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The general assumption about PMS is that it is normal and women are expected to live with it.. But this is not true. Addressing the underlying hormone imbalance can relieve PMS symptoms.
The term “estrogen dominance” can be confusing at times because it does not relate solely to the amount of circulating estrogen in the body, but rather to the relationship between estrogen and progesterone. Contrary to popular belief, many of the symptoms experienced during menopause or with PMS are not due to estrogen deficiency, but rather are due to estrogen dominance.
Could You Have Estrogen Dominance?
Although estrogen levels do decline with age (approximately 40 - 60% at menopause), more relevant is the fact that, at menopause, progesterone levels plummet by close to 90% from premenopausal levels. It is the relative loss of progesterone that causes the majority of symptoms termed “estrogen dominance.” This disproportionate loss of progesterone begins in the latter stages of a woman’s reproductive years, when impairments to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle begin.
The reduction in progesterone production is initiated when the remnant tissue of the follicle post ovulation (called the corpus luteum) begins to lose its functional capacity. Outside of pregnancy, the corpus luteum is the primary source of progesterone in the female body. By the time a woman reaches her mid-thirties, luteal phase defects are common and result in decreased progesterone production by the corpus luteum. Also increasingly common beginning at this time, are anovulatory cycles which result in a lack of corpus luteum formation and thus, a virtual lack of progesterone production. It is during this time that a relative progesterone deficiency, or what has become known as estrogen dominance, develops.
Through saliva testing, we can accurately diagnose your hormone imbalance. We can then correct this imbalance using bio-identical hormones, nutrition, dietary supplements, and lifestyle changes.
At Abundant Life Health Care, we want to help you discover your optimal energy and wellness. Request an appointment to start your journey today.