To improve estrogen levels naturally, eat phytoestrogen-rich foods like soy, flaxseeds, and legumes, ensure adequate Vitamin D and B vitamins, manage stress, and exercise, all under a doctor's guidance; medical options like hormone therapy (HT) or supplements may be prescribed for significant deficiencies.
Top 7 foods and remedies to boost estrogen
Alcoholic beverages, particularly red wine and bourbon, increase estrogen levels in the body through hormone disruption mechanisms. Coffee and caffeinated beverages can increase estrogen levels specifically in Asian populations. Soy-based drinks contain phytoestrogens that mimic estrogen effects in the body.
Let's take a look at some of the top foods high in estrogen, and what to know about each.
Here are six estrogen-positive foods to avoid:
Estradiol (E2) is the primary form of estrogen in your body during your reproductive years. It's the most potent form of estrogen. Estriol (E3) is the primary form of estrogen during pregnancy.
Dried fruits: Dried fruits, such as dates, prunes, apricots, and figs, are foods high in estrogen, especially lignans and coumestans. Dried fruits also provide natural sugars, fibre, iron, and antioxidants, which can boost your energy, digestion, and immunity.
Healthy levels also reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and stroke. If estrogen levels are low, certain foods, such as those high in phytoestrogens, vitamin D, probiotics, magnesium, or boron, may naturally boost estrogen levels. Supplements with these nutrients may help too.
As women approach menopause, estrogen levels can plummet, affecting sleep more than during any other period of life. Mood swings that come with low estrogen can make it difficult to relax to prepare for sleep, and hot flashes and night sweats can impair sleep.
Estrogen plays a role in collagen production and skin hydration. Low levels can lead to dryness, thinning, and sensitivity. You may also notice an increase in fine lines and changes in skin elasticity. If your skin care routine hasn't changed but your skin has, your hormones could be shifting.
Hormonal imbalance symptoms
How can I check my hormone levels at home? Blood tests – At-home estrogen blood tests are quick and easy. You just need to prick your finger and collect a small blood sample in a vial. After that, you can send your sample to a lab for testing.
Vitamin B Complex
The B vitamins, including B6, B12, and folate, play a role in hormone production. They help the body make estrogen and also balance other hormones like progesterone. Vitamin B6 is particularly helpful in regulating the menstrual cycle and reducing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
Mood swings are another effect of low estrogen. You may feel sad, anxious, or frustrated. Shifting hormone levels and night sweats may disrupt your sleep. This can cause fatigue, which may make mood swings worse.
In addition to the top phytoestrogen-rich foods mentioned above, other foods that lower estrogen may include bananas, pomegranates, oranges, legumes, spinach, and many nuts and seeds. Animal-sourced foods like dairy, eggs, fish, and meat may contain estrogens or phytoestrogens.
As described in the previous section, the congeners of two types of alcoholic beverages, bourbon and red wine, produced detectable estrogenic effects in OVEX rats, thereby confirming the hypothesis that alcoholic beverages contain biologically active estrogenic substances.
Some vitamins and minerals help your body produce estrogen and use it more effectively. To increase your estrogen levels, consider adding: Boron, a mineral that helps your body absorb testosterone and estrogen. Vitamin B, which helps your body create and use estrogen.
Phytoestrogens, compounds derived from plants and converted into weak estrogenic substances in the gastrointestinal tract, are heavily promoted as the “natural alternative” to estrogen replacement therapy for postmenopausal women or women who have undergone a hysterectomy.
Fish, beef, eggs, and pork are all high-estrogen foods as well. If you are wondering if this could affect you, it's important to note that chicken estrogen is the same molecule as human estrogen. Heavy meat eaters have high levels of estrogen in their urine as a result.
Relieve stress.
Decreasing the amount of stress hormones your body produces can help keep your estrogen and progesterone levels balanced. Eat a healthy diet: Eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet with very little processed sugar can make it easier for your liver to process estrogen.
Consuming 200 milligrams or more of caffeine per day-roughly equivalent to two cups of coffee-can either increase or decrease a woman's estrogen level, depending on her ethnic background and the source of the caffeine, a study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) finds.
The B-vitamin family, particularly B6 and B12, are vital for regulating estrogen and supporting methylation processes that break down excess hormones. We've found that folate contributes directly to estrogen production, while magnesium and calcium support overall hormone synthesis.
Jennifer Aniston is known for her vigorous wellness routine, which involves compression boots, collagen supplements and infrared saunas. Now, she's hit the headlines with her favourite fitness regime, Pvolve, which has been shown to be particularly beneficial for menopausal women.
Delestrogen (estradiol valerate)
It may also be used to treat low estrogen levels. It is also used to reduce the symptoms of prostate cancer. It works by increasing levels of the hormone estrogen in the body. This medication is an estrogen hormone.