What Is Estrogen Dominance?

Symptoms Seen In Men

Though estrogen is often associated with women, men also need a certain amount of estrogen to function. It's important for them to have a healthy balance of testosterone and estrogen for sexual development and growth. When there's too much estrogen, this balance is thrown out of whack. Men with too much estrogen might experience infertility, gynecomastia, and erectile dysfunction. Estrogen has a role in creating healthy sperm, but too-high estrogen can cause lower sperm levels, which leads to problems with fertility. Estrogen also stimulates the growth of breast tissue. If a man's estrogen levels are too high, it may be difficult to maintain or get an erection.

What Causes It?

Stress is largely believed to be the number one cause of estrogen dominance, though it is important to note excessive and chronic stress has a negative impact on all hormone levels in the body, not just estrogen. It can also contribute to premature aging, migraines, and stubborn fat deposits. Diet can also be one of the leading causes of estrogen dominance, particularly with processed food, as eating a diet rich in these foods can impact hormone levels. Women who eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and limit their processed food intake to less than ten percent of their daily diet are less likely to experience estrogen dominance and other hormonal complications.