Yes, Men Need Estrogen Too. Here's Why

The Connection Between Low T and Estrogen

In men, testosterone and estrogen have to work in careful balance. If less testosterone is produced, less estrogen is made in the testes.

But low T can also exist at the same time as high estrogen levels. Remember, only about 20% of the estrogen in your body is produced as a by-product of testosterone in the testes. Other tissues, such as fat, produce the rest, which can convert testosterone to estrogen. More visceral fat (fat around the midsection) may drive estrogen production and deplete testosterone, for example.

What Causes Estrogen Imbalance?

Aging can gradually bring about a hormone imbalance. Testosterone levels can generally decrease as men age. At the same time, men tend to lose muscle mass and may gain visceral fat as they get up in years (10). Low T is associated with weight gain and obesity—a problematic cycle (11). Here’s why: Fat cells have been associated with a high expression of aromatase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen. If you gain weight, you likely have more aromatase converting your T into estrogen, which can cause testosterone levels to fall.

That’s why insulin resistance, prediabetes, and Type 2 diabetes are all risk factors for low T and high estrogen for men. All of these conditions drive fat storage, which ramps up estrogen production.

High estrogen also may further lower T because of the hormone’s impact on something called the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The brain’s hypothalamus region produces and secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This hormone stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In men, LH triggers testosterone production in the testicles. But excess estrogen may cause trouble along this axis, including impacting T production—again creating a vicious cycle (12).

Environmental factors may cause an estrogen imbalance, as well. Every day, we encounter endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) from pollution, plastics, herbicides, pharmaceuticals in drinking water, flame retardants in furniture, and coatings on cookware. Even small amounts can be harmful (13). Research is ongoing in this area, but studies indicate their potential impact on hormones: they may lower T levels, increase or lower estrogen levels, and also may wreak havoc on the HPG axis (14).

Some medical conditions are associated with changes in estrogen, including various cancers and autoimmune disorders. And so are certain medications.

Symptoms of Estrogen Imbalance in Men

An estrogen imbalance in men may cause or be linked to a host of health problems. Both high and low estrogen levels may manifest problems, including:

• Breast enlargement (gynecomastia)
• Breast tenderness
• Cognitive issues
• Erectile dysfunction
• Excess body fat
• Infertility
• Mood issues
• Loss of bone mass
• Changes in muscle mass
• Loss of sex drive

Testing for An Estrogen Imbalance

You can test for an estrogen imbalance via Hone’s at-home analysis. It’s as easy as pricking your finger and mailing the sample to an accredited lab to get accurate results and a consultation from a board-certified physician. Your primary care doctor can also test your estrogen levels.

Risks of Estrogen Imbalance in Men

In addition to affecting sexual function, fertility, and overall well-being, an estrogen imbalance may put you at risk for other health concerns. While low estrogen may still cause undesirable symptoms, typically the larger risk for men may occur with high estrogen.

High estrogen may play a role in the development and progression of prostate cancer (15), according to several studies. It is also implicated in male breast cancer (16). And higher-than-normal estrogen has been associated with an increased risk of blood clots and pulmonary embolism, a clot that lodges in a lung artery and causes a blockage (17).

Treating an Estrogen Imbalance

If a test shows you have an estrogen imbalance, simple lifestyle and diet changes may help. Managing your weight, eating a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol consumption can help you balance out your hormones. Red meat and dairy may contribute to an increase in estrogen levels, according to a few studies, so it may be wise to eat these in moderation. But more research is needed to determine which foods may raise or lower estrogen.

Sometimes estrogen imbalances in men need medical treatment, which will vary depending on the cause of your estrogen imbalance. For example, when excess estrogen causes symptoms such as breast enlargement or tenderness, testosterone replacement therapy can often help. In other cases, estrogen excess is treated with medications called aromatase inhibitors, which stop testosterone from metabolizing into estrogen.