There are misconceptions that only women have estrogen. It’s often thought of as a woman’s hormone, but men have it too and need estrogen to function. The reality is that everyone needs estrogen, whether they are male or female. It is a crucial hormone because it helps the body function properly. Estrogen occurs naturally in the body, and the balance needs to be just right. Otherwise, it can impact your body’s normal functions. When estrogen levels in men are too high or too low, it can cause health problems. So, what are the symptoms of high and low-level male estrogen, and how to treat it?
Understanding Estrogen
Estrogen is found in both males and females, with women often having higher levels than typically found in men. It can be a tool to control a woman’s early puberty and menstrual cycles. It’s also considered a sex hormone. A male’s reproductive system often requires estrogen too. However, there are different types of estrogen, such as estrone, estriol, and estradiol. Men and women also have testosterone, although males tend to have higher levels.
Testosterone in men is converted into estradiol, which is used to regulate the sex drive, erections, testicular functions, and producing sperm. Estrogen also plays a crucial role in the regulation of cholesterol and maintaining a healthy heart and bones. It also determines a man’s mood and many other things, such as skin and body tissue.
Normal Male Estrogen Levels
Estrogen levels depend on a man’s health history and age. If you have been unwell recently or suffer from a chronic illness, it may impact your estrogen, as well as your testosterone levels. Typically, adult males should have an average of 10-50 PG/ML of estrogen. These will, of course, vary from the individual and their health.
Should You Be Concerned About Higher Levels of Estrogen?
Men need estrogen for their bodies to function normally. However, too much male estrogen can create several issues. You might have problems with depression, infertility, and even erectile dysfunction. If you’re worried about your estrogen or testosterone levels, you should consult a doctor. They might be able to offer advice on correcting the problems.
Commons Signs of Lower Male Estrogen Levels
Despite what you might think, low levels of estrogen too can impact the male body. Common signs of low estrogen include osteoporosis, a decreased or lower sex drive, and bone loss. In some instances, you might notice additional belly fat or any weight increase focused on your midsection. This may often be the result of low estrogen. Of course, there may be other symptoms of low estrogen, although further studies are required.
Increasing Male Estrogen Levels
If you have low estrogen levels, it might be possible to be prescribed HRT – hormone replacement therapy. This can be a necessary treatment to increase estrogen levels in males. Of course, you will need to speak to your doctor to discuss treatment solutions. Some physicians may prescribe testosterone gels and injections to improve these levels.
Common Signs of High Estrogen Levels in Males
Women and men can both have issues with higher estrogen levels; however, it can cause several minor health concerns and a few severe ones. For men, common signs of high estrogen levels include depression, erectile dysfunction, delayed puberty, infertility, and swelling of the breast tissue. This issue can be difficult for a man, especially since it may create the appearance of male breasts. It is not something to be ashamed of, as thousands suffer from this issue each year.
High estrogen levels in men can cause additional health issues and may indicate cirrhosis, diabetes, an overactive thyroid, and problems with adrenal glands and testicles. It’s often thought that men are at greater risk of migraines because of higher estrogen levels. Of course, further studies are required to establish a link. Estrogen abnormalities may also cause cardiac issues and autoimmune diseases.
Treatment Solutions for High Estrogen
Higher levels of estrogen create far-reaching issues for all men and can be severe in many ways. Medication is often a popular solution for those with higher estrogen levels. Aromatase inhibitors are a possible treatment option to consider. Inhibitors are supposed to stop the Androgen hormones from turning into estrogen, but the results vary considerably. You might need to talk to your doctor about this as some doctors won’t initially recommend this treatment. Inhibitors can also be found in many natural forms, such as grapeseed extract.
Simple Dietary and Lifestyle Changes May Help Lower Estrogen Levels
If you have higher estrogen levels, you might be able to lower these levels by making minor changes to your diet. If you want to handle your estrogen levels, you may want to opt for a high-fiber, low-fat diet. Fortunately, there are lots of food options to add to your everyday diet. Those include the following:
- Green Tea: This contains polyphenol and may help lower your estrogen levels.
- Flaxseed and Sesame Seeds: Seeds contain natural fats. They are rich in polyphenol, a micro-nutrient, and can be a helpful tool to combat high estrogen levels.
- Rice and Oats: These are excellent sources of natural fats and can be helpful to add to your everyday diet. Although, it’s important not to go overboard with natural fats either. Balance is crucial.
- Broccoli, Kale, and Vegetables: Vegetables are necessary foods to add to your diet. Many contain phytochemicals that help to block the production of estrogen. If you have higher estrogen levels, it can be worth adding them to your diet.
- Pomegranates and Red Grapes: Like kale, pomegranates help to block estrogen production, and grapes are natural blockers.
- Portobello and Shiitake Mushrooms: These may help reduce estrogen levels.
It’s important to note that some meats or meat products may have been treated with synthetic hormones. Some may have high levels of estrogen contained within, so you need to be careful when sourcing your meat. If you do eat meat, you need to ensure the product hasn’t been treated with hormones. It’s also essential to make minor lifestyle changes, including losing excess weight, cutting back on processed foods, and exercising thirty minutes each day. Reducing your alcohol intake is essential too.
When Should You Visit a doctor?
If you’re worried about low or high estrogen levels, you should speak to a doctor or qualified telemedicine provider such as EVOLVE. Your doctor may require urine or blood tests to determine your estrogen levels. The doctor will then explore which treatment solutions are best for your body and health.
Take Action to Correct the Problem
Estrogen is crucial for men. If your estrogen levels are too low or too high, it can be problematic. Also, it may be an indicator that you have an underlying medical issue. It is crucial to speak to your doctor when you notice the first signs of low or high estrogen levels. Or you suspect you have problems with estrogen. It can make a huge difference, so it’s essential to speak to a doctor immediately. You can find a suitable treatment route too.
There are many treatments available that will reverse your symptoms and help you resume a normal healthy life. One of these treatments is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy or BHRT. This personalized treatment includes physician-prescribed medications to help increase/decrease hormones, creating an optimal balance within your body.
Starting BHRT with EVOLVE
Before starting BHRT, it is highly recommended that you consult with a physician or qualified telemedicine provider like EVOLVE. Learning about the benefits and possible side effects will allow you to make an informed decision regarding the state of your health. Your physician may also recommend a hormone blood test to check your current estrogen levels. This test includes the panels needed for your physician to create an effective treatment plan, made just for your body.
Before starting an estrogen treatment, EVOLVE patients typically begin with either a Female Hormone Panel or Male Hormone Panel. This blood test provides the physician with accurate hormone levels, to help create the most effective hormone plan for you.
If you’re at all concerned with your estrogen levels, contact your doctor or a qualified telemedicine provider like EVOLVE. Our team of hormone therapy experts will help you get started with a safe, effective, and affordable hormone treatment plan. Contact Patient Care @EVOLVE to schedule your consultation!
