High Estrogen In Men- Symptoms, Causes, And Tips To Reduce

Introduction

Estrogen is a female hormone. Testosterone is a male hormone. Both remain in a controlled manner in the body of the male. Testosterone causes male characteristics, and estrogen causes female characteristics in the body. In men, testosterone is dominant and has more concentration than estrogen. If there is some imbalance in the hormonal level, this may lead to a change in the physical character. It may also cause some medical conditions like infertility and gynecomastia (also known as man boobs). One should understand high estrogen in males, causes, and tips to reduce estrogen levels.

What Are The Symptoms Of High Estrogen In Men?

The high estrogen in males may have several symptoms. Some of them are:

• Gynecomastia: Men with high estrogen levels have more breast tissues than men with normal levels. High levels of estrogen may cause gynecomastia. This condition may affect both breasts equally or unequally or affect only a single breast.
• Erectile dysfunction: There should be a healthy balance of hormones to have an erection and maintain it. However, high levels of estrogen cause alteration in hormonal balance resulting in erectile dysfunction. The condition becomes more complicated if the patient also has low testosterone levels.
• Epiphyseal closure: If the males experience high estrogen levels in the teen or adolescent stage, they may have short stature due to epiphyseal closure.
• Slow growth: Elevated estrogen levels in teenagers or adolescent males may result in delayed puberty.
• Depression: Researchers have concluded that elevated estrogen levels in men may also result in depression. This depression is independent of the body-mass index (BMI).
• Other symptoms: Several other symptoms may also occur in such patients. These symptoms are reduced bone density, hair loss, reduced sex drive, weakness and fatigue, muscle mass shrinkage, reduced concentration, and hot flashes.

Why Would A Man's Estrogen Be High?

Several causes result in high estrogen levels in men. These are:

• Drugs and chemical substances: Several drugs and chemical substances play a vital role in elevating the level of estrogen in males. These drugs include antibiotics and some other drugs for managing neurological diseases. Ginseng and ginkgo are also believed to increase the level of estrogens. In addition, certain toxic chemicals present in plastic, cosmetics, heavy metals, and body care products may also increase estrogen levels.
• Psychological issues: Stress also plays a crucial role in altering the hormonal balance in males. In stress, the cortisol hormone is released, which reduces the level of testosterone. It increases estrogen levels.
• Underlying medical conditions: Several underlying medical diseases may also affect the estrogen level in males. The estrogen level can be increased due to obesity or excessive weight, cancer, liver diseases, and hypogonadism.

What Are The Complications Of High Estrogen Levels In Men?

If the high estrogen level in men is for a long time, it may lead to the following types of complications.

• Erectile dysfunction: Increased estrogen levels for a long time can result in an imbalance of the hormones in the body. It may lead to a decrease in the hormone required for erection and to maintain the erection. Thus, leading to a condition where the person cannot maintain the erection. This condition is called erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Infertility: estrogen is among the hormones used by our body to generate sperm. If the level remains increased for a long time, this may slow the rate of formation of the new healthy sperm. It will ultimately result in a reduction in the fertility of the person.
• Gynecomastia: Gynecomastia is also caused by the increased estrogen level in men.

How Does The Doctor Diagnose High Levels Of Estrogen In Males?

The doctor will advise some blood tests to detect the presence of an increased estrogen level in the body. If the estrogen level in the blood is higher than the recommended level, the doctor will give you some tips for lowering the estrogen level.

What Are The Treatment Options For Elevated Estrogen Levels In Males?

1. Through medicines: A group of medicine known as aromatase inhibitors is used to reduce estrogen levels in men. These medicines stop the conversion of androgen into estrogen. Thus ultimately reducing the level of estrogen.
2. Changes in the diet, lifestyle, and doing exercises: A diet that is low in fat and contains more fibers is recommended to control estrogen levels.
   • Red grapes block estrogen formation in the body.
   • Green tea also helps in keeping the estrogen level in control.