Estrogen is a hormone that occurs naturally in the body. Estrogen levels that are too high or too low can lead to health problems.
Men are frequently unaware that estrogen (estradiol) plays an important role in their overall health.
In men, estrogen is found in small but critical concentrations. For you to feel good, it must be in balance with the rest of your hormones, particularly testosterone.
When men don't get enough, body fat accumulates, libidos dull, and they may find themselves unable to perform in bed. However, when they have too much, things can go haywire. Maintaining a sense of balance is essential in all aspects of life.
This article will go over what estrogen is, its role in the male body, the symptoms of high or low estrogen levels, and how to treat irregular levels.
What is estrogen?
Estrogen is a sex hormone that is present in both males and females, with females having higher estrogen levels than males.
Estrogen is produced by the ovaries, testes, fat cells, and adrenal glands. It is necessary for female puberty and the regulation of the menstrual cycle. Estrogen is also necessary for male reproduction.
Estrogen comes in three varieties:
Estradiol is the most common type of estrogen.
Estriol is a type of estrogen that is primarily produced during pregnancy.
Estrone, which is found in higher concentrations in postmenopausal females
The enzyme aromatase can convert testosterone to estradiol. The male body uses estradiol for:
- Regulating sexual desire
- Obtaining erections
- Generating sperm
- Testicular function
Estrogen also serves other purposes in the human body. It can aid in the control of cholesterol levels as well as the maintenance of bone and heart health. It also has an impact on mood, skin, and other body tissues.
They must be balanced for your sexual function and characteristics to function normally. If they are out of balance, you may experience some unusual symptoms.
Estrogen is commonly referred to as the "female" hormone. Testosterone is referred to as the "male" hormone. This isn't entirely correct because both exist in everyone's bodies. However, higher levels of testosterone are found in biologically male bodies. Furthermore, higher levels of estrogen are found in biologically female bodies.
During adolescence, estrogen is essential for the development of sexual functions and characteristics in women. Menstruation and the reproductive cycle are included. It aids in the maintenance of that function throughout one's life.
It's the same for men. However, a type of estrogen known as estradiol is especially important for male sexuality.
The most important hormone in male sexual development and function is testosterone. However, estrogen must remain in balance with testosterone in order to control sex drive, the ability to have an erection, and sperm production.
As men age, testosterone naturally declines while estrogen rises. Unless your estrogen levels are abnormally high, this isn't cause for concern. This can put you at risk for diseases like diabetes and certain types of cancer.
Let's talk about what normal and abnormal estrogen levels for men are, what symptoms to look out for, what causes abnormal estrogen levels, and what you can do about it.
What are normal estrogen levels in men?
In men, there are two types of estrogen: estrone and estradiol. The measurements are in picograms per milliliter (pg/ml). The typical averages of each are as follows:
|
|
Estrone |
Estradiol |
|
Prepubescent male |
Undetectable–16
pg/ml |
Undetectable–13
pg/ml |
|
Pubescent
male |
Undetectable–60
pg/ml |
Undetectable–40
pg/ml |
|
Adult
male |
10–60
pg/ml |
10–40 pg/ml |
Symptoms of high estrogen levels in men
Gynecomastia: Increased estrogen can result in the development of more breast tissue than is normal. High levels can result in the development of a condition known as gynecomastia. When the amount of breast fat tissue is abnormally high, this occurs.
Infertility: Estrogen is a hormone that your body uses to produce sperm. High estrogen levels can slow sperm production and make it more difficult to produce healthy sperm.
Slowing growth: Too much estrogen can result in short stature or delayed puberty in boys.
ED (erectile dysfunction): Increased estrogen levels can disrupt the hormonal balance required to achieve and maintain an erection. This is especially true if you have low testosterone.
Epiphyseal closure: This can occur in adolescent girls with high estrogen levels, resulting in short stature in boys.
Other symptoms of high estrogen that may occur in conjunction with other hormone imbalances include:
- decreased sperm concentration in semen
- lowered sex drive
- You're losing hair all over your body
- feeling worn out
- Penis and testicles grow at a slower rate.
- muscle mass reduction
- having difficulty concentrating
- bone density loss (osteoporosis)
- unexpected sensation of being hot (hot flashes)
Causes of High Estrogen in Men
Your body can produce a lot of estrogen on its own or in conjunction with low levels of testosterone.
Among the medications and substances that can increase your estrogen levels are:
- Certain antibiotics
- Herbs or other natural substances, such as gingko or ginseng
- Phenothiazines (a medication used for mental health conditions)
High estrogen levels are also inherited through your genes. Furthermore, certain medical conditions, such as:
- Stress
- Obesity or weight gain
- Some tumors
- Diseases affecting the liver
- Hypogonadism, for example, is a condition that affects hormone balance
Symptoms of Low Estrogen in Men
Low estrogen levels in men aren't cause for alarm.
