High Estrogen in Men

Estrogen is considered a female hormone that belongs to a set of molecules known as steroid hormones. It is produced in the ovaries of women and little amounts are made in the testes, adrenal and pituitary glands of males. Men usually have low levels of estrogen and a number of undesirable symptoms can result when levels of estrogen are too high. Measures should be taken to lower estrogen this’s too high.

Symptoms of High Estrogen in Men

1. Gynecomastia/Male breast growth

The growth of male breasts is called gynecomastia. When estrogen is present in high levels in men, the cells in breasts change their behavior. They begin to grow and this leads to the breasts becoming larger and more firm instead of the distinct pectoral fat deposits most men have. This condition can occur in around half of boys in puberty, but if it continues into adulthood, there may be an underlying reason.

2. Low sex drive

Men who have high levels of estrogen may have a problem known as erectile dysfunction. This means he is unable to maintain an erection. Any man who is experiencing sexual problems should talk to his doctor about a possible hormone imbalance.

3. Infertility

A man’s fertility is determined by the number of sperm he has, the movement of the sperm and whether they can survive long enough to reach and fertilize an egg. Men who are exposed to high levels of estrogen have a higher rate of infertility than men who are not. This is because estrogen lowers the sperm’s mobility.

4. Stroke risk

Because excess estrogen may cause blood clots, if a man has too much estrogen in his system, he may be at a higher risk of having a stroke.

5. Heart attack

The bodies of older men produce less testosterone. This causes a hormonal imbalance with estrogen becoming more dominant. An imbalance like this is often overlooked as a possible cause of cardio disease.

6. Prostate problems

High levels of estrogen in men can cause differing results. Some studies show that excess estrogen may cause prostate cancer, but once the cancer occurs, the estrogen may have some anticancer effects.

7. Weight gain

High estrogen levels in men can cause weight gain and that weight gain may cause higher levels of estrogen. It is a cycle that is not easily broken.