When Estrogen Blockers For Men Are Appropriate
Whileestrogen is indeed essential for healthy physiological function, excessestrogen can also be disruptive. When your body has disproportionately highlevels of estrogen, you might have these symptoms:
- Infertility
- Erectile dysfunction
- Gynecomastia
What we see here is that symptoms usually associated with low T could also be the symptoms of low estrogen. Indeed, infertility, erectile dysfunction, and other common symptoms shouldnt be assumed to be caused by low testosterone levels alone.
In cases where estrogen is elevated, estrogen modulators may be used to regain balance. It must be emphasized that these are legitimate, prescription estrogen blockers, not unregulated over-the-counter products. With the guidance of an experienced healthcare practitioner, estrogen modulators can play a vital role in restoring healthy estrogen levels and alleviating disruptive symptoms.
Additionally, these medications can increase testosterone production, as a small but groundbreaking study discovered as early as 2004. According to this study, aromatase inhibition increases serum bioavailable and total testosterone levels to the youthful normal range in older men with mild hypogonadism. The researchers also found that while estrogen levels dropped, they remained within the normal range. This approach to treating low testosterone is known as testosterone restoration, as opposed to testosterone replacement.
Are Puberty Blockers Safe
Most experts, including our team, believe that puberty blockers are safe:
- The Endocrine Society and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health support the use of puberty blockers for kids who want to delay or prevent unwanted physical changes.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved puberty blockers for children who start puberty at a young age.
How Do Estrogen Blockers Work In The Body
Estrogen blockers main focus is not to block the ovaries or adrenal glands from producing estrogen, instead it is blocking the process of aromatization, i.e. aromatic inhibition. Aromatization is the process of testosterone converting into estrogen.
The structure of a testosterone molecule includes a nonaromatic ring. This nonaromatic ring can be converted to an aromatic ring during the process of aromatization and the process is sped up by the enzyme aromatase, which is a P450 enzyme.
When estrogen blockers are taken it stops the enzyme aromatase from working and transforming the androgen testosterone into estrogen.
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Effects Of Estrogen Treatment
Testosterone blockers are a necessary part of estrogen treatment for transfeminine people because testosterone acts more strongly in the body than estrogen does. Therefore, in order for transfeminine people to experience the effects of estrogen treatment, they must block their testosterone. The most common medication used to block testosterone is spironolactone or “spiro.” Some also have their testicles removed so that they can take a lower dose of estrogen and not need a testosterone blocker.
The purpose of estrogen treatment for transfeminine people is to cause physical changes that make the body more feminine. The combination of a testosterone blocker with estrogen can lead to the following types of desired changes in the body:
- breast growth
- softening and smoothing of the skin
- reduced acne
- slowed or stopped scalp balding
All of these are changes that can reduce gender dysphoria and improve quality of life. There are also some changes that occur that are less obvious. Some of these, like a reduction in testosterone, fewer penile erections, and a decline in blood pressure are generally considered to be positive changes. Others, like decreased sex drive and changes in cholesterol and other cardiovascular factors, may be less desirable.
When Are Estrogen Blockers Used
According to the American Cancer Association, about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in the United States. Breast cancer cells use estrogen or progesterone for continued growth. Progesterone is another important female sex hormone and provides a balance for estrogen. 2 out of 2 breast cancers are hormone-dependent. If hormones play a role, the cancers either have receptors for estrogen or progesterone. Both make cancer grow and spread.
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What Do Estrogen Blockers Do For Females
Estrogen blockers are chemicals that essentially prevent cancer cells in females from getting the hormones they need to grow, like estrogen.
Many breast cancers are sensitive to hormones like estrogen and respond to this type of treatment. This accounts for 70 to 80 percent of all breast cancers, or 2 out of 3.
When breast cancers sensitive to hormones cant get estrogen they need to grow, they may shrink in size or be unable to grow much at all.
However, a smaller number of breast cancers are insensitive to hormones, meaning they dont benefit from antiestrogen therapy and require different treatments.
What Estrogen Does For Men
We all know that estrogen plays a pivotal role in a womans body, regulating the reproductive cycle, protecting bone density, and even regulating mood. But it also does similar things, to different levels, in a mans body. In fact, estrogen is found throughout a mans body. It is produced in a mans skin, brain, bones, and testiclesso we can already guess that it is pretty important.
Much like in women, estrogen is important to bone health in men. As one study on estrogen inhibitors pointed out, Men with estrogen deficiency caused by a mutation in the CYP19 gene suffer from low bone mineral density and unfused epiphyses. This does not mean that estrogen inhibitors will necessarily hurt bone density, but it is an example of the importance of estrogen to structural health.
