5 Best Supplements for Estrogen Dominance

Struggling with estrogen dominance? Discover the 10 best supplements to help balance hormones naturally.

As a nutrition consultant and someone who has personally struggled with estrogen dominance, I know firsthand how frustrating and overwhelming it can be. The symptoms can take a toll on your daily life, from stubborn weight gain to mood swings and fatigue. After years of trial and error, I discovered that the right supplements—combined with a nutrient-dense diet and lifestyle changes—can make a significant difference. In this post, I’m sharing the 10 best supplements for estrogen dominance that have helped me and many of my clients regain balance and feel their best.

When hormones like estrogen and progesterone are out of sync, it can lead to significant health problems, including weight gain, mood swings, irregular periods, and even more serious conditions like breast cancer or ovarian cancer.

What is Estrogen Dominance?

Estrogen dominance is characterized by high levels of estrogen relative to progesterone. It can disrupt hormonal balance, strain your liver function, and even impact your overall health.

But there’s good news—addressing estrogen dominance often begins with manageable lifestyle changes. A healthy diet loaded with cruciferous vegetables, dietary supplements like calcium d-glucarate, and stress-reducing habits can be your first step toward better health. Supplements play an important role by supporting estrogen metabolism, balancing hormone levels, and eliminating excess estrogen.

If you’re eager to learn more about balancing hormones naturally, read this guide on estrogen dominance. Ready to take control of your hormonal health? Let’s explore how to feel your best with simple yet impactful steps.

Understanding Estrogen Dominance

Estrogen dominance occurs when there’s an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone levels, typically characterized by either too much estrogen or not enough progesterone in the body. This imbalance can disrupt hormonal harmony, leading to various health issues. Let’s break down what estrogen dominance looks like and the key factors that contribute to it.

Symptoms and Signs of Estrogen Dominance

Here are some common symptoms of estrogen dominance that you might notice:

Estrogen Dominance (ED) is a hormonal imbalance that occurs when estrogen levels are too high relative to progesterone or when your body is not metabolizing estrogen properly. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Breast Changes – Tender, swollen, lumpy, or fibrocystic breasts.
• Estrogen-Driven Cancers – Increased risk of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers.
• Reproductive Health Issues – Fibroids, uterine polyps, and endometriosis.
• Menstrual Irregularities – PMS, heavy periods, irregular cycles, painful cramps, and clotting.
• Thyroid Dysfunction – Thyroid nodules and hypothyroid symptoms due to estrogen’s impact on thyroid hormone function.
• Weight Gain & Fat Distribution – Stubborn fat accumulation, particularly around the hips, thighs, and buttocks.
• Fluid Retention & Bloating – Puffy face, swollen hands/feet, and a general feeling of “heaviness.”
• Infertility & Lack of Ovulation – Difficulty conceiving and anovulatory cycles (when you don’t release an egg).
• Irregular periods: Heavy, painful menstruation or spotting between cycles.
• Mood swings: Anxiety, irritability, or depression that seems to intensify during certain parts of your cycle.
• Weight gain: Particularly around the hips, thighs, and midsection due to fat tissue’s role in storing excess estrogen.
• Brain fog: Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally “cloudy.”
• Hair loss: Thinning hair that might occur with hormonal imbalances.
• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness regardless of sleep quality.
• Bloating and digestive issues stemming from poor gut health.
• Increased premenstrual symptoms, such as cramps and headaches.

But What If You’re in Perimenopause or Menopause?

Many women mistakenly believe that Estrogen Dominance only affects younger women. However, even if your estrogen levels are declining during perimenopause and menopause, you can still be estrogen dominant.

How is that possible?

• It’s not just about how much estrogen you have—it’s about how your body processes and eliminates it.
• Even with lower estrogen levels, your body may still be producing harmful estrogen metabolites that trigger ED symptoms.
• This explains why many women in menopause, despite having lower overall estrogen, are still diagnosed with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers.

What Causes Estrogen Dominance?

Estrogen Dominance can develop due to two main factors:

Low Progesterone Levels

Progesterone is estrogen’s natural counterpart. When progesterone levels drop (as they often do with age, stress, or poor ovulation), estrogen is left unchecked. This is problematic because estradiol, the most potent form of estrogen, is linked to fibroids, endometriosis, and hormone-driven cancers.

