Estrogen dominance and histamine intolerance
Did you know that our hormones can have a significant impact on histamine metabolism? The topic of estrogen dominance is particularly interesting. Today we'd like to explain why this is the case.
What do estrogen and progesterone do?
Estrogens are the most important female sex hormones, alternating with progesterone, and their concentrations can constantly change. This depends on various factors such as age, the menstrual cycle, and dietary habits. Estrogens regulate the monthly menstrual cycle by promoting the buildup of the uterine lining and the growth of breast tissue, skin, and hair. Furthermore, estrogen inhibits bone loss and increases blood clotting.
Progesterone plays a particularly important role in the second half of the menstrual cycle, as this is when its production increases. Its purpose is to prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy. Progesterone also activates the thyroid gland, counteracts cellulite and wrinkles, and ensures bone strength. If progesterone levels are too low, estrogen dominance can occur.
What is estrogen dominance?
The term estrogen dominance is essentially used to describe a condition in the body in which estrogen levels are generally higher than normal. This primarily affects women during menopause, but can also occur in younger women – and even in men.
What could be the causes of estrogen dominance?
Estrogen dominance can have a variety of causes. As mentioned earlier, menopause is often responsible. However, diet can also play a significant role, as can being overweight, using contraceptives, or experiencing a mineral imbalance.
During menopause, a woman's entire hormonal balance changes. The ovaries cease hormone production, and progesterone is no longer needed in large quantities. This results in a typical estrogen dominance. This occurs through cycles without ovulation.
Hormonal contraceptives have various effects on the body – they prevent ovulation, fertilization of the egg does not occur, and the uterine lining is altered. Most hormonal contraceptives contain progestins, which influence our hormonal system and disrupt hormone production.
Nutrition is not only particularly important for those with histamine intolerance or for disease prevention, but it also plays a role in our hormonal balance. Some foods can help to balance hormonal imbalances. Conversely, there are also foods that can exacerbate imbalances. For example, soy can have an estrogenic effect (soy should be avoided anyway if you have histamine intolerance).
How can I recognize estrogen dominance?
Recognizing estrogen dominance on its own is difficult because the symptoms can be very diverse :
- Irregular or otherwise abnormal menstruation
- Water retention or a bloated feeling
- PMS symptoms
- Thyroid problems
- Mood swings
- Headaches or migraines (often premenstrual)
- weight gain
- Sleep disorders
- Tiredness, exhaustion
- Histamine intolerance
For this reason, it is very important to have any possible estrogen dominance checked by a doctor.
What is the connection between estrogen dominance and histamine intolerance?
IMPORTANT: Estrogen dominance can be accompanied by an increased histamine level in the body, which is why symptoms of histamine intolerance may be more pronounced, especially at the beginning of menstruation and around the time of ovulation.
How can I cope with estrogen dominance?
Estrogen dominance can be counteracted with herbal remedies or hormones. However, we recommend that you first have a doctor determine whether there is indeed an excess or a deficiency, and to what extent.
Here are our 5 tips on what else you can do if you have estrogen dominance:
- Make an appointment with an endocrinologist (a specialist in hormones) and find out if you have estrogen dominance.
- If you receive a positive test result, follow a 100% low-histamine diet.
- A nutrient deficiency can disrupt hormonal balance. Therefore, ensure you're getting enough nutrients to support your hormonal equilibrium. A blood test at the doctor's office can reveal any potential nutrient deficiencies.
- Plants like maca, chaste tree, yarrow, or yam are also traditionally used – but be careful with chaste tree and MCAS!
- Nourish your gut with plenty of good fiber and probiotic cultures. A gut cleanse would also be advisable!