High Estrogen in Young Women: Top Causes, Health Risks, and How to Support Hormonal Balance

Think You May Have Hormonal Imbalances?

As a woman, optimizing your estrogen levels is key to feeling your best and maintaining overall health.

When your estrogen is balanced, it can do wonders for your body helping:1

• Improve your mood,
• Boost your energy,
• Enhance muscle strength,
• Support a healthy libido,
• and even help you manage stubborn belly fat more effectively.

However, when estrogen levels become too high, it can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and increase the risk of certain health issues.

What Causes High Estrogen Levels in Young Women?

High estrogen levels in young women can be caused by various factors. These factors can affect your body's natural hormone balance, leading to increased estrogen production or decreased estrogen breakdown. Here are some common causes of high estrogen levels in young women:

• Excess body fat: Too much body fat can increase estrogen production, as fat tissue can convert other hormones into estrogen.2
• Birth control pills: Taking oral contraceptives can introduce extra synthetic estrogen into your body, potentially leading to complex hormonal imbalances.3
• Endocrine disruptors: Exposure to certain chemicals, called hormone disruptors, can affect estrogen levels in young women. These substances imitate natural hormones or interfere with how the body controls hormones, which can disrupt the body’s normal balance.4
• Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance can cause elevated estrogen levels in young women by boosting the activity of aromatase, an enzyme responsible for producing estrogen. It also contributes to increased body fat, further exacerbating hormonal imbalances.5
• Poor detoxification: Excess estrogen must be detoxified, and you need a healthy gut and liver for that. Factors like poor diet, alcohol consumption, and excessive environmental chemicals can hinder this process, leading to estrogen excess.6
• Estrogen receptor hypersensitivity: Estrogen receptor hypersensitivity plays a significant role beyond just the amount of estrogen in your body. Increased sensitivity to estrogen, which can often be problematic, may occur due to factors like chronic inflammation, elevated histamine levels, genetics, or even an iodine deficiency.
• Drinking unfiltered water: Unfiltered water can increase estrogen levels because it contains chemicals that mimic estrogen from medications (such as contraceptive pills), plastics, phthalates, and pesticides.7
• Dirty genes: These can influence the body's ability to process and regulate hormones like estrogen. When certain genes, such as those responsible for detoxification or hormone metabolism, are not functioning optimally, it can lead to an imbalance in estrogen levels. This may result in an accumulation of harmful estrogen metabolites, increasing the risk of symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, or more serious conditions over time.^†
• High levels of histamine: While histamine per se does not directly lead to more estrogen production, high estrogen encourages mast cells to produce higher levels of histamine while suppressing the DAO enzyme responsible for breaking down histamine, especially when there is low progesterone. This leads to an increase in histamine, which, in turn, triggers the ovaries to produce even more estrogen. It’s a vicious cycle!8

Low progesterone is often closely linked to issues with estrogen balance. Several factors can contribute to reduced progesterone levels, including the use of hormonal birth control, nutrient deficiencies, and underlying health conditions such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), which is often associated with excessive sugar intake, elevated insulin levels, and chronic stress.

To address symptoms of hormonal imbalance, it’s always a good idea to work with a healthcare professional. They can help identify the underlying causes and guide you toward the best solutions for your health.

Understanding the Connection Between Dirty Genes and High Estrogen

Did you know that genetics could play a significant role in your hormone health?

High estrogen levels can be a telltale sign of Dirty Genes—genes that aren’t functioning at their best due to genetic variations or lifestyle and environmental factors.

These genes directly influence how your body processes estrogen, toxins, and hormones. If they’re not working properly, it could lead to hormonal imbalances and a cascade of related health issues.

• Slow COMT: The COMT gene plays an important role in breaking down estrogen and other substances in the body. When this gene is dirty, it can make it harder for the body to process and remove estrogen. This can cause estrogen levels to build up.
• Dirty MTHFR: The MTHFR gene is important because it participates in methylation, which your body also uses to get rid of chemicals, such as xenoestrogens, and keep your hormones in balance. When MTHFR doesn't work properly, it can cause problems with how your body handles estrogen, which can lead to hormone imbalances.
• Dirty GST/GPX: These genes help the body get rid of harmful substances. If they aren’t working well, it can cause xenoestrogens to build up, affecting hormones.
• The relationship between high estrogen and DAO: High estrogen is not directly caused by a Dirty DAO. However, it causes mast cells to release more histamine while inhibiting the DAO enzyme, which breaks down histamine, especially in your gut and uterus. This causes histamine levels to rise, prompting your ovaries to produce additional estrogen.

