Understanding Endometriosis, Fibroids and other Estrogen Dominant Health Conditions
A Functional Nutrition Approach
Endometriosis, fibroids, and breast cysts all share a common underlying thread — estrogen dominance. This doesn't always mean a woman has too much estrogen, but that her estrogen is out of balance with other hormones like progesterone. This hormonal imbalance can trigger the growth of tissue where it doesn't belong (like in endometriosis), fuel fibroid development, or contribute to benign breast changes like cysts.
But here's the empowering part: nutrition and lifestyle changes can help rebalance hormones, reduce inflammation, and support detoxification pathways that are essential in clearing excess estrogen.
🔬 What's Going On Inside the Body?
Many women with these conditions are affected by:
1. Estrogen Dominance and Poor Detox Pathways
Genetic SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) such as COMT, CYP1B1, and MTHFR can reduce the body’s ability to safely metabolize and eliminate estrogen. Instead of being detoxed properly, estrogen metabolites (especially the more aggressive ones like 4-OH estrone) can accumulate in tissues, promoting inflammation, growths, and pain.
2. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and Galectin-3
In women with endometriosis and fibroids, studies have found LPS (endotoxins) in the uterus and bloodstream, suggesting chronic low-grade infection or immune dysregulation. Galectin-3, a protein associated with fibrosis and abnormal cell growth, is often elevated and may play a role in tissue overgrowth in these conditions — as well as in cancer.
💡 Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) has shown promise in binding Galectin-3 and reducing its pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic effects. It’s a gentle, food-derived supplement that may benefit women with fibroids, endo, and estrogen-driven tissue changes.
🥦 Functional Nutrition Tools for Balancing Estrogen
🌱 1. Fibre: Nature’s Estrogen Cleanser
Aim for at least 40g of fibre daily, from both soluble and insoluble sources. Fibre helps bind to estrogen in the digestive tract, preventing its reabsorption.
Best fibre-rich choices:
Soluble fibre (slows digestion, regulates blood sugar & satiety): oats, apples, citrus fruits, beans, lentils, barley.
Insoluble fibre (adds bulk to stool): whole grains, brown rice, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
Lignin-rich foods (bind estrogen): flax seeds, beans, lentils — great for reducing circulating estrogen.
💡 Tip: Start your day with 1 tbsp chia seeds soaked in almond milk, topped with a few walnuts for fibre and hormone-balancing omega-3s.
🌿 2. Estrogen-Metabolizing Superfoods
Support your liver and detox pathways with foods that assist Phase 1 & 2 liver detox and promote healthy estrogen metabolism.
Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale): rich in DIM and sulforaphane for estrogen clearance.
Onions & garlic: boost glutathione and liver detox enzymes.
Flaxseeds: rich in lignans, bind estrogen, and modulate estrogen receptor activity.
Soy (organic, non-GMO): contains phytoestrogens that can block more harmful estrogen metabolites from binding to receptors.
🧠 3. Regulate Methylation with B Vitamins
Women with slow methylation genes (like MTHFR) may create more reactive estrogen molecules, leading to tissue damage and inflammation.
Ensure you're getting enough:
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)
Folate (as methylfolate, not folic acid)
Magnesium – vital cofactor for COMT enzyme and hormone balance.
🔥 Lowering Inflammation & Immune System Rebalancing
Women with estrogen-dominant conditions often experience chronic immune system dysregulation, fatigue, and systemic inflammation.
🍊 Nutrients That Calm the Fire:
Vitamin C: anti-inflammatory, supports adrenal health, and boosts mitochondrial energy. Found in citrus fruits, kiwi, bell peppers.
Healthy fats: salmon, walnuts, chia, and avocado reduce prostaglandin-driven pain and modulate immunity.
Omega-3s: anti-inflammatory and hormone balancing — consider a quality fish oil supplement if you don’t eat fatty fish regularly.
🚫 Avoiding Hidden Estrogens: Xenoestrogens & Endocrine Disruptors
Xenoestrogens are synthetic compounds that mimic estrogen in the body and worsen estrogen dominance. They're found in:
Plastic containers (especially when heated)
Conventional cosmetics & skincare (parabens, phthalates)
Non-organic produce (pesticides like atrazine)
Household cleaners (fragrance-heavy products)
✅ Choose:
Glass or stainless steel over plastic
Organic skincare (brands like Neal’s Yard, Weleda, or RMS Beauty)
Fragrance-free cleaning products or natural brands like Ecover or Method
🌿 Don’t Forget Prebiotics
A healthy microbiome is essential for estrogen detox, especially via the estrobolome, the part of the gut microbiome that regulates estrogen levels.
Feed it with:
Leeks
Onions
Garlic
Asparagus
Green bananas
🩺 Functional Tests to Consider
For those struggling with chronic symptoms, working with a functional practitioner to run tests can be very insightful. Consider:
DUTCH hormone testing: gives a complete picture of estrogen metabolites and methylation.
GI Map or stool testing: to check for LPS, gut dysbiosis, and beta-glucuronidase (which can cause estrogen recycling).
Galectin-3 levels: available in specialty labs, especially if fibroids or endo are significant.
Would you like our free guide to endometriosis and other oestrogen dominant health conditions which includes recommended supplements with a 15% discount code?
Get in touch via our website and we’ll be sure to send it over!
🌟 Final Thoughts
Endometriosis and estrogen dominance are not just hormone issues — they’re immune, detox, and inflammatory issues too. The good news is that food, environment, and lifestyle changes can shift the terrain. Supporting liver detox, reducing xenoestrogen exposure, eating plenty of fibre, and calming inflammation creates a strong foundation for healing.
If you're navigating this journey, know you're not alone — and you do have tools to take control of your health naturally and intelligently.