Estrogen Blockers For Men - Manifestation and Side-effects

Introduction

Estrogen is one of the hormones that is regarded as an exclusively female hormone. However, it is found in the male body as well. In males, it is majorly produced by the testes, around 20 percent, and other body organs and tissues like adipose tissue, skin, bones, and the brain. The functions of estrogen in men include:

• Growth and maintenance of bones.

• Supports vision by coordinating head and eye movements.

• Metabolism of fat.

• Place of fat deposition and its type.

• Helps in libido, erectile function, and sperm formation.

As age advances, cascading events occur due to a decrease in the testosterone levels in the male body, which ultimately gives rise to increased estrogen levels. The imbalance between estrogen and testosterone levels in men poses a great risk for several health issues.

What Are the Manifestations of Estrogen-Testosterone Imbalance in Men?

The signs and symptoms of estrogen-testosterone imbalance in men are:

• Infertility.

• Mood swings.

• Low sex drive.

• Decreased muscle mass and energy.

• Increased water retention.

• Fatigue.

• Hot flashes.

• Increased belly fat.

• Erectile dysfunction.

• Reduced testicle size.

• Irritability.

• Depression.

• Gynecomastia (increased breast growth in men).

• Low-energy fractures (bone fractures occurring from a low height, like a standing height or less).

What Are Estrogen Blockers?

Estrogen blockers are a type of medication that is used for treating estrogen-testosterone imbalance. They act by decreasing the amount of estrogen in the body or reducing its functioning effects. They are available in natural as well as synthetic forms. They can either be plant-based products or commercially-prepared hormones. Estrogen blockers are not used for all men undergoing hormone-replacement therapy. They are particularly used in conditions where estrogen levels are markedly increased or in cases of erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia, and infertility.

Primarily, most estrogen blockers were developed to treat breast cancer in women. However, lately, they have been prescribed in males as off-label drugs for curing estrogen-testosterone imbalance.

The medications used as estrogen blockers are grouped as:

• Aromatase Inhibitors (AI): These medications act on aromatase (an enzyme that converts androgens to estradiol), decrease its influence, and hamper the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. This spikes the overall testosterone levels and drops estrogen in the body. They also work on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and increase the amounts of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the body. Both of these may have a role in supporting sperm health. Certain well-known commercially synthesized AI are Anastrozole and Letrozole.

• Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM): This class of drugs binds to estrogen receptors throughout the body but blocks its action in all tissues except bones and the cardiovascular system, where they work as estrogen. They also mimic AI in their function of releasing LH and FSH from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Tamoxifen and Clomiphene citrate are common commercial preparations of SERM utilized in treating hormonal imbalance in men.

A couple of naturally occurring aromatase inhibitors include:

• Chrysin: It is one of the flavonoids found in several herbs, such as bee propolis and passionflower, and honey. It has the ability to increase testosterone levels and block estrogen in the body.

• Saw Palmetto: It is one of the widely used herbs employed in maintaining normal hormone levels in men. It diminishes the amount of 5α-reductase in the body and prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which ultimately improves prostate issues like benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. Such problems are usually seen in patients affected by estrogen dominance, particularly the elderly.

• Maca: It is a cruciferous plant enriched with plenty of health gains, including better fertile health. It produces anti-estrogen effects by decreasing the transformation of testosterone. It also possesses several nutrients that aid in regulating the male endocrine and immune systems.

• Wild Nettle Root: It is another option for natural medications for treating prostate problems. Nettle root comprises substances that obstruct testosterone conversion into estradiol and also help in managing its production in the body. It is especially beneficial in patients with estrogen dominance.

• Grape Seed Extract: It works as an aromatase inhibitor or a natural estrogen blocker. In men, it is used as a remedy for estrogen-testosterone imbalance and for postmenopausal women that are at increased risk for breast cancer.

The commercially-prepared estrogen blockers include the following components:

• DIM (di-indolyl methane): It is a natural compound that aids in estrogen metabolization.

• Vitamin E: It enhances mood swings and provides strength to the body.

• D-Aspartic Acid: It is an essential amino acid that helps release testosterone in the body and build muscle mass.

• Cocoa: It is loaded with many essential nutrients, improves metabolism, and utilizes extra body fat. It can assist in treating gynecomastia.

• Commiphora Wightii: It is a shrub whose flower produces resin. It may maintain normal hormone levels.

• Eurycoma Longifolia: It is a herb useful in restoring hormonal balance, enhancing muscle mass, and decreasing body fat.

Which Foods Are Natural Aromatase Inhibitors?

The below-mentioned list entails natural foods that inhibit aromatase activity.

• Oats.

• Artichokes.

• Soy products.

• Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, bok choy, broccoli, and brussels sprouts.

• Radish.

• Mushrooms.

• Curcumin.

• Parsley.

• Hot peppers.

• Tangerines and oranges.

• Pomegranate and its juice.

Do Estrogen Blockers Have Any Side Effects?

Estrogen blockers are only used temporarily as off-label drugs in men with low testosterone concentration but are well-tolerated. However, their utilization in men lacks established guidelines, and more longitudinal studies are required to know their efficacy and safety. Their reported side effects are:

AI: Nausea, increased levels of liver enzymes, headache, and hot flashes.

SERM: Clomiphene citrate has been reported to have very few side effects that rarely occur. They are headaches, vision changes, and gynecomastia. However, Tamoxifen may include more notable side effects like gastrointestinal upset, blood clot risk, and cardiovascular issues.

Conclusion

Estrogen-testosterone imbalance is a common health concern, especially in aging men, as it also predisposes to other health issues. Estrogen blockers are a great way to manage and treat it. Prior to their use, a healthcare professional should be consulted, whether having natural preparations or commercially made, to avoid their adverse effects. However, the best option is to enrich the diet with natural foods containing them.