You’ve probably heard and read a lot about testosterone because it is the “male sex hormone” and helps regulate various vital functions in your body, but how much do you know about estrogen?
Is this hormone any different from testosterone? Is it more relevant? Does estrogen level affect one’s sex life?
In this article, we’ll find answers to these questions and talk about the symptoms of low estrogen in men. But before we go to the main topic, let’s briefly differentiate the hormones.
Estrogen: For Men or Women?
Like testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men, estrogen is the primary sex hormone in women.
That said, men’s testes still produce estrogen in low quantities, and the hormone plays a role in maintaining the proper functioning of several systems in the body. That’s why low estrogen in men may have adverse health effects like loss of bone density.
At the same time, the effects of high estrogen in males are also not good. So, what is a good estrogen level for men, what causes low estrogen in men, and why is the hormone important?
Importance of Estrogen in Men
Having established that estrogen is more beneficial to women than men, what exact role does it play in men?
First, the two types of estrogen in men are estradiol and estrone and estriol, and they play several essential roles in the male body, some of which include the following:
Regulates Sex Drive
Testosterone may be the primary male sex hormone, but estrogen is a co-pilot. According to a respected scientific source, “…Estradiol, the predominant form of estrogen, also plays a critical role in male sexual function. Estradiol in men is essential for modulating libido, erectile function, and spermatogenesis.”
Aids Bone Health
Estrogen is vital for strong, healthy bones. There are cells in the bone called osteocytes, osteoclasts, and osteoblasts, and if they don’t get enough estrogen, they cannot produce new bone cells leading to osteoporosis.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Studies have shown that pre-menopausal women have a lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases than their male peers, which could be because they have higher estrogen levels. In men, estrogen regulates blood pressure and maintains healthy cholesterol levels, two potent risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
What Causes Low Estrogen in Men
Several conditions can cause low estrogen in men; it’s essential to see a doctor if you suspect you have low estrogen.
Experiencing signs of low estrogen in men could be down to any of the following factors:
- Aging: As your body age, it becomes slower and less efficient. Reduced estrogen production is a natural part of aging.
- Radiation or Chemotherapy: People undergoing chemotherapy or other radiation treatment may experience low estrogen because chemotherapy inhibits testicular function leading to low estrogen production.
- Medication: Certain medications can interfere with estrogen production, so you must speak with a doctor before starting any medicine.
- Testicular injury or disease: The testicles produce estrogen; if you suffer testicular injury or illness, it can affect estrogen production.
- Genetics: You are a product of your genes; sometimes, your genes can predispose you to adverse health conditions like low estrogen. Genetic disorders like Klinefelter syndrome or Turner syndrome can lead to low estrogen in men.
- Lifestyle: When you examine the list of what causes estrogen in men, lifestyle is the factor most within your control because essential lifestyle changes can lead to normal estrogen levels. For instance, obesity can lower testicular function and hamper estrogen production, but with weight management, you can keep your weight under control and enjoy healthy estrogen levels.
Other causes of low estrogen in men include:
- Cancer
- Excess iron levels in the blood
- HIV
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Testicular or penile surgery
- Tuberculosis
Symptoms of Low Estrogen in Men
Only a qualified doctor can diagnose low estrogen, but paying attention to your body can prompt you to schedule a visit before things get worse.
The signs of low estrogen in men include the following:
- Cognitive difficulties
- Depression and mood swings
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue and low energy
- Increase in belly fat
- Loss of bone density
- Low sex drive
How to Increase Estrogen in Men
If you spot any signs of low estrogen in men and you get a diagnosis that confirms you have low estrogen, there’s still hope; several natural and medical remedies can help you increase your estrogen levels.
Foods and supplements that increase testosterone levels include:
- B vitamins
- Boron
- Flaxseed
- Sesame seeds
- Soybeans
- Vitamin D
Symptoms of High Estrogen in Men
High estrogen in men is also known as estrogen dominance, and it is just as bad as low estrogen because it can also lead to adverse health effects.
The symptoms of estrogen in men include:
- Delayed puberty
- Erectile dysfunction
- Hair loss
- Increased body fat
- Infertility
- Insomnia
- Large breasts
- Low libido
- Stunted growth
What Causes High Estrogen in Men
Just as your body can produce inadequate estrogen, it can also produce too much estrogen. Any of the following can cause high estrogen in men:
- Hypogonadism
- Liver disease
- Medications like antibiotics and phenothiazines
- Obesity
- Stress
How to Lower Estrogen in Men
Now that you know the symptoms of high estrogen and what causes it, let’s discuss how to lower estrogen in men. Yes, lowering your estrogen levels is possible, so don’t be alarmed if you get a positive diagnosis for high estrogen.
Your doctor may recommend surgery, medication, or lifestyle changes to lower testosterone levels if it’s higher than normal.
Apart from surgery and medication, here are some lifestyle changes you can make to lower estrogen levels:
- Exercise: Exercise is nature’s wonder remedy for several ailments, and it’s definitely on the list of things to do if you’re wondering how to lower estrogen in men. Exercise will help you eliminate excess body fat and boost testosterone production.
- Nutrition: Like exercise, diet is another essential tool in nature’s healing basket. Your diet is essential for hormone activity, and that’s why it is on the list of how to lower estrogen in men. Avoid high-fat diets and eat plenty of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts.
- Reduce Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake interferes with normal hormone function and can lead to high estrogen.
- Stress Management: Stress can lead to obesity and increased estrogen production. Life does get busy, but incorporate stress management into your routine, find time to rest, relax and renew your energy levels.
What is a Good Estrogen Level for Men?
Estrogen is essential for men, but you know that low and high estrogen levels are not desirable for men and can cause health problems. The amount of estrogen men need depends on age and health history.
For adult males, a normal estrogen level is 10–40 picograms of estradiol per milliliter (pg/mL) and an estrone level of 10–50 pg/ml.
Enjoy Good Health With Craft Medical
Men’s health is our goal here at Craft Medical, and that’s why we provide accurate information to help you live healthier. Understanding how your sexual life works is important, and that involves finding answers to salient questions about the hormones in your body, including information like symptoms of low estrogen in men, what causes low estrogen in men, and symptoms of high estrogen in men.
As a modern man, you face many stressors that wear down your health, but when you have Craft Medical in your corner, you can be sure we’ll never let you down.