Equally interesting is the role estrogen plays in the brain, where it works as a neuroregulator, helping to promote impulse control and curb anti-social behavior. Essentially, they modulate reactions. Of course, the brain is also a vital part of sexual health, and estrogen levels in both the brain and the testicles are instrumental in the functioning of the libido, sexual performance, and reproductive capacity. As noted in a 2016 study:
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If You Cant Have Surgery
Surgery is the main treatment for breast cancer, but some women have health problems that mean they cant have surgery. Some women choose not to have surgery.
In this case, if your breast cancer is oestrogen receptor positive, your doctor might recommend hormone therapy. This treatment won’t get rid of the cancer but can stop it growing or shrink it.
The treatment can often control the cancer for some time. Your doctor might change you to a different type of hormone treatment if your cancer starts growing again.
Hot Flashes And Night Sweats
Hot flashes and night sweats are common in women who take aromatase inhibitors .
Although these symptoms may become less frequent and less intense over time, they can still be hard to manage.
If the hot flashes bother you, talk with your health care provider about ways to treat them.
Vaginal dryness is common in women who take aromatase inhibitors .
Unlike hot flashes, vaginal symptoms tend to become worse over time.
If you have vaginal dryness or other vaginal symptoms, talk with your health care provider about ways to treat them.
Learn about treating vaginal symptoms.
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Hormone Therapy After Surgery For Breast Cancer
After surgery, hormone therapy can be given to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. Taking an AI, either alone or after tamoxifen, has been shown to work better than taking just tamoxifen for 5 years.
These hormone therapy schedules are known to be helpful for women who are post-menopausal when diagnosed:
- Tamoxifen for 2 to 3 years, followed by an AI for 2 to 3 years
- Tamoxifen for 2 to 3 years, followed by an AI for 5 years
- Tamoxifen for 4½ to 6 years, followed by an AI for 5 years
- Tamoxifen for 5 to 10 years
- An AI for 5 to 10 years
- An AI for 2 to 3 years, followed by tamoxifen for 2 to 3 years
- For women who are unable to take an AI, tamoxifen for 5 to 10 years is an option
For most post-menopausal women whose cancers are hormone receptor-positive, most doctors recommend taking an AI at some point during adjuvant therapy. Standard treatment is to take these drugs for about 5 years, or to take in sequence with tamoxifen for 5 to 10 years. For women at a higher risk of recurrence, hormone treatment for longer than 5 years may be recommended. Tamoxifen is an option for some women who cannot take an AI. Taking tamoxifen for 10 years is considered more effective than taking it for 5 years, but you and your doctor will decide the best schedule of treatment for you.
These therapy schedules are known to be helpful forwomen who are pre-menopausal when diagnosed:
What Are The Best Recommendations For Natural Estrogen Blocker
If you are unaware about food items that cause estrogen production then probably you are increasing risk for your health. Knowledge is biggest asset to stay safe from harmful diseases caused by hormonal imbalances.
The truth is that there are several food items that we consume in routine and they cause imbalance of hormones inside body most of these have direct impact on sexual drive. As females are not advised to take estrogen blockers so in order to regulate the production of this essential body hormone in body, they should try natural ingredients. There are so many nature inspired solutions for balancing your health and it can also help you to achieve better health.
Here we have discussed details about top best natural dim estrogen blocker that females can consider to regulate their health:
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What Is An Estrogen Blocker
Estrogen blockers are chemicals that stop estrogen from carrying out its role in specific bodily functions. There are several types of estrogen blockers: aromatase inhibitors, antiestrogens, and specific estrogen receptor modulators. Aromatase inhibitors actually prevent the production of new estrogen. Antiestrogens and specific estrogen receptor modulators block estrogen receptors, so that the hormone cannot bind itself to certain body parts. Your doctor can prescribe this to you in the form of a pill or a monthly shot to be given in a doctor’s office.
Are Other Treatments Necessary
A person does not have to undergo any medical procedures, such as taking puberty blockers or undergoing surgery, unless they believe that it is the right decision for them.
Healthcare professionals may recommend that a person undergoes counseling or other talk therapies with a professional who has experience with transgender mental and physical health. A person may take this step before going on to take medication.
After an assessment, a person may start taking puberty blockers. The GIDS recommend that young people take puberty blockers until reaching 16 years of age or having taken puberty blockers for 12 months before considering other medical procedures.
After taking puberty blockers, a person may start taking estrogen or testosterone hormones. These can cause irreversible changes to the body, such as the development of breasts or a deepening of the voice.
Once a person becomes an adult, they may begin to consider further gender-affirming procedures, such as surgery to remove or add secondary sexual characteristics.
A person may take all or none of these steps. A person who does not undergo gender-affirming medical treatment has a gender identity that is just as valid as that of a person who does undergo gender-affirming treatments.
A person may find support from family, friends, or healthcare professionals.
As well, several organizations offer support and advice for young transgender people, including:
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What Is Antiestrogen Used For
Antiestrogen is a form of hormonal therapy that aims to slow or stop the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors.
The therapy works in several ways. It can block the bodys ability to produce cancer-causing hormones or it can change the way hormones affect breast cancer cells.
