Originally published: 29.JUL.2019
Last updated: 24.AUG.2023
Your hormones are the chemical messengers in your body that help manage and coordinate many different functions in your body, including your fertility. That’s why if you are experiencing a hormonal imbalance such as high estrogen levels, it can affect your ability to regularly ovulate - this is usually seen in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
It’s important to know that it is possible to get pregnant with high estrogen levels (sometimes referred to as estrogen dominance). However, there is an increased risk of experiencing difficulties conceiving and it may take slightly longer.
Read on for what you need to know about getting pregnant with high estrogen levels, including how estrogen affects reproductive health, the symptoms of excess estrogen in women, and how you can take steps toward learning about your hormonal health.
Can you get Pregnant With High Estrogen Levels?
Yes, it is possible to get pregnant if you are living with high estrogen levels or ‘too much’ estrogen, however, there is an increased likelihood of fertility issues in those who are living with estrogen dominance.
Hormonal imbalances including estrogen dominance are often responsible for fertility issues couples may face when trying to get pregnant.
How does high estrogen affect fertility?
Ovulation is a complex process that involves a number of different hormones including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and of course, estrogen. If you have high levels of estrogen, you can have a seemingly ‘normal’ menstrual cycle, but you may not have ovulated, this is called an anovulatory cycle (or anovulation).
These anovulatory cycles are most common among women between the ages of 30 and 50 and in women with health conditions that affect ovulation, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis. Here’s how it works:
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Usually, an egg is released from the ovary and travels to the uterus to await fusion with a sperm. After the egg is released, its empty follicle becomes a factory for progesterone production until the egg is either fertilized and implants in your uterus or your period begins.
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If you do not ovulate, there is no empty follicle for progesterone production. No progesterone production can result in estrogen dominance.
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Having adequate levels of progesterone is essential to becoming pregnant and maintaining pregnancy. During pregnancy, the placenta takes over progesterone production. If progesterone levels are high enough to become pregnant and then become unbalanced within the first weeks, there is an increased risk of miscarriage.
Overall, an optimal balance between estrogen and progesterone levels is required to become pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy. Estrogen dominance and inadequate levels of progesterone can cause fertility issues and problems during pregnancy but that is not to say that it is not possible to become pregnant.
If you are concerned about your hormone health, speak with a healthcare provider you trust about an estrogen test or general hormone test. If you would prefer, you can also get insights into your hormones with LetsGetChecked’s Female Hormone range including the Female Hormone Test and the PCOS Test.
What are the Indicators of High Estrogen Levels?
A hormone imbalance can have an impact on many aspects of your overall health and well-being, including how you feel and how your body operates. As well as impacting regular ovulation, high estrogen levels, or estrogen dominance, can cause a number of signs and symptoms including:
- Irregular periods
- Weight fluctuation - weight gain or weight loss
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness and/or aches
- Decreased sex drive
- Mood changes
- Infertility
- Thinning hair
- Dry skin
As mentioned, there are conditions associated with high estrogen levels in women, just some of these include:
- PCOS
- Endometriosis
- Polyps
- Fibroids
- Uterine cancer
It’s important to know that if you have high estrogen levels, it does not automatically mean you have any of the above conditions. Estrogen levels can also become high as a result of certain medications, stress, or age.
If you are concerned about your estrogen levels and would like to know more, speak with your doctor who will be able to support you and point you in the right direction for answers. If you would prefer to take the first step from home, you can get insights into your hormone health with LetsGetChecked’s range of Female Hormone Testing options.
What are normal estrogen levels?
A simple blood test is the most accurate way to get insights into your estrogen levels. The below are considered normal levels of estrogen in women
- 30 to 400 pg/mL for premenopausal women
- 0 to 30 pg/mL for postmenopausal women
Related article: How do you Check Estrogen Levels From Home?
If you would like to know more about your hormone health, get a broad picture with LetsGetChecked’s range of Female Hormone testing options, including the Female Hormone Test and PCOS Test.
Online results will be available within 2-5 days of our lab receiving the sample and our dedicated medical team can provide support and guide you on the best next steps for you.
