The Complications In Men
Though estrogen dominance overwhelmingly affects women, imbalances of the hormone have triggered health problems in men. While the rest of this article focuses on female estrogen dominance, we include some info on excess estrogen in men.
Per BodyLogicMD.com, high levels of it in men usually correspond to low levels of testosterone. This hormone imbalance can lead to health problems: High estrogen levels contribute to prostate cancer and heart disease as well as gynecomastia . As the testosterone is transformed into estrogen the low levels of testosterone can cause many unpleasant symptoms including loss of muscle mass, fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction.
Estrogen Levels Right Before And During Menopause
During the transitional stage before menopause, perimenopause, estrogen levels become erratic, with a preference toward elevation. As this first stage of menopause comes to a close, these levels become less erratic and begin to decline while LH and FSH start to largely increase. This overall lack of estrogen can result in vaginal dryness, loss of vaginal elasticity, and less blood supply to the genital area, as well as bone loss.
As estrogen levels drastically change in perimenopause, high levels can cause bloating, breast tenderness, and heavy bleeding. Once these levels become more consistently low, that can cause hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, changes in fat distribution , insomnia, and fatigue. At the same time, menstrual cycles are also changing as a result, making periods less predictable and fertility decline as menopause progresses.
Tips To Help Prevent Estrogen Dominance A Risk For Breast Cancer In Women And Men
Low estrogen levels in women can cause weight gain, mood swings and headaches. It also raises the risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and dementia. And in men it may raise body fat, lower sex drive and contribute to erectile dysfunction.;
Seems awful. But there is one bright spot lower levels of estrogen also lower your risk for breast cancer as well as other estrogenic cancers such as ovarian, uterine, thyroid and prostate. A pooled analysis involving nine studies suggested that having high levels of the estrogen estradiol doubles your risk for breast cancer, according to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
There are different types of estrogen, says Dr. Andrea Klemes, endocrinologist and chief medical officer, MDVIP. Low levels of one type can lead to a host of health issues, while high levels of another type raise the risk for cancer.Estrogen is a group of female hormones comprising estrone, estradiol, estriol:
Genetics are involved in breast cancer but not as much as you might think. Less than 15;percent of breast cancer cases have familial ties, according to BreastCancer.org. Hormones play a role in at least some types of breast cancer.;
However, estrogen also plays a critical role in the development of breast cancer, according to a study published in Cancer Letters. Researchers found that cells involved in estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer cells one of the most common forms of breast cancer — need estrogen grow.;
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Need Help Regulating Your Hormones
Hormones, including estrogen, are chemicals that impact how your organs and cells function. Estrogen dominance begins overstimulating the body and the brain. Some common symptoms of estrogen dominance include fatigue, weight gain, mood swings or insomnia. Our integrative womens health practitioners understand that there are many things that can affect the bodys ability to make and regulate hormones. They will work with you to help improve your health through diet, exercise, stress reduction, natural remedies, and hormone replacement therapy when necessary.
- Focus on Preventive Care and Treatment of Chronic Illnesses.
- Root cause analysis and Personalized treatment.
- We help optimize your hormones, digestive health, autoimmune, metabolic health and inflammation.
What Happens To Estrogen During Menopause
During women’s reproductive lives, estrogen levels are relatively consistent, guiding the menstrual cycle on a monthly basis alongside the hormone progesterone. Estrogen is produced largely by the ovaries with smaller amounts being produced by other organs.;;
Then, as women enter the menopausal transition, the ovaries wind down reproductive functions, and estrogen levels fluctuate unpredictably until postmenopause, which is when the hormone generally reaches consistently low levels.
As a matter of fact, after perimenopause ends, postmenopausal estrogen levels can be at 10 percent of what they are during premenopausal years.
As such, this hormonal imbalance brought on by estrogen’s fluctuations during perimenopause provokes various symptoms that are considered characteristic of this life transition.
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Health Benefits From The Estrogen In Hormonal Birth Control
In addition to oral contraception for;birth control, your doctor may prescribe one made with estrogen to help relieve;menstrual cramps;and some;perimenopausal;symptoms or to regulate periods if you have;polycystic;ovarian syndrome . Additionally, there is some research that reports birth control pills may reduce the risk of ovarian, uterine, and colorectal cancer.
Forms of birth control with estrogen protect you from getting pregnant by doing the following:
- Thickening the mucus in your cervix, making it hard for sperm to get to the uterus and fertilize an egg
- Stopping your body from ovulating
- Thinning the lining of your uterus
Birth control pills;contain estrogen in combination with a form of progesterone. Depending on the brand of oral contraceptive, the medications and dose may vary, and may be taken differently. They also may have different risks and benefits.
