Increased levels of estrogen, or estrogen dominance syndrome, may be experienced by a woman at any point in her life. According to complementary medicine practitioner Dr. Ronald Hoffman, excessive levels of estrogen and a deficiency of progesterone cause many problems faced by women. These problems often start when the woman is young. If she suffers extremely difficult periods a doctor may prescribe birth control pills to regulate them. Other women develop these increased levels of estrogen as their life progresses.
Diet
The amount of fiber in the woman's diet is a major cause of high estrogen levels. If she eats a diet low in fiber the estrogen levels circulating in the blood stream tend to rise. This is because extra estrogen leaves the body via the bowel. When it is unable to be processed it is reabsorbed.
Liver Disease or Impairment
High estrogen levels can affect all people. If the liver is overloaded, it cannot process excess estrogen. Because estrogen is absorbed through foods and produced in the bodies of both men and women, it may build up in an over-taxed liver. This happens most frequently in men who have liver damage. They may develop gynecomastia, which includes such symptoms as enlarged breasts and loss of male pubic hair. In women, even two alcoholic drinks per day may significantly raise the estrogen levels in the body---by as much as 32 percent, according to Dr. Ronald Hoffman.
Ovarian Cysts and Cancers
Stein-Leventhal syndrome, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, affects 5 to 10 percent of women of childbearing age, according to Lab Tests Online. This may lead to heightened levels of estrogen and other hormonal imbalances. If the tissue in the uterus is damaged it may be unable to produce estrogen blockers.
Men and women may also develop estrogen-producing tumors. These increased levels of estrogen may lead to breast cancer in both sexes, and perhaps ovarian tumors in women. Heightened levels of estrogen are often used as a diagnoses tool in detecting these cancers.
The Environment
Xenoestrogens are a substance found in the environment. These include things like PCBs, pesticides, phthalates, and DDT. Though DDT has been banned it is still present in the environment. All of these xenoestrogens can cause increased levels of estrogen, which may lead to disease in the female body. A healthy diet of organic foods may assist in lowering exposure to these xenoestrogens.
Testosterone
Though it may seem counter-intuitive, taking testosterone may increase the levels of estrogen in the body, according to Vancouver Coastal Health. A person taking steroids or beginning sex-reassignment surgery may unwittingly take testosterone in excess. In the body the excess testosterone is converted by aromatase into estrogen.