It can also be used on more advanced breast cancers to make them smaller in size or slow their growth.
Antiestrogen therapy is generally used alongside surgery that removes the tumor. Antiestrogen therapy will ideally prevent the cancerous tumor from coming back.
Its typically taken as a daily oral pill, though sometimes it is taken as an injection instead.
Tip #2 Reduce Your Alcohol Intake
Alcohol consumption has been shown to in both the short-term and long-term.
Chronic alcoholism also leads to testicular damage, which can adversely affect fertility.
However, this isn’t to say you can’t indulge in casual drinking.
Just stick to 1-2 units of alcohol per day and you’ll avoid a lot of the negative health effects.
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What Is Estrogen Suppressing Therapy
Estrogen suppressing therapy is a form of antiestrogen therapy that slows or reduces the amount of estrogen in a females body.
A group of estrogen suppressants called aromatase inhibitors, for example, block the enzyme aromatase, which turns the hormone androgen into small amounts of estrogen in the body.
This results in less estrogen being available elsewhere to contribute to the growth of breast cancer cells that are sensitive to hormones.
While estrogen suppressing therapies cant stop ovaries from making estrogen, they can reduce the bodys production of estrogen.
Generally taken as a pill, estrogen suppressants are best for treating early stage breast cancer thats sensitive to hormones. Joint stiffness and joint pain are two common side effects of the medication.
However, like all medications, estrogen suppressants may also have serious side effects. Heart complications and increased bone loss are rare but possible.
What Are The Side Effects Of Puberty Blockers
While puberty blockers are generally considered safe, they have some side effects. Not everyone experiences the following, but some people do.
Possible long-term side effects of puberty blockers
- Lower bone density. To protect against this, we work to make sure every patient gets enough exercise, calcium and vitamin D, which can help keep bones healthy and strong. We also closely monitor patients bone density.
- Delayed growth plate closure, leading to slightly taller adult height.
- Less development of genital tissue, which may limit options for later in life.
- Other possible long-term side effects that are not yet known.
Possible short-term side effects of puberty blockers
- Headache, fatigue, insomnia and muscle aches.
- Changes in weight, mood or breast tissue.
- Spotting or irregular periods .
For children who want to delay or prevent unwanted physical changes, the mental health benefits of puberty blockers may outweigh these risks.
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What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to anastrozole.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
How Is Low Estrogen Treated
Women who have low levels of estrogen may benefit from hormonal treatment. Hormonal treatment is the standard for low estrogen. There are non-hormonal options to help relieve symptoms. Non-hormonal options are preferred for women at high risk for breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, or liver disease.
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Can You Get Estrogen Blockers Over The Counter
Yes, estrogen blockers can be bought over the counter. These include vitamins, minerals, herbal compounds, and other supplemental molecules with the aim of a multi-effect focusing to bring down your bodyâs estrogen level.
There are certain chemicals that work as estrogen inhibitors but can be available only with a prescription from a doctor. They are normally used to treat medical conditions. They are more effective but may come with certain side effects which you should be cautious of.
Should I Use An Estrogen Blocker
Written by Elite HRT on June 15, 2021
Camille Freking, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, MEDICAL ADVISOR
Estrogen blockers, also called aromatase inhibitors, are medications that are given to block the formation of estrogen in the body. Using an estrogen blocker can be a useful tool for certain things such as cancer therapy and endocrine therapy.
Estrogen blockers are used for a comprehensive approach to testosterone replacement therapy and can be helpful in keeping the body in balance.
Keep reading to learn more about the role of estrogen in the body, what estrogen blockers are, how they work, when to use them, the benefits, side effects, and of course where to get them.
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Estrogen Receptor Blockers Estrogen Receptor Blocker Drugs Attach Directly To And Block The Estrogen Receptors On Cancer Cells So That The Cancer Cells Cant Use Estrogen They Do Not Affect The Level Of Estrogen In The Body Estrogen Receptor Blockers Are Also Called Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators
Tamoxifen
Tamoxifen is the most commonly used anti-estrogen drug. It is used in post-menopausal and premenopausal women. Tamoxifen is given by mouth as a pill.
Tamoxifen is the hormonal therapy drug used most often to lower the risk that DCIS or LCIS will lead to an invasive breast cancer.
Tamoxifen very slightly increases the risk for uterine cancer, deep vein thrombosis and stroke. Doctors will carefully weigh these risks against the benefits of giving this drug before they offer it to women who have a personal or a strong family history of these conditions. Usually the benefits of taking tamoxifen outweigh these risks.
Fulvestrant
Fulvestrant is an anti-estrogen drug that reduces the number of estrogen receptors on breast cancer cells. It is given as an injection into the muscles of the buttocks.
Fulvestrant is used in post-menopausal women if the breast cancer has grown after they were treated with tamoxifen. It is also used in postmenopausal women with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer that have never been treated with hormonal therapy.