You may be surprised at the answer to this intriguing question is estrogen. Or more import an estrogen imbalance or estrogen dominance.

Too much estrogen causes PMS, mood swings breast tenderness, trouble sleeping and water retention.  Another important thing to consider is that estrogen can trigger abnormal cell growth in the prostate causing frequent urination and impotence.

One study revealed that men with the highest estradiol level had the highest risk of early heart problems. Fortunately scientists have discovered phytonutrients found in vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower kale and brussel sprouts can help naturally balance estrogen dominance.

The following are symptoms that could possibly result from estrogen dominance

• Allergies
• Anxiety/Irritability
• Breast Tenderness
• Abnormal cells in breast or prostate
• Depression
• Low sex drive
• Excess fat-especially around the abdomen, hips and thighs
• Fatigue
• Fibrocystic breasts
• Foggy thinking
• Gallbladder problems
• Hair Loss
• Headaches
• Low blood sugar levels
• Sleep problems
• Memory Loss
• Bone Loss
• PMS
• Thyroid problems
• Bloating/water retention
• Dry skin and wrinkles

These are all symptoms affecting men and women over the age of 40. The natural process of getting older can create more estrogen in your body than you need.

Environmental pollutants from industrial, agricultural and chemical companies can also contribute to  estrogen dominance.  These synthetic substances called zenoestorgens wreak havoc on estrogen levels. These man made chemicals mimic estrogen in our body.  The second major source of zenoestrogens are from hormones added to beef and poultry.

The good news is pytonutrients found in vegetables naturally helps balance hormone levles and helps prevent estrogen dominance in men and women. The problem, the way I see it most people simply don’t have the time or inclination to eat the amount of vegetables that is necessary for health.