Losing Testosterone To Estrogen
Elevated estrogen usually occurs as testosterone declines, because as testosterone declines, most men will accumulate fatprimarily belly fat. Fat contains an enzyme called aromatase, and aromatase converts testosterone to estrogen. In other words, as men age, their bodies often exchange testosterone for estrogen at an increased rate. Estrogen, in turn, causes belly fat. It becomes a vicious circle. This is why raising testosterone levels without controlling estrogen is counterproductive, and why losing weight if your hormones are out of whack will be nearly impossible.
Causes Of High Estrogen
If you know or suspect, that you have high estrogen what are you supposed to do about it?
Treating your estrogen is incredibly important and the best way to treat it is to identify the cause.
Even if you have trouble identifying the cause there are still some therapies that you can use to reduce it in a “shotgun approach”, but it’s best to know where it’s coming from if possible.
If you understand the cause then it will help you with treatment.
I’ve included a list of the most common causes of high estrogen in men below:
#1. Obesity or Weight Gain
Even a small amount of adipose tissue can cause this issue in men.
But how does it work?
Your fat cells contain an enzyme known as aromatase.
This enzyme is responsible for taking testosterone and turning it into estrogen.
So the more fat cells that you have in your body the more likely you are to take testosterone and turn it straight into estrogen.
The more estrogen you have the lower your testosterone is and the more likely you are to gain weight.
This vicious cycle tends to continue until it is broken, usually with weight loss or testosterone replacement therapy.
If you don’t want to explore TRT, or you aren’t able to due to your location, then the next best step is to lose weight.
Losing weight may be enough to normalize your testosterone for your age.
#2. Excessive Testosterone
The idea here is that putting excessive testosterone into the body may act as a reservoir for aromatase which then leads to high estrogen.
#4. Diet
What Are The Treatments For High Estrogen
The treatments your provider recommends will depend on whats causing your high estrogen levels. In some cases, lifestyle changes may help. If high estrogen levels increase your cancer risk or worsen cancer you already have, your provider may recommend more aggressive treatments.
There are few medications that directly decrease estrogen. Usually, whats needed is to identify the underlying cause and treating this first.
Lifestyle
Making some lifestyle changes may help lower your estrogen levels. Your provider may recommend that you:
Medications
Your provider can adjust your prescription if the hormones youre taking are causing high estrogen. You may need medicine if you have cancer spreading in response to estrogen exposure.
Medications include:
- Aromatase inhibitors: Aromatase inhibitors are used to treat breast cancer. They prevent your fat cells from making estrogen. Aromatase inhibitors include Anastrozole , Exemestane and Letrozole .
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists: GnRH agonists stop your ovaries from releasing estrogen.
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What Causes High Estrogen In Men
Men require estrogen in small quantities, but a higher about of the hormone can trigger different problems.
The human body either generates more estrogen alone or along with low t-levels.
So, what causes high estradiol levels in males?
There are two cases when estrogen levels can exceed in the male body.
Firstly, certain medications can elevate the female hormone. This includes:
- Some antibiotics
- Herbs like ginkgo and ginseng for boosting testosterone naturally
Secondly, high estrogen levels can occur due to different health conditions and hereditary.
- Excessive stress
- Liver related disease
- Hormones-related diseases like hypogonadism
The situation mentioned above can cause higher female hormones in men. But, what happens if a man gets too much estrogen? Is high estrogen bad for males? Find out yourself next!
Experiment : Visual Vs Physical Interaction
Experiment 3 indicated that sexual interactions with a female result in an increase of estrogen concentrations specifically in the POM, but this increase was also observed in some males who did not copulate , although they displayed MA. We wondered whether physical interactions and copulation with a female were required to affect brain estrogen concentrations or if her mere presence would have the same effect. We also wanted to determine whether changes in estrogen concentrations could be mapped with a better time resolution and therefore collected samples every 10 min.