How Do Estrogen Disruptors Cause Estrogen Levels to Rise?

Estrogen disruptors, also known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), can cause estrogen levels to rise in several ways. They can be found in everyday items and the environment around us.

These chemicals can mimic estrogen in the body, interfere with natural estrogen, or affect how the body makes and breaks down estrogen.9

Everyday estrogen disruptors and where they can be found include:10,11,12

• Bisphenol A (BPA): Found in plastic products, food cans, and dental sealants
• Phthalates: Used in plastics, personal care products, and food packaging
• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): Industrial chemicals found in old electrical equipment and building materials
• Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs): Used as flame retardants in furniture, electronics, and textiles
• Pesticides: Including DDT, atrazine, and organophosphates
• Parabens: Used as preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products
• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Found in non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and food packaging
• Triclosan: An antibacterial agent used in some soaps and personal care products
• Heavy metals: Such as lead, mercury, and cadmium
• Dioxins: Industrial byproducts that can contaminate food and the environment
• Alkylphenols: Used in detergents, pesticides, and personal care products

Symptoms and Health Risks Associated with High Estrogen

Common symptoms you might experience if you're young and your estrogen levels are too high, especially if combined with low progesterone, include:

• Irregular periods
• Heavy bleeding
• Bloating and weight gain, especially around the waist and hips
• Breast tenderness or swelling
• Mood swings and irritability
• Headaches
• Feeling tired all the time
• Less interest in sex
• Lumpy or painful breasts
• Worsening of PMS symptoms
• Hair loss
• Trouble sleeping
• Feeling agitated or blue

Some of the health risks associated with excessive estrogens, both natural and synthetic, include:13

• Uterine fibroids
• Thyroid suppression
• Ovarian cysts
• Autoimmune issues
• Infertility

Remember, if you're experiencing these signs and symptoms, it's important to talk to a doctor. They can help figure out if high estrogen is the cause and suggest ways to help you feel better.

Effective Ways to Lower Estrogen Levels Naturally

Maintaining healthy estrogen levels is crucial for overall well-being, and you can take several actionable steps to support hormonal balance. Consider the following tips:

• Address insulin resistance: Identify and reverse insulin resistance to reduce excess production of estrone, a form of estrogen. Regular exercise, reducing sugar intake, losing fat while gaining muscle, and maintaining a balanced diet can aid can support healthy insulin metabolism.
• Fix your histamine issues: Our free Histamine Intolerance Guide can help you start addressing your high histamine levels.
• Minimize exposure to xenoestrogens: Limit your exposure to xenoestrogens, which are hormone-disrupting chemicals found in unfiltered water, plastics, pesticides, and personal care products. Opt for glass containers, organic produce, and natural non-toxic alternatives to support your health.
• Eat vegetables rich in phytoestrogens: Incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet, particularly those rich in phytoestrogens. These plant-based compounds, found in foods like broccoli, kale, and flaxseeds, can help support the regulation of estrogen levels naturally.14
• Work on your gut health: Keeping your gut healthy is important for managing estrogen in your body. Eating foods with probiotics, like yogurt, and prebiotics, like fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, can support the growth of good bacteria. Download our free How Your Digestion Works Guide and our Leaky Gut Guide to discover everything you need to know about gut health.
• Reduce alcohol and unhealthy food: Cut back on alcohol and unhealthy food, such as packed snacks, sugary drinks, and fast food, to promote healthy estrogen metabolism. Excessive alcohol and the chemicals inside these foods can strain the liver, impairing its ability to process and detox hormones effectively.
• Consume cruciferous vegetables: Foods like broccoli and cabbage contain Di-indole-methane (DIM), which supports healthy estrogen metabolism.15
• Explore alternative contraceptive methods: Avoid contraceptive pills, which can influence hormone dynamics. Opt for other methods, such as an intrauterine device (IUD) and condoms, to manage contraception without hormonal side effects.
• Increase iodine-rich foods: Make sure that the salt you use is iodized to meet your daily iodine requirements, and incorporate more iodine-rich foods into your diet, such as seafood, seaweed, dairy products, and eggs.
• Read Dirty Genes to learn how to effectively clean your genes and support good health.

