Estrogen in men: the balance with testosterone and your blood values

Men need estrogen too, mostly the form estradiol. It plays a role in your bones, your libido and your mood. Problems only arise when the balance with testosterone tips, usually because of a high body-fat percentage. Below you will read what estradiol does and how to measure it alongside your testosterone.

So estrogen is not a women's hormone that ended up in men by accident.

Do men need estrogen?

Yes. Men make estradiol by converting testosterone with the enzyme aromatase, mostly in fat tissue. In the right amount it supports your bone density, your libido and your brain function. Too little estradiol can cause complaints just as much as too much.

So it is not about high or low, but about balance with your testosterone.

That conversion also explains why losing fat can shift your hormone picture. More on what affects your level is in increasing testosterone naturally.

What happens with too much estrogen?

A high estradiol relative to your testosterone can relate to fluid retention, tender breast tissue, a shifting mood and lower sex drive. A high body-fat percentage is a common reason, because fat tissue converts more testosterone into estradiol.

A few points to keep in mind:

• Body fat: more fat often means more conversion to estradiol.
• Alcohol: can shift the balance further.
• Compounds: those who use testosterone or other compounds sometimes see estradiol rise along with it.

Important: do not start tinkering with estrogen-lowering compounds yourself. Always discuss a tipped balance with your GP.

How do you measure estradiol alongside testosterone?

You measure estradiol in the same blood sample as your testosterone, ideally in the morning. Only by placing both side by side do you see whether the balance is right. A standalone estradiol without your testosterone is hard to interpret.

You can have estradiol measured together with your hormones through the General Hormones panel. How to read free and total testosterone alongside it is in free testosterone and SHBG.

My advice: treat estradiol as part of the team, not as a lone culprit. The ratio is what counts.

References

1. Finkelstein JS, Lee H, Burnett-Bowie SAM, et al. Gonadal steroids and body composition, strength, and sexual function in men. New England Journal of Medicine. 2013;369(11):1011-1022. PMID: 24024838.
2. Schulster M, Bernie AM, Ramasamy R. The role of estradiol in male reproductive function. Asian Journal of Andrology. 2016;18(3):435-440. PMID: 26908066.
3. Bhasin S, Brito JP, Cunningham GR, et al. Testosterone therapy in men with hypogonadism: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2018;103(5):1715-1744. PMID: 29562364.

Disclaimer

Elk bloedtestresultaat bevat een professionele beoordeling door een BIG-geregistreerde arts. Dit artikel geeft algemene informatie en is geen vervanging voor medisch advies. Een bloedtest is een hulpmiddel om beter geïnformeerd het gesprek met je huisarts in te gaan, geen diagnose op zichzelf. Bespreek voor behandelbeslissingen je resultaten met je huisarts.