How do estrogens affect men?

You have surely heard that testosterone is the male hormone and is good for men. In contrast, estrogens are female hormones, and if you are a man, the less your body produces the better.

While this may sound consistent, it is not entirely accurate. As with testosterone, having healthy estrogen levels is also important for men.

In fact, having high or low levels of estrogens in the body can cause alterations in male sexual health.

This article describes how estrogens affect the male body and what to do if you have non-normal values.

RELATED: Effects of Estrogens on the Female Body

Estrogens in men

There is no question that testosterone is the most important hormone for male sexual development and function.

However, estrogen also helps to maintain a balance in controlling sexual desire, the ability to have an erection, and sperm production.

Both hormones contribute to the overall functioning of the body and influence sexual development, mood, and health in both men and women.

For men, having a moderate estradiol value is beneficial. Having both high and low estradiol levels can negatively affect male sexual function. (1)

Effects of high estrogen levels on male potency

Despite a large body of data on the role of hormones in erection and ejaculation in men, some correlations between male sexual dysfunction and hormonal profile were not entirely clear until July 2020.

A study published by the journal Nature has confirmed the relationship in how having abnormal levels of estrogen and testosterone can affect male potency.

This study evaluated the amount of estrogen and testosterone in 1,076 men between 19 and 60 years old, who suffered from the 3 main male sexual dysfunctions: delayed ejaculation, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. (1)

Men with high estrogens were associated with delayed ejaculation. Interestingly, the group with erectile dysfunction had a lower level of estradiol than the control group. While the group with premature ejaculation had very similar estrogen values ​​than the control but higher levels of testosterone.

Having low estrogen levels is not good either

While having too much estrogen can be counterproductive for men, it is usually quite intuitive. Few know that having too little estradiol could be just as bad for male potency.

One study confirmed that men with reduced estradiol levels had low libido and sexual activity, which could be improved by increased estrogen. (2)

Another study showed that in men with low libido and testosterone levels below 300 ng / dl, sexual desire improved significantly when the estradiol level was higher than 5 ng / dl. (3)

So what to do to have normal levels?

In men, there are two types of estrogens: estrone and estradiol. Typical normal estrogen values ​​in men are:

Table of normal values ​​of estrone and estradiol in men (4)

These levels are affected by various causes. Including genes, diet, stress, body weight, suffering from certain diseases and the effect of certain medications.

To control estrogen levels, you can use both therapies – medicines and changes in your diet and lifestyle. To know what is necessary, you have to evaluate the state of each person.

Regarding nutrition, in general, to control estrogen levels, a diet rich in fiber and low in fat is recommended. Some foods that may be involved in this type of diet are:

• Green foods – (including broccoli, kale, kale) contain phytochemicals that block estrogen production.
• Mushrooms – naturally reduce the activity of the aromatase enzyme, which plays an important role in converting androgens to estrogens
• Whole grains – Oats, quinoa, spelled.

Additionally, regular exercise of at least 30 minutes per day can help stimulate both testosterone and estrogen production. When the goal is to control your estradiol levels for non-genetic causes, joining a gym could go a long way.

Estrogen differences between men and women

The main differences between estrogens in men and women are both the amount and where they are produced.

In terms of quantity, estrogens tend to be present in lower amounts in biologically male bodies.

Regarding production, in women, estrogens are mainly synthesized in the ovaries. Men are highly dependent on local estrogen synthesis in areas outside the sex glands.

Estrogen is key to the development of sexual functions and characteristics in women during adolescence. This includes menstruation and the reproductive cycle. Helps maintain that function throughout life.

It is similar for men. But a particular form of estrogen known as estradiol is especially crucial for male sexuality.

Symptoms of high estrogen levels in men

Here are some of the main symptoms of high estrogen levels in men:

• Sterility. Estrogen is one of the hormones your body uses to make sperm. High estrogen levels can slow sperm production and make it difficult to create healthy sperm.
• Gynecomastia The increase in estrogen can cause more breast tissue to develop than normal. High levels can lead to the development of a condition called gynecomastia. This happens when the amount of fatty tissue in the breast is abnormally high.
• Erectile dysfunction. Increased levels of estrogen can affect the balance of hormones that are needed to help achieve an erection and stay erect. This is enhanced if you are also experiencing low testosterone levels .
• Slow growth Too much estrogen can cause short stature or delayed puberty in boys.
• Epiphyseal closure. This can happen in teens with high estrogen levels, which makes children short.

ABSTRACT

Estrogens are known as the female sex hormones. However, they also fulfill important functions in the body of men.

Having healthy estrogen levels is important to ensure male sexual health. Among other things, having low estrogen levels can cause negative effects on potency such as erectile dysfunction. Having high estrogen levels can cause delayed ejaculation.

If you experience any symptoms of low estrogens, do not hesitate to consult your medical provision service, they will guide you to find the best solution to the problem.