What Are the Effects of High/Low Estrogen on Male Body: Is it Bad for Men?

Effects of Estrogen on Men – Should You Be Worried?

Estrogen is a female sex hormone responsible for feminine characteristics in women. However, the male body also requires the female hormone in small quantities.

The effects of estrogen on male body differ as per its level.

Keeping an eye on the estrogen level is necessary to prevent its harsh effects.

This blog will tell what low or high estrogen levels can do. First, you need to understand the importance of estrogen in the Male body.

Role of Estrogen in Men: Why is it Necessary?

Estrogen is present in form of Estradiol and Estrone in men. They are produced by converting the male hormone testosterone into the enzyme aromatase.

Estradiol showcases a resilient attraction to estrogen receptors. In general, it is utilized as an isoform for medicinal purposes.

Further, the effects of estrogen on male body are wide-ranging. The female hormone has a certain role in maintaining cognitive function and mood.

Surprisingly, estrogen receptors are present in the part of the brain responsible for emotional and cognitive effects. Specifically, the receptors are densely present in the amygdala (emotion) and hippocampus (memory).

Men have estrogen in small quantities due to multiple reasons. Particularly, Estradiol is necessary for regulating libido, spermatogenesis, and even erectile function. It has a direct impact on men’s health.

Thus, keeping estrogen levels in check is crucial to avoid problems related to fertility and sexual health in men. It’s time to get into details about the effects of estrogen on male body.

What are the Effects of Estrogen on Male Body?

Men’s bodies contain testosterone along with estrogen. Though estrogen is a female sex hormone, it plays a determining role in different sexual functions in men.

This section aims to study the different effects of the female hormone on the male body.

#1. Controls Sex Drive

In general, testosterone works behind the male libido, but estrogen (serum Estradiol) plays a key role. It regulates sex drive by directing and impacting the brain.

The female hormone regulates sexual behavior in men by organizing brain function. This makes normal estrogen levels in men important.

Scientific Evidence

#2. Regulates Erectile Response

The female hormone plays a key role in managing the erectile response. Indeed, it has a dynamic role relating to endocrine, nerve, and blood vessel resulting in better sexual function.

A normal level of the female hormone works great, but excessive estrogen can cause erectile dysfunction and other problems. More studies can confirm the further claims.

#3. Boosts Fertility

The female hormone increases the development of sperm. This clearly showcases how the female hormone is important for male fertility.

Moreover, any issue with estrogen receptors can cause fertility-related issues in men. Somewhat similar effects occur with high Estrogen levels.

#4. Helps in Spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is the process of production of sperm cells in the testes. Indeed, testosterone is the major male sex hormone, but estrogen is present in small quantities as well.

In a small bout, it determines several parts of spermatogenesis for developing sperm cells. So, an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone leads to reduced sperm.

#5. Advances Testicular Function

Estrogen showcases protective and regulatory effects in tests. That is to say, estrogen receptors’ absence and biosynthesis of the female hormone can affect steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis.

Of course, for these body processes to work appropriately, the right balance of estrogen and testosterone is mandatory.

#6. High Estrogen Level May Harm Prostate Gland

Men require sufficient estrogen levels for good reproductive health and better sexual function. However, excessive estrogen level is not good for your health.

It can affect the prostate gland and may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. Thus, doctors examine estrogen levels before starting any hormone therapy for prostate-related conditions.

#7. Strengthens Bone

Studies show a strong link between Estradiol level and bone loss, bone mineral density, and bone turnover.

Moreover, estrogen leads to a stronger effect on male bone health compared to the male sex hormone testosterone.

In contrast, extremely low estrogen levels can cause fractures and other bone-related problems.

#8. Estrogen Problems Trigger Sexual Dysfunctions

Excessive estrogen is not good for the male body. A normal level of the female hormone benefits sexual function and erectile response.

Likewise, excess of the hormone triggers different problems related to men’s health leading to low libido.

#9. Manage Body-Weight Composition

Similar to the male hormone, the female hormone also maintains body weight composition. Inadequate estrogen levels metabolic de-regulation elevates adiposity.

Excessively high Estradiol level in men leads to obesity.  Either low or high estrogen level in men leads to bodyweight-related problems.

#10. Excess Estrogen Depression

Depression is a complex mental health problem. Though various body process seems to trigger the condition, estrogen seems to pave its way as well.

How does estrogen affect behavior in males? Excess estrogen seems to cause depression in men.

Scientific Evidence

Estrogen is highly important for the male body. It performs determining role in different body processes.

Whether bodyweight composition or bone health, it isn’t limited to men’s health. On top of that, it even benefits your metabolism and skin health.

There are different positive and negative effects of estrogen in males. Next, understand what happens when a man’s estrogen is high.

What Causes High Estrogen in Men?

Men require estrogen in small quantities, but a higher about of the hormone can trigger different problems.

The human body either generates more estrogen alone or along with low t-levels.

So, what causes high estradiol levels in males?

There are two cases when estrogen levels can exceed in the male body.

Firstly, certain medications can elevate the female hormone. This includes:

• Some antibiotics
• Herbs like ginkgo and ginseng for boosting testosterone naturally
• phenothiazines (for mental health conditions)

Secondly, high estrogen levels can occur due to different health conditions and hereditary.