After a baseline period of 60 min, male quail were allowed to see a female behind a Plexiglas partition for 10 min. The partition was then removed allowing the two birds to interact physically. After 20 min of interaction, the female was removed and the male was left alone for 60 min. During the period of physical access to the female, the frequency and latency of first occurrence of MA and CCM were recorded.
Figure 4
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What Is Estrogen Dominance
Estrogen and progesterone work well together to prevent the lining of your uterus from getting too thick. Some peoples bodies dont make enough progesterone, leading to whats called unopposed estrogen. Unopposed estrogen is called estrogen dominance in some medical literature. Without progesterones balancing influence, estrogen can work overtime in your body and cause cell overgrowths, like tumors in your uterine lining.
Estrogen And Prostate Cancer
The role that estrogen plays in malignant prostate disease is contradictory and complex. Some studies indicate that estrogen and its toxic metabolites are a cause of prostate cancer.15,16 Yet once prostate cancer develops, certain estrogen compounds demonstrate anticancer effects.
This paradox can be explained by the mechanisms that estradiol uses to damage prostate cell DNA,17 causing gene mutations that result in the loss of cell growth regulatory control, i.e. cancer. Interestingly, once a prostate tumor manifests, estrogen may exert anti-tumor effects, though cancer cells eventually become resistant to estrogen drugs and then even use endogenous estrogen to fuel their growth.
Many published studies, however, show no association between high blood estradiol levels and diagnosed prostate cancers.19 One reason there are not more diagnosed prostate cancers in men with high estrogen may be that the high estradiol level that initiated DNA damage then serves to keep prostate cancer temporarily under control once it develops.
An interesting mechanism by which certain prostate cancer cells become resistant to estradiol therapy is the development of components in cancer cells that selectively remove estradiol from the tumor cells. If our normal cells were only as adaptive as cancer cells, we could possibly become biologically immortal.
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Double The Stroke Risk
Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of age-related disability. Abnormal blood clotting in the cerebral blood vessels is the most common cause of stroke. Excess estrogen promotes abnormal blood clots.1
In a study published just last year, blood levels of estradiol were measured in a group of 2,197 men aged 71 to 93 years of age. Adjustment for age, hypertension, diabetes, adiposity, cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and other characteristics were made. During the course of follow-up, men with the highest blood levels of estradiol had a2.2-fold greater risk of stroke compared with those whose estradiol levels were lower.2
This study revealed that estradiol blood levels greater than 34.1 pg/mL resulted in this more than doubling of stroke incidence. Life Extension long ago warned men to keep their estradiol levels below 30 pg/mL, and this recent stroke study clearly validates our prior recommendation.
What Are The Normal Estrogen Levels In Men
The normal amount of estrogen in men varies depending on age and health history.
You can consult your doctor for in-depth information.
In general, there are two types of estrogen mainly found in men.
This is estrogen and estradiol. The average amount for each in picogram per milliliter is.
Indeed, the ideal quantity of estrogen in men depends on age and medical history.
Still, an adult male should have his estrone level around 1050 pg/ml. Their estradiol level should range around10-40 picograms per milliliter .
A little abnormality in the female hormone can lead to symptoms of high estrogen in men.
Or, it can result in symptoms of low estrogen in males. It depends on the shift in your female hormones.
You are aware of the effects of estrogen on male body in either condition. Of course, you would like to know what causes it?
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Experiment : Sexual Interactions
To assess whether local concentrations in estrogens changed in response to sexual interactions, males with a microdialysis probe aimed at a brain region containing aromatase were given physical access to a mature female for 30 min. Males in 3 of these cohorts had been exposed to the view of a female behind a Plexiglas partition as part of another experiment , but only entered in the present experiment after a wash-out period of two hours during which estrogen concentration returned to baseline. Samples were collected every 30 min for 60 min before, during and for 180 min after physical interactions.
Probes were again found in different brain areas : 26 were in POM, 9 in BST, 5 in VMN, and 20 outside of brain areas expressing aromatase. During the period of sexual interactions, the frequency and latency of the first occurrence of mount attempts and cloacal contact movements were recorded. All birds but 9 copulated with the female. Among the non-copulators, 7 attempted to mount. The probe of the 2 sexually inactive males was within the POM or the BST .
