Estrogen Blocker For Men: High Estrogen Problems

Both men and women have testosterone and estrogen hormones in their bodies. As we age, testosterone levels decrease in men, and estrogen levels decrease in women.

For some men, testosterone levels may decrease too fast or at a higher rate than normal. This can cause a gonad deficiency (inability to produce testosterone) called hypogonadism. Symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Erectile dysfunction
• Low sperm production
• Low or loss of libido

Though estrogen is thought to be a primarily female hormone, men require this hormone for normal body function. There are three different types of estrogen:

• Estradiol
• Estriol
• Estrone

While women have all three types, men mainly have estradiol. Estrogen in men helps sperm develop, lubricates the joints, and keeps their brain healthy.

The more abdominal fat a man has, the more likely he is to have too much estrogen in his body. Male abdominal fat contains an enzyme called aromatase, which converts testosterone into estrogen.

Many men will use different methods to raise their testosterone to lose fat and build muscle faster. There are ways to do this naturally and synthetic ways, which can include steroids. The problem comes when the body turns that increase in testosterone into more estrogen.

Too much estrogen and not enough testosterone can cause a hormonal imbalance. This imbalance can lead to certain problems men may face if left unchecked:

• Increased risk of stroke and cardiovascular issues
• Weight gain
• Prostate issues
• Gynecomastia (man boobs)
• Cognition issues
• Low libido
• Poor insulin resistance
• High cholesterol
• Osteoporosis 

If a man finds that he has too much estrogen, he may be able to balance his hormones with estrogen blockers. There are natural and pharmaceutical products available that can help men regulate their hormones.

First, let’s look at natural methods to block estrogen. Then we’ll look at pharmaceutical methods that can help.

Natural Estrogen Blockers

While some of these products can be used to block estrogen, they may or may not work. It’s best to speak with your doctor before trying any product purported to block estrogen, natural or synthetic.

Maca Root

The maca plant belongs to the mustard family and is considered a cruciferous vegetable like cauliflower and broccoli. It is found primarily in the Peruvian mountains and grows in extreme weather conditions along the Andes mountains.

The maca is a tuber and grows underground, with a similar bulb shape like a turnip. The root is harvested and ground into a powder to be put into capsules or used directly. 

Women have used maca with success for hormone balancing, PMS relief, higher libido, and improved fertility. Maca root is marketed to men as an estrogen blocker, energy producer, and libido enhancer.

Though marketers make what seem like valid claims, studies don’t indicate maca use in men to block estrogen. However, it does appear that taking maca can improve mild erectile dysfunction and improve sexual wellbeing.

While some studies show positive effects on improving sexual function in men and women, more studies are needed. 

Grape Seed Extract

As we learned in the article about grape seed extract, it’s a natural aromatase inhibitor. Compounds in grape seed extract can block the aromatization process, converting less testosterone into estrogen.

Grape seed extract has been used as a placebo in some studies to block hormone-dependent cancers. Though this study was done on women with breast cancer, it may be able to help men as well.

Used as a supplement, dosage may vary. If you’re interested in using GSE as an estrogen blocker, talk with your doctor to find out the best dose.

Wild Nettle Root

Just like grape seed extract, nettle root has been found to block testosterone from converting to estrogen. 

Studies have shown that nettle root extract can be used to increase serum testosterone levels in men. Taking nettle root can also reduce the prostate gland if it becomes enlarged. This condition is called prostatic hyperplasia and is most common in aging men.

In some instances, nettle root is used in place of benign prostatic hyperplasia medications to reduce symptoms. This is mainly because of the lack of side effects compared to pharmaceutical alternatives.

Indole-3-Carbinol

Found in high concentrations of cruciferous foods (including maca root), indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is considered a natural estrogen blocker. I3C has been shown in studies to metabolize and excrete excess estrogen from the body without being absorbed.

A study done on both men and women showed I3C treatment to increase urinary excretion of C-2 estrogens. This study indicates that I3C could be chemopreventive against breast cancer in both men and women. I3C has been shown to have anticancer, antitumor, and anticarcinogenic properties.

Diindolylmethane

Just like I3C, Diindolylmethane, or DIM for short, has been shown to also be an estrogen blocker. Another study shows both DIM and I3C metabolize carcinogens, including estrogen. This makes sense, as both are compounds found in cruciferous vegetables.

Researchers in this study show a preference for DIM over I3C for its chemoprotective properties. Some participants noted levels of toxicity when taking I3C orally compared to taking comparable doses of DIM.

Chrysin

Chrysin is popular in the bodybuilding world as an aromatase inhibitor estrogen blocker. This flavonoid is found in honey and bee propolis (the glue that holds the hive together).

Whether or not chrysin lives up to these claims remains to be seen. One study compared urine testosterone levels in men after 21 days of honey and propolis consumption. Their levels did not change when checked on the 7, 14, and 21-day marks.