Poor Estrogen Detoxification

Your liver plays a crucial role in breaking down estrogen and eliminating it through urine and stool. However, if your liver isn’t functioning optimally due to:

• A nutrient-deficient diet
• Chronic gut issues (like constipation, bloating, and dysbiosis)
• High toxic exposure (conventional skincare, cleaning products, plastics, and pesticides)
• Excess alcohol or caffeine consumption
• Lack of fiber and proper hydration

… then your body may accumulate “dirty estrogens”—harmful estrogen metabolites that disrupt your hormones and increase the risk of disease.

If you’re seeking ways to alleviate these symptoms naturally, try Raw Carrot Salad for Hormonal Balance, a simple yet effective option for supporting your body’s estrogen detox.

Environmental Estrogens: Also known as endocrine disruptors or xenoestrogens, these are found in many personal care products, perfumes, plastics, and pesticides. They mimic estrogen and can bind to estrogen receptors in the body, contributing to excess estrogen.

Poor Diet Choices: Diets high in animal products, processed foods, and sugar while low in fiber-rich foods—think whole grains, cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, and leafy greens—can impair your body’s ability to metabolize estrogen properly.

Chronic Inflammation: Persistent inflammation in the body, often caused by junk foods, alcohol consumption, or excess body fat, disrupts hormonal balance and may impair how well your liver can detox estrogen.

Stress and Lifestyle Factors: High levels of the stress hormone cortisol can steal resources from progesterone, further upsetting the balance of sex hormones. Sleep deprivation and sedentary lifestyles also strain hormone levels.

Addressing these triggers with targeted lifestyle changes, such as eating more whole foods and incorporating Nine Superfoods for Hormone Balance, can help you start taking steps toward better health.

Myths About Estrogen Dominance

• I should avoid foods rich in estrogens, like flaxseeds because I have Estrogen Dominance: Phytoestrogens (plant estrogens in foods like flaxseeds and soy) help balance estrogen by binding to estrogen receptors and promoting healthy estrogen metabolism. The real issue is xenoestrogens—synthetic estrogens found in plastics, personal care products, and pesticides.
• Cruciferous vegetables are bad for my thyroid: There is no scientific evidence that cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts) harm the thyroid. In fact, they support estrogen detoxification and help eliminate harmful estrogen metabolites.

Why does this matter?

• “Dirty” estrogens increase Thyroid Binding Globulin (TBG), which binds thyroid hormones and makes them less available for use.
• ED can also interfere with the conversion of T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) into T3 (the active form), leading to hypothyroid symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, depression, and hair thinning.
• Cruciferous vegetables suppress the liver’s ability to detox estrogen, which supports thyroid health.

5 Best Supplements for Estrogen Dominance

Supplements can play a pivotal role in managing estrogen dominance. They support estrogen metabolism, reduce high estrogen levels, and enhance hormone function, especially when paired with lifestyle changes.

Supporting hormonal balance through targeted supplements can help you combat the effects of estrogen dominance. These carefully selected options assist your body in metabolizing excess estrogen while promoting a healthy hormonal environment. Let’s explore the 5 best supplements fro estrogen dominance and help you feel your best.

Calcium D-Glucarate: Liver Detox

Calcium D-Glucarate is a potent liver detoxifier that helps the body to to to eliminate harmful toxins and excess estrogens. It helps activate glucuronidation pathway in the liver, which plays a crucial role in clearing “dirty” estrogens and other unwanted compounds. This makes it especially beneficial for individuals exposed to environmental pollutants, medications (such as painkillers and antibiotics), or hormonal imbalances.

Naturally found in fruits and vegetables like oranges, apples, and cruciferous vegetables, calcium D-glucarate inhibits beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme that can reduce the liver’s detox efficiency. High levels of beta-glucuronidase have been linked to increased inflammation and estrogen-related cancers, making calcium D-glucarate a valuable tool for hormone balance.

Key Benefits of Calcium D-Glucarate

• Supports estrogen detoxification – Helps remove harmful estrogen metabolites linked to fibroids, endometriosis, and estrogen-related cancers.
• Aids liver detoxification – Enhances Phase II liver detox, preventing toxins from being reabsorbed into the bloodstream.
• Reduces inflammation – Supports immune function and promotes anti-inflammatory responses.
• Lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol – Research shows it can reduce LDL cholesterol by up to 35%, which is particularly beneficial for women with thyroid imbalances.
• May support cancer prevention – Linked to lower risks of breast and colon cancers.
• Aids post-surgery and toxin recovery – Helps the body process and eliminate toxins after medical treatments or environmental exposure.

