Adapted from my original post featured on American End of Endo Project.

Why is there so much focus on estrogen dominance in the endometriosis community?

For one, we know that there are so many questions left to be answered when it comes to endometriosis (aka “endo”). But one thing we are sure of is that endo is an estrogen-dependent disease.

Secondly, it’s very empowering when an Endo Warrior can put into place steps that will help them regain the life that they once had. Or, for some, a life that they always dreamed of. A pain free life.

All too often I see women adopting lifestyle choices that will only hurt their overall health. For example, eating poorly during a flare can only worsen symptoms and lead to more debilitating pain.  Heck! If I’m being completely honest, I have to admit that I fall into this group sometimes.

This mentality probably stems from the fact that researchers have yet to find a cure for endometriosis; leading warriors to believe that there is nothing they can do to help themselves.

But that is so far from the truth! So, today I will provide tangible steps that will help you balance your hormones and gain control of your overall health.

What is Estrogen Dominance?

The term estrogen dominance can be described in two ways. On one hand, it can mean that there are elevated estrogen levels in the blood. But on the other hand, estrogen levels may be normal and other hormones are below normal ranges; resulting in a dominance of estrogen in the body.

Elevated estrogen in the body can happen:

• When we have poor gut health.
• If we are experiencing excess stress.
• With poor food choices.
• If we have excess body fat.
• With exposure to environmental estrogens.

But regardless of the factors, estrogen dominance can be the cause of many symptoms that accompany endometriosis; like heavy periods, headaches, and mood swings. And, of course, it can result in progression of this chronic disease that we are all trying to get rid of.

The great news is that there are ways in which we can help our body’s natural ability to balance hormones. And today, we are going to introduce the first way that you can help eliminate excess estrogen.

Proper Elimination is Key! 

And by elimination, I mean pooping. Because the fact is, constipation and frequent diarrhea can inhibit your body’s ability to get rid of excess estrogen. Essentially, instead of leaving the body with a normal bowel movement, estrogen can be reabsorbed or leak back into the body’s circulation.

Because endometriosis adhesions often form around the bowel and rectum, it is very common to find an Endo Warrior who battles one or both of these symptoms.

So, in order to help your body properly eliminate excess estrogen, it’s important that you bring attention to your gut.

Pooping is Important!

If you talk with any registered dietitian, registered nurse, or other healthcare professional, you may find that the conversation often finds its way towards the discussion of bowel movements. This is because your stool can give healthcare professionals so much insight into your overall health and dietary choices.

For example, most people who struggle with constipation are lacking adequate fiber and hydration. But this is not always true for everyone. As mentioned, endometriosis can be a cause of constipation due to adhesion formation around the gut.

Though in some cases endometriosis and diet may be working together to keep you from having normal bowel movements.

But finding someone to expertly excise bowel adhesions can be difficult and expensive. So, it’s only obvious that a focus on your diet should be one of the first steps to improving symptoms of diarrhea and/or constipation.