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Ask our Doctors

Skin Renewal Doctors all have a broad knowledge, background and passion for aesthetic medicine. Please feel free to ask them your questions and concerns.

Conditions
Conditions

Oestrogen dominance

Oestrogen dominance occurs when your body has too much oestrogen in comparison with progesterone. Unfortunately, it’s very common in women of all ages and is occurring more often in men. This has been linked to prostate cancer in men.

High oestrogen levels can have very negative health consequences. Oestrogen dominance plays a big role in conditions associated with hormone imbalance such as Endometriosis, Fibroids, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Aesthetic conditions would include Melasma, Acne, Cellulite and weight gain.  

In men, high oestrogen levels can cause the growth of breast tissue (gynecomastia), enlarged prostate, and erectile dysfunction especially in males with excess abdominal fat. High oestrogen levels also increase the risk for hormone-sensitive cancers in both men and women.  

frequently asked
questions

What function does Oestrogen have in the body?

Oestrogen is the primary female sex hormone that is responsible for the development and regulation of the female sexual and reproductive system, but it is also an important hormone for men.   

Oestrogen plays an important role in bone metabolism and protects the cardiovascular system in both men and women. Very low oestrogen levels can lead to weight gain, low libido, muscle weakening, depression, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and fatigue. In women, low oestrogen levels can also cause hot flashes, breast tenderness, mood swings, and irregular or absent periods. 

How is Oestrogen detoxified?

Our body’s ability to detoxify all this excess oestrogen is influenced by our DNA, diet, gut health, exercise, liver health, stress levels and many more factors. There are advanced nutraceutical supplements that support oestrogen detoxification pathways. A healthy lifestyle and the correct supplementation can prevent oestrogen dominance and all the dangers associated with it. 

What can cause oestrogen dominance?
  • Synthetic hormones - Oral contraceptives contain synthetic hormones which contribute to oestrogen dominance. A lifetime of exposure to these synthetic hormones disrupts hormone balance.  
  • Using synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause significantly raises oestrogen levels and carries risks, especially when oestrogen detoxification is poor.  
  • Fertility treatments can also lead to excess oestrogen levels. 
  • Xenoestrogens - We are exposed to many chemicals in our environment which have estrogenic effects and contributes to oestrogen dominance. These are called xenoestrogens such as BPA and phthalates which are found in plastics (food packaging, water bottles etc). Many herbicides and pesticides have estrogenic effects and are classified as xenoestrogens. Common preservatives also have oestrogenic activity. 
  • DNA - There are several common genetic mutations that affect oestrogen metabolism and detoxification pathways. Mutations on one or several of these genes can result in more harmful oestrogen metabolites being formed and/or reduce our ability to detoxify oestrogen metabolites.  
  • Obesity - Excess body fat is one of the main causes of oestrogen dominance. Not only does fat tissue absorb and store oestrogen in your bloodstream, it also synthesizes oestrogen from your other hormones. As expected, the more fat cells you have, the more oestrogen you will make and abdominal obesity can significantly increase oestrogen levels. High oestrogen levels cause more accumulation of belly fat (visceral fat), which can become a vicious cycle.  
  • Weight loss without oestrogen detoxification - A lot of oestrogen is released from fat cells during weight loss. It is very important to support oestrogen detoxification with products like MSM / Vit C and preferably Defencell during weight loss to prevent oestrogen dominance and the consequences thereof.  
  • Poor gut health - Chronic constipation prevents oestrogen metabolites from being eliminated, and they are reabsorbed into the body, contributing to oestrogen dominance. Unbalanced gut bacteria can also result in more oestrogen metabolites being reabsorbed instead of being excreted. 
What are the common Symptoms and diseases due to Oestrogen dominance?
  • Breast cancer 
  • Anxiety 
  • Endometriosis 
  • Fibroids 
  • PMS 
  • Fibrocystic Breast Disease 
  • Breast tenderness 
  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome PCOS 
  • Irregular or abnormal menstrual cycles  
  • Infertility  
  • Hormonal pigmentation/Melasma 
  • Hair loss 
  • Cellulite 
  • Acne along jawline or chin, especially cystic acne 
  • Headaches/migraines that are triggered by one’s period or ovulation 
  • Poor sleep 
  • Decreased sex drive 
  • Fatigue 
  • Brain fog 
  • Poor memory 
  • Mood swings/ Depression 
  • Weight gain, especially abdominal fat  
  • Water retention 
  • Bloating 
  • Male infertility 
  • Erectile Dysfunction 
  • Gynecomastia 
  • Enlarged prostate 
  • Certain autoimmune conditions have also been linked to high oestrogen levels
What Life-style factors can improve oestrogen detoxification?
  • Exercise improves oestrogen detoxification and decreases oestrogen levels.
  • Sufficient deep sleep is essential for hormone balance. A lack of deep sleep leads to higher oestrogen levels.
  • A healthy diet will improve oestrogen detoxication. Cruciferous vegetables, garlic, onions, artichoke, lemon, fibre and Green tea supports oestrogen detoxification. 
  • Weight control and preventing abdominal fat deposits will result in lower oestrogen levels. 
  • Avoid exposure to xenoestrogens like plastics and pesticides. 
  • Drink spring water. 
  • Managing stress levels will help improve Oestrogen dominance.
What Specialized nutraceutical supplements are available and how do they work?

