Do you ever wonder why your estrogen levels are elevated — whether you’re a man or a woman?
High estrogen isn't just a women’s health concern; it can create major health problems for both genders. Let's dive deep into the top 5 reasons why your estrogen might be high, how it affects you, and what you can do about it.
Need expert help balancing your hormones? Click here to schedule a free consult with Dr. J.
Estrogen is not just a single hormone. There are actually three major types:
E1 – Estrone: Predominant after menopause.
E2 – Estradiol: The primary estrogen during a woman’s reproductive years.
E3 – Estriol: A weaker estrogen, mostly during pregnancy and after menopause.
Estradiol (E2) is the strongest and most associated with growth stimulation — which is why high levels can be problematic. Estriol (E3) is much weaker and more protective. In menopause, when the ovaries slow down, the body shifts toward making more estriol through adrenal DHEA.
Men are also affected by estrogens. Elevated estrogens in men can lead to weight gain, mood issues, prostate problems, and even increased cancer risks.
Let’s explore the top five sources:
Plastics are a hidden source of estrogen-like chemicals known as xenoestrogens. When plastics are heated — think microwaving food in plastic containers or leaving water bottles in a hot car — chemicals like BPA and phthalates leach into your food and drinks.
Solutions:
Use stainless steel or glass water bottles.
Avoid microwaving food in plastic.
Choose BPA-free products, although newer BPAs can still be a risk.
Men are especially vulnerable to xenoestrogens because their systems aren’t naturally adapted to handle high levels of estrogen.
Non-organic foods often contain organochlorine pesticides — known for their estrogenic effects. Regular exposure to food, water, or the environment can disrupt your hormonal balance.
Solutions:
Eat organic whenever possible.
Wash the produce thoroughly.
Support your liver’s detox pathways.
Pesticides don’t just disrupt your endocrine system — they also overload your detoxification capacity, making it harder for your body to remove excess estrogens.
Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that mimic estrogen in the body. Soy products (tofu, soy milk, fake meats like Beyond Burgers) are packed with phytoestrogens.
I once had a vegan patient whose estradiol levels were through the roof after consuming high amounts of soy-based foods. It can happen!
Solutions:
Limit processed soy products.
Focus on clean, high-quality proteins (grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish).
Choose hormone-free, pasture-raised animal products.
Even meats should be carefully sourced — opt for organic, hormone-free, and grass-fed whenever possible.
When you eat a high-carb, high-sugar diet, your body produces lots of insulin to lower your blood sugar. High insulin triggers an enzyme called aromatase, which converts testosterone into estrogen.
In men:
More estrogen means reduced libido and increased fat accumulation, especially around the chest and belly.
In women:
Insulin can cause the reverse, increasing testosterone levels, which can trigger:
Acne
Hair growth (face/body)
Weight gain
Menstrual irregularities
Solutions:
Reduce your sugar and refined carb intake.
Follow a low-glycemic eating plan.
Balance meals with healthy fats, clean proteins, and fiber.
Your gut health directly impacts your hormone balance. A healthy gut helps detoxify and eliminate estrogens naturally.
When gut health is poor (SIBO, dysbiosis, Candida, etc.), bad bacteria produce an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase. This enzyme unbinds estrogens that were meant for elimination, allowing them to re-circulate in your body — leading to estrogen dominance.
Solutions:
Support digestion with probiotics and digestive enzymes.
Address gut infections (like SIBO or Candida).
Ensure healthy bile flow and liver detoxification.
Symptoms like bloating, constipation, and indigestion are major red flags that your gut could be feeding into hormonal imbalance.
In functional medicine, we always test — we don’t guess.
If you suspect high estrogen levels, here’s how we assess and personalize your plan:
DUTCH Hormone Panel:
This advanced urine test examines estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and cortisol patterns — and how your body processes hormones.
Comprehensive Stool Testing:
Check for gut infections (H. pylori, Candida, parasites) that contribute to poor hormone detox.
Insulin and Blood Sugar Testing:
Evaluate how well your body manages carbohydrates and insulin sensitivity.
Liver Detox Markers:
Measures how efficiently your body can neutralize and eliminate estrogens and toxins.
Interested in testing your hormones the right way? Schedule your FREE consult with Dr. J here.
Once we understand your unique biochemistry, we can create a customized action plan — using diet, lifestyle, targeted supplementation, and detox support.
After identifying the source of the problem, here are common strategies we use:
Switch to organic foods.
Remove plastic exposure.
Reduce processed soy and fake meats.
Balance blood sugar with nutrient-dense, low-glycemic meals.
Sulfur amino acids like cysteine, glycine, and glutamine help build glutathione — your master detoxifier.
B vitamins (B6, B12, folate) help with methylation, a critical detox pathway for estrogen.
Vitamin C and magnesium further support detoxification.
DIM (Diindolylmethane): Helps metabolize estrogens into safer forms.
Calcium-D-Glucarate: Supports liver detox and reduces beta-glucuronidase activity.
Activated Charcoal or Bentonite Clay: Binds and removes toxins from the gut.
Probiotics and Antimicrobials: Restore gut flora balance.
The best plan always depends on your individual needs, so testing is key.
High estrogen levels can sabotage your health silently for years before symptoms show up — weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, fertility issues, prostate problems, or even increased cancer risks.
The good news?
Functional medicine offers a clear roadmap to find and fix the root cause naturally.
Test your hormones and gut health. Fix your diet, detoxify your pathways, and regulate your blood sugar. Support your body with targeted, strategic supplements.
You deserve vibrant health. Let’s work together to make it happen!
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