Another study done on male and female gerbils showed similar results. While male serum testosterone levels remained the same, females had higher estradiol levels after 21 days of treatment.

Like other estrogen blockers listed here, chrysin seems to be helpful in preventing and treating hormone-dependent breast cancer.

Pharmaceutical Estrogen Blockers

Mainly used for women as a way to boost testosterone, prescription estrogen blockers are gaining popularity with men.

While some supplements or prescribed products can lead to sterility, some are able to create hormonal balance. One popular product is clomiphene, marketed under the name Clomid.

The most common prescribed estrogen blockers for men are also used for breast cancer treatment. However, men who have certain symptoms may be prescribed these medications:

• Low testosterone
• Osteoporosis
• Gynecomastia
• Infertility
• Low sperm count

These products are called selective estrogen receptor modulators, or SERMs. When dealing with breast cancer, most doctors will prescribe aromatase inhibitors and then SERMs. This combination seems to have the best success rate in postmenopausal women.

Example of SERMs:

• Tamoxifen/tamoxifen citrate (Nolvadex, Soltamox in liquid form)
• Raloxifene (Evista)
• Toremifene (Fareston)
• Anastrozole (Arimidex)

While side effects vary on product, there are some that are common when using estrogen blockers.

Common Side Effects from Estrogen Blockers

Bodybuilders who take steroids may also take estrogen blockers to reduce estrogen throughout the body. The thought is that the increased testosterone will build big muscles without allowing estrogen to stay in the system. While some say this method works, science doesn’t seem to back it up.

What’s more, there are common side effects that estrogen blockers can cause:

• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Breast pain, swelling, or tenderness
• Erectile dysfunction
• Flushing of the skin
• Tiredness and weakness
• Excessive sweating
• Weight fluctuations
• Thinning hair
• Bone loss

If you’d rather avoid the side effects, there are some things you can do to control estrogen naturally.

Balancing Hormones

Restoring balance to your hormones is one way to reduce estradiol in the system. Taking these steps may help you control your estrogen levels without having to use therapeutic methods.

Eat Estrogen Blocking Foods

One way is to make some changes to your diet. We already know that cruciferous vegetables include compounds known to block estrogen. 

There are a few more foods that may lower estrogen levels in men:

• Red grapes
• Green tea
• Mushrooms
• Whole grains
• Pomegranates 
• Flax seeds
• Sesame seeds

Including these foods in your diet may help you reduce estradiol from being absorbed into your system. Here are even more foods that can increase testosterone levels naturally.

Choose Meat Wisely

Depending on where you live, some animals raised for human consumption can still be treated with hormones. If you eat meat, be sure you read the labels carefully.

If an animal is raised using synthetic hormones, they will still be present in the meat you buy. Even cooking it will not remove all the hormones in the meat, so choose meat raised without added hormones.

Avoid Environmental Estrogens

You could be going about your day completely unaware that you’re using products containing estrogen. Environmental estrogens can increase the risk of estrogen-dominant cancers and affect sperm counts in men.

Products containing parabens and BPA are known synthetic hormones that can wreak havoc over time. BPA can leach out of plastics, including plastic food containers and plastic wrap.

Parabens are commonly used in personal care and cosmetic products. They are even found in drugs and some foods. These products do not require FDA approval, so you have to read the ingredients label to know what’s included.

Lose Weight

Losing body fat can reduce the amount of estrogen in men, especially abdominal fat. While it’s difficult to lose for some, there are ways to do it.

Check out these articles to learn about ways to lose stubborn stomach fat:

• Stomach fat
• Visceral fat
• Lower belly fat
• How to get lean

By making some changes to your diet and increasing exercise, you can help regulate your hormones.

Eliminate Alcohol

While you may not want to completely eliminate alcohol consumption, reducing it may also help. Drinking alcohol reduces normal kidney and liver function, which can affect estrogen regulation.

Alcohol can also increase the aromatase process, which will create higher than normal estrogen levels. Regular or excessive consumption of alcohol may increase the risks of breast and prostate cancers.

Excessive alcohol use can also impair sperm production and create sexual dysfunction.

Wrapping Up

Estrogen blockers in both men and women have been shown to reduce the risk of hormone-dependent cancers. There are natural and pharmaceutical estrogen blockers available with varying degrees of effectiveness.

Men should have a discussion with their doctor if they are interested in using estrogen blockers. Depending on their health concerns, they may or may not be right for them.

Both men and women can help balance their hormones by eating estrogen blocking foods, reducing alcohol consumption, and removing environmental estrogens.

If you’re looking for a natural testosterone booster that also regulates estrogen conversion, check out Vintage Boost™. Improve cognition and sexual performance with no synthetic fillers or negative side effects.

Have you tried any of the listed estrogen blockers? Used any of the methods listed to help balance your hormones naturally? We’d love to hear your story in the comments below.