I can’t believe it’s been 8 months since I first shared with y’all about my journey with estrogen dominance. A lot has happened in that time and I figured a detailed post was in order. If female hormones aren’t your thing, please feel free to skip this one, and I’ll see you next week!
I’ll pick up where I left off- I had been prescribed three rounds of Provera (progesterone). I finished those over the course of three months, had the repeat biopsy and got the “all clear” report back from my doctor. I was thrilled by this and since I was strongly grounded in my no-birth-control opinion, he agreed to just watch me over the next few months and see how I did.
For a cycle or two, things were OK. My cycles were still long (40 ish days), but they came fairly regularly. Then, in June, I experienced another episode of mid-cycle spotting. It was a tiny bit that lasted 2-3 days, but certainly could not have passed as a period. I felt beyond frustrated. I got mad, I cried, then I called my doctor because those emotions really stemmed from one place- fear. Since I also was having some stomach issues at the same time, I wanted to come in and have him rule out any scary stuff, then we could decide where to go from there.
Estrogen Dominance: IF, Macros & Fasting Insulin Levels
It took me about two weeks to get into his office. During those two weeks I had decided to hop back on the intermittent fasting train. I ate each day between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM, then fast until my next eating window. I was slightly worried about getting enough calories in during the shortened window, so I paid Madeline to create a macro plan for me. I tracked for about a week in My Fitness Pal to get an idea of the appropriate amount of macros I should be eating, then stopped tracking, but stuck with the general guidelines I had learned. Basically, I had to try harder to get more protein and healthy fat was my friend when combating estrogen dominance.
Once I got into the doctor, I had calmed down. Through an in-depth conversation, ovary ultrasound, and blood work, he assured me I didn’t have anything worth overly worrying about. My ovaries were both still poly-cystic, though, and again he brought up the idea of trying me on Metformin, a diabetic drug that would help control my blood sugar and insulin response. Again, I said no, but I wondered if medication would really be my only answer.
A few days later I received my blood work back from my doctor, who was baffled by the results. My fasting insulin was 4.0 and my fasting glucose was 77, which was a significant drop from the previous results. The only thing I had really changed during that time frame was going back to intermittent fasting, so I decided to stick with it since it seems to be helping me develop more insulin sensitivity.
*I know IF is all the rage and trend right now, but I’ve done enough research to know it’s not for everyone. I’m doing this for my own personal health reasons and under the supervision of doctors. I am not advocating that this is the right path for anyone but myself, so you do you.
Marinated Chicken and Noodles over Palmini with Roasted Broccoli
My doctor told me he didn’t want to try Metformin on me anymore because he didn’t see what it would be able to do now that my blood levels were in this range. He said he was going to put a call into an endocrine specialist friend and ask him about me. I told him I was going to look into finding a holisitic/integrative doctor to meet with in addition to him and I was grateful that he was on board with that (because I love my doctor and didn’t want him to think I didn’t trust his expertise).
So began my hunt for a functional medicine specialist/integrative doctor that specialized in estrogen dominance.
Finding an Integrative Doctor
The first doctor I tried was an acupuncturist. The session was half therapy-like and half medical which I really enjoyed. However, I did not enjoy the acupuncture. I feel I’m in the minority here, but it was uncomfortable for me physically (after about 20 minutes some of the needles were aching at the entry points). She also did not seem to have the overall encompassing view of my situation in the way I was looking for, so while I enjoyed trying a new approach, it wasn’t the right fit for me.
The next doctor I visited for a 15 minute meet and greet. He was a chiropractic doctor. He asked questions to get a brief overview of my situation. I enjoyed his insight and his perspective about each person’s health being unique and through a series of tests and questions, he would be able to create a plan and supplementation tailored specifically to me. He was upfront with the total cost of the program, which isn’t cheap, and I left this appointment feeling hopeful, but not completely certain.
I called a third integrative doctor that was recommended to me, but they wanted to charge me $250 to come in for a meet and greet, without asking me at all what my concerns or issues were. I understand these practices want to be upfront with their costs, since insurance rarely covers much, but I was turned off by the experience and did not pursue it.
