ESTROGEN DOMINANCE IN MEN

It seems irrational at first to believe that a man may have a problem with a female hormone.

However evidence is accumulating that in men’s as well as in women’s health the steroid hormones androgens, estrogens, progesterone, cortisol and DHEA play a major role and that good health among other things depends on the balance between the steroids.

It all started about ten years ago when Dr Lee published his first book about estrogen dominance in women (What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Menopause). Yes, it is about estrogens, the female hormone and yes again, the discovery of Dr Lee was intended to help women struggling with the consequences of their menopause.

Recently, however, it has become increasingly evident that the concept of estrogen dominance not only fills a void by offering unexpected insight in many female health conditions but that estrogen dominance applies to some men as well helping solve their refractory obesity as well as their prostate problems, erectile dysfunction and other ailments.

It is a well-known fact that in men androgens and DHEA levels decline with time. The progressive decline starts as early as around 25-30 years. Many authors suggest supplementation with androgens and DHEA to alleviate symptoms and complaints routinely attributed to aging.

It is also well known that some estrogen exist in men, synthezised from their androgen production by the enzyme aromatase. What is new is the discovery that in some men estrogen overproduction may arise leading to refractory obesity and other ailments like prostate hypertrophy (and possibly prostate cancer), erectile dysfunction and the worsening of an auto-immune reaction or other usually benign conditions.

 In men the mean symptoms of estrogen overproduction are:

- Decreased sex drive (estrogens antagonize the male hormone testosterone)

- Depression,

- Fat accumulation in the breast area

- Fatigue

- Food cravings (a result of insulin disturbance causing a blood sugar rollercoaster),

- Headaches, migraine

- Overweight and salt and water retention

In conclusion the Longevity Institute suggests talking to your physician about a possible hormonal involvement and asking for a morning saliva test for the hormones testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, cortisol and DHEA-sulfate.

A saliva hormone test is less expensive than a blood level test. It is also more accurate than the conventional blood test because it measures the amount of free hormones that are bio-available to the cell and active.

At the ZRT-Lab in Oregon; you can order a saliva test kit through their Web site.

Inhibition of excessive estrogen production is achieved by a prescription of an aromatase inhibitor (like Arimidex ¼ tablet per day) and progesterone supplementation. Progesterone can be taken by mouth or better by topical application of a progesterone containing cream.

The recommended dosage for the cream is 10-15 milligrams per day, preferably applied before bedtime (you will sleep better).

Copyright 2008: Edmund Devroey MD