Can I Get Pregnant With High Oestrogen Levels?

Role of oestrogen

Oestrogen is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands, skin, liver, bones and ovaries. This hormone plays an important part in various bodily functions, including bone development. It also facilitates the cognitive part of the brain, cardiovascular system and lipid metabolism. Oestrogen has a significant role in the female reproductive system. It aids in ovarian function and menstruation. Oestrogen helps your body during pregnancy and can also be blamed for mood changes.¹

The female body produces four different types:

• Estrone E1: Estrone is a weak estrogen that releases during or after menopause. It is produced in the ovaries, placenta, and part of body fat.
• Estradiol E2: Estradiol is the active estrogen that is involved in menstruation.²
• Estriol E3: Estriol is also a weak estrogen that is produced during the early stage of pregnancy.
• Estetrol E4: Estetrol is produced in the liver of the fetus during pregnancy.³

High oestrogen levels

An increase in oestrogen levels causes a disturbance in normal body functions; this condition is also called oestrogen dominance. It can cause several diseases and may affect fertility in both men and women.

Causes of high oestrogen levels 

Oestrogen levels increase in the body due to various reasons. One of the most common causes of oestrogen increase is an imbalance between the oestrogen and progesterone level, problems in oestrogen metabolism or any disease condition.

Let us see some examples:

Diseases: Many women experience the condition of PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome), which may be a symptom of increased oestrogen levels. Liver diseases, endometriosis and breast and ovarian cancers can be caused by an increased oestrogen level and may aggravate the condition.

Environment: Chemicals like Bisphenol A and Phthalate are found in daily use products, including soap, shampoo, and plastics which can cause hormonal imbalance.

Diet: Processed food and food low in fibre can disrupt the normal concentration of oestrogen levels. Alcohol intake affects the metabolism of oestrogen.

Medication: Contraceptives and hormone therapy can increase the oestrogen level in the body.

Stress: Stress is the main factor that can cause a hormonal imbalance in the body. ^4,5

Can I get pregnant with high oestrogen levels?

Oestrogen is the hormone that is responsible for preparing your body for pregnancy. There is a chance that one can get pregnant with high oestrogen levels. However, to complete your pregnancy successfully, you must avoid food that causes hormonal imbalance. Adapting a healthy diet and adding supplements usually helps with conceiving. Consult your gynaecologist for proper guidance. ⁶

 Symptoms of high oestrogen

Women (People assigned female at birth)

• Irregular or painful period
• Weight gain
• Thyroid dysfunction
• Fatigue 
• Headache
• Depression 
• Irritability
• Breast tenderness
• Bloating

Men (People assigned male at birth)

• Insomnia
• Depression
• Low libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Increase fat tissue⁷

Diagnosis of high oestrogen levels

Oestrogen levels can be determined with a simple blood or 24-hour urine test. With guidance from a doctor, oestrogen can also be determined by a saliva test. Doctors recommend oestrogen tests if they have any problem related to hormonal imbalances like difficulty in conceiving, especially in pregnancy, where a diagnosis of estrogen level is essential to avoid any risk. The method of diagnosis is recommended by a professional after discussing the patient’s medical history.⁸

Lowering oestrogen levels

The first step in the management of high oestrogen levels is to consult with a doctor who helps to identify the root cause and prescribe the regimen according to the individual requirement. Making positive changes in lifestyle and proper medication helps to lower the oestrogen level. 

Medications

The doctor can prescribe the medication according to the cause of the high oestrogen level and the purpose of the treatment. For e.g 

• Oestrogen Blocking drugs such as Aromatase inhibitors, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, and Selective Oestrogen Receptor modulators (SERMs) are used to block the release of estrogen.
• Hormone-regulating supplements and Vitamin supplements such as B6, zinc and magnesium can regulate hormonal imbalances.

Lifestyle 

Making some positive changes in lifestyle can help to maintain the desired oestrogen level.

• Try to avoid processed food and eat healthy or organic foods which provide nutrients.
• Exercise daily to reduce the amount of fat in the body.
• Manage stress through meditation or trying to get close to nature.
• Avoid exposure to chemicals that disturb oestrogen levels. ⁹

Fertility

Fertility is the ability of an individual to conceive naturally. Oestrogen is very important for a couple who wants to get pregnant: it helps to develop the uterine wall to sustain the pregnancy in women and the production of sperm in men. Balanced levels of oestrogen in the body increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Other hormones that can affect fertility

Hormonal imbalance affects the normal function of the body and also decreases the chances for a couple to conceive naturally. 

Low oestrogen

A low amount of oestrogen levels can affect fertility in both men and women. In men, sperm count can decrease due to low production of oestrogen and women's body are not able to release eggs during ovulation; that's why it is prescribed for women who choose In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).

Testosterone 

Low levels of testosterone produce erectile dysfunction and decrease the production of sperm: this condition is called hypogonadism. Testosterone helps to increase libido in women. It contributes to the sexual desire of both men and women. 

Androgens

Androgen is a hormone related to the male hormone, testosterone which helps to develop the parts of the body in men. This helps in reproduction, and women's bodies can also produce androgens hormone in a small amount. Low levels of androgens in both men and women cause difficulty in fertilization.

How to improve fertility

To improve the chances of fertility, consult with a fertility specialist who can perform the necessary diagnostic procedure to identify the cause of infertility and prescribe treatment. Avoid food that causes hormonal imbalance and take on a diet that helps to achieve essential nutrients. Take prenatal vitamins, including B6, Zinc, and Magnesium. Try performing fertility exercises and Yoga as well as remembering to remain hydrated. Most importantly, stay positive and do what makes you happy.^10,11

Summary 

You can get pregnant with a high oestrogen level, but to sustain pregnancy and a healthy baby, you must maintain a balanced hormonal level. Disturbance in hormones can affect the chances of fertility in people. To avoid this situation, one needs to adopt a healthy lifestyle and diet that fulfils the requirements of nutrients. Take supplements and exercise daily to get a healthy body.