Sulforaphane - Sulforaphane is extracted from broccoli sprouts and positively impacts several oestrogen detoxification pathways. It is a very powerful oestrogen detoxifier and will improve symptoms of oestrogen dominance. Protects against cancer.

Sulforaphane SFN found in Cellasure+ and Defencell improves Oestrogen Dominance in the following ways: 

  • SFN supports healthy Oestrogen metabolism by upregulating numerous Phase 2 detox enzymes that detoxify Oestrogen 
  • SFN supports-chemical detoxification 
  • Minimizes inflammatory pathways 
  • SFN protects DNA from toxic Oestrogen metabolites 
  • SFN chelates and detoxes heavy metals, 
  • Methylated B-vitamins - The process of methylation forms a crucial part of oestrogen detoxification and depends on an adequate supply of vitamins such as folate and methylcobalamin. 
  •  Milk thistle - supports oestrogen detoxification in the liver. 
  •  Intravenous Glutathione increases oestrogen detoxification. 
  •  Other important nutrients include Magnesium, Selenium, Zinc and Vitamin E. 
How do we manage Oestrogen Dominance at Skin Renewal?

All our doctors are trained to recognize and help mitigate oestrogen dominance by addressing the Pillars of Health mentioned above. We aim to address the problem at various levels, taking a holistic approach, which includes prescribing specialized nutraceuticals, detoxification intravenous infusions, and focussing on weight management which includes lifestyle coaching.  

We recommend weight loss to target reticent abdominal fat and improve Oestrogen dominance.

Our RID Renewal Institute Diet and weight loss program https://www.bodyrenewal.co.za/rid-renewal-institute-diet incorporates all the Pillars of health mentioned above, including oestrogen detoxification.  

Frequently asked questions

What function does Oestrogen have in the body?

Oestrogen is the primary female sex hormone that is responsible for the development and regulation of the female sexual and reproductive system, but it is also an important hormone for men.   

Oestrogen plays an important role in bone metabolism and protects the cardiovascular system in both men and women. Very low oestrogen levels can lead to weight gain, low libido, muscle weakening, depression, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and fatigue. In women, low oestrogen levels can also cause hot flashes, breast tenderness, mood swings, and irregular or absent periods. 

How is Oestrogen detoxified?

Our body’s ability to detoxify all this excess oestrogen is influenced by our DNA, diet, gut health, exercise, liver health, stress levels and many more factors. There are advanced nutraceutical supplements that support oestrogen detoxification pathways. A healthy lifestyle and the correct supplementation can prevent oestrogen dominance and all the dangers associated with it. 

