Is Oestrogen Dominance the Missing Piece of Your Hormonal Puzzle?

We often talk about hormonal changes as something we just have to “put up with.” But what if the mood swings, heavy periods, and that constant sense of being bloated and off balance aren’t something to endure — but signals from your body that something deeper is going on?

At Farah Health, I work with women navigating hormonal and metabolic challenges every day, and one phrase that comes up again and again is oestrogen dominance. While it’s not an official medical diagnosis, it’s a pattern many of us experience — and it’s backed by real physiology.

Let’s break it down.

What is Oestrogen Dominance?

Oestrogen dominance refers to a state where oestrogen’s effects outweigh the balancing effects of progesterone. That might mean:

• Too much oestrogen,

• Too little progesterone, or

• A bit of both.

It’s not about the numbers alone — it’s about the balance between them.

Why Does This Happen?

There are several common reasons:

• Perimenopause – ovulation becomes irregular, and progesterone often drops before oestrogen does.

• PCOS – chronic an-ovulation can mean progesterone never rises properly to meet oestrogen.

• Insulin resistance & weight gain – excess fat tissue increases oestrogen production through aromatisation.

• Chronic stress – the body prioritises cortisol over progesterone production.

• Impaired detoxification – the liver and gut play key roles in clearing oestrogen from the body.

  
  

Common Signs and Symptoms

If you’re dealing with any of the following, oestrogen may be playing a bigger role than you think:

• Heavy or painful periods

• Breast tenderness

• Mood swings or heightened anxiety, especially premenstrually

• Bloating or fluid retention

• Difficulty sleeping

• Cyclical headaches or migraines

• Brain fog or fatigue before your period

What Can You Do About It?

Supporting hormonal balance doesn’t have to mean overhauling your life overnight. It’s about small, consistent shifts that support the body’s ability to regulate and clear oestrogen effectively.

Some of the key strategies we use in clinic include:

• Balancing blood sugar – avoiding spikes that drive inflammation and hormonal disruption

• Prioritising protein and fibre – to stabilise energy and support gut health

• Supporting detoxification – with plenty of cruciferous vegetables, hydration, and movement

• Reducing stress – to protect progesterone and lower cortisol load

• Ensuring regular bowel movements – to avoid reabsorption of excess oestrogen via the gut

  
  

For some women, targeted supplements or additional testing may also be helpful — but the foundations matter most.

The Takeaway

If you’ve been told “it’s just PMS,” but something doesn’t feel right, you’re not alone — and you’re not imagining it.

Hormonal fluctuations common, especially during times of hormonal transition. The good news? You can support your body in coming back into balance — with the right information, support, and a personalised approach.

Ready to explore your hormonal health?

If you’re moving through perimenopause, living with PCOS, or simply noticing that your cycle feels harder to manage lately — know that you’re not alone. There are ways to understand what’s going on and support your body with care and clarity.