Is high estrogen stealing our masculinity?

People often hear about estrogen in the context of women’s health, but many do not know that men have estrogen too. While it plays an important role in the male body, having too much of it can lead to a host of problems. For men, it is important to track estrogen levels and learn how to manage it effectively. Dr. Ivan Rusilko, the owner and Medical Director of Lifestyle Medicine in Miami Beach, is an expert in treating high estrogen in men. Dr Rusilko is a former Mr. USA 2008 & 2010 champion and has seen what high estrogen can do in both athletes and patients.

This article is brought to you by Lifestyle Medicine

What is estrogen?

According to Dr Rusilko, estrogen is a hormone that’s responsible for many bodily functions. While it’s mostly known as a female hormone, men also produce it in smaller amounts. It is considered a sex hormone and is a derivative of cholesterol.

What causes high estrogen in men?

Dr Rusilko explains that many lifestyle habits and external influences can cause a man’s estrogen to rise:

1. Extra Weight: Excess body fat, especially around the belly, converts more testosterone into estrogen.
2. Getting Older: With age, testosterone drops and estrogen can start to dominate the sex hormone balance.
3. Medications and Foods: Some drugs, including treatments for prostate cancer, can increase estrogen levels as can some types of food like soy.
4. Liver Troubles: the liver helps break down estrogen, so if it’s not working well, estrogen can build up.
5. Alcohol: Drinking too much booze can boost estrogen levels and slow down the liver.
6. Hormonal Disorders: Conditions like hypogonadism, where the body doesn’t make enough testosterone, can raise estrogen.
7. Tumors: Certain tumors can produce estrogen or disrupt hormonal balance.

Signs of high estrogen

“You can almost tell when a man has higher estrogen than he should. That’s where that weird misshapen ‘dad bod’ starts to form. It’s almost more reliable than diagnostic testing.”

Dr Rusilko explains how estrogen levels can show up in various ways, impacting day-to-day life:

1. Man Tits: a lso known as gynecomastia, is the development of enlarged breast tissue and a more feminine-looking chest.
2. Erectile Disorder: Trouble with erections or a low libido can be a telltale sign.
3. Mood Swings: Feeling more irritable, anxious, or depressed than usual. Loss of focus and drive can also occur.
4. Feeling Tired: Constant fatigue and weakness can be related to estrogen hormone imbalances.
5. Losing Muscle: Losing muscle mass and gaining fat could be a result of high estrogen.
6. Weight Gain: Especially around the middle section.

Health risks of high estrogen

It’s not just about feeling off – high estrogen can lead to serious health issues. Dr Rusilko explains:

1. Heart Health: Too much estrogen can mess with cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
2. Prostate Problems: It can contribute to conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and even prostate cancer.
3. Bone Health: Bones need the right balance of estrogen and testosterone to stay strong. Too much estrogen can weaken them.
4. Metabolic Syndrome: This includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels, all increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

How to manage high estrogen levels

Dr Rusilko highlights how to manage a man who is experiencing estrogen dominance, “It’s going be a collaboration of lifestyle decisions and supplements or medications but it can be done safely when done right.” Here are some habits that could help manage your estrogen levels:

1. Healthy Habits:
   1. Lose Weight: Shedding extra pounds can lower estrogen.
   2. Cut Back on Booze: Less alcohol means better liver function and lower estrogen.
2. Medications and Supplements:
   1. Aromatase Inhibitors: These drugs reduce the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.
   2. SERMs: Medications like tamoxifen can block estrogen’s effects.
   3. Free Testosterone boosting supplements.
3. Hormone Therapy:
   1. Boost Testosterone: Testosterone replacement therapy can help balance hormones.
   2. Review Medications: Talk to a doctor about any medications that might be affecting estrogen levels.
4. Treat Underlying Issues:
   1. For people with conditions like liver disease or hormonal disorders, getting these under control is key.
5. Regular Check-Ups:
   1. Keep an eye on hormone levels with regular blood tests.

According to Dr Rusilko, “High estrogen levels in men can throw their bodies into a hormonal tornado that vortexes their lifestyle into it. But with the right knowledge and actions, you can manage your estrogen levels and keep yourself feeling great. The first step is simply getting tested to see if you are suffering from high estrogen and if so fixing it safely and effectively.

With the amount of dysfunctions caused by the excess of this hormone, it’s a wonder why more doctors aren’t testing for it. Don’t wait, get yourself tested today.”

To learn more about Dr. Ivan Rusilko and his practice Lifestyle Medicine, check out his website and Instagram.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.