Estrogen Dominance in Men

The biggest misconception about the estrogen hormone is that it is strictly a female hormone. Men have estrogen too and it works perfectly well when in a balanced proportion with testosterone and progesterone. When the ratio isn’t balanced, estrogen dominance in men can develop.

When production of estrogen exceeds that of testosterone and/or progesterone or if the production of the latter falls short of estrogen production, men suffer from a condition, coined by Dr. John R. Lee as, estrogen dominance. While a healthy balance of these hormones is essential for good health, this imbalance can lead to serious problems. The major cause behind estrogen dominance is xenoestrogens, which are substances similar to estrogens but acquired because of an external source such as commercially raised poultry and beef. Xenoestrogens are often given to these animals for rapid growth and enter our bodies when we consume their meat.

There is also a natural cause for increase in estrogen- and that is because of the natural decrease in testosterone levels as men grow old. When the decreasing levels of testosterone are combined with external acquisition of estrogen, estrogen dominance in men starts causing problems.

Exposure to estrogen is had not just through consumption of aforementioned edibles. Plastic and tin cans, cosmetics and other personal care items, detergents, paints and even air fresheners can lead to excess estrogen.

Another common misconception (and almost an old wives’ tale) is that increased levels of testosterone results in estrogen dominance in men. If that were so, young people with the highest level of testosterone would have been getting sick left, right and center. Imbalance and excess of estrogen is what causes estrogen dominance and it is the primary reason behind one of the most serious maladies that an excess of estrogen can bring: prostate cancer. Enlargement of the prostrate gland is the cause of the cancer and that is seen when an excess of estrogen is present in the person.

Other negative effects of estrogen dominance in men include:

• Lower level of sex drive.
• Difficulty in achieving erection (Erectile dysfunction or Impotency).
• Infertility.
• Baldness.
• Man boobs (Gynecomastia).
• Testicular cancer.
• Gain in weight.

The serious consequences of estrogen dominance in men should be apparent to you by now. If you want to avoid this condition (or battle it if you already have an excess of estrogen), here are some ways to do so:

Keep to a healthy weight

Whether it is diabetes, cardiac diseases or estrogen dominance in men, a healthy weight (where you’re neither fat nor thin) can protect you and make your health prosper. Obesity is due to fat cells and those produce estrogen in the human body.

Drink in moderation (or avoid it altogether)

Alcohol is “estrogenic” in nature meaning it produces estrogen. In fact, alcoholism is another leading cause of estrogen dominance in men. The kidneys’ natural function is to reduce excessive estrogen but alcohol interferes with that as well. If you can leave drinking altogether, it will help you in not just fighting estrogen excess but many other conditions as well.

Hydrate yourself

Water is as essential as it is beneficial. Fulfilling the standard “6-8 glasses of water everyday” guideline can lead to reducing estrogen levels.

Exercise

While people who already have a healthy weigh are already at a reduced risk of estrogen dominance in men, even they can benefit from exercise. Exercise is good for everyone!

Eat healthy

Try eating all-natural products and avoid commercially prepared food whenever possible, especially beef and chicken. A diet high in fiber is also very effective as fiber attaches itself to estrogen and removes it from the body as human waste.

Estrogen dominance in men is a serious concern that many people are not aware of. A healthy lifestyle and protecting yourself from exposure to xenoestrogens can help you battle it.