and low libido, estrogen dominance affects neurotransmitter pathways and energy production.

Common Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance:

  • Heavy or painful periods

  • PMS and mood swings

  • Breast tenderness or fibrocystic breasts

  • Fatigue

  • Weight gain (especially hips, thighs, and midsection)

  • Brain fog

  • Thyroid dysfunction

  • Bloating or digestive sluggishness

  • Trouble sleeping

If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms, it may be time to explore what’s truly going on beneath the surface.

What Causes Estrogen Dominance?

This hormonal imbalance doesn’t arise from one single source—rather, it’s the result of cumulative lifestyle, environmental, and metabolic factors that overwhelm the body’s detox and regulatory systems. Some of the most common root causes include:

  • Poor Liver Detoxification
    Your liver is responsible for breaking down and eliminating excess estrogen. When it’s overburdened by alcohol, sugar, processed foods, or environmental toxins, estrogen builds up and recirculates.

  • Gut Dysbiosis & Constipation
    An unhealthy gut allows estrogen to be reabsorbed into the bloodstream instead of being excreted. Slow motility and poor elimination further exacerbate this.

  • Xenoestrogens & Endocrine Disruptors
    Synthetic estrogen-like compounds found in plastics, fragrances, pesticides, and conventional personal care products mimic estrogen in the body and disrupt natural hormone balance.

  • Hormonal Birth Control
    Oral contraceptives and certain IUDs contain synthetic hormones that suppress natural hormone production and may contribute to long-term imbalances.

  • Chronic Stress
    Stress leads to elevated cortisol, which can steal precursors needed to produce progesterone—worsening the estrogen-progesterone ratio.

How to Begin Healing from Estrogen Dominance

The good news? Hormonal imbalances like estrogen dominance can often be reversed naturally by addressing the root causes, supporting your body's detox pathways, and restoring equilibrium through diet, lifestyle, and targeted support.

1. Support Liver Detoxification

Your liver is your hormone-processing powerhouse. To help it do its job efficiently:

  • Eat cruciferous vegetables daily: broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, and arugula support estrogen metabolism through compounds like DIM and sulforaphane.

  • Increase fiber intake to bind and eliminate excess hormones via the gut.

  • Stay hydrated to support both liver and kidney function.

2. Optimize Gut Health

Healthy estrogen clearance depends on healthy gut function.

  • Aim for daily bowel movements to prevent estrogen recirculation.

  • Add prebiotic and fiber-rich foods like flaxseeds, oats, and legumes.

  • Incorporate probiotic-rich foods (or supplements) to support microbial balance.

3. Reduce Exposure to Xenoestrogens

Avoid endocrine-disrupting chemicals in your environment by:

  • Using glass or stainless steel instead of plastic containers

  • Choosing fragrance-free, clean beauty and skincare products

  • Avoiding conventional cleaning products and pesticides

  • Investing in an air and water filter to minimize daily toxin exposure

4. Balance Hormones with Lifestyle Foundations

The foundation of hormone health is built on everyday habits:

  • Eat a whole-food, anti-inflammatory diet with healthy fats, lean protein, and colorful vegetables

  • Prioritize restorative sleep (7–9 hours per night)

  • Engage in regular movement, but avoid overtraining

  • Practice stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation

When to Seek Functional Testing

If your symptoms persist or you suspect deeper imbalances, consider functional hormone testing (I often order the DUTCH test or salivary hormone panels) to assess estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and thyroid hormone levels. These tests can help personalize your treatment plan and uncover imbalances that standard labs often miss.

Final Thoughts

Estrogen dominance isn’t just a hormonal issue, it’s a whole-body imbalance that signals your detox, digestive, and endocrine systems need support. You don’t have to live with fatigue, mood swings, or mystery symptoms. By getting to the root cause and creating a targeted, holistic healing plan, you can restore balance, reclaim energy, and feel like yourself again.

If you suspect your symptoms might be related to estrogen dominance or hormone imbalances, CLICK HERE to schedule a FREE consultation. Together, we can uncover the root and create a personalized roadmap for healing.

p.s. want to learn even more about hormone imbalances and how they connect to PCOS and thyroid issues?



I had the honor of being a guest on PCOS Unfiltered, where the host (& one of my good friends) Lindsie & I dove deep into estrogen dominance, hidden root causes of hormonal chaos, and how to begin healing naturally.
Watch the first episode here
If you're ready to take your healing to the next level, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

To your optimal health & healing,

Dr. Anya

Anya Szigeti
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