What You Need to Know About Estrogen Blockers for Men
Testosterone is an essential hormone for both men and women. In men, it helps build muscle mass and bone density. In women, it helps maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails. But there are some issues with too much testosterone. For example, high levels of testosterone can cause acne and facial hair growth. These symptoms are why doctors prescribe medications called “estrogen blockers for men” These drugs prevent the conversion of testosterone into estradiol, the female form of estrogen.
There are several types of estrogen blockers for men. Some estrogen blockers for men block the production of estrogen, while others block the effects of estrogen once it’s been produced. Androgens like testosterone are converted into estrogen within cells. So blocking the conversion process prevents the formation of estrogen altogether.
The most commonly prescribed type of blockers is Enjuvia. It works by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase, which converts testosterone into estrogen. Aromatase inhibitors are usually taken orally. They’re effective for treating breast cancer, prostate cancer, and endometriosis.
Another type of estrogen blockers for men is Femara. It blocks the action of estrogen receptors, stopping the body from responding to estrogen. The estrogen blockers for men medication treats breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometrioma.
What Are The Symptoms of Estrogen and Testosterone Imbalance?
Estrogen dominance symptoms typically begin during puberty and are often associated with PMS and menopause. These include hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, irritability, depression, anxiety, insomnia, bloating, breast tenderness, vaginal dryness, headaches, heart palpitations, joint pain, acne, hair loss, weight gain, and even cancer.
Excessive levels of aromatase enzyme activity cause excess aromatase syndrome. This syndrome leads to elevated estradiol levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Treatment includes reducing circulating estrogens through medications such as birth control pills, selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), antiandrogens, and aromatase inhibitors.
Estrogen Blockers
Prostate cancer patients often take estrogen blockers for men to prevent bone loss. But there is evidence suggesting that they could help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers looked at data from nearly 40,000 male participants in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Men who took estrogen blockers had a 41% lower risk of developing coronary artery disease compared to those who did not use the drugs.
When to Talk to Your Provider about Estrogen Blockers
Talk to your provider about getting tested if you notice symptoms such as decreased libido or erectile dysfunction. Although some providers offer saliva tests, hormone testing is generally done through blood work. There are several types of hormone testing, including those that measure testosterone levels and those that look at the hormones associated with fertility.
Treatment options include prescription medications, lifestyle changes, and surgical procedures.
You can learn more about estrogen blockers for men in this blog post.
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