I recently found the following photo while searching for something on my phone. Taken in 2021, it shows me desperately searching for answers as to why I was gaining weight and absolutely couldn’t lose it, even though I was doing everything the same way and eating perfectly. I think it was one of those photos I took to confide in a friend.

Three years later, I know the answer. What I was experiencing was Estrogen Dominance, and again, of course, nobody told me this. I found my way through trial and error. It’s more talked about now, but I’ll explain it anyway.

So what is Estrogen Dominance?

Estrogen and progesterone are two close friends. In this relationship, estrogen is the hyperactive one, running around, dancing, flying, and socially adept at being friends with everyone. Progesterone, on the other hand, is more composed, calm, and takes estrogen by the hand, calming and balancing it when necessary. The two continue their lives in balance. When they are in balance, everything is easier.

However, progesterone production begins to decrease after the mid-30s. Especially as we approach our 40s, while our ovaries are still producing estrogen, progesterone starts to fade from the scene, leaving that hyperactive estrogen on its own. Because it’s spending less time with its calming and directing companion, estrogen doesn’t know what to do with its energy. It attaches itself to fat tissue. It increases fat tissue by settling in the lower abdomen, upper thighs, arms, and hips. Also, if it’s not properly synthesized by the liver and intestines, it goes to the fat tissue in the breasts. I’ll explain that separately.

This is called estrogen dominance.

Symptoms:

Intense PMS symptoms in the week before menstruation

Severe migraines before menstruation

Large blood clots in menstrual bleeding

Heavy menstrual bleeding (need to change pads every 1-3 hours)

Vaginal dryness

Painful intercourse

Low libido

Disturbed sleep

Anxiety/depression

Brain fog

Tender breasts, fibrocystic breasts

Cysts in the uterus or ovaries

If you are experiencing some or all of these, you absolutely need to address this issue.

What needs to be done:

There are chemicals called xenoestrogens that mimic estrogen. They must be stopped. I will also explain this later. Also, avoid plastic bottles, makeup and cleaning products, cosmetics, etc.

Alcohol and smoking must be stopped immediately, especially alcohol. We must stay away from all chemicals that hinder the liver’s function. The liver is responsible for breaking down the estrogen we produce, ensuring its proper use, and eliminating the excess from the body. If we overload it with unnecessary things, it cannot perform this function. Excess estrogen, which is not useful and needs to be eliminated, accumulates in the body.

Many women with estrogen dominance have leaky gut syndrome. Gut health is crucial for processing excess estrogen and maintaining the hormone cycle.

A healthy hormone cycle requires an anti-inflammatory, low glycemic index, low-carbohydrate diet. Please stop making excuses; solutions exist and aren’t difficult at all. Please give up sugar, sweets, packaged and processed foods, pastries, and refined flours. Many of the problems you experience stem from these. I’ve had the opportunity to work with thousands of people, and I haven’t seen anyone whose quality of life didn’t improve after giving these up. Make your main diet rich in vegetables, animal protein, legumes, nuts, a small amount of fruit, and good fats (olive oil and butter/clarified butter). Everything else is just a hobby 🙂

For women with estrogen dominance, a 24-hour water fast between days 5-9 of their cycle (the first day of bleeding counts as day 1), or a 24-hour liquid fast consisting only of bone broth, vegetable juice (spinach, ginger, lemon, etc.), or both, is very effective.

Regular walks, breathing exercises, and meditation are essential for both stress management and oxygen intake.

Reducing the effects of stress on the body is ESSENTIAL. High cortisol disrupts progesterone and estrogen.

For progesterone support, be sure to consult your gynecologist. High estrogen levels, especially in the Delibaş area, play a leading role in breast and ovarian cancers. It absolutely must be controlled.

If you are experiencing a similar situation, I recommend addressing this issue immediately.

With love,

Sema