As scientific research shows, several vitamins and minerals are crucial in supporting estrogen balance in young women. Here is a list of key nutrients that can help maintain healthy estrogen levels:^†

• Calcium: Supports bone health and may influence estrogen metabolism.16
• Vitamin D: Works with calcium to maintain healthy bone density and support normal estrogen activity.17
• Magnesium: Interacts with estrogen and supports bone health.18
• Vitamin B6: Involved in estrogen metabolism and may help support healthy hormone level balance.19
• Vitamin B12: Participates in one-carbon metabolism and can help support healthy estrogen levels.20
• Folate: Important for supporting healthy estrogen metabolism and overall hormonal balance.21
• Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant and may support normal estrogen activity.22
• Omega-3 fatty acids: These may help support the modulation of estrogen metabolism.23
• Zinc: Supports overall hormonal balance and healthy estrogen levels.
• Selenium: Acts as an antioxidant and supports healthy estrogen metabolism.

It's important to note that while these nutrients can support estrogen balance, a balanced diet, and healthy lifestyle are crucial for overall hormonal health.

Seeking Health™ Estrogen Metabolism Supplements^†

Listen to your body and give it the special care a woman needs! Our Estrogen Metabolism Supplements nurture hormone balance in support of healthy weight, emotional well-being, and metabolism, regardless of age. They are formulated to be easily added to your daily routine to help your body get the nutrients it needs when diet alone may not be enough. You can relax knowing Seeking Health's estrogen metabolism supplements are gluten-free and non-GMO.^†

Everyday Supplements for Estrogen Support^†

Optimal Magnesium is ideal for those seeking the health benefits of magnesium from two different types of magnesium in one easy-to-take capsule. Each serving provides 150 mg of magnesium in the superior lysinate-glycinate and malate forms.^†

Vitamin D3 is a liquid vitamin D3 supplement delivered in a pure olive oil base without fillers, preservatives, or sweeteners. The fatty base supports optimal absorption of the fat-soluble vitamin. As a result, there is no need to take it with food. Vitamin D3 Drops is gluten-free and free from GMO markers.^†

B Complex Plus (and B Complex MF if you’re sensitive to methylated vitamins) includes 680 mcg DFE (400 mcg) of the active, methylated form of folate. Active folate is known as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). It is the only form of folate that crosses the blood-brain barrier. It supports MTHFR gene variations and healthy methylation throughout your body.^†

Liver Nutrients is an all-in-one liver support dietary supplement. This synergistic blend of nutrients and herbs supports the healthy metabolism of toxins and hormones in the liver. This formula also promotes normal glutathione production and liver cell regeneration.^†

Extra Support for Estrogen Balance^†

Calcium D-Glucarate supports Phase II estrogen detoxification (glucuronidation). It's recommended to take it during days 10-28 of your cycle when estrogen levels tend to be higher. You may also want to try Dr. Lynch’s Pulse Method while using it.^†

DIM + I3C During times of elevated estrogen, such as before and during ovulation, consider using DIM + I3C to support balanced estrogen levels, particularly if you experience PMS symptoms. It’s recommended to take this supplement starting about 5 days before ovulation and continuing until a few days after, then stop and do the same thing the next month. Be sure to always monitor your estrogen levels and overall health in collaboration with your healthcare practitioner. Also, consider incorporating Dr. Lynch’s Pulse Method when taking it.^†

Glutathione Plus Lozenge contains Emothion® S-Acetyl-L-Glutathione, A trademarked form of glutathione researched to be more stable than other types. It acts as your body's master antioxidant and supports healthy aging, stress resilience, immune health, liver health, exercise performance and recovery, and detoxification.^†

The Bottom Line

Balancing your estrogen levels is essential for your health and well-being. High estrogen can lead to symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, and heavy periods, but the good news is that small, intentional changes can make a big impact. Focus on a nutrient-rich diet, regular exercise, and reducing exposure to hormone disruptors. Supplements like DIM, magnesium, and vitamin D can further support your body's natural detox pathways.^†

If you're naturally curious about your genetics, the StrateGene® Report is a powerful tool to guide your journey. Developed by Dr. Ben Lynch, it identifies over 100 genetic variations in 9 Key Health areas, including the Histamine and Methylation Pathways. The report breaks down the complex science behind your genes in an easy-to-understand way, offering practical steps to help you optimize your health, including your hormones.