The Importance of Oestrogen for Men

Estrogen is a hormone that refers to a specific chemically similar group called the estrogenic hormones. This group consists of estradiol, estrone and estriol. Even though it is mainly considered a female hormone, estrogen is also produced in males, though in smaller quantities. Estrogen in men is largely synthesized by the testes, adrenal and pituitary gland.

What do Oestrogen do for men?

The production of Oestrogen is through the breakdown of testosterone by the aromatase enzyme which is present in fat tissue, the adrenal glands, the brain, and the testicles. Oestrogen is also essential for male sexual development and overall optimal male health, because it too plays an important role in maintaining healthy function of practically every system in the body.

• Oestrogen has a beneficial effect in men on bone metabolism, preventing the appearance of osteoporosis and contributing to the ageing of the joints.
• To an extent, Oestrogen in men has also been found to increase the level of “good cholesterol”, HDL. Thus, oestrogen contributes in delaying the appearance of atheromatous plaque that may later cause cardiovascular events.
• Oestrogen further enhances insulin function (reducing glycemia), regulates appetite, energy expenditure, and as a consequence of this can be deemed detrimental to an individual’s body weight.
• Oestrogen and weight have a cyclic relationship. The more fat a man has, the more oestrogen his body will produce. And, high oestrogen levels can, in turn, increase fat concentration in the body.

Oestrogen Imbalances:

Too much or too little of a hormone present in the body, cause hormonal imbalance. Ideally men should have a good balance between testosterone and estrogen in their bodies. Extremely low levels of estrogen can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractured bones. On the other hand, high levels of estrogen can increase a man’s risk of having a stroke or suffering from coronary artery disease.

Also, high estrogen levels in men may increase the risk of prostate cancer and an enlarged prostate, which is higher even if the man has low free testosterone levels. In short, low testosterone and high estrogen levels can cause erectile dysfunction, weight gain, mood swings, fatigue and gynecomastia.

Symptoms:

• Decreased sex drive
• Elevated blood sugar
• Low mood
• Osteoporosis
• Reduced muscle mass
• Overdevelopment of breast tissue

Managing Estrogen

Far from testosterone, estrogen cannot be replaced through hormone replacement therapy. Thus, its levels need to be controlled and self-medicating is not a good idea.

So, a well-balanced diet and other healthy lifestyle habits can help improve your hormonal health and allow you to feel and perform your best.

Over to you:

To understand, Oestrogen and testosterone are not opposites of one another – the relationship is more complex than that. Oestrogen is also an important hormone in males, both high or low levels can cause certain health problems.