The Reasons For Estrogen Blockers
A need for estrogen blockers may be difficult to fathom as estrogen, a hormone, is the main sex hormone in women, and is essential to the menstrual cycle. While estrogen is present in men as well, it is present in much lower levels, the primary sex hormone in men being testosterone.
Estrogen and Testosterone - Estrogen and testosterone are responsible for what are known as secondary sex characteristics, contributing to many of the physical differences between the male and female. Estrogen in women has much to do with the women's figure, including the widened pelvis necessary for childbirth, enlarged breasts, and a general lack of facial and abdominal hair. It is estrogen that is largely responsible for the higher percentage of body fat inherent in the female figure.
If women need estrogen, and men don't have all that much of it, why would either be interested in estrogen blockers? As far as men are concerned, estrogen is not usually an issue when they are younger, but as men age, the testosterone hormone is gradually replaced by estrogen. While men don't exactly take on the appearance of a female, muscle mass may decrease, the body may become softer, and in older men particularly, the breasts may become enlarged. Estrogen begins to undo all of what men consider to be a macho image.
In particular it is the loss of muscle mass, or from another perspective, greater difficulty in building muscle mass, that prompts men to seek out estrogen blockers, especially men who are in training or into body building. The use of these estrogen blockers, designed to keep estrogen levels low, is not without controversy, plus continued use of estrogen blockers has for some resulted in unpleasant side effects.
Why Women Need Them - Where men use estrogen blockers for what could be considered cosmetic reasons, women use them for other reasons, one in the battle against cancer. Estrogen blockers are known to slow the progress of certain cancers. Women also will take estrogen blockers as an infertility treatment.
Dosages And Side Effects - While it would seem that women use estrogen blockers for reasons very much more important than physical appearance, both men and women are often guilty of taking them without proper supervision, as they are easily available in the form of supplements. Estrogen blockers should be taken under the supervision of a physician, preferably an endocrinologist, who can prescribe proper dosages and monitor the effectiveness of those dosages, or the side effects that can occur. Blood samples need to be taken at regular intervals to confirm proper hormone balances in the blood and also confirm that the blockers are not affecting the general health of the person taking them. Estrogen blockers, even when not taken in what would be considered excessive amounts can cause hot flashes, headaches, excessive sweating, dizziness, and confusion. Short term side effects that are known to occur include ease in bruising, chest pains, mood swings, and blurred vision. These side effects should be enough to give one second thoughts about taking estrogen blockers unless needed for purely medical reasons.
Where Men Need Them - It should be noted, that men don't always take estrogen blockers to increase muscle mass, but there are sound medical reasons for taking the blockers as well. As testosterone in men decreases and is replaced by estrogen, there are a number of symptoms which can arise, including general fatigue, and erectile dysfunction, mainly due to a decrease in testosterone levels. Increased levels of estrogen on the other hand, can contribute to prostrate cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Men therefore would prefer to keep testosterone levels fairly high and when possible, keep estrogen levels low. Estrogen blockers are a way to do just that.