Calcium D-Glucarate and Hormone Balance

Calcium D-glucarate helps eliminate excess estrogens that can contribute to conditions such as:

• Fibrocystic breasts and breast lumps
• Endometriosis and fibroids
• Thyroid nodules and hormone-related cancers
• PMS, mood swings, and fertility challenges

How to Take Calcium D-Glucarate

• Recommended dosage: 150 mg to 300 mg per day, taken with meals.
• Best form: Choose a supplement free from gluten, soy, artificial additives, and dyes.

Precautions

Calcium D-Glucarate may speed up toxin metabolism, potentially affecting medications processed by the liver. If you are on medication, consult your healthcare provider before use. Some individuals take it at least four hours apart from medications to minimize interactions. you’re curious about hormone balancing tailored to perimenopause specifically, learn more in Estrogen Dominance In Perimenopause.

Sulforaphane a Potent Detoxifier

Sulforaphane a powerful yet often underappreciated compound with remarkable detoxification, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. I love this supplement and take it every day. It has helped me so much with overcoming estrogen dominance and keeping my liver healthy.

What is Sulforaphane?

Sulforaphane is a sulfur-rich compound primarily derived from broccoli sprouts (you can also grow youe own broccoli sprouts – it very easy and tehy are delisuous). It shares similarities with Diindolylmethane (DIM) but functions differently. While both aid detoxification, sulforaphane uniquely supports the cardiovascular and nervous systems while offering superior anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory effects.

The Benefits of Sulforaphane

• Enhances Phase 2 Liver Detoxification: Supports the breakdown and elimination of harmful substances, including excess estrogens.
• Increases Protective Estrogen (2-OH Estrone): Helps maintain hormonal balance and reduces estrogen dominance symptoms.
• Reduces Breast Lumps and Cancer Risk: Research links sulforaphane to the shrinkage of breast lumps and protective effects against breast cancer.
• Powerful Anti-Inflammatory: Helps mitigate chronic inflammation, a root cause of many diseases.
• Neutralizes Free Radicals: Acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress.
• Supports the Immune System: Strengthens the body’s defense mechanisms against infections and chronic diseases.

Sulforaphane and Hormonal Balance

Sulforaphane plays a crucial role in hormone regulation, primarily by enhancing liver detoxification pathways.

• Liver Detoxification: Facilitates the proper breakdown of estrogen and other hormones by modulating Phase I and boosting Phase II liver detoxification enzymes. This ensures the safe elimination of harmful estrogen metabolites.
• Anti-Carcinogenic and Detoxifying Properties: Studies show that sulforaphane lowers premenopausal breast cancer risk, enhances detoxification enzyme activity, reduces thyroid cancer occurrence, and raises 2-OH estrone, the beneficial form of estrogen.
• Chemoprotection: Recognized for its ability to combat estrogen-receptive breast cancers.
• Digestive Health: Improves gut health by reducing harmful bacteria like H. pylori and promoting regular bowel movements.

Broccoli Sprouts and Sulforaphane Content

While broccoli sprouts are an excellent natural source of sulforaphane, their sulforaphane content varies significantly. Even organic sources do not guarantee a consistent concentration. Regular consumption of homegrown sprouts is still beneficial, but for those dealing with estrogen dominance, fibroids, or hormone-related cancers, supplementation may be a more effective approach.

Choosing a High-Quality Sulforaphane Supplement

Not all sulforaphane supplements are created equal. Look for:

• High glucoraphanin content: The precursor to sulforaphane.
• Myrosinase enzyme: Essential for converting glucoraphanin into active sulforaphane.
• Added Vitamin C: Enhances bioavailability and absorption.

Recommended Dosage

For optimal benefits, select a supplement that provides 3 to 7 mg of sulforaphane per serving, includes myrosinase, and preferably contains vitamin C.

Precautions

Sulforaphane interacts with certain medications processed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2). If you are taking such medications, consult your healthcare provider before supplementing.

Sulforaphane vs. DIM

Both DIM and sulforaphane support hormone detoxification, but their mechanisms differ.

• DIM primarily activates Phase 1 liver detoxification, which can overwhelm the body if Phase 2 is sluggish.
• Sulforaphane, on the other hand, boosts Phase 2 detoxification, ensuring that harmful estrogen metabolites are fully processed and excreted        

If DIM hasn’t worked for you or made symptoms worse, the missing link may be Phase 2 detoxification. Sulforaphane and calcium D-glucarate can help ensure your detox pathways function effectively, providing comprehensive support for hormonal health.