The vaginal ring; contains estrogen and;progestin;and is inserted inside your vagina. The ring needs to be replaced monthly. Take note that not having the ring inside your vagina for more than 48 hours during the weeks you should be wearing it means you are not fully protected from getting pregnant.
The ring may not be as effective if you take any of the following:
- Antibiotics such as;rifampin,;rifampicin, and;rifamate
- Some;antiseizure;and mental health medications
- St Johns;wort
- Vision problems, such as seeing flashes
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
The Side Effects Of Too Much Testosterone A Patients Perspective
If youve listened to the radio, picked up a fitness magazine, or simply talked to some guys at the gym, theres a good chance youve heard of Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Its out in the public eye, and with good reason! More energy, better libido, fewer aches and pains, less body fat, more muscle who doesnt want that?
As with any medical treatment, however, theres a risk/reward factor to consider. Almost any medicine can bring some bad with the good, and TRT is no exception. The potential benefits need to be weighed against the potential adverse effects, and the recipient needs to be well aware of what the side effects of too much testosterone can entail.
First, lets make this clear carefully supervised Testosterone Replacement Therapy is night and day different from some guy injecting himself with copious amounts of questionable steroids. Testosterone Replacement Therapy is a medical treatment that includes careful monitoring and intense focus on maintaining proper dosage, done by medical professionals specialized in exactly that. Finding that proper dosage is keywhile low testosterone can have a number of disagreeable symptoms, too much testosterone can also have side effects.
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What Is Estrogen Dominance
Estrogen dominance is a condition wherein females experience an imbalance of their estrogen and progesterone levels. Progesterone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone produced in the ovaries, the placenta , and the adrenal glands. The hormone helps prepare the body for conception and pregnancy, aids in stimulating sexual desire and regulates the menstrual cycle.
Progesterone imbalance also has repercussions. High progesterone levels are thought to be partially responsible for symptoms of premenstrual syndrome . Low levels of the natural steroid hormone may lead to ovulation failure or menstrual irregularities.
Treatment Options For Progesterone Deficiency
Even if you have low levels of progesterone, you might not experience any symptoms and treatment may very well be unnecessary. ;Again, its key to speak with your doctor and establish the best course of action, if any.
Hormone replacement therapy might very well be recommended if youre attempting to have a baby. This will enhance levels of progesterone so the hormone can thicken the lining of your uterus and improve your chances of carrying your baby to term. In most cases, youll take a combined therapy of both progesterone and estrogen. ;Just be aware of the risks associated with HRT.
If youre menopausal, you wont normally need to boost your progesterone levels since its predominantly estrogen thats responsible for most symptoms during the change.
There are 3 simple natural ways you can fight back against progesterone deficiency:
OK, now youve seen what to do about insufficient progesterone, how about if the pendulum swings too far the other way and levels are too high?
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Health Concerns Associated With Excess Estrogen Levels
Today, girls as young as 9 and 10 are starting to menstruate, much earlier than the typical age of 13. Other signs of excess estrogen in women include irregular menstrual cycles, endometriosis, infertility, and hormonal headaches. A body sign of high estrogen is excess weight around the hips, thighs and low abdomen, and difficulty losing weight. For some women, estrogen dominance takes a more serious and life-threatening form, such as breast, endometrial or uterine cancer. Autoimmune disorders including lupus and thyroiditis have also been linked to estrogen dominance and other hormone imbalances.
Men may experience loss of sex drive, increased abdominal fat, enlarged prostate and prostate cancer. In fact, estrogen is a key contributor to 50% of all prostate cancer cases.
How Is Low Estrogen Diagnosed
Diagnosis and treatment of low estrogen can help prevent many health issues.
If youre experiencing symptoms of low estrogen, talk with your doctor. They can assess your symptoms and make a diagnosis if needed. Early diagnosis may help prevent further complications.
During your appointment, your doctor will discuss your family health history and assess your symptoms. Theyll also perform a physical exam. Blood tests will likely be needed to measure your hormone levels.
Your follicle stimulating hormone levels may also be tested to determine whether your estrogen is low if youre experiencing:
- hot flashes
- insomnia
- frequently missed periods
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Different Hormones Different Symptoms
The human body produces many kinds of hormones from different organs, such as the pituitary gland, testicles, ovaries, heart, pancreas, kidneys, thalamus, and hypothalamus. Some hormones are considered proteins, others are called steroids, and yet others are called polypeptides.
But no matter their name or the gland that secretes them, theyre essential for the healthy functioning of your body throughout your lifespan. Heres what happens to a womans body when there is an imbalance:
Being Overweight And High Estrogen
Your body produces estrogen in the adrenal glands, brain, and in your ovaries or testes, depending on your equipment. Another place both men and women produce estrogen is in adipose tissues.