Finally a fourth place was recommended to me. It was an hour drive away, but since I had heard it mentioned by several people, I decided to go for it. It is a doctor group that practices integrative medicine and is able to bill insurance for some of the tests, so I booked an appointment.
I was impressed immediately by the presentation of the office. It seemed very professional, like a traditional doctor office. They called me back on time, took a few vitals, then I met with a nurse practitioner.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure when the first part of our conversation started out talking about trying to opt organic when possible because I felt like yet again I wasn’t with someone that was on the same page I was, but then we sat and talked for over an hour. With each passing moment I fell more in love with this experience. We talked about everything from my symptoms to my stress levels to my diet. She listened to what I said and was direct and knowledgeable with her responses. She looked at my previous blood work but also looked at my tongue and nails. It felt like the blend of Western and Eastern medicine I had been searching for and I felt heard and understood.
After we talked, I was sent directly to get blood work done. We ran different blood panels as well as a food sensitivity test.
I derived so much value from meeting with her alone, but I’m even more excited because we have a plan moving forward.
Estrogen Dominance – Finally, Proof via Bloodwork
A month, and multiple vials of blood, (I had to go into a LapCorp near me for hormonal blood work since that has to be taken at a specific time during a woman’s cycle) later I was back in her office to go over the results. I was fascinated! Some of the big takeaways were these:
- I have super low progesterone.
- I have super high estrogen (finally confirmed via testing not guessing).
- I have low pregnenolone (a hormone naturally produced in the body by the adrenal gland and is also made from cholesterol. Pregnenolone is the starting material in the production of testosterone, progesterone, cortisol, estrogen and other hormones).
- I have a legit sensitivity to almonds and dairy.
- I have a yeast overgrowth in the gut.
She was actually very surprised I wasn’t feeling more symptomatic with my hormone levels the way they were and assumed that my current diet was controlling my symptoms decently well. She recommended I start taking bioidentical progesterone either through pill or cream form. I asked if we could try a supplement method first. She agreed and so we will check in again with blood work in three months to see how my updated dietary changes and supplementation are helping my body.
Estrogen Dominance: Diet and Supplements
This is my current plan:
- Eliminate all the foods from my diet that registered as a 0.25 or higher on my food sensitivity test. For me, that’s almonds, sesame, all dairy, eggs, chickpeas, green peas, peanuts, and soybeans.
- Eat paleo-“ish.” She agreed that keeping my carbs lower would be best for now and focus on getting them through whole foods like vegetables, fruits, and a little bit of grain here and there.
- Sleep at least 7 hours a night, though I think my body prefers 8.
- Spore-Based Probiotic to encourage healthy gut bacteria
- Amazon A-F to fight the yeast overgrowth
- Vitex with Chaste Berry to help convert estrogen into progesterone
- DIM to help lower estrogen
- Iodine for thyroid support (my free T3 was a bit low)
- Digestive enzymes (I take at one meal daily) as needed to help with digestion
Yes, it’s a lot. But I’m going all in. I even ordered a monster pill organizer to set myself up for success.
I share this with you because I’ve gotten questions from so many of you saying you are going through your own hormone and gut health frustrations. Obviously everyone’s journey is unique and what I’m doing for estrogen dominance isn’t necessarily what will work for you. However I’m hoping by sharing my path that I can encourage you to be your own advocate. It can be time consuming and really frustrating and it’s bound to come with a few ignorant comments about how crazy or restrictive you’re being, but stay the path. We are (for better and worse) in the driver seat for our own health and it’s worth investing in so we can enjoy life and feel our best.
I’ll check back in with my doctor in three months to see how things are going.
I know this was incredibly long and detailed, but if I missed anything or you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments and I’ll be sure to answer them!
