Estrogen dominance is a very common hormonal imbalance that affects many women I work with, causing a range of unpleasant symptoms like weight gain, sleep issues, mood swings, and irregular periods. This is a real struggle! Sometimes having a good supplement to help your body detox excess estrogen will be a life changer!

What is Estrogen Dominance?

Estrogen dominance is tested in its relationship to progesterone. AND if you’re still having your period, you’ll want to check this around day 20 of your cycle. This is the time when progesterone should be high compared with estrogen. If the ratio is low then you have estrogen dominance.

Estrogen dominance is largely caused by your body’s struggle to release excess estradiol in conjunction with lower progesterone production. Excess estradiol can recirculate in your body when your liver is struggling to process and release the excess. It can also be caused by environmental toxins, heavy metals, gut microbiome imbalances and stress. 

Best Supplements For Estrogen Dominance

Fortunately, there are several well studies supplements that can help your body release excess estrogen and change your life. In this blog post I’m highlighting three of my favorites: DIM (Diindolylmethane), Calcium D-Glucarate, and Iodine.

1. DIM (Diindolylmethane) for Estrogen Dominance

DIM is a natural compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. It plays a vital role in estrogen metabolism by promoting the conversion of harmful estrogen metabolites into less active forms so your body can easily excrete it. Here’s how DIM can help with estrogen dominance:

• Balancing Estrogen Levels: DIM helps regulate estrogen by promoting a healthy balance between estrogen metabolites, reducing the dominance of the more aggressive forms.

• Detoxification: DIM supports liver function, enhancing the body’s ability to eliminate excess estrogen and toxins.

• Anti-Inflammatory: DIM possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate symptoms associated with estrogen dominance, such as breast tenderness and bloating.

2. Calcium D-Glucarate for Estrogen Dominance

Calcium D-Glucarate is a natural substance found in fruits and vegetables. It aids in the detoxification of the body by inhibiting the activity of beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme responsible for recycling estrogen in the gut. Here’s how Calcium D-Glucarate can be beneficial:

• Estrogen Detoxification: By inhibiting beta-glucuronidase, Calcium D-Glucarate helps the body excrete excess estrogen through the digestive system, preventing its reabsorption.

• Liver Support: Like DIM, Calcium D-Glucarate supports liver health, enhancing its ability to metabolize and eliminate estrogen effectively.

• Hormone Balance: This supplement can contribute to hormonal balance, reducing the symptoms of estrogen dominance.

3. Iodine for Estrogen Dominance

Iodine is an essential trace element that plays a crucial role in thyroid function and hormone regulation. Iodine is available in most sea foods including fish, shellfish and seaweeds. I recommend using food sources for your iodine rather than supplementing. OR you can ask your doctor to test your iodine levels to determine if you need supplementation. That said, estrogen dominance can sometimes be linked to thyroid dysfunction, making iodine an important mineral to consider:

• Thyroid Health: Iodine supports thyroid function, which in turn affects the balance of hormones in the body, including estrogen.

• Estrogen Detoxification: Iodine can help the body eliminate excess estrogen, reducing the overall estrogen burden.

• Antioxidant Properties: Iodine also possesses antioxidant properties, which can combat oxidative stress associated with hormonal imbalances.

How to Incorporate Estrogen Dominance Supplements

These estrogen dominance supplements can support estrogen metabolism, detoxification, and overall hormonal harmony when combined with clean, low inflammatory eating and exercise. Most supplements are taken once a day based on the serving size provided by the manufacturer. I do recommend that you test one supplement before trying another for one full cycle. If you’d like more personalized recommendations, you can join my Fabulous Over 40 program where you’ll receive an at home functional medicine lab to help guide specific supplement and dietary recommendations. 

To get 20% off the retail price for all your supplements, go to my Fullscript dispensary here. If you’re in the UK or EU leave a comment below and I’ll send you a link to local well stocked dispensaries I use there with my international clients. 

Disclaimer: Before adding any new supplements to your routine, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medication. They can provide personalized guidance on dosage and suitability based on your individual needs.