What to Know About Estrogen Blockers for Men

The endocrine system in the body produces hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. These hormone levels can fluctuate over time as people age.

Hormone excess or imbalance can lead to health issues in men. Medication that inhibits estrogen activity or synthesis is one option for treating low testosterone.

Continue reading to learn more about hormone function, symptoms of a testosterone or estrogen imbalance, estrogen-blocking therapy, and when to consult a doctor.

Estrogen in Men

Estrogen is commonly thought of as a female hormone because it is produced mostly by the ovaries. Men, on the other hand, have estrogen in their bodies. The testes produce around 20% of the estrogen in the male body. The remainder is created in body fat, the brain, the skin, and the bones.

Many activities in the male body are influenced by estrogen. Among these tasks are bone maintenance and growth, head and eye movement coordination to support vision, sexual functioning in relation to desire (sexual drive), erectile functioning, and sperm production.

Changes in the estrogen-to-testosterone ratio in the body might cause health concerns in some patients. Lower testosterone levels and an increase in androgen conversion to estradiol, for example, are linked to a variety of health problems in patients with late-onset hypogonadism.

Estrogen Blockers

Estrogen blockers are medications that decrease the amount or function of estrogen in the body.

Several estrogen blocker drugs used to address testosterone-to-estrogen imbalances were initially developed for use in the treatment of breast cancer in women. They have, however, been prescribed for off-label use in male patients.

Aromatase Inhibitors

This medicine can boost testosterone and other hormones by preventing androgens from being converted to estradiol in the body. This lowers the body's overall estrogen level. The medicine also stimulates the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, increasing luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in the body, which may encourage healthy sperm production. Anastrozole and letrozole are two AI medicines that can be used for this purpose.

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators

These drugs bind to estrogen receptors and block estrogens from interacting with one another. SERM can also perform a similar function of releasing LH and FSH. Tamoxifen and clomiphene citrate are two common SERM medicines used to treat hormonal balance in men.

Side Effects of Estrogen Blockers

Estrogen-blocking drugs have been used off-label for some time in men with low testosterone and are generally well tolerated. However, no recognized standards for their use in men exist. More long-term research is required to determine the efficacy and safety of the drugs for this specific purpose.

Nonetheless, some research has discovered the following claimed adverse effects:

AI

AI is often well tolerated by people who employ it for this purpose. Nausea, a rise in liver enzymes, headaches, and hot flashes are all possible side effects.

SERM

Researchers discovered that clomiphene citrate had few negative effects while increasing testosterone levels, improving bone mineral density, and treating androgen insufficiency. Headaches, changes in eyesight, and gynecomastia are uncommon side effects of clomiphene citrate (enlargement of male breasts). Tamoxifen use may result in more serious side effects, such as gastrointestinal distress, an increased risk of blood clots, and cardiovascular difficulties.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

If you are suffering any of the symptoms associated with a testosterone/estrogen imbalance, particularly decreased sexual desire and erectile dysfunction, consult with a healthcare specialist to assist you discover the exact cause. A blood test to detect your hormone levels may be performed to determine whether hormones are at the root of your symptoms.

They can also advise on therapy choices if your hormone levels satisfy the requirements for a diagnosis, such as hypogonadism. Changing lifestyle factors (such as sleep and food) to medicine are examples of this.