Excess Body Weight
For those who are overweight or obese, it is possible that you have higher than normal estrogen levels. When your estrogen level increases, the endometrial lining in the uterus will thicken, interrupting the release of eggs from the ovaries. This is hypothesized to be one of the reasons heavier women tend to experience more erratic, long, and painful periods than those who are at a healthy weight.
There is also an additional risk to elevated estrogen levels: Endometrial cancer. Be sure to speak to your doctor if you believe you are experiencing the symptoms of prolonged exposure to high estrogen.
