February 6, 2024
We commonly associate estrogen with women, and rightly so. Women have much higher estrogen levels. It helps with their reproductive health and menstrual cycles. Even so, all men have estrogen, albeit at much lower levels. It's the same as women having low testosterone levels. When these sex hormones get out of balance, problems can occur, especially when men have high estrogen levels coursing through their bodies.
The male body has two main estrogen types: estrone and estradiol. A healthy adult male's estrone level is between 10 and 60 pg/ml. Their estradiol level will generally be between 10 and 40 pg/ml. For younger males, those hormones are often undetectable. They can range from 60 and 40 pg/ml, respectively. You'll want to visit your doctor for treatment if you are a man with high estrogen. Unchecked estrogen can lead to serious health problems. Here are seven common symptoms of high estrogen in men:
Sexual dysfunction – including low libido and the inability or decreased ability to get an erection – is a symptom with many possible problems. They may include low testosterone, high estrogen, aging, stress, etc. If you are experiencing "ED," it doesn't necessarily mean your hormones are at play. Still, it is a good idea to run a hormone panel to make sure, not only for your health but also for the personal satisfaction that is often tied to a male's reproductive prowess.
Going hand in hand with ED, infertility can be one of the symptoms of high estrogen in men. Normal reproductive processes can be disrupted when testosterone and estrogen are out of balance. It leads to a lower sperm count and a loss of motility of the sperm themselves. It can be a severe problem for men hoping to start or expand their families. But even for those trying to avoid the previous, infertility has many problems. The patient should address it as quickly as possible to avoid long-term repercussions.
Yes, men can get breast cancer. Tender or enlarged breast tissue, also known as gynecomastia, in men, doesn't always mean breast cancer. However, having more fatty tissue in the breast can increase the risk of abnormal growth and cause severe health problems.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the enlargement of the prostate gland. It is a fairly common condition found in men as they age and their testosterone levels decline. However, it can also be a sign of high estrogen levels. An enlarged prostate gland is not only uncomfortable. It can lead to difficulty urinating but also increases the risk of developing prostate cancer, one of the most deadly cancers for men. Symptoms of BPH are:
When men have more estrogen, their testosterone levels usually decrease. This can cause a decrease in protein synthesis in the body, which can result in a loss of muscle mass.
Assessing weight gain can be difficult because it can be caused by many things like lifestyle, thyroid problems, seasonal changes, and individual variations. Therefore, it's a good idea to monitor your weight for unexplained gain. If you also have other symptoms listed, there may be an increased level of estrogen. However, it could also just be that your favorite food is back in season. Only you know for sure.
Much the same as weight gain, fatigue can mean numerous things: stress, depression, poor diet, etc. Again, monitor your energy levels in conjunction with assessing yourself for the other symptoms, as unexplained fatigue can be the result of increased estrogen levels.
If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms of high estrogen in men, consult with a doctor right away to determine whether you have a problem that requires medical treatment. If you do have high estrogen levels, treating the problem early is the best solution.
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