Kelli H says
Good for you trying to get your health in check. Hormones are so tricky. I also have low progesterone and have dealt with gut issues in the past. I’ve been trying to get pregnant again for 15 months and still haven’t been successful despite supplementing with progesterone since January, weekly acupuncture, chiropractic care, exercise, giving up wheat and dairy, taking tons of supplements, cleanses, meditating, and basically trying anything under the sun. It’s so frustrating! Do you ever listen to the podcast Fertility Friday? I’ve learned so much from her and her guests. I highly recommend it.
Brittany Dixon says
Isn’t it funny how complicated hormones are? Well, not funny at all- really frustrating. I just never knew they controlled so much! It sounds like you are doing so many amazing things for your health and fertility and I hope they get you the results you are after soon <3
And thank you for the podcast recommendation!
Amanda says
Do you mind sharing what doctor you used? Does she do virtual consultations?
Brittany Dixon says
Hi Amanda! Yes, I go to Robinhood Integrative Health. It is in Winston Salem. I think they do virtual, but give them a call to double check. You might have to do in person for the initial, but I’m not sure.
Lindsey says
Hi Brittany, thank you so much for sharing your experience. I also have thin PCOS and hormone issues. When my periods were irregular after having my second child, my Naturopath recommended I take Ovasitol and it has helped regulate my periods. I used to buy it directly from my Naturopath but since we moved and I can no longer make it into her office I’ve been getting it from PCOS Diva: https://pcosdiva.com/product/ovasitol/ This website has some great tips for regulating hormones with PCOS. Of course everyone is different but might be worth a try. Good luck!
Stacey says
How are you looking that brand of probiotic? Did you have to ease into taking them (starting with small doses)?
Stacey:)
Brittany Dixon says
I seem to do just fine with it now, but there was a little bit of getting used to it at first. It helps to take it with food!
Stephanie says
Thanks for sharing your journey, it’s very interesting as well as informative. And good for you for working hard to get at the root causes and finding care providers who are a good fit for your needs and the approach you want to take, it’s not an easy thing. Going about this holistically and based on your individual needs and values obviously takes extra work, but it sounds like you found a good fit with your current team of care providers and a good plan and hopefully you’re going to reap the benefits of that! Hooray for being your own advocate!
John J. Stathas says
I so respect that you do whatever is necessary to gain optimal health. You do that is so many ways. Good role model!
Heather says
Have you considered a Keto diet for a period of time? I have several friends with auto immune or other health issues that saw great changes when they used the Keto method. Now they eat low carb and still see great results.
Brittany Dixon says
I have played around with it in the past but didn’t like having to cut back on my veggies. Now that I know I’m dairy sensitive, too, I’m not sure it’s the right fit for me, but have heard people get amazing results with a low carb diet like that!
Megan Rowlinson says
Thank you for sharing your story! I always find it interesting to read how people navigate and balance our traditional health system with functional medicine. I truly believe there is so much we have yet to learn about the benefits of combining the two. A huge kudos to knowing your own body and being a strong advocate for yourself. I am glad that you are beginning to feel better and it is amazing how your lab results decreased so much by changes in diet! Wilmington, DE
Brittany Dixon says
I was super surprised by the dietary changes affect too! And I agree with you- combining eastern and western medicine seems like the sweet spot!
Sarah Simon says
Thank you for sharing! I’m also on the beginning of my journey to figure out what’s going on with my hormones. It’s so daunting, and I feel like it’s a lot of trial and error (as well as blood tests!). I trust my doctor as well but like you, I prefer supplements or diet to taking medications.
Have you heard of Arvigo Massage? I came across it because I have a lot of pain during ovulation (PCOS) and was looking for some help there. I go this week to try it out. I already see a chiropractor monthly and we are both optimistic that this may help as well!
Brittany Dixon says
I have not heard about that, but thank you for sharing! I’m going to look into it! Good luck on your journey. I agree- so much trial and error!
Summer says
Would like to know which doctor you are working with. I Have Hashimoto’s and have been struggling with some other issues. Looking for integrative doctor.
Brittany Dixon says
I go to Robinhood Integrative Health in Winston Salem. Good luck on your journey! <3
sherry says
You have done an outstanding job of researching and blending Western medicine with
Eastern and holistic in the search for works for you! Keep on learning!
