When it comes to men's health, the testosterone is always at the center of the scene. But did you know that also the estrogen, the hormone often labeled as “female“, plays a fundamental role in your well-being?
THEbalance between these two hormones is essential to keep force, vitality and general health. However, when estrogen takes over, serious problems can arise.
Learn how male estrogen impacts your body and what steps you can take to keep it in harmony.
Index
The Importance of Male Estrogens
Estrogen in men is not something to fear; It is essential for normal bodily functions. Estradiol, the most powerful form of estrogen, It is vital for bone health, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health.
In fact, one research reported in JAMA showed that the Men with normal estrogen levels had fewer deaths over a three-year period compared to those with levels that were too high or too low.
However, this does not mean that men should ignore high estrogen levels.
Some doctors have drawn the wrong conclusion from these studies, thinking that because men need estrogen, high levels should not be treated.
This is a dangerous mistake!
Too much estrogen in men can cause a number of health problems.
The Risks of High Estrogen Levels
When estrogen levels rise uncontrollably in men, the consequences are serious.
High levels of estrogen have been linked to several degenerative diseases:
- Increased risk of heart disease: Estrogen plays a vital role in cardiovascular health. However, when it is too high, it significantly increases the risk of atherosclerosis and stroke.
- Greater chance of developing the diabetes type II: estrogen imbalances contribute to resistance insulin, increasing the risk of developing type II diabetes.
- Emotional and mental disorders: High estrogen levels can lead to mood swings, depression, and other emotional disorders.
- Prostate problems: high estrogen levels increase the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer, affecting urinary and sexual function.
- Weight gain and muscle loss: High estrogen leads to increased abdominal fat and decreased muscle mass, making it more difficult for men to maintain a lean body shape.
High estrogen levels are linked to an increased risk of death. This is why it is essential that men keep estrogen levels in a balanced range, not too high, but not too low either.
Symptoms of high male estrogen levels
While some might expect high levels of estrogen to make men more “female” in appearance or behavior, the symptoms are often more subtle, but equally serious.
These include:
- Increased abdominal fat
- Loss of muscle mass
- Reduced libido and erectile dysfunction
- Tiredness and low energy
- Enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia)
- Depression and mood swings
- Urinary problems
These symptoms can significantly impact quality of life, making it crucial for men to address elevated estrogen levels promptly.
Why do men have high estrogen levels?
Several factors can increase estrogen in men:
- Body fat: fat cells produce aromatase, an enzyme that converts the testosterone in estrogen. The more body fat a man has, the more estrogen his body produces.
- Age: As we age, testosterone levels naturally decline, while estrogen levels increase. This imbalance often leads to problems with muscle mass, fat distribution, and libido.
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): TRT can sometimes have unwanted effects. If too much testosterone is converted to estrogen, it can make the problem worse, especially in overweight or obese men.
- Environmental toxins: Xenoestrogens—chemicals found in plastics, personal care products, and even foods—mimic estrogen in the body and can contribute to elevated levels.
- Diet and lifestyle: consuming alcohol, smoking and even certain supplements can affect the metabolism of estrogen, making it harder for the body to eliminate excess estrogen.
How to Keep Estrogen in Check
Maintaining balanced estrogen levels is crucial for long-term health and fitness.
Here are some strategies to consider:
- Lose Excess Body Fat: Reducing body fat decreases aromatase production, helping to keep estrogen levels in a healthy range.
- Pay attention to your lifestyle habits: Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking. Recreational drugs such as marijuana are also known to elevate estrogen levels.
- Diet and supplements: Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fiber, and healthy fats helps regulate hormones. Certain supplements, such as zinc, can improve testosterone production and reduce estrogen. If you have high estrogen, natural estrogen blockers such as resveratrol can be effective.
- Environmental awareness: limit exposure to xenoestrogens avoiding plastics, pesticides and synthetic chemicals. Opt for natural or organic products whenever possible.
- Medical intervention: If lifestyle changes aren't enough, men with severe estrogen problems may need medical treatment. This may include anti-estrogen drugs, such as Arimidex, which block the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. However, thorough hormone testing is essential before starting any medications, as misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment.
In short, for men, estrogen is a double-edged sword. Although it is necessary for proper health, too much of it can cause serious problems for the body.
High estrogen levels increase the risk of serious health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and even death.
By maintaining healthy estrogen levels through a combination of lifestyle adjustments, appropriate testing, and, if necessary, medical interventions, men can optimize their health, preserve muscle mass, and reduce their risk of degenerative diseases.
