Estrogen Levels: Causes, Effects, and Management

High estrogen levels are frequently encountered in women and can be categorized as either absolute or relative elevations. The primary contributors to elevated estrogen levels encompass ovarian hyperfunction, a condition that augments estrogen secretion and may give rise to ovarian tumors and allied disorders. Additionally, hyperactivity within the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in women can exacerbate estrogen levels. Liver cirrhosis and hyperthyroidism are further medical conditions that can elevate estrogen levels. Elevated estrogen levels pose substantial health risks to women, necessitating a thorough examination of their potential consequences and management strategies.

1. Consequences of Elevated Estrogen Levels

Excessive estrogen levels in women can lead to a myriad of health concerns. These include overweight and obesity, stemming from estrogen's regulatory role in cholesterol levels. High estrogen levels can also disrupt menstrual cycles, causing irregularities such as scant menstruation. Moreover, elevated estrogen fosters the growth of uterine fibroids, which rely on estrogen for their development. In men, increased estrogen levels can signal liver cirrhosis, manifesting as spider nevi on the skin and potentially causing ascites and abdominal distension. Additionally, it can lead to breast enlargement in male patients. During adolescence, elevated estrogen levels are considered normal and may induce hormonal imbalances, albeit generally not severe.

2. Management of Elevated Estrogen Levels

In cases where elevated estrogen levels exist without underlying diseases in other body parts, treatment can commence with medication and dietary modifications. Medications like progesterone can be administered orally or intramuscularly, while periodic treatment with drugs such as Diane-35 can aid in reducing estrogen levels. Following the initiation of medication, it is crucial to abstain from foods rich in estrogen, including soy products, as well as artificially reared fish, shrimp, chicken, and out-of-season vegetables and fruits. Furthermore, the consumption of health supplements containing excessive estrogen should be avoided.

3. Causes of Elevated Estrogen Levels

Several factors contribute to elevated estrogen levels. Firstly, ovarian hyperfunction in women can elevate estrogen secretion, potentially leading to ovarian tumors. Secondly, hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis prompts excessive secretion of gonadotropins, thereby stimulating increased estrogen production by the ovaries. This can precipitate adenohypophyseal tumors and brain tissue hyperplasia, symptoms distinct from low estrogen levels. Thirdly, nonspecific increases in estrogen levels can arise from hyperthyroidism or liver cirrhosis. Additionally, an increase in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and the consumption of excessive estrogen-containing health supplements can contribute to elevated estrogen levels.