What Causes High Estrogen Levels in Men?

Both men and women have estrogen hormone in them. We often associate men with only the testosterone hormone. But in reality, both estrogen and testosterone are required for the proper functioning and development of their sexual organs. A right balance between these key reproductive hormones is essential for optimal health in men. But sometimes, these hormones become imbalanced, causing a lot of health issues. A rise in estrogen levels can lead to a range of health difficulties from increased body fat to anxiety in men.

What Causes High Estrogen In Males

Let's discuss what causes high estrogen levels in males in detail:

Aging: We are all aware of the fact that as the years pass by, one has to go through a lot of hormonal changes. With age, the estrogen levels in a man's body increase and testosterone levels decrease. This is an inevitable truth and one has to go through this.

Aromatase enzyme: This is an enzyme that converts the androgens into estrogen. This causes a rise in the estrogen level which is again a serious problem. With age, lifestyle, and other factors our body naturally increases the amount of aromatase enzyme which leads to the high amount of unwanted estrogen hormone in the body.

Diet: Our diet has a direct effect on the estrogen production in the body. Consuming a diet high in refined carbohydrates can increase the body fat. The body fat contains the aromatase enzyme. For this reason, as the fat in our body increases, the estrogen level too increases.

Stress: A human body releases cortisol hormone under a stressful situation. In men, this hormone suppresses other central hormones such as testosterone. As the testosterone level depletes, the estrogen level soars. Living a stress-free life may not be possible, but mindful management of stress is certainly possible.

Excessive fat: As mentioned earlier, fat can produce estrogen. Men with increased fat in the waist area are at high risk of estrogen dominance in their body.

Testosterone replacement therapy: Men experience low libido or erectile dysfunction due to a dip in their testosterone hormone. If the doctors prescribe the testosterone supplements without checking the real cause for the dip, it can lead to several other health issues. Too much of testosterone can lead to an increase in aromatase enzyme. This, in turn, increases the amount of estrogen in the body which is again problematic

Xenoestroegens: The toxic chemicals from plastics, heavy metals, cosmetic and body care products contain endocrine disruptors or xenoestrogens. These xenoestrogens increase the production of estrogen in the body.