While its importance is normally attributed to women, estrogen in men plays an important role. As teenagers, men have high levels of testosterone and low levels of estrogen. As they age, testosterone levels in men decrease while their estrogen levels increase. Not surprisingly, high levels of estrogen in men usually correspond to low levels of testosterone. High estrogen levels in men contribute to prostate cancer and heart disease as well as gynecomastia ( enlarged breasts). As the testosterone is transformed into estrogen the low levels of testosterone can cause many unpleasant symptoms including loss of muscle mass, fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, excessive estrogen in men raises body fat and can contribute to diabetes and high lipids.
Estrogen in Men
Testosterone will begin to convert to estrogen in men as they age due to the aromatase reaction. Aromatase is found most prevalently in fat cells, so the more body fat a man has, especially in the midsection, the more aromatase and hence the more estrogen. Your BodyLogicMD affiliated physician will order comprehensive blood spot testing which will measure your testosterone and estrogen levels (among others). The tests will inform your physician if your diminished testosterone is a result of the aromatase reaction. High estrogen in men can be corrected.
How We Control Estrogen Levels in Men
Your BodyLogicMD affiliated physician may suggest a number of male menopause treatment options that will work in conjunction to control your testosterone to estrogen conversion. Balancing all of your hormone levels and particularly natural bioidentical testosterone replacement therapy are vital to treating high estrogen levels in men. Proper nutrition, pharmaceutical grade supplements and fitness are also vital to keep body fat low to remove aromatase. Specifically, it is suggested that men with high estrogen levels decrease alcohol consumption and increase consumption of vitamin B and flaxseed. In some cases, patients are prescribed Chrysin, a natural herb, or Arimidex, a prescription medicine, to block the estrogen conversion. The good news is that excessive estrogen levels in men are correctible and reversible with the help of an expert BodyLogicMD affiliated physician.
Contact the BodyLogicMD bioidentical hormone doctor nearest you to schedule an appointment and learn more about how bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can balance estrogen levels in men. For information on estrogen in women, click here.