Understanding Estrogen and Reproductive Health
A healthy reproductive system begins with a strong immune system and a thriving gut microbiome.
These two systems are central to how we produce, detoxify, and balance hormones like estrogen. When our digestion and immunity are compromised, so too is our endocrine system—leading to imbalances that affect everything from our mood and memory to metabolism and menstrual cycles.
Estrogen dominance is increasingly common among women today, due in large part to the hormone disruptors present in our environment—from plastics and pesticides to synthetic personal care products. But understanding this hormonal imbalance and knowing how to support your body can help you navigate the changes and symptoms with confidence and clarity.
Common Signs of Estrogen Dominance
Women may experience:
PMS
Weight gain (especially around hips, abdomen, and thighs)
Fibrocystic breasts
Uterine fibroids
Endometriosis
Irregular or heavy periods
Fatigue
Low libido
Depression or anxiety
Bloating
Breast tenderness
Mood swings
Brain fog
Sleep disturbances or insomnia
Men may experience:
Enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia)
Sexual dysfunction
Reduced sperm count or infertility
A little note about the 3 main Estrogen’s and their role.
Estrone : This is the primary type of estrogen in males. It is also the primary form of estrogen in females after menopause. The ovaries, placenta, testicles, and fat tissue produce estrone from androstenedione or androgens.
Estradiol : This is the most potent form of estrogen, and its concentration is highest in females of childbearing age. Doctors use this form of estrogen as a marker for ovary health.
Estriol : The placenta produces this type of estrogen, which reaches peak levels during pregnancy. The amount of estriol increases as the fetus grows.
Natural Strategies to Support Estrogen Balance.
Whether you’re exploring options to ease PMS or navigating peri-menopause, these tips can help reduce your body’s burden:
Treat your body like a garden. Nourish it with clean water, clean air, whole foods, and organic, pasture-raised animal products. Conventional meat and dairy can contain added hormones that contribute to imbalance.
Use air-purifying plants. Add plants like Snake Plant (Sansevieria) or Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum) to your home to naturally detoxify the air.
Ditch synthetic fragrances. Diffuse pure essential oils instead of chemical-laden air fresheners or scented candles. Many synthetic scents contain phthalates—known endocrine disruptors.
Support detox pathways. Cruciferous vegetables, fiber-rich foods, and certain herbal supplements (like DIM, milk thistle, or calcium-D-glucarate) can support estrogen metabolism through the liver.
Read your labels. If you can’t pronounce it, your body probably doesn’t recognize it. Choose personal care and household products with simple, natural ingredients.
Maintain clean air systems. Air conditioners and heaters can harbour mold—a common but overlooked trigger for hormone disruption.
Emotional regulation. How you respond to stress in your day takes a huge toll on the body. Emotions play a large role in our reproductive health. Such emotions linked to self worth, carrying shame or guilt from the past*, play a role in disrupting your cycle. Kinesiology is an excellent way to maintain Restored Balance emotionally.
* there are more examples however this is a theme of the common emotions.
How Estrogen Shifts Through a Woman’s Life.
Estrogen is a key hormone that plays a vital role in a woman’s health—from the onset of puberty to post-menopause. During the reproductive years (typically ages 12–40), estrogen rises and falls in a predictable monthly cycle to support ovulation and menstruation. But in the late 30s to early 40s, women often begin experiencing perimenopause, a transitional phase where estrogen and progesterone levels start to fluctuate irregularly.
These hormonal shifts can cause symptoms like mood swings, heavy or erratic periods, and increased PMS. As a woman moves into her late 40s and early 50s, menopause marks the official end of menstruation—defined as going 12 months without a period. At this point, estrogen levels significantly decline, which can lead to hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep issues, and changes in bone and heart health.
Understanding how estrogen naturally evolves throughout life helps you better prepare for each stage—and opens the door to supportive therapies like HRT or natural interventions that ease the transition and protect long-term wellness.
Considering Hormone Therapy? A quick review of this option.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be a supportive and effective treatment option for many women, particularly during menopause or in cases of severe hormonal imbalance. Today’s bioidentical hormone therapies are designed to more closely mimic the hormones your body naturally produces, offering a more personalized and balanced approach. Oral, Creams and Gels being the most popular.
At the same time, natural therapies—including herbal medicine, nutrition, and kinesiology—can work alongside HRT or your own tailored approach. The right choice depends on your symptoms, preferences, and overall health—and it’s important to work with a qualified practitioner to find a solution tailored to your needs. It is my strong opinion that a collaborative approach is best.
A little more on HRT. Research supports the use of certain natural therapies for estrogen dominance. A 2014 study published in Current Drug Metabolism highlights the role of dietary phytochemicals—such as indole-3-carbinol (found in broccoli and cabbage)—in modulating estrogen metabolism and reducing the risk of estrogen-driven conditions like breast cancer. [source]
There used to be a fear that HRT caused breast cancer however this has long been disproved. Here’s is a quote from Australasian Menopause Society Recent: “Research has provided a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breast cancer risk. While earlier studies suggested a potential increase in risk, newer analyses indicate that the risk varies depending on factors such as the type of HRT, duration of use, and individual patient characteristics. For instance, estrogen-only HRT has been associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer in certain populations, whereas combined estrogen-progestogen HRT may carry a slight increase in risk. It's important to note that the overall risk remains low, and for many women, the benefits of HRT in alleviating menopausal symptoms may outweigh the potential risks. Decisions regarding HRT should be made on an individual basis, in consultation with a healthcare provider who can provide personalized information based on the latest research. Australasian Menopause Society
In Summary
There are many factors that influence a women reproductive health as she transitions to the third age. Making sure that living a clean and healthy lifestyle is an important step that you have control over. In doing this the natural drop in Estrogen into the 50’s+ can be supported with the assistance of Kinesiology and other natural holistic therapies. HRT is a very real option but it is not for everyone. It is my hope that this article can assist in understanding that it is more to it than just replacing lost estrogen. How our bodies are effected by our environment and emotions, play a part in disrupting our equilibrium.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You don’t have to navigate hormone imbalance alone. Restored Balance Kinesiology are here to help.
👉 Explore our services and book your consultation at restoredbalance.com.au/services
Hi, I’m Megan, a kinesiologist with a passion for supporting families. The transformative power of kinesiology was a turning point for the health and well-being of my own family. Now, I'm on a mission to help other families thrive, too. If you're ready to embark on a journey towards feeling lighter, and pain-free, I'm here to support you every step of the way.