1. Look out for cycle length, or, the space between periods.
If you typically have your periods more frequently than every 28 days, you could be high in oestrogen. If you have them less frequently than the typical 28 days, then you could be low oestrogen.
This is assuming you aren’t on hormonal contraceptives, and of course there could be other factors like high prolactin levels.
But, get tracking if not already, to help give you some clues.
2. Different patterns in your mood
Did you know that irritability, or feeling more angry, can be associated with oestrogen dominance?
Whereas low mood, low motivation, low confidence etc, can have links with low oestrogen, in some cases?
Once again, there can of course be other contributing factors, but hormones are definitely one area to consider when it comes to your mood.
3. Physical symptoms
Oestrogen is very good for helping to maintain many parts of us, physically!
So, too little oestrogen and you could notice dry or blemished skin / hair changes, or low libido.
But then too much of a ‘good thing’ can also be problematic too, since high oestrogen can often be associated with menstrual cramps or breast tenderness.
What to do?
1. Nutrients first
Your diet, full of real foods, comprising essential nutrients and healthy fats – are the building blocks for healthy hormones. So this is a good place to start for most, but also if you have a regular cycle but still suffer from stubborn symptoms.
Consider optimising your diet first, then a further step could be adding in a fuller spectrum multivitamin to boost your levels further.
2. Prioritise good sleep & limit stress as much as possible
Getting sufficient sleep and managing stress as much as possible helps keep your sex hormones in check, since they don’t tend to do well in 'crisis' situations.
3. Herbal helpers
The herb Agnus castus can be helpful in cases of high oestrogen since it can help to support the body’s natural progesterone levels, whilst also deterring high prolactin - another hormone imbalance that can crop up, especially after hormonal contraceptive use.1
On the other hand, a fermented soy isoflavones complex can be helpful if oestrogen is low and in need of some gentle support.
