The Truth about Men Taking Estrogen
Usually testosterone is the hormone most identified with men and estrogen with women, however, men taking estrogen is more and more becoming a reality. Women and men have both testosterone and estrogen in their bodies. There are circumstances in which men might need more estrogen and women might need more testosterone than they normally produce.
The first cases of men taking estrogen go back to around 1930 when the manmade pharmaceutical estrogen was put on the market for the first time. Replacement estrogen has been around for 80 years. Today, many of the men interested in taking estrogen are transsexuals who want to look more like women. Estrogen is what causes women to have to have larger breasts, long hair, higher voices and other characteristics considered to be feminine. Men taking estrogen can experience these types of feminine qualities as well.
But there are also several other reasons for men taking estrogen. As they go through puberty, boys have low levels of estrogen and high amounts of testosterone. This is a process which reverses itself as men get older. Aging increases levels of estrogen in men. Higher levels of estrogen can cause erectile dysfunction, a loss of sex drive and a decrease in muscle tissue.
Men who have a lot of abdominal fat are the most apt to have more estrogen. There is a condition in men known as estrogen dominance, where too much estrogen is produced. This can have many side effects, such as weight increase, impotence, urinary problems, depression, enlarged prostate, fatigue, and a decrease in sex drive.
Many of the substances we come in contact with on a daily basis can add to estrogen dominance. One of the biggest causes is xenoestrogens. These can be found in plastics and styrofoam, air fresheners, paints, pesticides, personal care items, household cleaners, detergents, cosmetics and many other products. Xenoestrogens are found in meats, including beef, pork, and chicken. Organic meats raised on local farms are the only meats without these hormones.
While too much estrogen in men can cause health problems, it is ironic that many men are taking estrogen to cure health problems. One of the most interesting of these cases is prostate cancer. Think about this: estrogen dominance can cause enlarged prostates and prostate cancer. Conversely, men with prostate cancer are taking estrogen to slow or cure the disease so that they can live longer.
While estrogen treatments are not yet at the top of the list of prostate cancer treatments, more and more studies are coming to the conclusion that especially after surgery, estrogen can help stop the cancer from continuing to spread. Even though there are side effects associated with men taking estrogen, if it is a matter of life and death, such as with prostate cancer, the reasons to take estrogen might be more positive than negative.
Balancing hormones is a necessary part of men taking estrogen or not taking estrogen. For instance, eating a healthy diet, taking supplements and exercising are all ways to balance hormones. If high estrogen is a problem, try eliminating alcohol from your diet. It also helps to add foods or supplements which contain flaxseed and vitamin B.
If you are taking estrogen and begin to get a rash, have muscle weakness, or joint problems, see your doctor immediately as these can be signs of an estrogen allergy. These are not common, but skin allergies are sometimes seen with the use of estrogen patches.
If you have prostate problems, are experiencing symptoms of estrogen dominance, or want to look into the possibilities of hormone replacement therapy, your doctor can give you good advice on what the best choices are for you.