Page 27 - Summer2009

THE ESTROGEN DOMINANCE-ADRENAL FATIGUE CONNECTION

Adrenal fatigue and estrogen dominance (ED) are very similar in their symptom presentation and share a lot in com-
mon. Most women who have one tend to have the other to some degree. Estrogen dominance and adrenal fatigue have
the following relationship:
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tisol. As more progesterone is shunted or sequestered to make cortisol, less is available to balance the estrogen.
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no ovulation). Without the ovulation there is no corpus luteum to make additional progesterone for the cycle. The
lowered progesterone level leaves us with an excessive estrogenic effect due to deficiency of progesterone.
In summary, fixing adrenal function and estrogen dominance go hand-in-hand and it is therefore difficult to fix one
while ignoring the other. ED can also be caused by excessive estrogenic stimulation. Typical sources of estrogenic effect
are:
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like to avoid.
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estrogens. These have very potent estrogenic effects. This is especially problematic if there is no (calming) pro-
gesterone given at the same time to balance the (excitatory) estrogen. Unopposed estrogen is a powerful cause
of ED. Synthetic or non-bio-identical estrogens would more appropriately be called estrogenoids (substances that
have an effect similar to estrogen) as they are not truly the estrogen our body makes. Progestins are often given
along with synthetic estrogens. These are chemical substances whose effects are similar to progesterone but act
differently from progesterone because they are chemically different. Our bodies cannot convert the progestins into
cortisol to help the adrenals or convert them into any other hormonal compounds as we could with bio-identical
progesterone.
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plastic wraps and containers) or from eating soy products or non-organic food. Feedlot livestock are typically given
potent estrogenic substances (“super-estrogens”) to make them more productive. Our produce is often laced with
these substances and soy foods are very high in estrogen-like compounds.

Correcting ED involves more than just correcting the estrogen-progesterone balance and supporting the adrenals. It
is important to eliminate the causative factors as much as possible. Excessive exercise, insufficient sleep, toxic exposure,
poor nutrition (high intake of carbohydrates, low intake of fat and protein, low intake of nutrients), and stress are some
common causes
Direct help to the adrenals indirectly helps improve the ED (estrogen-progesterone balance) by allowing more pro-
gesterone to be available to offset the estrogen. Direct help to the estrogen-progesterone balance indirectly supports
the adrenals by making more progesterone available for cortisol production. In addition, progesterone itself has a ton-
ing-down, calming and sleep-supporting effect which further helps stressed adrenals.
If we want a very gentle support for progesterone production we can try the herb chaste tree (1-2 tablets early each
morning upon waking). This is typically helpful for menstruating women with estrogen dominance. Herbalists often use
this to help produce more regular ovulation and subsequently improve progesterone production. The herb is often helpful
in relieving menopausal symptoms (hot flashes) when taken in combination with black cohosh.
I find that the easiest way to restore balance to estrogen dominance is with progesterone. I’ve developed a proges-
terone protocol for doing this which helps most of my patients. There are always some who might respond poorly for
which corrections need to be made. That is why it is always advisable to work with a physician who is familiar with the
use of natural hormones while trying to restore a physiological hormonal balance.
It is important to note that there are different ways to take progesterone and these affect patients differently. Dosage
is also an important factor. As with any hormone, optimal dosage is the key. Too much or too little will either not produce
the desired result or actually produce an undesirable result. This is an important consideration when post menopausal
women use progesterone for the first time. The progesterone will temporarily increase the body’s sensitivity to estrogen
(estrogen receptors temporarily become more sensitive to estrogen) thus producing a temporary increase in estrogenic
effects. This can produce a temporary worsening of symptoms. To minimize this effect, progesterone needs to be started
at a very small dose that is increased slowly to full dose over 2-4 weeks.

SUMMER 2009 Wise Traditions 25