High estrogen is often linked to a pear-shaped body (hips/thigh fat) in premenopausal women and an apple shape (abdominal fat) in postmenopausal women, due to fat cells producing estrogen, leading to weight gain, water retention, bloating, and mood changes, with conditions like PCOS also causing elevated levels.
A recent study of body shape and hormone levels by Jasieńska et al. (2004) reported that women with the body shape that is found most attractive by males (large breasts and a low waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), e.g. Singh 1993; Henss 2000) have higher oestrogen levels than other categories of body shape.
Thus, as fat mass increases in obesity, aromatase expression and, consequently, estrogen levels are also elevated, an effect that is more prominent in postmenopausal women as after menopause adipose tissue is the primary source of estrogen production in the body.
Symptoms of high estrogen levels
Aliabadi listed the following symptoms associated with high estrogen levels: Irregular menses. Breast swelling and tenderness. Mood problems.
High estrogen is usually associated with heavy or irregular periods, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, or mood swings. Low estrogen symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, poor sleep, or irregular periods.
What are the symptoms of low estrogen levels?
When you hit puberty, estrogen causes you to develop what's referred to as secondary sex characteristics: Your breasts develop, your hips widen, and you grow pubic hair and armpit hair. Estrogen also tells your body to start menstruating at around the age of 12 and to release an egg every month.
Foods that Can Help Raise Estrogen and Testosterone Levels
Estrogen dominance is a condition in which estrogen levels in the body are increased. Signs and symptoms can include but are not limited to, full and tender breasts, irregular periods, insomnia, mood changes, and more. Estrogen dominance can be identified by a blood test.
Thinning: The skin becomes visibly thinner, making blood vessels more apparent and you might even notice that you bruise more easily. Wrinkles: Fine lines appear more pronounced, especially around the eyes and mouth.. Sagging: Loss of firmness in the jawline and cheeks.
Estrogen causes a typical female fat distribution pattern in breasts, buttocks, and thighs, as well as its more feminizing effects. During the reproductive years, women get additional fat deposition in the pelvis, buttocks, thighs, and breasts to provide an energy source for eventual pregnancy and lactation.
In PCOS, there is often an increase in estrogen levels due to multiple factors. One of the primary reasons for elevated estrogen in PCOS is the excessive production of estrogen by the ovaries. Additionally, impaired metabolism and disrupted hormonal feedback mechanisms contribute to higher estrogen levels.
Body Shapes with the Highest Risk of Health Problems
Apple and pear body shapes tend to have the highest risk. Apples tend to be at greater risk for heart disease, diabetes, and strokes because they hold a larger amount of tummy fat.
Women with an hourglass body shape typically have shoulders and hips that are roughly the same width, while the waist is noticeably narrower, which then creates an hourglass shape. This body shape also has a larger bust, which a lot of people think symbolises pure femininity.
Sex hormone differences among diverse human sexual orientations are mixed. Role of biopsychosocial stress in explaining these sex hormone differences is unknown. Testosterone and progesterone higher for lesbian/bisexual than heterosexual women.
Here are six estrogen-positive foods to avoid:
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.
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.
Hormones drive the deposition of fat around the pelvis, buttocks, and thighs of women and the bellies of men. For women, this so-called sex-specific fat appears to be physiologically advantageous, at least during pregnancies. But it has a cosmetic down-side as well, in the form of cellulite.
Hormonal Influence: Hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, play a big role in how fat is distributed in the body. Fluctuations in these hormones during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy can affect where fat is stored, ultimately leading to the development of love handles in women.
The main culprit behind weight gain in your thighs is estrogen. This hormone drives the increase in fat cells in females, causing deposits to form most commonly around the buttocks and thighs.
Hormonal imbalance symptoms
Estrogen and Progesterone Timing
Administering these hormones in the evening corresponds with their natural nocturnal peak, which can enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
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.