Balancing hormones is important for men, as having the right amount of estrogen, testosterone, and other sex hormones is vital to maintain various functions within the body. Too much estrogen in men is a risk factor for health concerns, such as infertility and breast enlargement (gynecomastia).
This article explores natural and medicinal strategies to lower estrogen in men to minimize bothersome symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and enhance their well-being.
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The Role of Estrogen in Men
While estrogen is often thought of as a female hormone, it plays a critical role in numerous biological functions in men.
Research shows that estrogen (when present in the right amount) is vital in men for proper sexual functioning, including erectile function libido regulation, and sperm production. The right balance of estrogen is also a key factor in maintaining optimal bone density, heart health, and mental health.
One study found that 20.2% of men treated for low testosterone also had high estrogen levels that measured greater than 42.6 pg/mL.
Symptoms of High Estrogen in Men
The symptoms of high estrogen levels in men include:
- Gynecomastia: enlarged breast tissue
- Erectile dysfunction (ED): inability to have or maintain an erection
- Infertility: inability to get a partner pregnant
- Mood swings: mood changes that may include ongoing or extreme sadness
Studies found that higher estrogen levels in men are linked to depression, which can negatively affect their mental and physical health.
Complications linked to consistently high estrogen may include high blood pressure, heart problems, irritability, low calcium, and blood clots. It could also worsen symptoms of epilepsy and asthma.
Causes of High Estrogen
High estrogen in men might stem from one or more of the following risk factors:
- Some medications
- Hormone therapy
- High body fat percentage
- Obesity
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Stress
- Liver problems
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals
- Some tumors
Synthetic xenoestrogens, chemicals that act like estrogen inside the human body, may affect men’s estrogen levels. Examples of such chemicals include phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), which are present in certain plastics, household cleaning products, pesticides, and some shampoos and soaps.
6 Natural Ways to Lower Estrogen
Fortunately, there are several natural and medicinal ways to lower estrogen in men, including:
#1. Dietary Changes
Eating nutritious foods and steering clear of not-so-healthy options promotes better hormone balance in men. Estrogen-reducing diet changes to consider include:
- Reduce alcohol consumption, as studies show heavy alcohol use can increase estrogen in men.
- Choose organic, hormone-free meats and dairy foods to minimize estrogen activity.
- Limit your intake of soy-based foods (tofu, soybeans, tempeh, etc.) and other high-estrogen foods.
- Eat a well-balanced diet lower in fat and rich in fiber with little to no added sugar.
- Choose organic produce to minimize pesticide exposure.
Choose whole foods over foods that are highly refined/processed.
#2. Physical Activity
Regular exercise can also reduce estrogen levels and improve hormonal balance in men. Studies show that exercising helps increase testosterone and decrease estrogen levels. Aim to exercise at least 30 minutes most days of the week to achieve optimal hormone balance.
#3. Weight Management/Body Fat Reduction
Several studies demonstrate a link between body fat and estrogen, as fat tissues secrete estrogen in the human body. Ways to maintain a healthy body weight and lower estrogen in men include:
- Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and other high-fiber foods
- Consume plenty of high-protein foods (lean organic meats, fish, chicken, eggs, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, etc.)
- Exercise daily
- Get enough sleep (at least 7-9 hours)
- Minimize stress
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
- Drink water often throughout the day
Weigh yourself regularly to ensure your weight remains within a healthy range.
#4. Reducing Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors
Avoid exposure to plastics or other products that could leach chemicals that affect estrogen levels in men. Examples of endocrine disruptors include:
- Bisphenol A (BPA): plastic used in food packaging, manufacturing, and some toys.
- Phthalates: compounds found in some cosmetics (hair sprays, aftershave lotions, nail polishes, shampoos, cleansers, fragrances, etc.), food packaging, and children’s toys.
- Atrazine: an herbicide used to control weeds.
- Perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): chemicals used in some nonstick pans and paper
- Phytoestrogens: substances containing estrogen-like activity (found in soy foods).
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE): chemicals used to make flame retardants for carpets and furniture foam
Ways to reduce exposure to these products include:
- Look for BPA-free plastics
- Choose organic foods whenever possible
- Use non-toxic cookware and cosmetics
- Limit exposure to household cleaning chemicals or choose natural cleaners
- Limit soy-based foods (tofu, tempeh, soybeans, etc.)
More than 1,000 of the nearly 85,000 synthetic chemicals could disrupt hormones, so choose natural alternatives whenever possible.