Figure 3
The change in estrogen concentration in the POM was not correlated with the frequency or latency of MA or CCM displayed by males during the period of interaction . Together these observations suggest that simply being with the female and interacting with her may be enough to induce a rise in local estrogen concentration.
How To Balance Estrogen And Testosterone
With age, your testosterone and estrogen levels are likely to fluctuate. Sometimes, it can also occur due to health conditions.
Still, some lifestyle changes can fix your hormone problems.
It can help balance your estrogen level as well as testosterone level. It even reverses the effects of estrogen on male body.
Heres how to lower estrogen levels in males if its high or balances your hormones.
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How Do Phytoestrogens Affect Your Health
Phytoestrogens have a similar chemical structure to that of estrogen and may mimic its hormonal actions.
Phytoestrogens attach to estrogen receptors in your cells, potentially affecting the function of estrogen throughout your body .
However, not all phytoestrogens function in the same way.
Phytoestrogens have been shown to have both estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects. This means that, while some phytoestrogens have estrogen-like effects and increase estrogen levels in your body, others block its effects and decrease estrogen levels .
Because of their complex actions, phytoestrogens are one of the most controversial topics in nutrition and health.
While some researchers have raised concerns that a high intake of phytoestrogens may cause hormonal imbalance, most evidence has linked them to positive health effects.
In fact, multiple studies have associated phytoestrogen intake with decreased cholesterol levels, improved menopausal symptoms, and a lower risk of osteoporosis and certain types of cancer, including breast cancer (
3 ).
Soy isoflavones can produce estrogen-like activity in the body by mimicking the effects of natural estrogen. They may increase or decrease blood estrogen levels .
One study found that women who took a soy protein supplement for 12 weeks experienced moderate decreases in blood estrogen levels compared with a control group.
The researchers proposed that these effects might help protect against certain types of breast cancer .
15 ).
How To Reduce Excess Estrogen
In aging men, a large percentage of estradiol is synthesized in abdominal adipose tissues.42 Reducing waist circumference confers huge health benefits, one being a lowering of estradiol levels.
One of the most effective ways for men to reduce belly fat is to restore their free testosterone to youthful ranges. Nutrients that inhibit the aromatase enzyme can help boost testosterone levels by preventing its conversion into estradiol.
As men grow older, however, their testicular testosterone production declines precipitously. This means that inhibiting aromatase might not sufficiently maintain testosterone levels because not enough is being produced internally. Fortunately, low-cost compounded testosterone creams are available that can be rubbed on the skin for absorption into the bloodstream.
For men with excess aromatase activity, this topically absorbed testosterone might convert into too much estradiol. If this happens, the use of very low-dose aromatase-inhibiting drugs may be all that is needed to protect against estrogen overload. Some men don’t need these drugs and can use nutrient formulas that have aromatase-inhibiting properties.
There is no need to guess what you need, as a blood test taken 30-45 days after initiating testosterone-replacement not only reveals a man’s estradiol level, but also ensures that the PSA has not spiked , that the dose of testosterone cream is appropriate, and that there are no other side effects occurring.
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Regulation Of Erectile Response
One of the most significant effects of estrogen in a male body is its role in regulating erectile response. First, it is useful to mention erectile function is multifaceted, where endocrine, nerve, and blood vessel actions work together to produce a strong and durable erection.
The exact role of estrogen on erectile response in men requires further research, but it could be due to its positive effect on penile vasculature and the brain.
Keep in mind excessive levels of estrogen in the male body could pave the way to erectile dysfunction and other problems. Therefore, ensuring you have a normal hormonal balance is vital for maintaining your sexual health.
Role Of Estrogen In Men: Why Is It Necessary
Estrogen is present in form of Estradiol and Estrone in men. They are produced by converting the male hormone testosterone into the enzyme aromatase.