As expected, the more fat cells you have, the more estrogen you will make. The more estrogen you make, the more fat you store. And then you make even more estrogen, and store more fat, and so on until you have more estrogen and fat than you know what to do with.
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Symptoms Of High Estrogen In Men
Although its called the female hormone, a mans body also makes estrogen. A healthy balance of estrogen and testosterone is important for sexual growth and development. When these hormones become imbalanced, your sexual development and function may be affected.
Symptoms of high estrogen in men include:
- Infertility. Estrogen is partly responsible for creating healthy sperm. When estrogen levels are high, sperm levels may fall and lead to fertility issues.
- Gynecomastia. Estrogen may stimulate breast tissue growth. Men with too much estrogen may develop gynecomastia, a condition which leads to larger breasts.
- Erectile dysfunction . Men with high levels of estrogen may have difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.
Higher Blood Cell Counts
High blood cell count is one of the biggest things to look out for during testosterone therapy. Increases in red blood cell count can cause blood clotting. Blood clotting can lead to strokes or heart attacks.
Red blood cell and hemoglobin levels can increase with testosterone therapy. Your doctor should conduct routine blood exams to watch your red blood cell levels.
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Signs Of High Estrogen
Any of the signs listed here can manifest whether you have an excess of estrogen or not, so dont take just one sign into consideration. However, if you experience two or more of the following symptoms, its time to visit the doctor and take matters into your own hands:
Detox your body
Estrogen Levels During Puberty
Usually starting between 8 and 13 in people with ovaries , a part of the brain known as the hypothalamus begins to produce the hormone GnRH, stimulating the ovaries and an increase in estrogen, which eventually results in a first period .
Breast buds a small amount of firm, tender breast tissue just under the nipple are often the first sign of puberty. This process is launched by estrogen, which sparks the fat in connective tissue to connect and bind, causing breast enlargement and the development of breast ducts. Estrogen is also involved in the growth of pubic and underarm hair, and like we mentioned above, the start of the menstrual cycle.
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Why Do Estrogen Levels Rise
During puberty, it’s normal for levels of estrogen to rise. Thatâs because this hormone fuels changes in a young girl’s body. For example, it plays a role in the development of breasts, a more mature curved figure, fuller hips, and pubic and underarm hair.
In addition, high levels of estrogen are seen in women who are extremely overweight. Estrogen levels rise during a healthy pregnancy, and increased estrogen levels may be seen with tumors of the ovaries, testes, or adrenal glands.
Some drugs, such as steroid medications, ampicillin, estrogen-containing drugs, phenothiazines, and tetracyclines can increase estrogen levels.
How To Decrease Estrogen Levels
If youre experiencing several of the above symptoms, consult a health care professional to determine if your body is producing too much estrogen. There are many natural ways to decrease your estrogen production to balance out your hormones. Consider these lifestyle changes to reduce your symptoms and get your body back on track.
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Signs And Symptoms Of High Or Low Estrogen Levels
Men also produce estrogen, though at lower levels than women. They too experience adverse health effects when those levels fluctuate. Estradiol is the estrogen hormone typically found in men.;
Sometimes the body produces too much or too little estrogen. Men with lower estrogen levels may end up with additional belly fat and a lowered sex drive. Women with low estrogen levels typically have symptoms like:
- Fewer periods
Without treatment, women can experience various complications from low estrogen levels, like:
Osteoporosis
Estrogen prevents calcium loss, which keeps your bones strong. Without enough estrogen, a womans calcium loss often accelerates, leaving her at risk for fracturing the bones in places like the hips, legs, arms, and spine. Women may be more at risk for developing osteoporosis if they have one or more of the following risk factors:
- Consume excessive amounts of alcohol
- Smoke
- Have a thin or petite frame
Heart disease
Estrogen helps protect the heart from disease, potentially by maintaining higher levels of good cholesterol, called high-density lipoprotein , in your blood. Lower estrogen levels, especially during menopause, can increase your risk of developing heart disease.
Induced Causes Of High Estrogen Levels
High levels of estrogen can also be attributed to environmental triggers, medications, and treatments, such as:;
- Hormone replacement therapy . Estradiol levels could climb to levels that are fundamentally disproportionate throughout estrogen therapy. Not only could this increase a woman’s chance of blood clotting problems, but it also puts her at risk of contracting endometrial cancer, strokes, breast cancer, and more.
- Consumption of exogenous hormones. Another trigger of high estrogen levels includes usage of certain prescription drugs – such as steroid medications, ampicillin, phenothiazines, tetracyclines – and medications containing estrogen, such as birth control pills.
- Environmental pollutants. Xenoestrogens are man-made chemicals in the environment that mimic natural estrogen when ingested, altering normal hormone functioning and increasing estrogen levels. They’re found in beauty products, pesticides, plastics, commercial meats, and more.
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