Estrogen Overload: High Levels of the Hormone Can Cause Anxiety

Estrogen is a vital hormone that plays a central role in a person’s overall health and well-being. It is responsible for the development of female sexual characteristics and is also involved in the regulation of various bodily functions, including the menstrual cycle and bone density. However, like any hormone, estrogen can cause problems if there is too much or too little of it in the body.

One potential effect of excess estrogen is anxiety. Although estrogen has many positive effects on the body, high levels of the hormone can lead to feelings of anxiousness and tension. In this article, we’ll examine the relationship between estrogen and anxiety and discuss what can be done if you believe you may be experiencing high levels of estrogen and the resultant anxiety.

What is estrogen?

Estrogen is a female sex hormone produced by the ovaries. It is involved in the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast growth, and the regulation of the menstrual cycle. Estrogen is also vital for maintaining bone density and supporting cardiovascular health.

There are three main types of estrogen: estradiol, estrone, and estriol. Estradiol is the most potent form of estrogen and is responsible for the development of female sexual characteristics during puberty. It is also essential for maintaining bone density and supporting cardiovascular health in women. Estrone is a weaker form of estrogen produced after menopause, when the ovaries stop producing estrogen. Estriol is the least potent form of estrogen and is produced during pregnancy.

How does estrogen affect anxiety?

Estrogen has many effects on the body, including the regulation of mood. While estrogen has been shown to have a positive effect on mood in some cases, high levels of the hormone can lead to feelings of anxiety and tension.

There are a few reasons why estrogen may cause anxiety. Firstly, estrogen can affect the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, and low levels of serotonin are often associated with depression and anxiety. Estrogen has been shown to increase serotonin levels, which can help improve mood. However, high levels of estrogen can lead to excessive serotonin production, which can lead to feelings of anxiousness and tension.

Secondly, estrogen can affect the production of other hormones, such as cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone produced by the adrenal gland in response to stress. High levels of cortisol can lead to feelings of anxiety and tension. Estrogen has been shown to increase cortisol levels, which can contribute to anxiety.

Finally, estrogen can affect the sensitivity of the brain’s receptors to other neurotransmitters, such as GABA. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and reduce feelings of anxiety. Estrogen has been shown to decrease the sensitivity of the brain’s GABA receptors, which can lead to increased feelings of anxiety.

Who is at risk for high estrogen levels and anxiety?

There are several factors that can increase the risk of high estrogen levels and the resulting anxiety. These include:

• Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and menopause, can lead to high estrogen levels and anxiety. PCOS is a condition that affects the ovaries and can cause irregular periods, excess hair growth, and weight gain. Menopause is a natural part of aging that occurs when the ovaries stop producing estrogen. Both of these conditions can lead to high estrogen levels and anxiety.
• Obesity: Obesity is a risk factor for high estrogen levels and anxiety. Fat cells produce estrogen, and people who are obese tend to have higher levels of estrogen than those who are at a healthy weight. This can contribute to feelings of anxiety.
• Certain medications: Some medications, such as estrogen replacement therapy and birth control pills, can increase estrogen levels and lead to anxiety. It’s important to speak with your doctor about the potential side effects of any medications you are taking.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Consuming large amounts of alcohol can lead to high estrogen levels and anxiety. Alcohol can interfere with the metabolism of estrogen, resulting in excess estrogen in the body.

Related: The Surprising Link Between Obesity And High Estrogen Levels: What You Need To Know

What can you do if you have high estrogen levels and anxiety?

If you think you may have high estrogen levels and are experiencing anxiety, there are several steps that can be taken:

• Eat a healthy diet: A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce estrogen levels and improve overall health. Avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks can also help.
• Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help reduce estrogen levels and improve mood. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking or cycling, most days of the week.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce estrogen levels and improve overall health. If you are obese, losing weight through diet and exercise can help reduce estrogen levels and improve mood.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Limiting alcohol consumption can help reduce estrogen levels and improve mood. It’s important to drink alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether.
• Talk to your doctor: If you are experiencing anxiety and believe it may be related to high estrogen levels, it’s important to speak with your doctor. They can help diagnose the cause of your anxiety and recommend treatment options, such as medication or therapy.

Conclusion

Estrogen is a vital hormone that plays a central role in a person’s overall health and well-being. While estrogen has many positive effects on the body, high levels of the hormone can lead to feelings of anxiousness and tension. If you think you may have high estrogen levels and are experiencing anxiety, there are several steps that can be taken, including eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and speaking with your doctor.