Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEstrogen in MenSymptoms of ImbalanceEstrogen BlockersAlternativesWhen to Talk to a ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Estrogen in Men
Symptoms of Imbalance
Estrogen Blockers
Alternatives
When to Talk to a Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
Over time, levels of the hormonestestosteroneandestrogencan become imbalanced in males, potentially causing health problems. Medications called estrogen blockers are among the treatment options for those with low testosterone and higher estrogen.
This article discusses how estrogen functions in males and symptoms of a testosterone and estrogen imbalance. It also covers treatments that block estrogen and when to see a healthcare provider.
Ariel Skelley / Getty Images
Estrogen in the male body impacts many functions, such as:
Age-Related Testosterone DecreaseTestosterone typically decreases in the body as males get older, referred to as late-onsethypogonadism.Though the exact prevalence is not certain, researchers believe up to 25% of them may experience a decrease in testosterone as they age.
Age-Related Testosterone Decrease
Testosterone typically decreases in the body as males get older, referred to as late-onsethypogonadism.Though the exact prevalence is not certain, researchers believe up to 25% of them may experience a decrease in testosterone as they age.
Symptoms of Estrogen and Testosterone Imbalance
For example, in people with late-onset hypogonadism, lower testosterone levels and an increase of androgens being converted to estradiol is associated with a number of health issues, including:
Aromatase excess syndrome is a rare genetic condition that results in higher levels of estrogen. It can affect some young ma;es and lead to late childhood developmental symptoms. In addition to breast growth, the associated symptoms include:
What Are Normal Testosterone Levels?
Estrogen blockers are a type of treatment that reduces the amount or functioning of estrogen in the body.
Several estrogen blocker medications used to treat the imbalance of testosterone to estrogen were initially developed for use in treating femalebreast cancer. However, they have been prescribed for off-label use in males.
Off-Label Use of Medications
Medications
Medications used as estrogen blockers include:
Side Effects
Estrogen-blocking medications have been prescribed for off-label use in those with low testosterone for some time and are often well-tolerated. However, there aren’t established guidelines for their use in males. More long-term studies are needed to establish efficacy and safety of the medications for this specific purpose.
That said, some research has found these reported side effects:
Natural Estrogen Blockers
While there is no solid evidence supporting the following as effective estrogen blockers, some proponents believe they can be used for this purpose:
Are There Alternatives to Estrogen Blockers?
While research findings are mixed, there is some evidence thattestosterone therapymay decrease estrogen levels in males. One 2018 study found that estrogen levels decreased in transgender people who received testosterone therapy.
Strategies to avoid estrogens in the environment (which is a healthy thing to do in general) include:
When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen, particularly reduced sexual desire and erectile dysfunction, speak with a healthcare provider to help you determine the exact cause. To investigate whether hormones may be at the root of your symptoms, they may do a blood test to measure your hormone levels.
If your hormone levels meet the criteria for a diagnosis such as hypogonadism, they can also advise on treatment options. These can range from changing lifestyle factors (such as sleep and diet) to medications.
Summary
Frequently Asked QuestionsSome research supports the safe and effective use of estrogen blockers andtestosterone therapyat the same time. Both may be used because testosterone therapy can increase the amount of estrogen in the body due to an increase in aromatase activity.Aromatase is an enzyme that converts testosterone to estradiol, a type of estrogen. One study found that taking an estrogen blocker called an aromatase inhibitor while on testosterone therapy reduced estrogen and addressed low testosterone levels.In general, males begin to lose testosterone at a rate of 1% to 2% each year after they turn 40. One study found that 20% of males over the age of 60 and 50% of those over the age of 80 experience lower levels of testosterone. However, not all people who experience age-related reductions in testosterone will have symptoms due to the change in testosterone levels.
Some research supports the safe and effective use of estrogen blockers andtestosterone therapyat the same time. Both may be used because testosterone therapy can increase the amount of estrogen in the body due to an increase in aromatase activity.Aromatase is an enzyme that converts testosterone to estradiol, a type of estrogen. One study found that taking an estrogen blocker called an aromatase inhibitor while on testosterone therapy reduced estrogen and addressed low testosterone levels.
Some research supports the safe and effective use of estrogen blockers andtestosterone therapyat the same time. Both may be used because testosterone therapy can increase the amount of estrogen in the body due to an increase in aromatase activity.
Aromatase is an enzyme that converts testosterone to estradiol, a type of estrogen. One study found that taking an estrogen blocker called an aromatase inhibitor while on testosterone therapy reduced estrogen and addressed low testosterone levels.
In general, males begin to lose testosterone at a rate of 1% to 2% each year after they turn 40. One study found that 20% of males over the age of 60 and 50% of those over the age of 80 experience lower levels of testosterone. However, not all people who experience age-related reductions in testosterone will have symptoms due to the change in testosterone levels.
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