Estrogen includes a group of hormones that play a vital role in the growth and development of female reproductive system and sexual characteristics. It is responsible for the development of breast tissue and uterine lining. Estrogen prepares the body for ovulation. However, not all estrogens of this group have the same function. Some of them are associated with the increased risk of developing breast cancer.
These are called the bad estrogens and are a common problem for women in North America.
The condition of excess estrogen in the body is called Estrogen Dominance and it generally occurs due to too much stress, excessive caffeine intake, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy and xenostrogen from cleaning products, cosmetics and plastics.
Signs of estrogen dominance include uncontrollable weight gain, acne, fatigue, irritability, premenstrual symptoms of breast tenderness and brain fog. This condition can lead to worsening certain health problems such as infertility, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, fibrcystic breasts and repeated miscarriages. Also, it increases the risk of cancer development.
Other signs:
Bloating
Premenstrual headache
Irregular menstrual periods
Decreased libido
Hair loss
Mood swings
Cold hands and feet
Thyroid dysfunction
PMS
Slow metabolism
Sleep disorders (insomnia)
Fatigue
Estrogen detoxification requires proper diet which can remove the excess estrogen from the liver, and regulation of estrogen cell receptors. This diet will balance your hormones, clear your skin and promote weight loss.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables are vegetables of the family Brassicaceae (also called Cruciferae), such as cauliflower, cabbage, garden cress, bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts and similar green leafy vegetables, which contain natural compound called indole-3-carbinol, or I3C. This nutrient is converted into diindolymethane (DIM) which has the ability to eliminate excess estrogen from the liver. It is recommended that you consume a minimum of 3-4 servings of these vegetables in a week.
Rosemary
Rosemary in combination with meats stimulates the production of the good estrogen. It is loaded with antioxidants which can improve memory and thyroid function, promote weight loss, speed up the metabolism and boost energy levels.