Estrogen is a hormone crucial for puberty, secondary physical sex traits, regulation of the reproductive system and fertility. It is also essential for cognitive, cardiovascular, metabolic, and bone health. “Estrogen dominance” can be attributed to either “progesterone deficiency,” when there is not enough progesterone to balance estrogen levels and/or “estrogen excess”, when the body is unable to metabolize and eliminate excess estrogen efficiently. Symptoms of estrogen dominance include: • Ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids • Fibrocystic or dense breasts • Menstrual irregularities • PMS • Heavy and/or irregular periods • Mood swings, depression, and/or anxiety • Weight gain • Low libido • Infertility What can cause estrogen dominance? • Skipped ovulation (anovulatory cycles), most commonly in PCOS • Inadequate progesterone production • Compromised liver function • Excess body weight • Poor diet or sedentary lifestyle • High Stress • Inadequate sleep • Certain medications • Exposure to xenoestrogens Symptoms of