What makes estrogen and testosterone

Estrogen is a main female sex hormone, while testosterone is a main male sex hormone. Males have estrogen too, but in smaller amounts. Estrogen plays a key role in male sexual health. It helps modulate sex drive, erectile function, and sperm production. It also helps keep the bones healthy. However, too much estrogen in males may cause problems. Symptoms of high estrogen in males include:. According to research , low testosterone and high estrogen can both increase erectile dysfunction independently of one another.

Some research has also linked high estrogen with depression in males. Too much or little of either hormone can cause health concerns. Low testosterone levels, or hypogonadism , is a common age-related health concern among males. Its symptoms include a reduced sex drive, erection problems, and a low sperm count.

Some people worry that too much estrogen is the cause of low testosterone, but this is a myth. Estrogen and testosterone do not oppose each other. Many websites and natural health gurus say that certain diets can lower estrogen levels, but there has been little research into these claims. Some studies have suggested that specific foods may raise or lower estrogen levels.

However, it is unclear whether these foods can address the health effects of high estrogen. Speak with a doctor before making dietary changes to reduce estrogen. The most healthful diet varies from person to person. Some research suggests that certain foods may reduce the level of estrogen in the body.

However, this research is often low quality or has involved animals rather than humans, and more research is needed. Products made from soy are uniquely rich in compounds called phytoestrogens.

These chemicals have a similar chemical structure to estrogen and may have estrogen-like effects in the body. Soy products include edamame and some meat substitutes. Some studies report that soy products can increase estrogen levels in the body, while others suggest they have the opposite effect. Paradoxically, both are true. Soy contains isoflavones a type of phytoestrogen , which are considered selective estrogen receptor modulators. This means that they can cause a variety of effects — they may have a pro-estrogen, anti-estrogen, or neutral effect when they bind to estrogen receptors.

This means that different types of isoflavones may increase or decrease the levels of estrogen in the human body. These variations can make it difficult to draw broad conclusions about the health impacts of foods that contain phytoestrogens. While soy has many health benefits , more research is needed on the effects of soy and phytoestrogens in humans. For example, research indicates that phytoestrogens, particularly in soy and legumes, may lower the risk of prostate cancer.

Estrogen likely plays a role in the development of prostate cancer, though more studies are needed. Soybeans may also reduce colorectal cancer risk by lowering estrogen levels, according to a research review.

Cruciferous vegetables contain a chemical called indolecarbinol, a chemical that may have anti-estrogen effects. This means that they could reduce estrogen levels in men. However, research has not directly shown that eating cruciferous vegetables reduces the levels of estrogen in the human body.

Studies indicate that eating cruciferous vegetables may lower the risk of prostate cancer. Oyster mushrooms contain compounds that may block aromatase , an enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen. In doing so, they may reduce estrogen in the body.

Drink green tea, which is rich in polyphenol antioxidants. Avoid personal hygiene products shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, and lotions that contain parabens because parabens act like exogenous estrogens when absorbed in the body.

Stay physically active and fit to help maintain healthy estrogen balance: Incorporate daily physical activity that can be done consistently. Consider a mix of cardio and weight training. Even a simple minute workout daily is a good starting point from which to build. Key nutrients that support estrogen balance Diindolylmethane DIM DIM is a compound derived from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower.

When to see a health-care practitioner You should contact your health-care practitioner when you experience signs or symptoms of estrogen imbalance. Testosterone deficiency in the aging male. Ther Adv Urol Feb;8 1 Beyond the antioxidant activity of dietary polyphenols. Int J Mol Sci ;19 9 Chemopreventive properties of 3,3'-diindolylmethane. Nutr Rev ;74 7 A major inducer of. Proc Natl Acad Sci ; Rapid detection of inducers of enzymes that protect.

Mechanism of sulforaphane-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human. Nutr Cancer ; Sulforaphane, a naturally occurring isothiocyanate, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in ht29 human.

Cancer Res ; Transcriptome and DNA methylation changes modulated by sulforaphane. Food Chem Toxicol ; Fahey J, Talalay P. Antioxidant functions of sulforaphane: a potent inducer of phase II detoxification enzymes. Zhang Y, Talalay P. Cancer Res ;ss. What is Aspermia? Can Smoking in Men Cause Infertility?

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