Estrogen is a commonly mentioned hormone, known as the female sex hormone, parallel to the likes of testosterone and progesterone. What most people don't know, however, is that estrogen imbalances can affect your weight, health, and mood.

And YES, this affects both men and women!

So what does estrogen do?

Estrogen helps to increase good cholesterol and bone formation, while also helping with protein synthesis. It is also responsible for sodium (salt) and water retention. It also has a lot to do with other factors specific to men and women:

Estrogen in females:

Women often have higher amounts of blood estrogen after their first period, until menopause. This helps with the development of secondary sexual characteristics, accelerates the burning of body fat, and reduces muscle bulk.

Estrogen in males:

The maturation of sperm is aided by estrogen, and it is needed to keep a healthy libido.

What happens if I don't have enough estrogen?

Having too little estrogen is known as "estrogen deficiency" and should be taken seriously, though many people are unaware of this problem.

Physical effects:

- Increased risk of heart disease

- Atherosclerosis (hardening and thinning of arteries)

- Painful intercourse

- UTI's

- Decreased bone density

- Infertility

Mental/Emotional effects:

- Lowered mood

- Fatigue

- Poor concentration

Why might I not be producing enough estrogen?

There are a few different factors that can contribute to the lack of estrogen, such as excessive exercise, eating disorders like anorexia, a low-functioning pituitary gland, or things like kidney disease or autoimmune diseases.

How can I raise my estrogen levels?

You can take extreme measures, like getting prescribed, using HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), or starting a hormone-based birth control.

However, if you want to find natural ways, you can. For example, if you are underweight, putting some extra pounds on could help.

If weight isn't a factor for you, you can take natural supplements or eat foods high in estrogen. Some estrogen-rich foods are:

- Soy (edamame, etc.)

- Sugar

- Breads, cereals and crackers

What happens if I have too much estrogen?

Having too much estrogen is known as "estrogen dominance" and should be taken seriously, though many people are unaware of this problem.

Physical effects:

- Bloating

- Headaches

- Weight gain

- Hair loss

- Cold hands/feet

- Increased risk of breast cancer

- Increased risk of endometrial cancer

- PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)

- Adrenal gland fatigue

- Severe cramps

Mental/Emotional effects:

- Decreased sex drive

- Mood swings

- Extreme fatigue

- Trouble sleeping

- Difficulty with memory

- Increased PMS symptoms

- Infertility

- Larger breast development (good for women, bad for men)

- Erectile dysfunction (bad for both men and women)

Why might I be producing too much estrogen?

There are dozens of factors that can go into this problem. They range from going through puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, to obesity, hormone therapy, contraceptives, and glandular dysfunction.

Other, more controllable factors such as a stressful lifestyle and "environmental estrogens" may also be the unsuspecting culprits.

What are environmental estrogens?

Estrogen comes in the form of chemicals, foods, or plants, and all forms can alter hormonal activity. A few ways you might unknowingly be putting more estrogen into your body are:

- Nail polish / Nail polish removers

- Cosmetics with parabens

- Condoms

- Pesticides/Herbicides

- X-rays

- Fluoride

- Fabric Softeners

- High electromagnetic fields (TV, computer, cell phone, etc.)

How can I lower my estrogen levels?

Well to start with, avoid all things on the list above, as well as the food listed under "How can I raise my estrogen levels."

There are also ways to control your estrogen intake, like drinking from glass instead of plastic. (Use glass everything, whenever possible. Plastic is the enemy.) You can also use organic soap and toothpaste and buy natural perfumes. Also, limiting caffeine is believed to have a positive effect.

When to see a doctor:

It is absolutely critical that you see a doctor before taking it upon yourself to mess with a system as delicate as your hormones!!!

If you suspect you may have either of these estrogen-related problems, please call your doctor right away.

It is important that your blood levels be taken and tested, in order to be positive of the level of all hormones, as well as being able to take into account other specifics like iron levels, vitamin and mineral levels, how your glands are functioning, etc.

I also can not stress enough that hormonal imbalances are often related to or correspond to, or are also often cause by malfunctions of the:

- Adrenal gland

- Pancreas

- Ovaries

- Hypothalamus

- Testes

I recommend to everyone to get their blood tested. I was found not only that I had estrogen dominance, but that I was also anemic.

Stay informed about your body, the tiniest vitamins can make a world of change.

Sources:

Could You Have Low Estrogen? | HealthyWomen

Environmental impact of estrogens on human, animal and plant life: A ...

Low Estrogen Symptoms: Identification, Treatment, and More

Normal Estradiol Levels in Men - Testosterone Centers of Texas

The Dangers of High Estrogen Levels, Even for Women