The Thyroid and Estrogen

Thyroid 101Endocrine Hormones
Written By Kylie Wolfig

What is Estrogen?

  • Estrogen is a group of hormones primarily responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics.

  • While predominantly considered a female hormone, estrogen is also present in smaller amounts in men.

  • It plays a crucial role in menstrual cycles, pregnancy, bone health, skin integrity, and cholesterol regulation.

What Types of Estrogen Are There and What Do They Do?

There are three primary types of estrogen:

  • Estradiol (E2): The most potent and dominant form in premenopausal women, responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and reproductive health.

  • Estrone (E1): The dominant estrogen after menopause, produced mainly in fat tissue and the Adrenals.

  • Estriol (E3): The weakest form, produced in significant amounts during pregnancy to support fetal development.

Each type of estrogen has unique roles in the body, and an imbalance can affect overall health, including thyroid function.

Levels for Estrogen

Levels vary depending on age, gender, and life stage:

  • Premenopausal Women: 30–400 pg/mL (Estradiol)

  • Postmenopausal Women: 0–30 pg/mL (Estradiol)

  • Men: 10–50 pg/mL (Estradiol)

These levels can be influenced by factors such as body fat percentage, age, medications, and health conditions.

What Does Estrogen Do in Our Body?

Estrogen influences multiple systems in the body:

  • Reproductive System: Regulates menstrual cycles and prepares the uterus for pregnancy.

  • Bone Health: Prevents bone loss and maintains bone density.

  • Cardiovascular System: Maintains healthy cholesterol levels and supports blood vessel health.

  • Skin and Hair: Promotes collagen production and skin elasticity.

  • Brain Function: Supports mood, memory, and cognitive function.

Symptoms of Estrogen Deficiency / Excess

  • Deficiency: Irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, bone loss.

  • Excess: Heavy or irregular periods, breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, weight gain, mood disturbances.

What Does Estrogen Do in the Thyroid Pathway?

  • Estrogen plays a crucial role in thyroid function by influencing thyroid hormone production and conversion.

  • Excess estrogen can take up space on the thyroid-binding globulin (TBG), reducing the availability of free thyroid hormones.

  • On the other hand, estrogen deficiency can impair the thyroid's ability to produce adequate hormones, leading to hypothyroid-like symptoms.

What Does Estrogen Do in Our Liver?

  • The liver metabolizes estrogen through specific pathways, mainly Phase I and Phase II detoxification processes.

  • An overburdened liver can lead to estrogen dominance, while poor liver function can impair estrogen clearance, causing hormonal imbalances.

What Does Estrogen Do in Our Gut?

  • The gut microbiome, specifically the estrobolome, helps regulate estrogen metabolism.

  • Dysbiosis (an imbalance in gut bacteria) can impair estrogen breakdown, leading to the recirculation of estrogen and potential dominance.

Physical Ailments That Affect Estrogen

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

  • Endometriosis

  • Fibroids

  • Perimenopause and Menopause

  • Obesity

  • Liver dysfunction

  • Thyroid disorders

Food That Impacts Estrogen

  • Increases Estrogen: Soy products, flaxseeds, chickpeas, sesame seeds

  • Decreases Estrogen: Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower), mushrooms, turmeric

Medications That Impact Estrogen

  • Birth control pills

  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

  • Tamoxifen (breast cancer medication)

  • Steroids

  • Certain antifungal and antibiotic medications

Natural Supplements That Negatively Impact Estrogen

  • High doses of Vitamin C

  • Certain phytoestrogens (when consumed excessively)

  • Licorice root (in excess)

Heavy Metals That Impact Estrogen

  • Mercury

  • Lead

  • Cadmium

  • Arsenic

These heavy metals can disrupt hormone function by mimicking estrogen (xenoestrogens) or interfering with hormone metabolism.

Testing for Estrogen

  • Blood Test (Estradiol, Estrone, Estriol levels)

  • Saliva Test

  • Urine Hormone Test (DUTCH Test)

  • Thyroid Panel (to assess indirect impact)

Nutrients Required for Estrogen Absorption

  • Magnesium

  • Vitamin B6

  • Zinc

  • Selenium

  • Fiber (to support detoxification and elimination)

Foods High in Estrogen-Balancing Nutrients

  • Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, cauliflower)

  • Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)

  • Nuts and seeds (flaxseeds, walnuts)

  • Berries

  • Whole grains

Other Random Information About Estrogen

  • Estrogen dominance is increasingly common due to environmental toxins (xenoestrogens) found in plastics, pesticides, and synthetic chemicals.

  • Exercise helps regulate estrogen levels by improving liver and gut function.

  • Stress impacts estrogen balance through cortisol production, which can suppress hormone pathways.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or treatment plan. Individual needs may vary, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.

Kylie Wolfig
Previous

The Thyroid and Inflammation
Next

The Thyroid and Tryptophan