Estrogen dominance happens when estrogen levels are too high relative to progesterone—even if estrogen itself isn’t abnormally elevated. This hormonal imbalance is common in perimenopause when progesterone production naturally declines, and estrogen can fluctuate or remain unopposed.
While estrogen is essential for bone health, skin elasticity, and mood, too much of it—without the balancing effects of progesterone—can lead to a range of unpleasant symptoms.

According to Healthline, symptoms may include bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, heavy periods, fatigue, and weight gain—especially around the hips and waist.

Perimenopause is a transitional phase before menopause, often starting in your 40s. During this time, ovulation becomes irregular, leading to inconsistent progesterone production. Meanwhile, estrogen can spike erratically, causing a dominance effect.

When progesterone can’t keep up with surging estrogen, symptoms appear. This can also affect cortisol levels, sleep patterns, thyroid health, and insulin resistance, further amplifying the issue.

🔗 Learn more about this shift from the North American Menopause Society.

Women with estrogen dominance may experience:

• Fatigue or low energy

• Weight gain (especially around the abdomen)

• Painful or heavy periods

• Breast tenderness

• Mood instability

• Anxiety or irritability

• Foggy thinking

• Insomnia

Estrogen dominance is also associated with increased risk for fibroids, endometriosis, and certain cancers if left unaddressed. If these symptoms sound familiar, you’re not alone—and there are natural solutions.

You can support hormone balance with targeted lifestyle choices. Start with these evidence-based steps:

• Increase fiber: It helps remove excess estrogen via digestion.

• Support liver detox: Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts assist estrogen metabolism.

• Exercise regularly: Especially resistance training and walking.

• Manage stress: Chronic cortisol spikes disrupt progesterone.

• Limit xenoestrogens: Avoid plastic containers and choose natural skincare.

Take a look at this article “Estrogen Metabolism and Your Gut Health published in Guttogetherprogram  Read it here.

If you suspect estrogen dominance, speak to a healthcare provider about hormone testing. Saliva, blood, or urine tests can offer a snapshot of your estrogen-to-progesterone ratio.

Functional medicine doctors often recommend DUTCH testing, which gives a full hormone panel. Knowing your numbers can help you build a targeted recovery plan—whether that includes herbs, supplements, lifestyle changes, or bioidentical hormone therapy.

🔗 Learn more about hormone testing from LabCorp

Estrogen dominance may sound scary, but it’s common—and manageable. The key is understanding your symptoms and supporting your body naturally through nutrition, movement, and stress reduction. You’re not broken—your body is just asking for balance.