#5. Stress Management
Ongoing or extreme stress negatively impacts your hormones, including estrogen, cortisol, and progesterone balance. Remove constant stressors and try relaxation techniques, such as yoga, tai chi, meditation, nature exposure, regular exercise, massage, acupuncture, or deep breathing.
#6. Alcohol Reduction
Drinking alcohol can increase estrogen and lessen the body’s ability to metabolize (break down) estrogen. Therefore, individuals who aren’t willing or able to give up alcohol should minimize their intake of wine, beer, bourbon, and other hard alcohol as much as possible to lower estrogen in men.
Diagnosing High Estrogen Levels
If you suspect you have high estrogen or low testosterone levels because of new or unusual symptoms, see a doctor for an evaluation.
When to See a Doctor
Men should see their provider for estrogen testing if they experience infertility, ED, or breast enlargement. They might also develop fatigue, reduced muscle mass and strength, thinning hair, depression, or increased body fat because of low testosterone levels.
Testing for Estrogen Levels
Testing for high estrogen in men involves a discussion about a patient’s medical history, a review of their symptoms, and lab tests that measure estrogen, testosterone, and other hormones. Patients can complete a blood, urine, or saliva test by leaving a sample for lab analysis.
Hormone tests to consider include:
- Estradiol (E2): a blood test that measures estrogen levels
- Testosterone: a blood test that evaluates testosterone levels
- DUTCH complete: urine test that measures estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, cortisol, and other hormones
- Saliva profile 1: saliva test that evaluates estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, cortisol, and DHEA-S
Lab tests measure different forms of estrogen, including estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3).
Men make E1 in their adrenal glands and within body fat. Their bodies make E2 in the testicles and contain very small amounts of E3. Individuals may need more than one test to establish trends over time.
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Medical Treatments
Depending on the cause of high estrogen in men, effective medical treatments may include:
Estrogen Blockers
Pharmaceutical estrogen blockers, such as anastrozole (Arimidex), exemestane (Aromasin), or letrozole (Femara), can block hormones in the body and reduce estrogen.
However, potential side effects and complications may exist when taking such medications. Examples include fatigue, muscle or joint pain, weakened bones, or blood clots.
Patients should talk with their provider about which treatment best suits their personalized needs with the lowest risk of complications.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can better balance the estrogen: testosterone ratios in men by increasing testosterone levels in their bodies. Patients might receive testosterone injections or apply a gel or patch to their skin. Candidates for TRT include patients with low testosterone levels (less than 300 ng/dL) and several bothersome symptoms.
Avoiding Certain Medications
Studies show that the following medications, drugs, and supplements may increase estrogen levels and gynecomastia in men:
- Cardiac and antihypertensive medications: calcium channel blockers (verapamil, nifedipine, diltiazem, etc.), angiotensin-converting enzyme Inhibitors (captopril, enalapril, etc.), alpha-blockers, amiodarone, methyldopa, reserpine, and nitrates
- Psychoactive drugs: neuroleptics, anxiolytic agents (diazepam), phenytoin, tricyclic antidepressants, haloperidol, and atypical antipsychotic agents
- Infectious disease medications: antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS (efavirenz), isoniazid, ethionamide, griseofulvin, and minocycline
- Other medications: theophylline, omeprazole, auranofin, diethylpropion, domperidone, penicillamine, sulindac, heparin, methotrexate, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, and statins
- Herbal supplements containing ginseng or phytoestrogen
- Recreational drugs of abuse: heroin, marijuana, amphetamines, and methadone
Research suggests that about 20% of cases of gynecomastia in men are caused by medications or chemicals. Patients who take the medications, drugs, or herbs above should be mindful of their estrogen levels and consider alternative medications (if available) if they have signs of gynecomastia, ED, or infertility.
Keeping Track of Symptoms
Providers and patients can monitor efficacy after beginning treatment for high estrogen or low testosterone in men. Providers should routinely monitor patients’ symptoms, complete medical exams, and order periodic hormone tests (blood, urine, or saliva tests).
If one strategy isn’t working, medical professionals can alter their treatment strategy to find a solution that achieves optimal hormone balance.
It’s vital to provide ongoing medical advice and hormone testing to fine-tune treatment approaches and ensure utmost patient safety.
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Key Takeaways
High estrogen occurs for various reasons, including obesity, unhealthy lifestyle habits, medical conditions, toxins, and some medications. Early detection of high estrogen, which may accompany low testosterone, is vital to prevent or treat gynecomastia, ED, infertility, and other problematic symptoms of hormone imbalance in males. Healthy lifestyle and medical strategies can lower estrogen in men to restore their quality of life.
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