Chasteberry (Vitex Agnus-Castus) for Estrogen Dominance

Chasteberry, also known as Vitex Agnus-Castus, is a powerful herbal remedy for balancing hormones, particularly in cases of Estrogen Dominance. It works by supporting the pituitary gland, which regulates progesterone production. Since low progesterone is often a key factor in Estrogen Dominance, Vitex helps restore balance by naturally boosting progesterone levels.

How Chasteberry Supports Hormonal Balance

• Increases Progesterone Naturally – Vitex doesn’t contain hormones but encourages your body to produce more progesterone, helping to counteract excess estrogen.
• Reduces PMS & Menstrual Irregularities – Helps ease PMS symptoms, painful periods, and irregular cycles by regulating hormonal fluctuations.
• Supports Ovulation & Fertility – Since progesterone is essential for ovulation, Chasteberry can enhance fertility and support a healthy luteal phase.
• Eases Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance – By balancing estrogen and progesterone,

Vitex may help with:

✔ Fibrocystic breasts

✔ Breast tenderness & swelling

✔ Heavy or irregular periods

✔ Mood swings, irritability, & anxiety

✔ Water retention & bloating

Supplements vs. Food – Which One?

While food plays a major role in hormonal health, Vitex is best taken as a supplement for targeted support.

• If you have strong Estrogen Dominance symptoms, taking Vitex daily (typically in the morning) for at least 3-6 months can help rebalance your hormones.
• Once the balance is restored, continue with an anti-inflammatory, hormone-friendly diet to maintain results.

How to Take Chasteberry

• Best taken first thing in the morning (since it works through the pituitary gland).
• Consistency is key – it can take several months to notice the full effects.
• Look for high-quality, organic Vitex free from fillers or additives.

Who Should Avoid Chasteberry?

• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on hormonal birth control, talk to your doctor before taking Vitex.
• If you have low estrogen levels or a history of hormone-sensitive conditions, consult a practitioner before use.

My Experience with Chasteberry

When I was struggling with breast tenderness, mood swings, and irregular cycles, Vitex was a game-changer. After a few months of consistent use, my symptoms improved significantly, and I was able to maintain my results with clean eating and stress management.

If you’re dealing with Estrogen Dominance, Chasteberry might be the missing piece to help bring your hormones back into harmony.

Schisandra (Schisandra Chinensis) for Estrogen Dominance

Schisandra, also known as Schisandra Chinensis or Wu Wei Zi (Five-Flavor Berry), is a powerful adaptogenic berry that supports hormonal balance, liver detoxification, and adrenal health—all crucial for overcoming Estrogen Dominance. This ancient herb has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to balance stress hormones, enhance liver function, and improve resilience to toxins and inflammation.

How Schisandra Supports Hormonal Balance

• Liver Detoxification & Estrogen Metabolism – Schisandra enhances Phase I & Phase II liver detox, helping your body break down and remove “dirty” estrogens and other harmful toxins. A sluggish liver can lead to estrogen buildup, contributing to PMS, heavy periods, and fibroids.
• Balances Cortisol & Reduces Stress – Chronic stress worsens Estrogen Dominance by stealing progesterone to make more cortisol. As an adaptogen, Schisandra helps regulate stress hormones, supporting better progesterone balance and reducing symptoms like irritability, mood swings, and fatigue.
• Protects & Strengthens the Liver – A healthy liver is key for estrogen detox. Schisandra is a potent hepatoprotective herb, meaning it shields the liver from damage while boosting its ability to filter out excess estrogen.
• Reduces Inflammation & Supports the Gut – High inflammation and poor gut health can contribute to estrogen reabsorption. Schisandra’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help protect against gut imbalances that lead to bloating, water retention, and hormonal disruptions.

Signs You May Benefit from Schisandra

• PMS, mood swings, & fatigue
• Breast tenderness & swelling
• Heavy or irregular periods
• Skin issues like acne or dullness (Schisandra is also a beauty herb!)
• Bloating & poor digestion
• Difficulty handling stress & burnout

Supplements vs. Food – Which One?

While food plays a key role in hormone health, Schisandra works best as an herbal supplement or tea for targeted support.

• If your estrogen levels are high and your liver is sluggish, Schisandra can help detox excess estrogen and reduce symptoms over time.
• For stress-related hormone imbalances, taking Schisandra daily as a tincture, capsule, or tea can support adrenal function and progesterone balance.

