The Health Risks Of High Estrogen In Men
Men need estrogen, but too much can lead to serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the health risks of high estrogen in men
If you’re like most men, you probably think of estrogen as solely a “female” hormone. In reality, though, both men and women need estrogen to function properly.
However, sometimes, male estrogen levels can get out of balance and cause a lot of problems in the body.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about high estrogen in men and the risks that come with this condition.
Why Does Estrogen Matter for Men?
Men need sufficient estrogen to help with the following bodily functions:
- Bone health and fracture prevention
- Cardiovascular health and prevention of heart disease and stroke
- Mood regulation
- Cognitive function and prevention of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
As you can see, estrogen plays a crucial role in keeping men healthy. But, too much comes with a number of serious risks.
Risk of High Estrogen
Research shows that some of the risks that come with high estrogen in men include:
- Increased risk of stroke
- Increased risk of peripheral artery disease
- Increase in c-reactive protein, an important inflammation marker
- Contributes to benign prostate enlargement
- Contributes to prostate cancer.
High estrogen in men can also lead to weight gain, which further increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Weight gain can also lead to Type 2 diabetes.
Signs of High Estrogen in Men
Okay, you’re convinced that high estrogen levels are a problem. But, what does high estrogen in men look like?
Some symptoms to watch out for include:
- Low sex drive, decreased erectile function or morning erections
- Enlarged breasts
- Increase in abdominal fat
- Feeling fatigued
- Decreased muscle mass
- Depression or other emotional changes
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor to see if they’re being caused by high estrogen.
Causes of High Estrogen
High estrogen causes all kinds of problems. But, what actually causes high estrogen?
High estrogen in men can stem from a number of issues, including:
- Decreased testosterone levels associated with aging
- Increase in levels of the aromatase enzyme, which increases the conversion of testosterone to estrogen
- Testosterone replacement therapy
- Stress
- Diet high in refined carbs, which can lead to weight gain and increased estrogen production
Environmental toxins, also known as endocrine disruptors, that are found in personal care products and plastics can also affect estrogen levels. These chemicals can mimic hormones in the body and lead to over- or under-production.
How to Test Estrogen Levels
How do you know if your estrogen is too high? There are a few different types of tests you can use to see whether or not your levels are within a normal range, including the following:
- Blood testing
- Saliva testing
- Urine testing
All three types of testing have benefits and drawbacks. For example, blood testing is less convenient since you need to visit your doctor to get it done. Saliva and urine testing can be done at home.
Blood testing also typically only tests for one type of estrogen — estradiol, which is the most potent form. Saliva and urine testing test for all three types — estradiol, estrone, and estriol. But, saliva testing does not take into account the way your body detoxifies estrogen.
Since poor detoxification can contribute to high estrogen levels, it’s important to look at the way your body is getting rid of it. Urine testing covers all of these factors, which makes it a highly effective option. It can be costly, though, and it usually isn’t covered by insurance.
How to Control Estrogen Levels
When it comes to lowering your estrogen levels, there are a number of options available, including the following:
Reducing Body Fat
Living a healthier lifestyle can work wonders for naturally lowering your estrogen.
A good place to start is by changing your diet and eating habits to lower your body fat percentage.
By reducing your intake of refined carbohydrates and increasing your consumption of vegetables, you can reduce your weight and naturally aid in estrogen detoxification. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cabbage are great for this.
In addition to changing your diet, exercise will help naturally increase testosterone production while lowering body fat and estrogen levels.
Focus on resistance training a few times a week to build muscle and boost testosterone. Make sure you’re getting plenty of cardiovascular exercise, too. Simply walking more throughout the day can work wonders for lowering your weight.
Improving Digestion
Healthy digestion is essential for promoting healthy hormone levels. High levels of the enzyme beta-glucuronidase, specifically, are known to cause high estrogen. This is because the enzyme causes your body to reabsorb estrogen instead of eliminating it through the digestive tract.
To test for high levels of beta-glucuronidase, talk to your doctor about scheduling a stool test.
Eliminating Environmental Toxins
Lots of skin care products like soap and lotion, as well as shampoos and conditioners, are filled with endocrine disruptors that could be increasing your estrogen.
Some common disruptors to avoid in your skin care products include:
- Bisphenol A (BPA)
- Solvents and lubricants like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), and dioxins
- Plasticisers like phthalates
- Pesticides like chlorpyrifos, Methoxychlor, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and tributyltin
- Fungicides like vinclozolin
- Pharmaceutical agents like diethylstilbestrol
Natural substances like soy and beta-sitosterol can also interfere with your body’s natural hormone production.
Reducing Stress
Finally, make sure you’re doing your best to decrease stress. Starting an exercise routine is a great first step to lower stress levels and, by proxy, estrogen levels.
Try a regular meditation or yoga practice, too. These practices will help you learn to handle stressful situations better and calm your sympathetic nervous system.
Supplements
There are also many different supplements you can use to lower your estrogen levels. Some popular ones include:
- Diindolylmethane (DIM): Promotes estrogen elimination
- Calcium d Glucarate: Lowers beta-glucuronidase
- Vitamins B6, B12, and folate: Promotes estrogen elimination
- Zinc: Prevents the conversion of testosterone to estrogen
Supplements can be beneficial, but they shouldn’t be used as a quick fix. Make sure you’re also taking the time to identify the cause of your high estrogen. This will ensure long-term health and help you avoid any complications that come with high levels of estrogen.
Learn More Today
Do you think your estrogen levels might too high? If so, it’s important to work with a professional to learn how to balance your hormones in a healthy way.
If you need help with hormone testing or lowering your estrogen levels, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We can’t wait to help you get your health under control.
