The Rise of Estrogen Dominance: A Growing Threat to Hormonal Health for both Men and Women

The rise of estrogen dominance, driven by modern diets and environmental factors, is an under-recognized threat to both men’s and women’s health & well-being.

Some have gone as far as to say men's health is literally under attack by environmental factors that are way beyond what past generations had to contend with. Testosterone levels are 50% less in men than they were just 50 years ago. Young men and boys are at risk.

70% of women suffer or have suffered from hormonal problems, with 1 in 10 women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) alone, being a leading cause of infertility.

While our bodies naturally produce estrogen, today’s world bombards us with extra sources and we are all suffering from the effects in one way or another.

Estrogen dominance is no longer just a theoretical problem—it’s a real, rising threat impacting men and women worldwide. In men its bordering on an emergency that has to be dealt with for the physical and emotional health of future generations.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone and high Estrogen (Estradiol) in Men include:

1. breast enlargement (signs of high estrogen and low testosterone)
2. shrinking muscles
3. Erectile Dysfunction & Shrinking testicles
4. decreased body hair (on head, body, chest, legs)
5. Increased belly fat
6. Low Sex Drive
7. Mental Symptoms Include: Fatigue, Depression & Anxiety 

Symptoms of high estrogen (Estrogen Dominance) in Women include:

Note: when measuring estrogen in women, its important to note that even if your estrogen levels are testing in the normal range- it's still considered high if your progesterone levels are low in comparison. Estrogen Dominance is a condition where Estrogen is high in relation to progesterone. This condition causes many health issues.

1. PMS
2. Headaches
3. Cysts & Fibroids
4. Depression & Anxiety
5. Irregular or heavy menstrual periods
6. Breast tenderness or pain
7. Fatigue
8. Low Libido

While our bodies naturally produce estrogen, today’s world bombards us with extra sources—from what we eat to the containers we use daily. Three main vectors contribute to the rise of estrogen dominance: food, environment, and lifestyle habits.

Food We Eat: Hidden Hormones on the Plate

The Biggest source of Estrogen: Animal products (including Fish)

Animal products such as milk, meats, and eggs often come from livestock injected with synthetic hormones to accelerate growth and boost production. Notably, increased estrogen in dairy cows maximizes milk output, while laying hens are given hormone compounds to increase egg production. When we consume these foods, estrogenic substances accumulate in our bodies.

Fish are not immune, either. In fact they may be worse. Our oceans and waterways are heavily polluted with environmental contaminants—including pesticide runoff from farmland and hormone residues from pharmaceuticals—which contribute to elevated estrogen levels in aquatic life. Fish are highly susceptible to these hormones. Pesticides, Insecticides, and herbicides mimic estrogen and can cause high or altered estrogen levels by acting as endocrine disruptors. These chemicals, known as endocrine disruptors, concentrate in the tissue of fish and can readily enter our bodies when eaten.

Many have heard the claims: soy products contain plant estrogens, or phytoestrogens. While moderate soy intake may be harmless for most people, our ever-increasing reliance on soy-based ingredients in processed foods has pushed exposures to unprecedented levels. Soy lecithin, soy protein isolates, and other derivatives pervade baked goods, snacks, salad dressings, and more.

• Soy phytoestrogens mimic real estrogen in the body, potentially tipping hormonal balance.
• Flax seeds, while nutritious, also pack high concentrations of phytoestrogens. Overuse, especially as a daily supplement, might inadvertently raise estrogenic activity.

Modern packaging practices have made plastic impossible to avoid. Most foods, beverages, and even take-out containers rely heavily on plastics—many of which leach chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) or phthalates. These substances:

• Leach more readily into foods when exposed to heat (e.g., microwaving leftovers in plastic containers)
• Plastic-lined coffee cups—yes, those “paper” cups are actually lined with plastic
• Persist in water bottles, canned goods, and cling wraps

Ongoing, low-level exposure to these compounds can mimic or interfere with natural estrogen, making plastic a silent contributor to hormonal chaos.

Chronic Stress can lead to increased estrogen levels. 

When the body experiences stress, it releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can interfere with the production and metabolism of estrogen, leading to:

• Increased estrogen production:  Cortisol can stimulate the ovaries to produce more estrogen.
• Decreased estrogen breakdown: Cortisol can inhibit the liver from breaking down estrogen, leading to higher levels in the bloodstream. 

1. Detox the Liver- the liver filters excess estrogen (inquire about  Kidney Rejuvenate- a Japanese Herbal Cleanse for the Liver and Kidneys), Green Tea detoxes the liver, be sure to exercise
2.  Natural Fiber- Consume Lots and lots of natural fiber from vegetables and fruits- fiber removes excess estrogen from the colon. Make sure to resolve constipation issues
3.  Herbs to Remove Excess Estrogen- For women these herbs include Sarsaparilla and Red Clover - for a powerful herbal blend for women check out  Balance to regulate proper hormone balance) . For Men opt for  Boost which balances the adrenal gland which helps the body normalize hormone levels. Boost also increases energy levels & libido. 

Acknowledging The Rise of Estrogen Dominance: A Growing Threat to Hormonal Health in Men and Women is the first step. Next, you can make practical shifts to protect your balance:

• Adopt a Vegetarian Diet or as close to one as possible. If not possible Choose hormone free animal products grown on small local farms Meat, dairy, and eggs labeled “hormone-free” "grass finished" reduce dietary exposure. Best if you know the farmer
• Avoid processed foods which often contain soy-derived ingredients and are exposed to pesticides
• Never put hot food on plastic plates or hot drinks in plastic or  "paper" cups
• Never microwave food in plastic containers, and avoid plastic wraps, especially with hot or fatty foods.
• Opt for reusable cups made from glass, stainless steel, or ceramic—particularly for hot drinks.
• Choose local pesticide free or local organic to reduce pesticide intake. Verify with the farmer that they dont spray their fields
• De-Stress- Stress can cause high estrogen levels so sleeping well and engaging in activities that make you happy can help significantly.
• Support your body’s natural detoxification with a liver cleanse