by Eileen Eva

Created on: September 27, 2010

Half of women over 35 years experience estrogen overload and most brush it off, thinking it’s just their periods or the onset of menopause. Little do they know that having excess estrogen has grim consequences. When other women at this age experience symptoms of high estrogen levels, they rush to their doctors for Hormone Replacement Therapy or start eating foods that increase estrogen levels for they ‘believe’ they are menopausal. The end result is more estrogen in their bodies and more harsh effects.

In women, estrogen overload will lead to:- bloating, low sex drive, depression, recurrent headaches, irregular periods, leg cramps, nausea and vomiting, uterine fibroids, yeast infections and weight gain. From this list can you tell which product women use that share the same side effects? If you said ‘Oral Contraceptives’, clap for yourself! This is because oral contraceptives consist of estrogen thus increasing your estrogen levels.

A study by U.S National Library or Medicine (Pubmed.gov) found that, high levels of phytoestrogens (estrogen from plants e.g. soy) in pregnant women are linked to Hypospadias (Penile birth defect in males)

In men, yes mean have estrogen too! Increased estrogen is linked to some very nasty conditions. Outlined in Life Extension Magazine, high estrogen in males has contributed to: - heart attacks, coronary atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, prostate cancer, benign prostate enlargement, decreased sex drive and high estrogen doubles the risk of stroke. High estrogen also accounts for low sperm count and small testicles in men (infants).

How to Naturally Lower Estrogen Levels Using Foods and Exercise

• Consume: - Fruits, veggies and grains like, melons, citrus fruits, figs, berries, broccoli, chard, cabbage, arugula, millet, white rice and flour and buckwheat.

• Increase: - Dietary fiber to 30g daily, sources includes Psyllium, Flax and fresh vegetable and fruit skins.

• Exercise: - Besides being good for weight loss, exercises will tone your muscles, heart and lower your cholesterol and estrogen levels. Make a habit of doing simple exercises 30 minutes to 1 hour daily.

• Avoid: - Caffeine, alcohol, refined sugars and foods and Xenoestrogens (synthetic estrogen).

Dr Eldred Taylor (Obstetrician/Gynecologist) has on several publications been quoted saying that Xenoestrogens comprise far more strong effects than estrogen the body produces.

• Avoid stress: - Cortisol increases when you are stressed which in turn inhibits progesterone production that is responsible for estrogen regulation.

How to Naturally Lower Estrogen Levels Using Herbs

• Alfalfa:- (Medicago Sativa L) is an herb in the pea family also referred to as Lucerne or Lucerne grass. It has low phytoestrogens which are a better substitute for Xenoestrogens. Although not researched on humans, Alfalfa has been said to cause reduced fertility in sheep by lowering estrogen levels.

• Chasteberry:- (Vitex, Monk’s Pepper or Chaste Tree) was used by monks to suppress their sexual desire hence the name Monk’s pepper. Studies show that it leads to low prolactin by inhibiting dopamine 2 activation; low prolactin has a direct effect on estrogen and testosterone production

Sources:

PubMed.gov - Phytoestrogen content and estrogenic effect of legume fodder.

National Center for Complementary and Alternative medicine – Chasteberry

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