Estradiol showcases a resilient attraction to estrogen receptors. In general, it is utilized as an isoform for medicinal purposes.
Further, the effects of estrogen on male body are wide-ranging. The female hormone has a certain role in maintaining cognitive function and mood.
Surprisingly, estrogen receptors are present in the part of the brain responsible for emotional and cognitive effects. Specifically, the receptors are densely present in the amygdala and hippocampus .
Men have estrogen in small quantities due to multiple reasons. Particularly, Estradiol is necessary for regulating libido, spermatogenesis, and even erectile function. It has a direct impact on mens health.
Thus, keeping estrogen levels in check is crucial to avoid problems related to fertility and sexual health in men. Its time to get into details about the effects of estrogen on male body.
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Symptoms Of High Estrogen Levels In Men
Here are some of the main symptoms of high estrogen levels in men:
- Infertility. Estrogen is one of the hormones your body uses to produce sperm. High estrogen levels can slow down sperm production and make it harder to create healthy sperm.
- Gynecomastia. Increased estrogen can cause more breast tissue to develop than normal. High levels can lead to the development of a condition called gynecomastia. This happens when the amount of breast fat tissue is abnormally high.
- Erectile dysfunction . Increased estrogen levels can affect the balance of hormones that are needed to help get an erection and stay erect. This is especially true if you also experience low testosterone.
- . Too much estrogen can result in short stature or delayed puberty in boys.
- Epiphyseal closure. This can happen in adolescents with high estrogen, causing boys to have short stature.
Other possible symptoms of high estrogen that may happen along with other hormone imbalances include:
- reduced sex drive
Testosterone What It Does And Doesn’t Do
When you think of testosterone, what comes to mind? Macho men? Aggressive, impatient, type A behavior? Road rage? Violence?
Testosterone’s role in bad behavior is largely a myth. What’s more, testosterone plays other important roles in health and disease that may surprise you. For example, did you know that testosterone is a key player in ? Or, that women need testosterone, too? There’s more to testosterone than guys behaving badly.
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Hormonal Foods That Increase Estrogen In Males
Posted: · by Shai Cohen
While many people consider estrogen as a female hormone, this is not entirely true. As a matter of fact, not only is estrogen found in significant amounts in the male body, it also carries out certain essential functions. This includes improving metabolism in the bones, preventing osteoporosis, and increasing the level of “good” cholesterol in the body.
The predominant sex hormone in men is referred to as testosterone and for this hormone to perform well, it needs to be balanced with estrogen. This creates room for optimal action of the reproductive system in men, secondary sexual character development, and an increase in fertility. Any imbalance in these hormonal levels will cause irregularities in the male sex drive and the production of sperm cells. This can also affect the ability of a male to keep an erection and may result in . With an increase in age, testosterone decreases in the male body. This increase can be followed by reduced estrogen levels. However, this does not automatically mean that a high testosterone level is equal to a low estrogen level or vice-versa.
- Autoimmune diseases conditions such as hypoparathyroidism
- Sexual organ Infections, for example, mumps
- Liver or kidney conditions
A Falling Outside The Normal Estradiol Range
Numbers dont tell the whole story. If youre experiencing the symptoms of low estradiol, but your numbers dont match up, you may still be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy.
Just like testosterone and other hormones, a level is only low if youre experiencing symptoms.
Similarly, there are men who fall outside the range who nevertheless are asymptomatic. It all depends on you and your body.
If youre experiencing symptoms, youll want to get a blood test to see precisely whats going on. Its possible your levels wont fall outside the normal range, which may indicate something else is causing your symptoms.
- Fat accumulation
Most of these, especially the symptoms related to how you feel on a daily basis, could appear on a list of either low testosterone or low estrogen symptoms. These are simply symptoms of overall hormone imbalance.
To summarize, you can have low testosterone by itself, or low estrogen by itself, but often, they go hand in hand. The symptoms are very similar, which means that its almost impossible to determine which hormone is insufficient without proper blood testing.
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