Estrogen levels naturally decline during and after menopause as the ovaries produce less of this hormone. However, it is possible for some women to continue to have higher than expected estrogen levels even after going through menopause. There are a few potential reasons why this can occur:
- Excess body fat: Fat cells actually produce estrogens, so women who are overweight or have high percentages of body fat often have higher circulating estrogen. Losing weight can help lower estrogen.
- Ovarian tumors or cysts: While rare, abnormalities in the ovaries even after menopause could drive estrogen production. Things like ovarian cysts and tumors should be evaluated by a doctor.
- Medications or supplements: Some prescribed hormones like estrogen creams and tablets can lead to high blood levels if misused or overused. Dietary supplements like soy, black cohosh, red clover and DHEA can also sometimes act like estrogen in the body.
The symptoms of having higher than normal postmenopausal estrogen levels may include:
- Abnormal uterine bleeding and spotting
- Breast tenderness or pain
- Bloating and fluid retention
- Mood swings, anxiety or depression
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight gain and reduced fat metabolism
If abnormal bleeding occurs or bothersome symptoms develop, it's important to talk to your doctor so they can check into the cause. Blood tests can help reveal whether hormone levels are off-balance.
Some of the health risks potentially associated with having high estrogen levels after menopause include:
- Increased risk for uterine cancer
- Potential breast cancer growth if tumors are already present
- Exacerbation of migraine headaches in susceptible women
- Development or worsening of gallbladder disease
There are a number of treatment options that can help lower excess estrogen levels in postmenopausal women to reduce symptoms and health risks, such as:
- Lifestyle changes: Losing weight, eating a healthy diet, exercising, managing stress, and limiting alcohol intake can all help lower circulating estrogen.
- Addressing underlying issues: Treating things like ovarian cysts/tumors, thyroid problems, adrenal issues or high prolactin levels can help bring estrogen down.
- Medications: Drugs like aromatase inhibitors can block enzymes that produce estrogen or help balance hormones.
The doctors at Balance Hormone Clinic specialize in detecting and treating hormone imbalances in menopausal and postmenopausal women. We take a comprehensive approach to identifying the root causes driving symptoms and create custom treatment plans to help women regain hormonal balance and optimal health. Our individualized programs combine lifestyle coaching, dietary changes, targeted supplements and bioidentical hormones when appropriate.
If you are dealing with unpleasant symptoms and want expert guidance getting your hormones back on track,
contact Balance Hormone Clinic today to schedule a consultation. Our caring staff and nurse practitioners work closely with patients to develop treatment plans aimed at long-lasting relief.
