What can contribute to Estrogen Dominance?

Estrogen dominance occurs when there is an imbalance between estrogen and other hormones, particularly progesterone. Elevated testosterone can be part of this conversation because, in some cases, testosterone can be converted into estrogen through a process called aromatization. When testosterone levels are high, and there is insufficient progesterone to balance the effects of estrogen, it can lead to an increase in the overall estrogenic effect in the body.

Higher levels of testosterone can result from various factors, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), obesity, and other hormonal conditions. This imbalance may contribute to symptoms often associated with estrogen dominance, such as mood swings, heavy menstrual bleeding, and weight gain.

While cortisol levels, excessive physical activity, and increased vitamin intake can all influence hormone balance, they do not directly lead to estrogen dominance in the same way that elevated testosterone can. High cortisol levels, for instance, can impact hormonal balance and may lead to a decrease in progesterone, but they do not inherently raise estrogen levels. Therefore, while testosterone itself can be a significant contributor to the development of estrogen dominance, other options do not have a direct correlation regarding this specific hormonal imbalance.