According to Dr. Bernstein "erectile dysfunction, weight gain, decrease in libido or sexual drive, enlargement of the breast tissue, depression, loss of energy or feeling tired and decrease in muscle mass" are some of the symptoms you could expect if you live with high estrogen.
While estrogen has traditionally been known as a female hormone and testosterone has traditionally been associated with men, it may surprise you to know that estrogen plays an integral role in male sexual function, including the regulation of sex drive, the development of sperm, and even erectile function.
But too much of any circulating hormone in the body isn't a good thing, typically symptoms of high estrogen in men can include:
Weight gain
Erectile dysfunction
Low sex drive
Infertility
Enlargement of breast tissue
Depression
Loss of energy
Decrease in muscle mass
If you're worried about your own hormone health or perhaps someone you know, we have a range of tests that help identify male hormone issues.
LetsGetChecked is joined by urologist Dr. Gregory Bernstein who offers insight into estrogen from the male perspective, as we discuss everything you need to know about high estrogen in men.
See also: Foods that Increase Estrogen: Do They Actually Exist?
What are the symptoms of high estrogen in men?
What are the symptoms of high estrogen in men? According to Dr. Bernstein "erectile dysfunction, weight gain, decrease in libido or sexual drive, enlargement of the breast tissue, depression, loss of energy or feeling tired and decrease in muscle mass" are some of the symptoms you could expect if you live with high estrogen.
High estrogen in men may cause:
Infertility
As estrogen plays a part in the production of mature sperm, it is no surprise that high estrogen in men could make conception difficult. Estrogen affects the development of germ cells that line the testes, so it is essential that circulating estrogen is balanced to ensure not only the development of sperm but also the nourishment of mature sperm.
Dr. Bernstein says:
"Estrogen is a necessary hormone in the setting of normal fertility. Both high and low levels may upset that balance and affect the proper production of sperm in men."
Weight gain
The involvement of estrogen levels in weight gain can be complex to understand when we are looking at the cause and effect. As we age, testosterone naturally begins to decrease, leaving males in their older age at an increased vulnerability to estrogen dominance.
Conversely, if you gain weight as you age, which is common as the metabolic rate slows during this period you are more likely to produce more estrogen as aromatase enzymes live in fatty tissues. Lastly, high estrogen levels can cause negative mood swings and depression which can have a substantial impact on one's desire to stay fit and healthy. High estrogen in men therefore can be seen as a risk factor in stimulating weight gain and obesity.
Low sex drive
Testosterone is one of the key drivers in sexual desire in men which is why low testosterone affects not only the physical aspect but also the emotional aspect when it comes to having sex. Low testosterone can cause low libido as high estrogen levels in men may cause an increased likelihood of developing depression, along with fatigue and other negative mood changes.
Taking a test is a sure way of discovering any health-related issues linked to male hormones.
See also: Low Libido in Men: What’s Affecting Your Sex Drive?
How can estrogen exist in men?
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Men obviously don't have similar reproductive organs to women so they produce estrogen in a different way. Estrogen is produced through an enzyme known as aromatase. Aromatase transforms testosterone into estrogen in men. As men age, it is possible for the enzyme aromatase to cause estrogen to spike and testosterone to decrease in volume.
Medications, medical procedures, stress, and weight gain may cause a fluctuation in estrogen. While a certain level of hormones can be taken in through nutrition, this is a tiny proportion and there are no sole foods that can be clinically attributed to a drastic spike in estrogen or a loss of testosterone.
When it comes to the idea that your diet can modulate estrogen in the body, Dr. Bernstein says: "There have been many studies that have looked at foods that may be associated with increased estrogen levels but unfortunately none of them have shown any statistical significance and many of the studies done have been on animals, not humans. There can be higher levels of hormones in farm animals that are being raised to be used for food products for human consumption."
Throughout a man's life, estrogen and testosterone levels rise and fall, if testosterone becomes lower than estrogen, or if estrogen spikes, physical symptoms may become apparent.
See also: How can you promote hormone balance?
What does estrogen do to a man?
