Common High Estrogen Symptoms in Women and Men

What Causes High Estrogen Levels?

Several factors can contribute to high estrogen levels, including underlying medical conditions, medications, and environmental factorsm as follows: 

• Obesity: Excess body fat can lead to elevated estrogen levels, particularly in males and postmenopausal females, because fat tissue produces small amounts of estrogen. 
• Medications: Hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills), hormone replacement therapy (HRT), tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil (amitriptyline) and Anafranil (clomipramine), benzodiazepines such as Valium (diazepam), and some cardiovascular drugs like Lanoxin (digoxin), Norvasc (amlodipine), and Aldactone (spironolactone) can increase estrogen levels.
• Underlying conditions: Medical conditions that interfere with hormone production or balance can cause elevated estrogen levels, including hyperthyroidism, liver disease, testicular and ovarian tumors, adrenal disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Xenoestrogens exposure: Exposure to estrogen-mimicking chemicals (xenoestrogens) found in plastics, pesticides, and some cosmetics can raise estrogen levels over time.

Testing

Estrogen testing typically involves a blood test that measures estrogen and other hormone levels in the bloodstream. Testing can help determine whether your estrogen levels are too high. Sometimes, urine and saliva tests can also measure the body’s estrogen levels, but blood tests are more common. 

There are three primary forms of estrogen, each with distinct roles in the body:

• Estradiol (E2): The most active and abundant form of estrogen, estradiol initiates puberty, regulates the menstrual cycle, and supports bone health in females. Estradiol contributes to bone density and reproductive and sexual health in males. 
• Estrone (E1): The primary estrogen type in postmenopausal females, estrone, supports bone health and other estrogen-dependent functions.
• Estriol (E3): Known as the “pregnancy estrogen,” the placenta produces large amounts of estriol during pregnancy, helping support fetal development. 

To measure your estrogen levels, a healthcare provider will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm and send it to a lab for testing. Healthcare providers interpret test results based on age, sex, and health history to determine if elevated estrogen levels are causing your symptoms.

Treating Conditions That May Cause High Levels

Treatment for high estrogen often involves identifying and managing underlying factors that may be contributing to hormonal imbalances, such as:   

• Adrenal gland disorders
• Estrogen-producing tumors (e.g., ovarian, testicular, or adrenal tumors)
• Iatrogenic factors (other medical treatments, such as hormone replacement therapy)
• Liver disease
• Obesity
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Thyroid disorders
• Uterine fibroids

Addressing any underlying factors can help restore hormonal balance and relieve symptoms associated with excess estrogen. Treatment varies depending on your diagnosis and may include medications, lifestyle modifications, or surgery. 

Medications

Medications can help balance estrogen levels and manage symptoms associated with high estrogen, including: 

• Antiandrogens to counteract excess estrogen effects in males
• Hormonal birth control to stabilize hormone levels in females with PCOS
• Hormone blockers (e.g., aromatase inhibitors) to reduce estrogen production
• Medications for underlying conditions like thyroid or adrenal issues, which may indirectly reduce estrogen levels

Surgery

Surgery may be necessary if tumors, uterine fibroids, or other structural abnormalities are causing high estrogen levels. 

• Adrenalectomy for adrenal gland-related estrogen issues
• Oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) in females with certain types of ovarian tumors
• Myomectomy for removal of uterine fibroids
• Tumor removal if tumors in the ovaries, adrenal glands, or testes are affecting estrogen production

Diet

Dietary changes may help reduce estrogen levels and restore healthy hormonal balance. Dietary changes for lowering estrogen levels may include:

• Alcohol moderation: Limit or avoid alcohol, which can harm the liver and impair estrogen metabolism.
• Anti-inflammatory diet: Follow an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., fish, flaxseed) and seasoning food with plenty of anti-inflammatory spices, such as ginger and turmeric.
• Cruciferous vegetables: Eat plenty of cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. 
• Fiber: Increase fiber intake to increase the amount of estrogen your body removes through bowel movements.
• Whole soy foods: Consume more whole soy foods, such as edamame, miso, tempeh, and tofu, to promote estrogen metabolism.

Lifestyle Changes

Healthy lifestyle habits, such as the following, can help restore normal estrogen levels and promote hormonal balance:

• Avoid exposure to xenoestrogens found in plastics, certain cosmetics, and pesticides, which mimic estrogen in the body
  Exercise regularly to reduce body fat and stress, which can both increase estrogen production
• Practice stress management techniques, such as mindful meditation, breathing exercises, and other mind-body techniques

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Lifestyle habits and home remedies can complement your treatment plan for high estrogen and its underlying cause. These include:

• Avoid environmental estrogen mimics by using BPA-free products, natural household cleaners, and organic produce to reduce exposure to xenoestrogens.
• Eat cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, as they contain compounds that help the body process estrogen more effectively.
• Get plenty of sleep, aiming for seven to nine hours per night. Restful sleep is essential for hormone production and regulation.
• Get regular physical activity, especially strength training and cardiovascular exercises, which helps reduce body fat and regulate hormone production.
• Increase fiber intake by including more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as fiber aids in removing excess estrogen through the digestive tract.
• Limit alcohol consumption, which can affect liver function and slow down estrogen metabolism.
• Prioritize stress management with yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to lower cortisol, which can affect estrogen levels.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of high estrogen that are persistent, worsening, or affecting your quality of life, such as:   

• Decreased libido 
• Development of gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue) in males
• Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection 
• Irregular menstrual cycles, heavy bleeding, or spotting between periods
• Mood changes like increased anxiety, irritability, or depression 
• New or severe headaches, particularly if they occur with other symptoms of high estrogen
• New or worsening breast tenderness or swelling
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight, especially if it’s centered around the hips, thighs, waist, or abdomen

Summary

Estrogen is a sex hormone affecting males’ and females’ reproductive and overall health. While it is essential for optimal health, too much of the hormone causes uncomfortable symptoms like weight gain, mood swings, menstrual irregularities in females, and sexual dysfunction in males. Long-term, elevated estrogen can affect reproductive, sexual, bone, brain, and heart health. 

See a healthcare provider if you have symptoms of high estrogen. Early diagnosis and treatment can help restore hormonal balance and improve your health and quality of life.