What can cause oestrogen dominance?
  • Synthetic hormones - Oral contraceptives contain synthetic hormones which contribute to oestrogen dominance. A lifetime of exposure to these synthetic hormones disrupts hormone balance.  
  • Using synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause significantly raises oestrogen levels and carries risks, especially when oestrogen detoxification is poor.  
  • Fertility treatments can also lead to excess oestrogen levels. 
  • Xenoestrogens - We are exposed to many chemicals in our environment which have estrogenic effects and contributes to oestrogen dominance. These are called xenoestrogens such as BPA and phthalates which are found in plastics (food packaging, water bottles etc). Many herbicides and pesticides have estrogenic effects and are classified as xenoestrogens. Common preservatives also have oestrogenic activity. 
  • DNA - There are several common genetic mutations that affect oestrogen metabolism and detoxification pathways. Mutations on one or several of these genes can result in more harmful oestrogen metabolites being formed and/or reduce our ability to detoxify oestrogen metabolites.  
  • Obesity - Excess body fat is one of the main causes of oestrogen dominance. Not only does fat tissue absorb and store oestrogen in your bloodstream, it also synthesizes oestrogen from your other hormones. As expected, the more fat cells you have, the more oestrogen you will make and abdominal obesity can significantly increase oestrogen levels. High oestrogen levels cause more accumulation of belly fat (visceral fat), which can become a vicious cycle.  
  • Weight loss without oestrogen detoxification - A lot of oestrogen is released from fat cells during weight loss. It is very important to support oestrogen detoxification with products like MSM / Vit C and preferably Defencell during weight loss to prevent oestrogen dominance and the consequences thereof.  
  • Poor gut health - Chronic constipation prevents oestrogen metabolites from being eliminated, and they are reabsorbed into the body, contributing to oestrogen dominance. Unbalanced gut bacteria can also result in more oestrogen metabolites being reabsorbed instead of being excreted. 
What are the common Symptoms and diseases due to Oestrogen dominance?
  • Breast cancer 
  • Anxiety 
  • Endometriosis 
  • Fibroids 
  • PMS 
  • Fibrocystic Breast Disease 
  • Breast tenderness 
  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome PCOS 
  • Irregular or abnormal menstrual cycles  
  • Infertility  
  • Hormonal pigmentation/Melasma 
  • Hair loss 
  • Cellulite 
  • Acne along jawline or chin, especially cystic acne 
  • Headaches/migraines that are triggered by one’s period or ovulation 
  • Poor sleep 
  • Decreased sex drive 
  • Fatigue 
  • Brain fog 
  • Poor memory 
  • Mood swings/ Depression 
  • Weight gain, especially abdominal fat  
  • Water retention 
  • Bloating 
  • Male infertility 
  • Erectile Dysfunction 
  • Gynecomastia 
  • Enlarged prostate 
  • Certain autoimmune conditions have also been linked to high oestrogen levels
What Life-style factors can improve oestrogen detoxification?
  • Exercise improves oestrogen detoxification and decreases oestrogen levels.
  • Sufficient deep sleep is essential for hormone balance. A lack of deep sleep leads to higher oestrogen levels.
  • A healthy diet will improve oestrogen detoxication. Cruciferous vegetables, garlic, onions, artichoke, lemon, fibre and Green tea supports oestrogen detoxification. 
  • Weight control and preventing abdominal fat deposits will result in lower oestrogen levels. 
  • Avoid exposure to xenoestrogens like plastics and pesticides. 
  • Drink spring water. 
  • Managing stress levels will help improve Oestrogen dominance.
What Specialized nutraceutical supplements are available and how do they work?

Sulforaphane - Sulforaphane is extracted from broccoli sprouts and positively impacts several oestrogen detoxification pathways. It is a very powerful oestrogen detoxifier and will improve symptoms of oestrogen dominance. Protects against cancer.

Sulforaphane SFN found in Cellasure+ and Defencell improves Oestrogen Dominance in the following ways: 

  • SFN supports healthy Oestrogen metabolism by upregulating numerous Phase 2 detox enzymes that detoxify Oestrogen 
  • SFN supports-chemical detoxification 
  • Minimizes inflammatory pathways 
  • SFN protects DNA from toxic Oestrogen metabolites 
  • SFN chelates and detoxes heavy metals, 
  • Methylated B-vitamins - The process of methylation forms a crucial part of oestrogen detoxification and depends on an adequate supply of vitamins such as folate and methylcobalamin. 
  •  Milk thistle - supports oestrogen detoxification in the liver. 
  •  Intravenous Glutathione increases oestrogen detoxification. 
  •  Other important nutrients include Magnesium, Selenium, Zinc and Vitamin E. 
How do we manage Oestrogen Dominance at Skin Renewal?

All our doctors are trained to recognize and help mitigate oestrogen dominance by addressing the Pillars of Health mentioned above. We aim to address the problem at various levels, taking a holistic approach, which includes prescribing specialized nutraceuticals, detoxification intravenous infusions, and focussing on weight management which includes lifestyle coaching.  

We recommend weight loss to target reticent abdominal fat and improve Oestrogen dominance.

Our RID Renewal Institute Diet and weight loss program https://www.bodyrenewal.co.za/rid-renewal-institute-diet incorporates all the Pillars of health mentioned above, including oestrogen detoxification.