Estrogen has a number of functions in men. Traditionally, it has been solely associated with sexual function but estrogen also plays a large part in regulating mood, and in particular promoting a good mood.
Estrogen promotes the stimulation of serotonin and beta-endorphins that are known as the "feel-good" neurotransmitters and is said to play a part in maintaining one's verbal and spatial memory in men, especially in later life.
Erectile function
When we are talking about the connection between estrogen and erectile function, we are looking at a balancing act. If men have a small amount of circulating estrogen, they can expect functional erections. If estrogen spikes and testosterone then drops, it is expected that you are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction. High estrogen and low testosterone is associated with weaker and less frequent erections.
In one study, including a sample group of male transgender individuals who were taking estrogen therapy as part of their transition to becoming a woman, it was found that the estrogen caused inhibited sexual activity, fewer spontaneous erections, and fewer nocturnal erections, (erections during sleep.)
Spermatogenesis
Estrogen receptors and aromatase, (the enzyme we touched on earlier) are found in the brain, testes, and penis. The testosterone transformation to estrogen occurs in targeted areas that are related to arousal. Estrogen plays a role in the production of sperm. Too much estrogen in the testes may impact your fertility.
Estrogen regulates the development of essential cells that line the testes, however, it can also negatively impact the quantity and quality of sperm.
Sex drive
Estrogen affects your sex drive in a number of ways. Aromatase enzymes also live in the brain, as these enzymes are responsible for the transformation of testosterone to estrogen, it is unsurprising that estrogen affects sexual behavior from a psychological perspective in the adult male. This psycho-sexual development is said to take on from the early development of the brain. For the purpose of understanding the effects of high estrogen on sex drive, all you need to know is low estrogen in women causes low sex drive, and high estrogen in men, in the instance where it causes a depletion of testosterone, can cause a lowered libido.
Dr. Bernstein says:
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“Just like many hormonal levels, too high or too low outside of normal ranges can impact a variety of medical issues or bodily functions. Elevated estrogen can be associated with obesity and depression.”
How do you fix high estrogen?
It’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s hormone levels are unique and there are a number of factors that can play a role in a person’s hormonal health. With that said, there are some lifestyle changes that may potentially help in lowering estrogen levels, these include:
Incorporate magnesium and B vitamins into your diet
Try adding fresh and organic foods to your everyday diet whenever possible
Get the right amount of sleep
Decrease stress levels
Stick to a healthy weight
See also: How to Naturally Increase Estrogen Levels
Should You Test Your Hormones?
When it comes to testing and treatment for high estrogen, Dr. Bernstein says:
"This is not a black and white answer and boils down to why the man may have elevated estrogen levels and whether or not he is having any symptoms. If a man is concerned about his estrogen levels it always best to see a medical professional for a full evaluation, physical exam and laboratory evaluation."
LetsGetChecked offer the Male Hormone Advanced Test which measures key hormones that may offer insight into your hormonal balance. The test measures testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), oestradiol and prolactin. The Free Androgen Index (FAI) offers you insight into how much bioavailable, or functional testosterone there is in the blood.
Hormonal imbalances and the global decrease in testosterone have become a common concern among men. It is natural to be worried about changes in your physical and emotional states as you age.
You should get tested if:
You are noticing signs and symptoms of high estrogen.
You are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, especially for prostate cancer.
You are obese or overweight.
You have a family history of low testosterone.
You suffer from chronic stress.
You take anabolic steroids.
You live with Klinefelter syndrome.
You live with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
You suffer from hemochromatosis.
You have a pituitary gland disorder.
You suffer from thyroid issues.
You have kidney or liver disease.
You have anorexia nervosa.
If you are noticing changes in yourself and you worry that it may be a hormonal imbalance, do not fear; there are a few simple steps that can be made through medication and lifestyle habits to get you feeling your best again, and with LetsGetChecked you will be supported at every step of the way.
See also: How do you Check Estrogen Levels From Home?
Written by Hannah Kingston | Medically Reviewed by Dr. Dominic Rowley
Prostate Restored
Photo: RODNAE Productions
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