Naturopathic Approach to Estrogen Dominance

In Naturopathic Medicine, we think and treat holistically.

My clients are often surprised to learn that all the systems in our bodies are actually involved with hormonal balance and that we don’t simply go to changing hormone levels when treating imbalance. The liver, gut, adrenals (cortisol) and blood sugar (insulin) all play a role.

Here’s an overview of common places I work with my clients to rebalance:

1. Support the Liver (Phase 1 & 2 Detoxification)

The liver is responsible for metabolizing and eliminating excess estrogen so if Phase 1 or 2 are not running smoothly imbalance is the result.

Favourite Client Supplements Include:

  • Milk thistle

  • DIM (diindolylmethane) – supports healthy estrogen metabolism

  • Calcium-D-glucarate – supports glucuronidation (phase 2 detox)

  • N-acetylcysteine (NAC) – boosts glutathione for liver detox

  • B-complex vitamins – especially B6, B12, folate for methylation pathways

A Few Lifestyle Recommendations:

  • Reduce alcohol (can slow estrogen detox)

  • Use castor oil packs over the liver

2. Gut Health

Impaired gut function and dysbiosis plays into estrogen dominance as estrogen gets reabsorbed rather than leaving the system when and as it should. Remember hormones are messengers and having an old message come through the system disrupts the communication and harmony that hormones and our bodies thrive on.

Some things we look at to support gut health in this regard is to :

  • Increase fiber: Aim for 25–35g/day (ground flaxseed, chia, psyllium)

  • Probiotics: Lactobacillus species support estrogen balance

  • Address constipation: Estrogen recirculates if not eliminated via stool

  • Bitters before meals: To stimulate digestion and bile flow

3. Hormone Balancing & Progesterone Support

Addressing hormones more directly is available as well and often we incorporate some of the powerful women’s herbs that have been used for centuries. Working to increase the progesterone is key as often estrogen dominance is due to a relative progesterone deficiency.

  • Vitex (chaste tree berry) – is a great herb that increases progesterone via LH stimulation

  • Maca – is another herb that we use a lot - it’s an adaptogen that may help regulate estrogen/progesterone

  • Bioidentical progesterone is sometimes brought in to bring balance (in Alberta NDs cannot prescribe hormones but if you are in B.C. or Ontario NDs do have those rights)

  • Stress reduction – chronic cortisol deceases progesterone. This is a bigger piece than most of my clients realize when they first come in to bring their hormones back in balance and shifts here create massive shifts in a woman’s hormonal health.

    4. Reduce Estrogen Exposure (Endogenous and Exogenous)

    There are simple shifts at home that women can make that really adds up in the longterm. Many women I work with are shocked that products they use daily are disrupting their hormones. They tell me that they assume that if they can buy it in a store and it doesn't’t say it’s harmful that it must be ok. I have my favourite alternatives that I’ve discovered over the years that make the switch easy.

    The first 3 are from exogenous sources (come from outside) and last one is from our own excess production (in fat tissue).

  • 1. Xenoestrogens: Found in plastics, cosmetics, pesticides -

  • 2. Avoid BPA, phthalates, parabens (use glass, natural products)

  • 3. Animal products: Choose organic to avoid hormone residues

  • 4. Work towards a healthy weight: Fat tissue produces estrogen (via aromatase)

5. Some Nutrition Basics

  • Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts (rich in I3C/DIM)

  • Healthy fats: Avocado, olive oil, flaxseed for hormone synthesis

  • Avoid high-sugar and high-refined carb diets

  • Protein: needed for liver detox and hormone synthesis (clean, organic) - most women are deficient

  • Find out your food sensitivities to improve gut health

    CONTRIBUTORS/CAUSES OF ESTROGEN DOMINANCE

    Here’s a mini-summary of some of the contributors to estrogen dominance:

Nutritional Causes

  • Low fiber → decreased estrogen elimination

  • High sugar and refined carbs → increased insulin → more estrogen

  • Excess alcohol → impaired liver detox

  • Deficiencies: Magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, and selenium – key for detox and hormone balance

  • Non-organic food – pesticide/herbicide residues act as endocrine disruptors

    Lifestyle & Environmental Causes

  • Chronic stress → cortisol steals progesterone → unopposed estrogen

  • Xenoestrogens: Plastics, synthetic fragrances, personal care products

  • Poor sleep - disrupts hormonal rhythms

  • Sedentary lifestyle – affects metabolism and detoxification

  • Constipation – causes reabsorption of estrogen

I hope this helps you feel empowered and hopeful that balance and feeling your best again is possible!

Reach out for a consult if you’d like some individualized, professional support and accountability at (403 ) 609-8385

Warmly, Dr. Monika 🦋

Monika HerwigComment