How to Take Schisandra

• Best taken in the morning or early afternoon to support liver function and stress resilience.
• Can be used as a tea, tincture, capsule, or powder – choose a high-quality organic source.
• Consistency is key – expect to see benefits within a few weeks to months.

Who Should Avoid Schisandra?

• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medications affecting liver function, consult your doctor before use.
• If you have extremely low estrogen levels, use caution, as Schisandra supports estrogen metabolism.

My Experience with Schisandra

When I was dealing with hormonal fatigue, mood swings, and sluggish liver detox, Schisandra became a staple in my hormone-balancing routine. Within weeks, I noticed less bloating, better energy, and improved mood stability—all signs my body was processing estrogen more efficiently.

Explore how this superfood can support your journey in Nature’s Hormone Food – Schisandra.

DIM: A Powerful Support for Hormone Balance

What is DIM?
Our DIM supplement provides 100 mg of Diindolylmethane (DIM), a plant compound derived from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. DIM is a more effective and stable form of Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C), which the body naturally converts into DIM. Unlike I3C, DIM doesn’t cause unwanted side effects like nausea or dizziness, making it the superior choice for hormone support.

Why Choose DIM in Oil Form?
DIM has a crystalline structure that makes absorption challenging. That’s why our formula uses an oil-based delivery system with MCT oil, non-soy lecithin, and vitamin E to maximize bioavailability—no synthetic surfactants needed. This ensures better absorption and effectiveness at lower doses.

How DIM Supports Hormone Balance

• Helps optimize the ratio of two key estrogen metabolites (2-hydroxy and 16-hydroxy estrogen) for better hormonal balance.
• Acts as an aromatase inhibitor, preventing excess testosterone from converting into estrogen, which may benefit libido and athletic performance.
• Supports Phase I liver detoxification, an essential step in estrogen metabolism.
• Provides antioxidant support, protecting cells from oxidative stress.

DIM vs. I3C: Which is Better?

I3C must first convert to DIM in the body and requires co-factors to do so efficiently. Additionally, I3C can increase 4-hydroxy estrone, a metabolite linked to certain cancers. DIM bypasses these concerns, offering a safer and more direct approach to estrogen balance.

Why Has DIM Stopped Working or Made You Feel Worse?

DIM only supports Phase I liver detoxification, which frees up toxins. However, these toxins must then be neutralized and eliminated via Phase II detoxification. If Phase II isn’t supported with nutrients like sulforaphane and calcium D-glucarate, your body may struggle, leading to symptoms like fatigue or worsening estrogen dominance. The solution? Pair DIM with these key detoxifiers.

Can’t I Just Eat More Cruciferous Vegetables?

To get 100 mg of DIM from food, you’d need to eat 6 pounds of raw crucifers daily—not realistic for most people. While a diet rich in these vegetables is beneficial, supplementing with DIM is a more practical way to achieve optimal levels.

Is DIM Safe with Medications?

Unlike I3C, DIM is safe to take alongside Tamoxifen, birth control pills, and St. John’s Wort. There are no known contraindications, though it should be discontinued during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

My Recommendation

• Start with 100 mg of DIM.
• If symptoms persist or worsen, add sulforaphane and calcium D-glucarate to support Phase II detoxification.
• Monitor blood sugar if you have diabetes or hypoglycemia, as DIM may affect glucose levels.

Supporting your hormones doesn’t have to be complicated—DIM, when used correctly, can be a game-changer for both men and women.

If you’re struggling with symptoms of estrogen dominance, these supplements can be an important part of your strategy to restore balance. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re on medication or managing existing health conditions. Combine these supplements with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management for the best results in maintaining hormonal health.

Begin your journey with Seed Cycling for Hormonal Balance guidance and explore the benefits of hormone-supporting foods like those found in Nine Superfoods For Hormone Balance.

Recipes for Hormone Balance

Dandelion Tea

Detox Tea

Hormone Balancing Dandelion And Chicory Root Latte

Hormone Balancing Pumpkin Spice Latte

Creamy Rose Hot Chocolate With Rose Marshmallows

Hot Chocolate With Coconut Whipped Cream

Medicinal Mushrooms Hot Chocolate for Immune Support

References

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12197785

http://www.imjournal.com/resources/web_pdfs/popular/1008_evans.pdf

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12197785

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22870144

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4819954

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5773831

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6275259

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/030438359090083A

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