Ever heard of the term ‘relative estrogen deficiency’? This term seems a little confusing at first. It is referring to low estrogen levels but it doesn’t mean you have no estrogen. True estrogen deficiency doesn’t happen until menopause, unless something happens, and you need to have your ovaries removed.
Relative estrogen deficiency is referring to low estrogen levels in comparison to what you would normally have. Let us learn from this post written by the best Ballarat naturopathy what are the common symptoms and causes of this certain deficiency.
Common Symptoms of Relative Estrogen Deficiency
Low levels of estrogen can make you feel off, some of the symptoms you may experience include:
- Poor memory, trouble thinking, forgetfulness and feeling less sharp mentally.
- Changes in mood such as depression or anxiety.
- Difficulty sleeping and increased sweating at night.
- Low libido, vaginal dryness, and candida (thrush) infections.
Causes And Consequences
One of the most common causes of low estrogen is low body fat. When your body weight is low, your body reduces the rate at which it converts androgens to estrogen. This can interrupt your menstrual cycle, making it either irregular or entirely absent. Additionally, it can have an impact on your bone density.
Excessive exercise is also linked to low estrogen, independent of body weight.
Too high of an intake of dietary fibre can increase estrogen clearance from the body. This reduces circulating estrogen levels. Which is great when everything is in balance, but it can also contribute to lowering estrogen levels too far.
Tips for Balance
Depending on your body and what is contributing to your low estrogen levels these tips can help you get started on bringing everything back into balance:
- Boost estrogen levels by eating foods high in phytoestrogens such as sesame seeds, chickpeas, and legumes.
- Support your iron levels by increasing red meat consumption.
- Increase your protein intake, try to have some protein with every meal.
- Swap to a gentler form of exercise less frequently, try long walks or yoga.
- Increase your vegetable intake, try eating alfalfa, carrots, celery, fennel, papaya, peas, plums, pomegranates, rhubarb, and tomatoes.
- Increase good fats like olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, seeds, oily fish, and avocado.
If your symptoms are persistent or severe, it’s a good idea to get further advice. Your Naturopath will be able to further guide and direct you. They will also be able to make additional herbal and nutritional recommendations specific to your holistic health picture.