Michelle says
Thank you for sharing! We seem to be similar in many ways with our hormonal journey.
I struggled with cystic acne for years after coming off the pill in 2015. I finally pinpointed my problem: estrogen dominance. I don’t know for sure if it’s simply estrogen dominance or a combination of high-normal estrogen and low-normal progesterone.
I saw two different naturopaths in Asheville (where we live) and both helped in different ways. I really stand by this route over the conventional route. I/we eventually learned that a combination of DIM and liver support supplements (e.g. S-Acetyl Glutathione, Calcium D-Glucarate, celery juice, herbal liver tonic, etc.) cleared my acne right up. Apparently I needed assistance clearing excess estrogen out of my liver.
I’m currently 30 weeks pregnant, so the hormonal journey has evolved to say the least! Fortunately my cystic acne is a thing of the past (have not taken any of my normal supplements while pregnant and my skin is crystal clear). However, I feel as though I continue to have high estrogen due to putting on weight quickly (I’m not able to eat too much while feeling so large/full, but yet my weight continues to creep up) and experiencing some terrible insomnia the past 8 weeks. It’s tough to simply live with feeling like this b/c everything is questionable for pregnant women and no supplement is necessarily advised to take while expecting. Ugh.
I’ve enjoyed following your journey and am always curious what is working and what is not along the way. Thanks again!
Michelle says
I forgot to mention in my previous comment that if by chance you are advised to consider metformin again, research the natural alternative with fewer side effects: Myo-Inositol. I took this supplement when I went off the pill in 2015 and it helped me ovulate and get my first natural period in a reasonable amount of time (30-some days whereas before when I tried to quit the pill I had no period for 5 months!). Just food for thought!
Gina says
I would love to see an update on how you’re doing on your estrogen dominance journey. Do you mind sharing what iodine supplement you are/ were taking and how much?
Brittany Dixon says
Hi Gina! I’m doing pretty well right now, though I’m overdue for a doctor check in because of the pandemic. However, my cycles are closer together (though not always the same length of days, they are more predictable) and overall I’m feeling good and eating all foods again. I think a lot of mine was tied to gut health and getting that right helped (though it took a long time). I also focus on blood sugar control as much as I can because I know that’s a big factor for me as well.
Kim says
Can you do a follow up on this? Did all the supplements work? Food elimination?
Brittany Dixon says
Yes, I’m doing quite well with everything now (fingers crossed it stays that way). I believe what helped me most was gut healing via temporary food eliminations then adding back in, supplements, and increase in exercise and muscle. Tough to pinpoint exactly what helped, and it took a long time, but feeling quite good right now.
Tina says
Hey! What test did you do to figure out your gut issues? The yeast etc. I have a very similar problem at the moment and would love help. Only seeing traditional docs at the moment and it’s very frustrating.
Brittany Dixon says
It was moreso a lot of trial and error and symptom monitoring than a test. I went to Robinhood Integrative Healthy in Winston Salem, NC and they were helpful. I also did a gut cleanse with Organic Blondie and it was very helpful as well! https://www.organicblondielife.com/
Kim says
I hope you can do a follow up on this 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
I do need to do a follow up! Any specific questions that would be helpful to address?
Lynanda Engelbrecht says
Hi Brittany
I have done blood tests and Thyroid test on multiple times and all normal. My doctor did notice that I have very High Estrogen. I have been putting on weight like anything and I do not eat that much. He has put me on Metformin to help with lowering my estrogen levels and also to help with my weight. At the moment I have not lost any weight, I am very depressed as this problem has been going on for a couple of years. I have been put onto 2 tabs of 500mg metformin a day and this has been a week on this new dose. Should I try intermittent fasting and start up my exercise to help with my weightloss? Just very frustrated . If you have any ideas it will be great.
Brittany Dixon says
I’m so sorry to hear of your frustrations you are going through right now! I am certainly not qualified to give medical advice, but would encourage you to look for an integrative medical provider in your area. It was so helpful to me to work with a MD that considered both eastern and western approaches to health and wellbeing. Wishing you all the best!