If youve felt a rush of heat across your face, neck and upper body that caused you to reach for the nearest makeshift fan then chances are you were experiencing a hot flash. This is a common symptom associated with body changes that occur in women over 40. These episodes can be linked to excess estrogen in your body. And this can pose a health concern for women, and men, as they age.
In proper amounts, estrogen supports the bodys inflammatory balance and helps protect your health in many ways. But excess estrogen and xenoestrogenschemicals in the environment that mimic the effects of estrogenlead to estrogen dominance. Documented symptoms include
- Weight gainespecially belly fatwithout eating more
- Hot flashes and uncomfortable menopausal symptoms
- Unwanted facial hair
- Vaginal dryness and uncomfortable intercourse
- Bloating and water retention
- Memory loss and senior moments
- Mild mood changes
- Occasional headaches associated with the menstrual cycle
- Irregular or skipped menstrual cycles
- Poor sleep quality
- Low sex drive
- Dry skin and wrinkles
- Breast tenderness
Health practitioners have suggested that diet, exercise and nutritional supplements, as well as massages and reflexology treatments, may minimize unpleasant symptoms associated with estrogen dominance and menopause. The supplement di-indole methane, or DIM, can also help support favorable estrogen metabolism in women and men.