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Obesity or excess weight.
Obesity or being overweight is one of the most common, yet often underestimated, reasons for elevated estrogen levels in women. Many people view excess weight only as a cosmetic issue, not realizing that fat cells function as active hormonal organs. If you are overweight or obese, the balance in your body can be disturbed, and the concentration of certain biologically active substances can reach undesirable levels. For example, a woman over 40—when metabolism tends to slow down and weight gain becomes more likely—may begin to experience menstrual irregularities, swelling, irritability, or mood swings. These symptoms are often blamed on age or stress, but in reality, elevated estrogen may be a key factor in hormonal imbalance. Women with abdominal fat should be especially careful, as this type of tissue has the most active influence on hormonal processes in the body. That’s why weight management is not only about aesthetics, but also about taking care of your internal health and maintaining your natural balance.
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Liver dysfunction.
The liver helps to break down and eliminate excess estrogen from the body, which affects hormonal balance, thus supporting overall health. However, when liver function is impaired—due to fatty liver disease, hepatitis, alcohol use, poor diet, or high medication load—this process is disrupted. As a result, estrogen that should be neutralized and excreted remains in circulation and accumulates. In this state, sudden mood swings, swelling of the face and legs, as well as a persistent headache may occur, significantly reducing productivity throughout the day. For instance, a woman with no obvious gynecological issues who experiences constant bloating, irritability, and mood shifts might not suspect that her liver function could be the underlying cause. Therefore, in case of unusual symptoms, you should consult a specialist who will identify the cause and help you to establish the normal functioning of all body systems.
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Perimenopause and menopause.
During the perimenopausal period and menopause itself, a woman’s body undergoes significant changes in the functioning of the endocrine system. Hormone levels during this time may fluctuate — rising sharply at first, then dropping just as suddenly. This instability often leads to uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, sudden mood swings, sleep disturbances, anxiety, or tearfulness. In addition, in some women, the level of female hormones can remain elevated for a long time, which can cause swelling, breast tenderness or pelvic discomfort. Others, on the contrary, experience a sharp decline, which manifests itself as dry skin, decreased interest in intimacy, irritability, or general fatigue and exhaustion. In cases of decreased estrogen, some medications (for example, Estrofem, Premarin, Kliovance) that will help to normalize its level in the body are recommended.
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Chronic stress.
When the body is under prolonged stress, it mobilizes all its resources to maintain internal stability. Over time, this stress response suppresses other important bodily functions — including those that regulate women’s health. As a result, natural hormonal balance becomes disrupted. One common outcome is a drop in hormones that promote calm and emotional balance, and a dominance of those that increase tension and alertness. This can lead to symptoms like irritability, swelling, breast sensitivity, weight fluctuations, or irregular periods. For example, after a prolonged period of stress, a woman may notice increased bloating or menstrual irregularities. Sleep deprivation, emotional exhaustion, and disordered eating patterns further intensify hormonal imbalances. That’s why one of the key steps to restoring well-being is learning to reduce internal tension — whether through professional support, physical activity, restorative practices, or adjusting daily routines.