Who among us has not heard of the hormone estrogen, and it is always mentioned as the female hormone, but most people overlook the role of estrogen and its importance for men.

In this article, we will shed light on the estrogen hormone and its importance for women and men, its normal level and the effects of exceeding this level.

What is estrogen?

 Estrogen is one of the steroid hormones, which plays an important functional role in the human body, and is known for its greater functional role in females; it is responsible for the appearance of female sexual characteristics, and estrogen is mainly produced by the ovaries in females, in addition to being produced by the adrenal gland and adipose tissue in both sexes. 

What is the normal level of estrogen?

The normal rate of estrogen varies from one individual to another according to gender, and also varies with age in women, where it peaks in the fertile period, which represents 15-45 years, but in general:

•  The rate of estrogen in women: In the fertile period, especially the ovulation phase, it ranges from 150-750 picograms per milliliter, and the hormone rate decreases in the post-fertility period to less than 20-30 picograms per milliliter.
• Estrogen level in men: 10-40 picograms per milliliter.

The importance of estrogen

Estrogen plays a vital role in the completion of vital functions and processes in men and women:

The effect of estrogen on women:

• Regulation of the menstrual cycle: Estrogen is the hormone that regulates the female menstrual cycle and is responsible for the functions of pregnancy and reproduction, as it stimulates the growth of the uterine lining to become ready for pregnancy
• Development of female traits: Estrogen plays the most important role in the development of secondary traits in females, such as breast development and body fat distribution.
•  Strengthening bones: Estrogen contributes to the maintenance of healthy and strong bones, so it is observed that after menopause and menopause, the chances of developing osteoporosis increase.
• Maintain cardiovascular health and lower cholesterol levels.
• Improves mood: Estrogen works to maintain mental health and prevent mental disorders such as anxiety and depression.

The effect of estrogen on men

Despite being a female hormone, estrogen has a significant role for men, including the following:

• Physical growth: Estrogen is important for both men and women for the growth of tissues and cells in the body.
• Nervous system support: Estrogen is heavily involved in the development and maintenance of the nervous system and contributes to cognitive function.
• Bone health: As in females, estrogen contributes to maintaining bone density in men as well, in addition to its role in maintaining cardiovascular health, although it is present in smaller amounts than in females.
• Fat distribution in men and women.

 As everything has its limits, what are the effects of excess estrogen in men?

What can too much estrogen do to men?

Of course, excess estrogen can have a negative impact on a man’s health, and some of the most important effects are

• Gynecomastia: Gynecomastia is the abnormal growth of breasts in men and is a common condition caused by an increase in the level of estrogen in the body.
• Sexual issues: Increased estrogen in men results in some sexual disorders such as erectile dysfunction and low libido.
• Lack of fertility: Excess estrogen can lead to reproductive issues such as low sperm count, which can eventually lead to infertility.
• Excess fat accumulation: Many people can become overweight and accumulate fat, especially in areas such as the hips and buttocks.
• Mood swings: Although estrogen is a mood regulator, too much estrogen can lead to psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression.
• Prostate enlargement: Too much estrogen in the body increases the risk of prostate enlargement in men, urinary issues, and may even lead to prostate cancer.

Causes of excess estrogen in men

After mentioning the most important and common symptoms of excess estrogen in men, what are the causes that lead to this increase?

• Obesity : The more adipose tissue in the body, the higher the rate of conversion of male hormones to estrogen.
• Disruption of the glands: Endocrine disorders can affect the level of estrogen in the body, such as adrenal and thyroid disorders.
• Deficiency of certain elements: Deficiency of certain elements, most notably zinc, can affect the balance of estrogen in the body.
• Age: As men get older, the level of testosterone in the body decreases, leading to an increase in estrogen compared to testosterone.

The role of genetics and genetic factors in the body’s estrogen level cannot be neglected.

How to prevent excess estrogen in men:

To prevent this hormonal imbalance, there are a few steps to follow, including:

• Improve your physical fitness: By following a diet suitable for your condition and rich in proteins and minerals such as zinc, and exercising regularly. 
• Adequate rest: Getting enough rest every day, controlling anxiety, and relaxing can help regulate your estrogen levels.
• Avoid chemicals that may increase the level of estrogen in the body, such as using plastic to store water and food.
• Limit drinking alcohol because of its negative impact on the liver, which increases the level of estrogen significantly.

Frequently asked questions about estrogen. 

How much estrogen is normal in men?

The average estrogen level in men: 10-40 picograms per milliliter.

What happens when men have too much estrogen?

Gynecomastia, which means abnormal breast growth in men and some sexual issues such as erectile dysfunction, low libido, and low fertility.

When does estrogen increase in men?

Some of the most important cases are: Obesity, adrenal and thyroid disorders, and deficiency of certain elements, most importantly zinc. 

How can I reduce estrogen in men?

Improve physical fitness: By following a diet suitable for your condition and rich in proteins and minerals such as zinc, and exercising regularly. 

Sources

Webteb

Cleveland clinic