There are many misconceptions about estrogen and testosterone and how they affect the body. While estrogen is considered the female sex hormone and testosterone is the male sex hormone, they both are made in all genders. The key is the balance of these hormones to create the desired secondary sex characteristics and optimum health. For most men, keeping testosterone levels high and estrogen levels low is ideal for improved energy, sexual performance and other wellness factors.
Estrogen vs Testosterone in Men
The relationship between estrogen and testosterone in males is complex. Biological males typically have almost 10 times as much testosterone as biological females, and a fraction of the estrogen. However, while testosterone is related to many of the male sex characteristics, estrogen is also very important to male health and sexual function.
In males, estrogen is produced in many different areas. Both men and women create estrogen in their gonads, which are the testes in men and ovaries in women. A small amount of estrogen is produced in the adrenal glands of both sexes. For women, estrogen can be produced in adipose or fat cells. For men, estrogen can be produced in the muscles, fat and brain.
Testosterone is also produced in the gonads and adrenal glands in both sexes. What is important to know is that to produce the most potent form of estrogen, estradiol, you need testosterone. When males have too much estrogen in the form of estradiol, it often means their testosterone is too low as it is used to create estradiol. This imbalance can have negative health effects and result in “low T” symptoms in men.
Symptoms of High Estrogen in Men
Estrogen plays a vital role for males, including impacting their sexual performance and mental capacity. When it is produced at the right levels, it enhances sex drive and impacts bone health. It is also important for controlling fat levels. However, when estrogen is too high in men, it can have negative effects on appearance, performance and health.
High estrogen levels can have similar side effects to low testosterone because they go hand in hand. However, it is possible to have low T and not have high estrogen levels. Symptoms of high estrogen can include:
– Erectile dysfunction (ED). Both high estrogen and low testosterone can result in ED – this is especially true when both occur at the same time. These hormones affect the ability to create and maintain an erection.
– Lower sex drive. Too much estrogen in males can lower sex drive. Oddly, low estrogen in women can also cause a lower libido. Hormone balance is vital for a healthy sex drive in both sexes.
– Gynecomastia. Men with higher levels of estrogen can produce excess breast tissue which can lead to the condition gynecomastia.
– Infertility. High levels of estrogen in the male body can result in lower sperm production. If levels are kept high for long periods, infertility may occur.
High estrogen in males combined with low testosterone can produce even more symptoms. Men who are experiencing a poor balance of estrogen and testosterone may have some of the following symptoms:
– Hair loss
– Low energy and fatigue
– Reduced sex drive
– Higher body fat levels
– Lower muscle mass
– Bone density concerns
– Mood changes
– Decreased cognitive function
Low T and high estrogen are an imbalance that can wreak havoc on the male body. It can change the mental, physical and emotional balance, impacting overall health and wellness.
What Causes Male Hormone Imbalance?
So, what causes high estrogen or low T? Let’s start with estrogen. Estrogen is produced in the body, and it can be increased some of the plant foods you eat that contain estrogen. Males with high estrogen may be producing more if they have a higher body fat percentage since estrogen is created in fat. Other factors that can cause higher estrogen includes:
- Genetics
- Certain medications like antibiotics
- Hypogonadism and other hormone-related diseases
- Liver disease
- Certain herbs like ginseng and gingko
Controlling certain factors can help decrease your estrogen levels. Limiting foods that have high levels of plant estrogen like soy products and receiving treatment for conditions contributing to estrogen production like obesity and liver disease can help restore hormonal balance.
Low testosterone levels can be caused a wide variety of issues. Some of the same issues that cause high estrogen can also contribute to low T. Some of the causes of low testosterone production include:
- Stress
- Obesity or high body fat
- Poor sleep
- Not enough exercise
- Injury or diseases affecting the adrenal glands or testes
- Certain medications
- Kidney or liver disorders
Aging factors do lower testosterone, but this is a gradual reduction over many years. A sudden drop in testosterone or a quick increase in estrogen is considered a male hormone imbalance.
Restoring Male Hormone Balance
Creating the ideal balance of testosterone and estrogen can alleviate the symptoms of male hormone imbalance. Not only can high estrogen cause ED and infertility, but it can increase risks for stroke, diabetes and certain types of cancer in men. Receiving treatment for high estrogen or low T can improve sexual, physical and mental symptoms, as well as overall health.
For many men, the best treatment for hormone imbalance is testosterone therapy. While there are medications for those with extremely high estrogen to combat gynecomastia and other side effects, many men with a hormone imbalance can benefit from boosting their testosterone levels. To receive hormone replacement treatment, men in Arizona can find the therapy they need at a testosterone clinic in Phoenix.
Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men
If you are looking for a testosterone clinic, come see us at Arcadia Wellness Center. We offer advanced treatments for male hormone imbalances, including testosterone injections. We begin evaluating each patient’s symptoms and health factors to determine whether they may have low T – there are many conditions that can mimic low T that must be considered. If there are indications of lowered testosterone or hormone imbalance, lab testing can be performed to confirm hormone levels.
Men diagnosed with low T can undergo hormone replacement therapy, which involves testosterone injections. This is an effective way to restore higher levels of testosterone to correct an imbalance. Some men notice an almost immediate difference in their energy levels. Over the following weeks and months, many men begin to feel more like their younger selves with improved strength, energy, metabolism and sexual performance.
At Arcadia Wellness Center, we offer convenient testosterone therapy without the need to come to our office weekly or monthly. If you visit another testosterone clinic in Phoenix, you may need to have frequent appointments for your treatment. We monitor your therapy every few months, with treatments performed in the comfort of your own home.
The incredible balance between estrogen and testosterone can be thrown off a wide variety of factors. Male hormone imbalance is common, but it can often be treated with hormone replacement therapy. If you are concerned that you have low T or a male hormone imbalance, come see our team at Arcadia Wellness Center. We offer effective hormone therapy for men at our testosterone clinic in Phoenix. Call today to schedule your hormone therapy consultation.