Signs you’re estrogen dominant

As the seasons shift and routines get busier, it’s easy to brush off symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, or heavy periods as “just stress.” 

But often, these aren’t just lifestyle hiccups. They’re signs of something deeper happening in your hormone health. For many of us, the underlying issue is estrogen dominance—a hormonal imbalance that can affect everything from your period to your energy levels, and even conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids. From heavy periods to stubborn weight gain, the clues are there. You just need to know what to look for!

With that in mind, we’re unpacking what estrogen dominance looks like, how it manifests, and why birth control is often handed out as a quick fix (but—spoiler alert—doesn’t solve the underlying problem).

Signs You May Be Estrogen Dominant

Estrogen dominance doesn’t happen overnight. It builds gradually, often from stress, poor detoxification, nutrient deficiencies, or environmental toxins (like plastics and pesticides). Some of the most common signs include:

• Heavy or painful periods (sometimes with large blood clots)
• PMS symptoms that feel unbearable—mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression
• Breast tenderness or swelling before your period
• Bloating or water retention (hello, swollen fingers and puffy face)
• Difficulty losing weight—especially around the hips, thighs, or midsection
• Migraines or headaches tied to your cycle
• Irregular cycles or spotting between periods
• Fatigue that no amount of coffee seems to fix

Nodding your head? These symptoms overlap with other hormonal imbalances, but when several of them are present, estrogen dominance is worth exploring.

Why Estrogen Dominance Matters

Let’s be honest: estrogen dominance isn’t just uncomfortable; it can contribute to (or worsen) several health conditions, including PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids.

Estrogen Dominance and PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is typically associated with excess androgens (male hormones), but many women with PCOS also struggle with estrogen dominance. High estrogen paired with low progesterone can prevent ovulation, leading to irregular cycles. This imbalance makes it harder for the body to regulate insulin, support metabolism, and maintain a healthy weight.

Estrogen Dominance and Endometriosis

Endometriosis is fueled by estrogen. When levels are too high, endometrial tissue (which should only grow inside the uterus) can thicken and spread outside of it, causing painful periods, pelvic pain, and inflammation. Women with endometriosis are often told their pain is “normal,” but estrogen dominance is one of the key drivers behind why symptoms worsen over time.

Estrogen Dominance and Fibroids

Fibroids—noncancerous growths in the uterus—are also estrogen-sensitive. The more estrogen circulating in the body, the more likely fibroids are to grow or cause issues like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and fertility challenges.

Supporting Your Body Naturally

If you suspect estrogen dominance, the goal isn’t to “get rid of estrogen.” Instead, it’s about helping your body metabolize and eliminate estrogen effectively while also supporting progesterone. Here are a few ways to do that:

1. Prioritize Liver Support

Your liver is responsible for breaking down excess estrogen. Support it with:

• Cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts)
• Beets, carrots, and leafy greens
• Adequate hydration and fiber for daily elimination

2. Focus on Gut Health

The gut plays a major role in estrogen balance through the estrobolome (a collection of gut bacteria that help metabolize estrogen). A sluggish gut means estrogen can recirculate instead of leaving the body. Signs of a sluggish gut? Bloating, irregular bowel movements, low energy, and skin issues—clues that estrogen may be lingering longer than it should.

Aim for: high-fiber foods (flaxseed, chia, oats, beans, lentils), fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, kefir), and limiting ultra-processed foods that disrupt gut bacteria.

3. Reduce Environmental Estrogen Exposure

Xenoestrogens—estrogen-mimicking chemicals found in plastics, pesticides, and even skincare products—can worsen estrogen dominance. Try swapping to glass or stainless steel containers, organic produce when possible, and cleaner personal care products.

4. Support Progesterone Naturally

Think of progesterone as estrogen’s natural balancer. Support it by:

• Managing stress (cortisol steals the raw materials needed to make progesterone)
• Eating healthy fats with every meal (avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil)
• Getting quality sleep (7-9 hours) to keep your hormones in rhythm

5. Move Your Body

Exercise—especially strength training and moderate cardio—helps your body detox excess estrogen and keeps blood sugar levels stable. Aim to move throughout the day with simple ‘movement snacks.’ I.e. take the stairs, stretch between calls, walk while on the phone, or do a few squats during TV time. It doesn’t have to be a full workout to make a difference.

Where Seed Cycling Fits In

One of the most simple (and natural!) ways to support estrogen and progesterone balance is through seed cycling. This practice uses four types of seeds—flax, pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame—rotated throughout your cycle to gently encourage estrogen in the first half and progesterone in the second half.

Here’s how it works:

• Follicular phase (day 1–14): Flax + pumpkin seeds help support healthy estrogen levels.
• Luteal phase (day 15–28): Sunflower + sesame seeds encourage progesterone production.

Seed cycling isn’t a quick fix, but over time, it can help ease PMS, support regular cycles, and bring hormones back into rhythm! And because it works with your body, it’s a gentle way to nurture long-term balance. In so many ways, this is exactly why we created our daily blend—to make seed cycling easy, delicious, and something you can stick with.

*If you are struggling with any estrogen driven conditions like breast or cervical cancer, always consult a physician before starting any new practice or supplement. 

The Path Forward Starts Here

Estrogen dominance is common, but it doesn’t have to define your health. By tuning into the signs, supporting your body’s natural detox pathways, and looking beyond quick fixes like birth control, you can create real balance in your hormones. Whether you’re navigating PCOS, endometriosis, or fibroids (or just want to feel better in your body!) the path forward starts with awareness and small, consistent changes.