However, some of the same symptoms associated with high estrogen can occur if you do not have enough estrogen. This is due to the fact that estrogen imbalances can be caused by hypogonadism, a condition in which your body produces insufficient hormones.
Hypogonadism can lower estrogen, testosterone, and other hormone levels, resulting in many of the same symptoms as high estrogen levels.
Causes of Low Estrogen in Males
Low estrogen due to hypogonadism can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Autoimmune diseases such as Addison's disease or hypoparathyroidism
- Genetic disorders such as Turner syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome
- Mumps and other sexual organ infections
- Kidney or liver disease
- Non-descending testicles
- An excess of iron in your blood (hemochromatosis)
- Radiation exposure
- Undergoing penis or testicular surgery
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Conditions that affect the pituitary gland.
- Sarcoidosis
- Tuberculosis
- Histiocytosis
- A condition of obesity
- Rapid loss of weight
- A lack of essential nutrients and vitamins
- Surgery on the brain
- A pituitary tumor that is growing on or near your pituitary gland
Diagnosis of high or low estrogen levels
If your doctor suspects you have high or low estrogen levels, he or she will have you undergo a laboratory blood test.
You'll go to a laboratory that collects samples for this, and someone who's been trained to take samples will use a needle and vial to collect blood for testing.
You should have your results within a week. Your blood estrogen levels will be displayed in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). When you receive your results, your doctor will tell you what you need to do next.
If they're normal, you won't have to do anything. However, if your levels are too high or too low, your doctor will advise you on the next steps to help balance your estrogen levels.
How to Control Estrogen Levels in Men
Here are some of the treatments that your doctor may suggest to help control your estrogen levels.
Medication
Aromatase inhibitors, which prevent an enzyme called aromatase from converting androgens into estrogen, should work in theory, but research shows that they don't have much of an effect.
Though they are not usually recommended as a treatment, they can help patients reduce estrogen levels if clinically indicated. These medications are available in the form of anastrozole (Arimidex) or exemestane (Aromasin).
Aromatase inhibitors have not been shown to be as effective as SERMS for gynecomastia, but they may have other clinical applications, such as in breast cancer or in boys with short stature.
Natural aromatase inhibitors include wild nettle root, maca, and grapeseed extract. Remember to first discuss these natural alternatives with your healthcare provider.
Diet, lifestyle, and physical activity
Dietary changes can also help keep your estrogen levels low.
A low-fat, high-fiber diet is commonly recommended for estrogen level control. Some foods that may be included in this type of diet are:
- Phytochemicals found in cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli and kale) inhibit estrogen production.
- Aromatase is naturally reduced by shiitake and portobello mushrooms.
- The natural estrogen blockers resveratrol and proanthocyanidin are found in red grapes.
- Polyphenol is a micronutrient found in sesame seeds and flaxseed, as well as whole grains such as oats, corn, and rice.
- Green tea is another excellent source of polyphenols.
- Pomegranates are high in phytochemicals that inhibit estrogen production.
Some meat products contain estrogen as a result of synthetic hormone treatment and should be avoided. Other products to avoid that can raise your estrogen levels are:
- plastic wraps or containers that can be absorbed by your food
- Shampoos and other hygiene products containing estrogen-containing parabens
Maintaining a healthy weight can also help to keep your estrogen levels in check:
- Obtain a physical examination to assess your overall health
- Make a plan and begin slowly
- Work out for 15 to 30 minutes per day, gradually increasing the time as you become more comfortable
- Alter your routine: do cardio one day, strength the next, and so on
- Join a gym and make it a habit to go on a regular basis
The dangers of having high estrogen levels as an adult
High levels of estrogen in this group can put you at risk for a variety of conditions, including:
- Developing large male breasts (gynecomastia)
- Diabetes
- Clots in the blood
- Stroke
- Certain types of cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer
When should you see a doctor?
If you notice any unusual symptoms that may be caused by high or low estrogen levels, consult a doctor as soon as possible.
They can perform estrogen level tests and determine the underlying causes. They can also assist you in determining whether these symptoms are caused by high estrogen levels. It is critical to treat high estrogen levels as well as any underlying causes.
Many conditions that cause or are caused by abnormal estrogen levels can be successfully treated, and the chances of any potential complications are reduced if treated early.
In Conclusion
Both high and low estrogen levels can result in long-term complications or indicate an underlying condition that should be treated.
If you suspect you have high estrogen levels, see your doctor as soon as possible.
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