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Estrogen - the
Unrecognized Male Hormone
by Rick Cohen, M.D
Testosterone is commonly-recognized as
the ‘master’ male hormone because it controls and directs the rate of a man’s
sexual development. Testosterone also plays a key role in determining a man’s
overall health and well-being. High levels of testosterone mean sexual, physical
and mental energy, stamina and vitality. Low levels contribute to fatigue,
premature aging and disease.
While testosterone levels naturally
decline with age, a number of other lifestyle factors including stress, physical
inactivity, over-training, lack of sleep, chronic illness, smoking, drinking and
the use of prescription medications and drugs can also contribute to the onset
of low testosterone.
Along with this decline in testosterone
with age and lifestyle, many men also experience increases in the levels of
estrogen. The result is a testosterone/estrogen imbalance that directly causes
many of the debilitating health problems associated with normal aging. The vast
majority of men are surprised to learn that estrogen (a ‘female’ hormone) is
also present in their bodies. It is produced in very small amounts as a
by-product of the testosterone conversion process. In fact, balanced levels of
estrogen in men are essential to encourage a healthy libido, improved brain
function, protect the heart and strengthen the bones.
But due to aging, body fat, hormonal
replacement, pesticides, nutritional deficiencies, prescription medications and
excessive alcohol intake many men experience high levels of estrogen which are
detrimental to their health. In fact, studies have shown that the estrogen
levels of the average 54-year-old man is higher than those of the average
59-year-old women! The end result is that these high levels of estrogen can
cause reduced levels of testosterone, fatigue, loss of muscle tone, increased
body fat, loss of libido and sexual function and an enlarged prostate.
In youth, small amounts of estrogen are
used to reduce the cell-stimulating effects of testosterone. But when there is
too little testosterone present, estrogen attaches to testosterone cell receptor
sites throughout the body. Subsequently, as estrogen levels increase with age,
testosterone is not able to stimulate the cells causing reduced sexual arousal
and sensation as well the loss of libido. Other problems associated with
excessive levels of estrogen include
(1) The shut down of normal testicular
production of testosterone. Excess estrogen can saturate testosterone receptors
in the hypothalamus in the brain therefore reducing the signal sent to the
pituitary gland. This in turn reduces the secretion of luteinizing hormone,
which is necessary for the gonads to produce testosterone.
(2) Increasing the body's production of
sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). SHBG binds testosterone therefore reducing
the amount of the clinical important free testosterone in the blood available to
cell receptor sites.
(3) A reduced effectiveness of the
testosterone replacement therapy due to excess aromatization of testosterone
medications to estrogen.
(4) Long-term health risks including an
increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
The evidence is clear that it is essential
for men who are concerned about healthy aging, who are suffering from symptoms
of low testosterone or undergoing testosterone replacement therapy need to take
aggressive action and assess their estrogen levels and reduce any excessive
estrogen to a safe range.
Saliva testing is an excellent method to
inexpensively test the important male hormones including estradiol, the most
active form of estrogen. If testing shows that your estradiol levels are high
and/or free testosterone levels are low or low normal, you are using
testosterone or prohormone support, you desire increased abdominal fat loss or
you want to protect your prostate the following protocol is suggested.
(1) Lose weight. Fat cells, especially in
the abdominal region, produce the aromatase enzyme, which converts testosterone
into estrogen.
(2) Reduce or eliminate alcohol
consumption to enable your liver to better remove excess estrogens.
(3) Get 80-90 mg a day of zinc. Zinc
functions as an aromatase inhibitor for some men.
(4) Increase the amount of cruciferous
vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower and flax these promote the liver to
metabolize and excrete excess estrogen
(5) Reduce or eliminate and medications
that you are regularly taking that may interfere with your healthy liver
function. Common medications include NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, acetaminophen,
aspirin), the "statin" class of cholesterol lowering drugs, some heart
and blood pressure medications, and some anti-depressants.
(6) Use a topical chrysin/ diindolin
formula such as Anti-Estrogen SportsCreme by MedLean. This formula contains
Extracts of Passiflora coerulea
including chrysin These naturally-occurring
bioflavanoid (isoflavones) are potent inhibitors of aromatase, the enzyme that
converts testosterone to estradiol. Along with the many other natural flavonoids
that exist in a plant based diet including genistein, rutin, tea catechins,
these extracts may contribute to the effectiveness of plant based diets for the
prevention if cancer. They also have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and
anti-anxiety properties. Their direct effect on the neuroreceptors in the brain
may create a calming effect in many men.
Note Chrysin is poorly absorbed when taken orally, but the
beneficial effects of this phytonutrient are seen when applied topically.
Di-Indole-Methane An extract
of cruciferous vegetables, DIM acts to promote and support a favorable
metabolism of estrogen and related hormones by enhancing the liver’s ability
to metabolize estrogen to "weaker" 2-hydroxyestrone. DIM may reduce
prostate cancer incidence as it has been shown to stop human cancer cells from
growing by (54-61%) and provoking the cells to self-destruct (apoptosis). DIM
also improves prostate function, enhances insulin sensitivity and increases
abdominal fat loss.
Urtica Dioca A
special extract of this popular herb has been shown to increase bioavailable
(free) testosterone levels by freeing it from SHBG the testosterone-binding
protein in the blood. In addition, it inhibits aromatase and protects the
prostate by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT.
(7) If after six to eight weeks, the above protocol does
not lower excess estradiol levels, then it is recommended that you try the
prescription medicine Arimidex (anastrozole), a potent aromatase-inhibiting drug
starting at the low dose of 0.5 mg, twice a week increasing to a maximum of 1.0
mg daily. Side effects from this medication is rare.
In conclusion Testosterone is the ‘master’ male
hormone but if you have too little or too much estrogen, you will never be able
to look and feel your best.
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