High oestrogen levels: why it happens and how normal it is

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Although menopause is often associated with a hormonal drop, many women experience a stage called perimenopause beforehand. During this phase, hormonal imbalances, such as high oestrogen levels, occur. This imbalance, where oestrogen dominates over progesterone, can cause both physical and emotional symptoms, which are often misunderstood or attributed to stress or early ageing.

Therefore, understanding what menopause is, why hormonal imbalance happens during this stage, and how it manifests is key. By doing so, you'll be able to learn which measures can help you navigate menopause with more well-being, clarity, and confidence.

Is it possible to have high oestrogen levels during menopause?

Visual representation of estrogen with uterus, female symbol, pills, and stethoscope on blue background.

No. Once you reach menopause —defined as the absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months— oestrogen and progesterone levels typically drop. However, high oestrogen levels are common during perimenopause, that transitional hormonal phase where the ovaries still function irregularly ^{(1, 2)}.

If you're wondering what is perimenopause, it’s a period that can last several years before the final cessation of menstruation. During this time, progesterone production decreases more rapidly than oestrogen. This can lead to what is called “oestrogen dominance” in some women ^{(1, 2)}.

Symptoms of high oestrogen levels in perimenopause

When oestrogen predominates, the body responds with various physical symptoms that impact quality of life, such as ^(2-4):

Bloating in menopause and fluid retention: It's common to experience discomfort, heaviness, and even weight gain due to water retention in the tissues. This bloating is a frequent complaint.

Breast tenderness: The imbalance between oestrogen and progesterone can cause pain, tightness, or swelling in the breasts.

Worsening of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.

Changes in the menstrual cycle: High oestrogen levels can lead to irregular periods. Some women experience brown discharge, others heavy bleeding, and in some cases, amenorrhea.

Emotional symptoms of oestrogen dominance:

Excess oestrogen also affects the mind. For example, many women report the following issues ^(2-4):

Frequent mood swings.

Memory loss or difficulty concentrating.

Anxiety or constant feeling of alertness.

Difficulty sleeping, one of the insomnia causes in this stage.

Loss of libido.

Factors that contribute to high oestrogen levels

The following factors contribute to elevated oestrogen levels in the body ^{(3, 4)}:

Chronic stress: increases cortisol production, which can suppress progesterone and favour oestrogen dominance.

Overweight or obesity: adipose tissue acts as an additional source of oestrogen, as it can produce it.

Excessive alcohol consumption alters oestrogen metabolism in the liver.

Liver problems: make it harder for the body to eliminate excess oestrogen.

Xenoestrogens: these chemicals, found in plastics, cosmetics, and pesticides, mimic natural oestrogen and disrupt hormonal balance.

Symptoms of the transition to menopause

As oestrogen levels decrease during perimenopause, you may experience some of the following symptoms ^{(1, 2)}:

Hot flushes and night sweats.

Headaches or migraines.

Vaginal itching and dryness.

Decreased bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.

Slow metabolism, which makes weight control harder.

In cases of early menopause, induced by treatments such as chemotherapy or ovarian removal surgeries, these symptoms appear suddenly and severely. In such cases, doctors recommend hormone replacement therapy for menopause under medical supervision ⁽¹⁾.

How to naturally balance high oestrogen levels

Achieving hormonal balance is possible without immediately turning to medication. Here are some effective strategies ^{(3, 4)}:

Eat a balanced diet: incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, and legumes.

Reduce plastic exposure: use glass or stainless-steel containers instead.

Avoid or minimise alcohol and refined sugars.

Manage stress: try breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga.

Maintain a healthy weight: excess body fat increases oestrogen production.

In conclusion, high oestrogen levels during perimenopause often go unnoticed, but they affect both the body and emotions. Recognising the signs, understanding the causes, and making small changes can make a significant difference in how you navigate this stage.

If you've read this far, you might also be interested in learning more about symptoms like restless legs syndrome or memory loss. Additionally, discover products designed to support you through every stage of life at Essity and start taking care of yourself today.

References

NHS. Menopause [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2025 Jul 3]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/

Siegmund C. Everything you need to know about oestrogen during perimenopause [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Jul 4]. Available from: https://www.oova.life/blog/estrogen-perimenopause

Cleveland Clinic. High oestrogen [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2025 Jul 4]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22363-high-estrogen

Martin L. What are the symptoms of high oestrogen? [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2025 Jul 4]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323280