I’ve written before about the epidemic problem of estrogen dominance – a condition where a woman has too much estrogen relative to progesterone. And while there are several factors behind this rise in estrogen dominance, the primary factor remains obesity/excess body fat.
It’s been proven in several scientific studies that obesity/excess body fat promotes estrogen dominance. Few people know that fat cells actually produce estrogen. Women naturally have a higher percentage of body fat than men, and one of the main reasons for this higher percentage of body fat is that it provides an energy source for a developing baby. It is also a backup source of estrogen that might be needed for reproductive purposes. Excess fat and the additional estrogen it produces, however, can be a serious problem.
One recent European study found a significant link between high estrogen levels and breast cancer in women who are overweight. (European Journal of Cancer Prevention – 07 Feb;16(1):17–25) Not to say that every woman who is overweight will develop breast cancer, but they are at an increased risk.
In addition, there are estrogen-like compounds, called xenoestrogens, which are found in numerous chemicals added to our food, skin care products, insecticides, even home furnishings and carpet, that mimic the function of our real hormones. These xenoestrogens accumulate over time and are stored by the body in fat cells. This subjects the body to a never-ending toxic assault and an inflammatory process that alters the functions of fat cells.
Excess body fat has been proven to alter the levels of other hormones as well, including insulin and leptin in a way that increases obesity. Estrogen slows metabolism and boosts insulin production, which causes the body to store more calories as fat rather than use them for energy.
In a nutshell, the more fat you have, the higher your levels of estrogen will be.
Another Estrogen/Fat Connection
Fat tissue is also the main source for the enzyme known as aromatase. This enzyme converts testosterone to estrogen. The more fat, the more aromatase. The more aromatase, the more estrogen.
Aromatase levels also go up if you are deficient in vitamin D, zinc, selenium, or magnesium. Most women who come into my office are deficient in most, if not all, of these. In addition, alcohol increases aromatase, and has routinely been linked to low testosterone and high estrogen levels. (A problem for men as well.)
Certain foods, however, will actually help decrease aromatase. Probably the most beneficial foods in this category are cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, radishes, watercress, arugula, mustard greens, horseradish, turnips, rutabaga, and kohlrabi, to name just a few. They contain sulfur groups and indoles that not only decrease the production of aromatase but also protect against cancer.
One very effective product that I’ve used with great success with women suffering with estrogen dominance is FlashArrest, from Xymogen. FlashArrest supports the body’s natural aromatase activity.
**Xymogen is a Professional-Grade nutraceutical company and their products are not available to the public, they can only be purchased through a licensed health-care professional. However, I have included the instructions to create your own account with Xymogen so that you can order any of their exceptional products and have them shipped right to your door. (You'll find that information at the end of this article.)
I personally have seen over and over again how quickly FlashArrest reduces excess estrogen levels and eliminates the problems associated with estrogen dominance, such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), endometriosis, uterine fibroids and PMS etc.
So, if you, your daughter, or someone you love are suffering with any of the health problems associated with estrogen dominance, create your own account and order FlashArrest today!
Now here are those instructions:
Click the link below. At the website, in the "Referral Code" box, type in drfalor (case sensitive). In the next box, "Practitioner's Last Name, type Falor (Not case sensitive). Then your email. From there, just follow the prompts to set up your account with the new site.