Signs Your Estrogen Levels Are Too High
Your estrogen levels are too high! (Maybe)
Your estrogen levels might be the reason your periods feel like a personal call from the devil every month. Periods aren’t supposed to be hell on earth but women have been told again and again that it’s a reality they’re just gonna have to get used to. F-ck that. If you relate to any of the following signs or symptoms, it’s possible your estrogen levels are too high.
Heavy Bleeding
High estrogen can cause heavy bleeding or prolonged periods. If you’re often bleeding through a regular pad or your periods last longer than 3-7 days, that could be a sign your estrogen levels are too high. You’re only supposed to be losing about 3-5 tablespoons of blood over the course of your entire cycle. That’s no more than 2 shot glasses. TWO!! I used to bleed that much in just a few hours.
Breast Tenderness
Increased estrogen can cause breast tenderness or swelling, especially before menstruation. I’d always be really choosy about leaving my house because a bra just wasn’t gonna happen.
Irregular Periods
Are your periods irregular? It could be the estrogen. In addition to that, high estrogen can lead to longer or shorter cycles, or a skipped period.
Mood Swings
You might be feeling insane mood swings, irritability, anxiety or depression. I used to get violently depressed the week or so before my period. I still can’t believe I didn’t think something was wrong with that.
Weight Gain
Are you thicc or is it the estrogen? High estrogen levels can lead to weight gain, particularly around the hips and thighs.
Debilitating Cramps
Are your cramps so bad you feel like you can’t move, see, speak or breathe? I’m being a LITTLE dramatic but are they so bad you feel like you have to miss out on activities or schedule your life around your period? Are you preparing mentally for the pain ahead of time? It might be the estrogen.
Fatigue
Some women experience chronic fatigue or low energy levels. I was good for a period nap. Most of the time on the floor. I was perpetually exhausted and it was the only way to not be conscious for this hell week.
Insomnia or Poor Sleep
You might be finding it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. For me, what prevented a good night’s sleep was the worry that I’d bleed through and destroy my sheets.
Headaches
Estrogen dominance can sometimes trigger headaches or migraines, especially around menstruation.
Decreased Sex Drive
High estrogen levels may affect libido and sexual desire. If you’ve wondered why you’re not super interested in getting it on, this could be why.
Digestive Issues
Bloating, water retention and changes in bowel habits (such as constipation or diarrhea) can be associated with high estrogen levels. For the longest time, I would almost completely stop eating while on my period because it would all just pass right through me.
Brain Fog or Memory Issues
High estrogen levels may cause some women to experience difficulty concentrating, memory lapses or cognitive impairment. Brain fog was very very embarrassing for me, specifically at work.
Estrogen dominance is one of the most common causes of period pain and PMS symptoms yet it’s not discussed nearly enough. Tragically, estrogen dominance can also lead to things like fibroids, cysts, breast cancer or endometriosis. It’s important to consult with a trusted medical professional if you believe you might have estrogen dominance. Don’t let them tell you your pain is normal and don’t let them give you a solution you’re not comfortable with. It can be hard, but make sure you advocate for yourself. I’m rooting for you.
Sending you love.
