You’ve heard the term “estrogen dominance” before — maybe even suspected it.
But here’s the truth no one tells you:
You don’t need high estrogen to feel like you’re drowning in it.
In fact, your real issue might be something else entirely.
💡 What “Estrogen Dominance” Really Means
The term "estrogen dominance" sounds simple — too much estrogen, right?
Not always.
In many women, the problem isn't too much estrogen, but too little progesterone to balance it.
That’s why many experts now prefer the term unopposed estrogen.
Estrogen and progesterone are meant to dance together, each keeping the other in check.
When one goes missing, the music changes — and your body feels it.
🤝 Estrogen & Progesterone: A Delicate Balance
Here’s how they’re supposed to work together:
|
Estrogen does this... |
Progesterone does this... |
|
Thickens your uterine lining |
Thins it out |
|
Stimulates the brain |
Calms the brain |
|
Increases histamine |
Lowers histamine |
|
Promotes cell growth in breasts |
Slows cell growth |
When progesterone is low, estrogen’s effects become louder and harsher.
The result? A whole mess of symptoms that feel familiar to so many women.
🚩 Common Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance (aka unopposed estrogen):
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Painful or heavy periods
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Sore breasts
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Mood swings or anxiety
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Headaches or migraines
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Bloating and water retention
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Weight gain (especially around hips or thighs)
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Trouble sleeping
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Low libido
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Fertility issues
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Worsening PMS
And no — you’re not crazy for feeling all of this.
You’re not weak.
You’re not overreacting.
You’re just not being told the full story.
🧠 Why This Happens — Especially Today
Many women experience unopposed estrogen because their progesterone is low — even if their estrogen is “normal.”
Here’s why that might be happening:
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Stress: When your body is under stress, it prioritizes cortisol — and that steals resources from progesterone.
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Under-eating / Overtraining: Not eating enough or exercising too hard tells your body it's unsafe to ovulate. No ovulation = no progesterone.
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PCOS or irregular cycles: No ovulation = no progesterone. Period.
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Hormonal birth control: Many types suppress ovulation, and with it, progesterone production.
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Perimenopause: Your first hormonal dip in your 30s or 40s is often progesterone, not estrogen.
🧪 The (Often Missed) Test You Need
Most hormone tests only check your estrogen — and often on the wrong day.
To truly understand what’s going on, you need to test both estrogen and progesterone, after ovulation (about day 19–21 of your cycle).
That’s when progesterone should be at its peak.
If it’s not? You’re likely dealing with unopposed estrogen.
What You Can Do About It
If you’re nodding along to this article, know this:
There is so much you can do to feel better.
But it starts with the right knowledge and testing.
Step one? Don’t ignore your symptoms.
Step two? Understand your hormonal rhythm.
Step three? Work with someone who can help you bring your balance back — naturally.
Estrogen isn’t your enemy.
Your body isn’t broken.
It’s asking for support.
Let’s stop normalizing suffering — and start listening to what your cycle is really saying.