Estrogen metabolism

Estrogen is a hormone that affects many aspects of health, such as reproduction, bone density, mood, and cholesterol. Estrogen metabolism is the process of breaking down and eliminating estrogen from the body, which involves several enzymes and pathways. One of these enzymes is MTHFR, which helps to convert folate into its active form, methylfolate. Methylfolate is needed for methylation, a process that detoxifies harmful estrogen metabolites such as 4-hydroxyestrone. Methylation also activates the protective 2-hydroxyestrone metabolite, which has weak estrogenic activity. Another important nutrient for estrogen metabolism is vitamin B12, which works together with methylfolate to support methylation. Glutathione, SOD, and catalase are antioxidants that protect the cells from oxidative stress caused by estrogen metabolites. Glutathione also helps to conjugate estrogen for excretion. A balanced estrogen metabolism is essential for preventing estrogen dominance, a condition where there is too much estrogen relative to progesterone. Estrogen dominance can cause symptoms such as weight gain, fibroids, endometriosis, low libido, and mood swings.*