Hormone optimization isn’t just about testosterone. For years, the prevailing belief was that men needed sky-high testosterone and rock-bottom estrogen to thrive.
Back in 2005, when I first explored hormone optimization, a well-regarded anti-aging doctor told me, “The goal is simple: raise testosterone as high as possible and keep estrogen as low as possible.”
At the time, this was standard advice—and completely wrong. Today, we know better.
Both men and women produce the same hormones—just in different amounts. The key isn’t to eliminate estrogen, but to balance it. Optimal health requires testosterone and estrogen working together, in the right ratio.
🚨 Why Low Estrogen Is Dangerous for Men
Too little estrogen can be just as harmful as too much.
If your levels dip too low, you risk:
- Plummeting sex drive and erectile dysfunction
- Weakened bones → higher fracture risk and osteoporosis
- Poor cholesterol management → cardiovascular disease
- Suppressed growth hormone production → slower recovery and aging
- Mood swings, irritability, and depression
Bottom line: low estrogen = low performance and poor health.
⚖️ Why “Ignore It Until There’s a Problem” Is Flawed Thinking
Some modern hormone experts now say they don’t chase estrogen numbers and only act if patients develop symptoms like nipple sensitivity or gynecomastia (gyno).
Here’s an example of their logic:
- A man’s testosterone rises from 300 ng/dl → 900 ng/dl (excellent improvement).
- His estradiol climbs from 30 pg/ml → 60 pg/ml (too high).
- They don’t intervene unless symptoms appear.
This approach is wrong.
Waiting for symptoms means waiting for damage to occur.
Hormones—like blood pressure or blood sugar—should be kept within optimal ranges, not merely “acceptable” ones.
🔴 The Hidden Dangers of High Estrogen
High estrogen in men can cause a cascade of problems:
- Enlarged prostate and cardiovascular risks
- Mood instability and irritability
- Decline in sex drive and function (just like low estrogen)
- Muscle-building roadblocks and stubborn fat gain
- Feminized fat storage → pecs, hips, thighs
Why invest in raising testosterone to 900 ng/dl if it just converts into estrogen that works against you?
🌱 A Smarter, Natural Solution
Prescription aromatase inhibitors (AIs) like Anastrozole or Letrozole can crash estrogen too aggressively, causing low estrogen symptoms.
The better option?
A natural estrogen control supplement like EC.
Benefits of EC:
- Brings estrogen into optimal range without crashing it.
- Supports liver health → crucial for estrogen metabolism.
- Improves insulin sensitivity → key for fat loss and hormone balance.
Real-World Results:
Dr. Mark Gordon tested EC with his TRT patients:
- Patient 1: Estradiol dropped from 67.4 → 23.7 pg/ml in 90 days.
- Patient 2: Estradiol dropped from 117 → 42.4 pg/ml in 90 days.
Both men achieved ideal testosterone-to-estrogen ratios—a foundation for lasting health.
🌀 The Estrogen-Body Fat Vicious Cycle
Overweight men face a unique challenge.
Excess body fat produces more aromatase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen.
Here’s how the cycle works:
- More body fat → More aromatase → Higher estrogen
- Higher estrogen → Harder to lose fat & build muscle
- Cycle repeats → even more body fat
If you carry stubborn fat in your chest, hips, or thighs, you’re likely estrogen dominant.
Walk outside today, and 8 out of 10 men you see will show visible signs of estrogen dominance.
This isn’t just cosmetic.
High estrogen + low testosterone = accelerated aging, poor performance, and serious health risks.
🛠 Action Steps: Balance Your Estrogen Naturally
Here’s how to support optimal estrogen balance starting today:
- EC supplement – Blocks testosterone-to-estrogen conversion and supports liver detox.
- Eat estrogen-friendly foods – Turmeric, green tea, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, cauliflower), flaxseeds, hemp seeds.
- DIM (Diindolylmethane) – Improves “good” vs. “bad” estrogen ratios.
- Kelp – Rich in iodine; supports healthy estriol production.
- Progesterone – Balances estrogen and fights dominance.
- Vitex (Chasteberry) – Helps raise progesterone and lower excess estrogen.
- Avoid alcohol – It directly converts testosterone to estrogen.
- Limit coffee – Too much caffeine raises harmful estrogen metabolites.
- Melatonin (1–6 mg) – Reduces nighttime estrone production.
📊 Optimal Hormone Reference Ranges
Estradiol (E2)
- Men: 7.6 – 42.6 pg/ml (ideal: 20 – 30 pg/ml)
- Women:
- Follicular phase: 12.5 – 166 pg/ml
- Ovulation: 85.8 – 498 pg/ml
- Luteal phase: 43.8 – 211 pg/ml
- Post-menopause: 5.0 – 54.7 pg/ml
Estrone (E1)
- Men: < 60 pg/ml
- Women: < 200 pg/ml
🧠 Final Takeaway
High estrogen isn’t something to “wait and see” about.
It’s a silent threat to male health, performance, and masculinity.
The solution isn’t extreme suppression or ignoring the problem—it’s balance.
By taking early action and using smart strategies, you can:
- Optimize your testosterone and estrogen levels
- Support long-term health and vitality
- Build muscle, burn fat, and feel like the best version of yourself
Further Resources
- Dr. Nick Delgado – Lecture on Estrogen Dominance
- Dr. Thierry Hertoghe – The Hormone Solution
- Dr. Mark Gordon – Traumatic Brain Injury and Hormone Therapy
