High estrogen levels in men can cause a wide range of physical, emotional, and hormonal imbalances. Here are the key negatives of elevated estrogen in men:
1. Sexual and Reproductive Effects
- Low libido (decreased sex drive)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Infertility (due to disrupted sperm production and hormonal feedback loops)
- Gynecomastia (enlarged male breast tissue)
2. Hormonal Imbalance
- Reduced testosterone production (as high estrogen suppresses luteinizing hormone)
- Lower free testosterone (more testosterone gets converted to estrogen via aromatase)
3. Emotional and Mental Changes
- Mood swings
- Depression or anxiety
- Irritability
- Brain fog
4. Physical Changes
- Increased body fat, especially in hips, thighs, and chest
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
- Fatigue
- Water retention and bloating
5. Prostate Health Risks
- Possible increased risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Speculative link to prostate cancer (although not clearly established, some research suggests a correlation with estrogen imbalance)
6. Cardiovascular Risks
- Elevated estrogen has been linked in some studies to increased risk of blood clots and cardiovascular disease—especially when out of balance with testosterone.
Common Causes of High Estrogen in Men
- Obesity (fat tissue converts testosterone to estrogen via aromatase)
- Alcohol overuse and even moderatel consumption increases estrogen!
- Liver dysfunction (impairs estrogen clearance)
- Certain medications (e.g., steroids, antidepressants, some heart meds)
- Aging (increased aromatase activity, declining testosterone)
- No soy is not a culprit as the phytoestrogens in soy have 1/10,000 the power of the real thing. Dr. Eugene Shippen used soy protein to lower estrogen levels with his TRT patients.
Managing High Estrogen
- Weight loss (especially reducing visceral fat)
- Exercise, particularly resistance training
- Dietary changes (e.g., cruciferous vegetables, avoiding alcohol excess)
- Supplements such as EC-estrogen control
- In some cases, medical treatment with aromatase inhibitors although EC is a superior option free of the negatives of AI drugs.