• Excessive stress
• Excessive weight gain
• Increased BMI
• Cancer and tumors
• Liver related disease
• Hormones-related diseases like hypogonadism

The situation mentioned above can cause higher female hormones in men. But, what happens if a man gets too much estrogen? Is high estrogen bad for males? Find out yourself next!

Is High Estrogen Bad For Men?

Men need some amount of estrogen for proper body functions. However, a high estrogen level can lead to myriads of health problems. It can cause problems like infertility, depression, Gynecomastia, slow growth during puberty, and erectile dysfunction. 

Also, the effect of elevated estradiol in males on testosterone isn’t good.

A high estrogen level naturally tends to shrink male hormone production. The key is to have a balance between testosterone and estrogen. Treatment for high estrogen in males can help.

The symptoms of high estrogen aren’t good at all for the well-being of males. Likewise, the low female hormone isn’t good for men as well.

What Causes Low Estrogen in Men?

Low estrogen can occur due to multiple problems.

This includes autoimmune conditions, reproductive organ infections, genetic disorders, liver or kidney disease, STDs, HIV, cancer, and tumor in the pituitary gland.

Apart from that, low estrogen can also occur due to weight gain, reproductive organ surgery, rapid weight loss, and certain nutrient deficiency. The causing factor can vary from person to person.

It can occur due to one reason or multiple. Doctor examination helps understand the root cause of the symptoms of low estrogen in males.

Is low Estrogen Bad for males?

Low estrogen levels in men don’t create major problems. However, extremely low estrogen levels can lead to major problems affecting sexual function in men.

It even hinders the quality of sperm. As a result, the effects of low estrogen on the male body include compromised fertility and reproductive function.

An imbalance in estrogen can lead to hypogonadism. The condition occurs due to inadequate production of hormones in the human body. Knowing how to increase estrogen in males can help.

The effects of estrogen on the male body change according to its level. This makes it vital to learn to find out about the high and low levels of estrogen.

How to Know If You Have High or Low Estrogen?

Rather than exploring the symptoms of low and high estrogen levels, go for tests.

• A blood test can detect your estrogen level. Of course, this provides a better examination of your hormonal health.

They will take out blood for testing and provide you with results within a week. Well, the blood estrogen level is measured in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Your doctor will examine your report and provide detail about your hormone level.

Based on reports they will prescribe supplements to lower estrogen in males.

In contrast, for high estrogen levels, they will provide hormonal treatment or other procedures as per the gravity of the situation.

What Estrogen Level Should a Man Have?

The normal estrogen level in men varies as per their age, current stats, and medical history.

• For Adult men, estradiol levels of 10-40 picograms per milliliter (pg/ml) and an estrone level of 10-50 pg/ml are normal.

A slight depletion in the female hormone doesn’t create a problem. However, excessively high or excessively low estrogen in men can lead to various problems as discussed.

To avoid the effects of estrogen on the male body, a healthy lifestyle is mandatory. Learn more in the next section.

How to Increase Estrogen Levels in Men? [Top 5 Ways]

Only supplementations and treatments aren’t enough sufficient to get back estrogen to normal. To maintain hormonal balance, a healthy lifestyle is key.

Here’s how to balance estrogen levels.

#1. Take Care of  Your Diet

Of course, a healthy diet is key to having a healthy life. It is important to have a normal estrogen level. Try to have a high fiber, low carb, and high protein diet to regulate hormonal balance in the body.

#2. Consume Cruciferous Vegetables

Include cruciferous veggies in your diet to manage your estrogen. This includes broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, and turnip greens.

They contain glucosinolates in high quantity, which elevates estrogen detoxification in your liver.

#3. Add Multivitamins

Add Multivitamins like B12, betaine, folate, and choline to the diet. Indeed, they are methyl donors effective for estrogen detoxification by employing the procedure of methylation.

#4. Stay Active and Workout Daily

Staying active and maintaining a fitness level are important to stay healthy. Overweight folks should aim to get rid of extra mass.

In fact, a healthy BMI is related to a balanced estrogen level. You can opt for any workout program as per your comfort.

#5. Stay Stress-Free

High-stress levels can increase the production of estrogen in the body. Try to manage chronic stress to stop the process. Use yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises to reduce your stress levels.

To manage the effects of estrogen on the male body, the above-mentioned tips will help. Of course, you need to modify your diet and daily lifestyle gradually. Nonetheless, making abrupt changes won’t work.

Instead, it would create huge problems for your life. It’s time, to sum up, the important points of the discussion.

At the End

Estrogen is a female sex hormone, but it is present in small quantities in men as well. It is responsible for different body processes in the male body.

If it depletes than the suggested normal level, the body function suffers.

The effects of high estrogen and low estrogen level on the male body vary. Surprisingly, both affect your overall health in ways.

Try different tips and tricks mentioned in the blog to maintain hormonal balance. Certainly, the key is to have a healthy lifestyle, it helps keep estrogen levels in men in check.

So, is this article informative? If you have any questions to ask, use our comment section! We would be happy to help!