You’ve heard about estrogen—the female hormone. But did you know that estrogen is present in both men and women?
This hormone is essential for reproductive health, but too much of it can have serious consequences.
Men need to take control of their estrogen levels, as high amounts of estrogen may cause infertility and many more severe side effects.
High estrogen levels can also lead to mood swings, depression, anxiety, and irritability in men.
Fortunately, there are a few steps to control estrogen levels and restore health.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the causes of high estrogen levels in men and the treatments available. We’ll also explore the effects of estrogen on the male body and share some tips on how to flush out excess estrogen. So if you’re concerned about your estrogen levels, read on!
Estrogen – How It Affects Men’s Health?
In men, Testosterone is the primary sex hormone that is responsible for developing and maintaining masculine characteristics. However, estrogen also helps in overall sexual health in men.
It’s produced in the testes and adrenal glands. This hormone is vital for sperm production, libido, and bone health.
Though estrogen is an important hormone in the male body, it can have profound health implications when it gets out of balance.
One of the most salient things to understand about high estrogen levels in men is their effect on testosterone production.
When there is an overabundance of estrogen within the body, it can affect the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.
As per the study, the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis essentially controls hormone production. The HPG axis sends signals to the testes to start producing testosterone. So if estrogen is in excess, these signals may be blocked or disrupted, resulting in lower testosterone levels.
Low testosterone levels can lead to various issues, ranging from weight gain to low libido and infertility.
That’s why men need to take control of their estrogen levels today. Doing so should restore healthy hormonal balance and eliminate the effects of estrogen on the male body.
To diagnose high estrogen levels, it’s salient to learn about the symptoms.
Symptoms of High Estrogen on the Male Body
High estrogen levels in men can seriously affect their health negatively. Here are some common symptoms of high estrogen in men:
- Gynecomastia (Enlarged Breasts): Elevated estrogen levels can cause breast tissue growth in men, leading to the development of gynecomastia. This condition can be uncomfortable and impact a man’s self-esteem and confidence.
- Decreased Libido: High estrogen levels can decrease sex drive, reducing libido and sexual dysfunction.
- Erectile Dysfunction: The elevated hormone levels can also reduce testosterone levels and can cause erectile dysfunction and decreased sexual performance.
- Fatigue: It may also lead to fatigue, which can be exacerbated by decreased testosterone levels.
- Mood Changes: Excess of estrogen in men can cause mood changes, such as depression, anxiety, and irritability.
- Muscle Loss: Men with high testosterone may experience a decrease in muscle mass. That may impact athletic performance and increase the risk of injury.
- Weight Gain: This situation often leads to weight gain, particularly around the midsection.
- Infertility: High estrogen also impacts sperm production and motility, and can cause symptoms of infertility in some men.
Most men don’t even know that they can have high estrogen levels. That’s because it’s not a topic that’s typically talked about. But it’s necessary to be aware of the causes.
Causes of High Estrogen in Men
There are several causes of high estrogen levels in men, including:
#1. Aging
As men get older, their testosterone levels naturally decrease, leading to an increase in estrogen levels. This can cause many symptoms, including reduced libido, decreased muscle mass, and increased body fat.
#2. Obesity
Obesity can lead to high estrogen in men because fat cells produce estrogen. Men who are overweight or obese may have elevated estrogen levels, which can contribute to health problems such as prostate cancer.
#3. Hormonal Imbalances
Certain hormonal imbalances, such as hypogonadism, can cause an increase in estrogen levels. This condition occurs when the testes do not produce enough testosterone and drop in testosterone levels with an enhancement in estrogen levels.
#4. Liver disease
The liver is responsible for breaking down and removing excess hormones from the body. If the liver is not functioning correctly, it may not be able to remove excess estrogen and elevate hormone levels.
#5. Certain medications
Some medications, such as antibiotics, can disrupt the body’s hormone balance, leading to high levels of estrogen in men.
#6. Exposure to Environmental Toxins
Exposure to certain environmental toxins, including phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), can disrupt the endocrine system and promote elevated estrogen levels in men.
If you’re experiencing previously mentioned symptoms of high estrogen, it’s essential to go for treatments. Left untreated, this condition can have harmful effects on the body.
#7. High Estrogen in Men
Doctors can test for estrogen levels in men as a standalone test or as part of a routine workup. If an abnormally high estrogen level is detected in the blood, they may order additional tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions and diagnose the underlying cause.
Since the effects of estrogen on male body are quite adverse it can be treated by consulting a professional.
Treatment for high estrogen in males will depend on the cause and may involve lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, hormone replacement therapy, or medications such as raloxifene.
Apart from these, you can also try natural ways to flush out excess estrogen.
Natural Ways to Flush Out Excess Estrogen
There are many natural ways to eliminate excess estrogen in men.
- For starters, exercise is an excellent way to reduce estrogen levels. It helps to move toxins in the lymphatic system and can reduce fat, which may result in lowered estrogen levels.
- Furthermore, dietary changes can have beneficial effects on excess estrogen levels. Eating foods high in zinc, such as pumpkin seeds, yogurt, and eggs, can reduce excess estrogen by elevating testosterone levels.
- Additionally, eating plenty of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage can help flush out toxins and balance hormones.
- Sleep regulates hormone levels, so getting at least seven hours of quality rest each night is essential, Also, try to reduce stress levels since high-stress levels can increase estrogen production.
- Finally, supplements have also been known to be effective at reducing estrogen in men.
- Vitamin D3 is essential for hormone regulation and can reduce inflammation; magnesium flushes out toxins from the body; omega-3 fatty acids improve testosterone production; and probiotics can promote healthy digestion and balance hormones.
By following these simple steps, you can help maintain healthy estrogen levels and reduce the risks associated with high estrogen levels in men.
Conclusion
So here we’ve discussed the Causes of high estrogen levels in men and how adversely it can affect the overall well-being of men. However, there are several ways to take control of your estrogen levels, and the most critical step is to seek help. If you are experiencing any symptoms of high estrogen levels, don’t hesitate to speak to a doctor.
Following the doctor’s instructions regarding treatment and follow-up testing is crucial.
Depending on the severity of the condition, they may also recommend natural ways to flush out excess estrogen from the body, like increasing fiber intake or taking specific supplements known to aid in detoxification.
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