Men are not immune to the effects of changing hormone levels with age.
One of the problems that happens to men as they age (in addition to decreasing testosterone levels) is elevated estrogen (estradiol) levels. There are health risks associated with Estrogen dominance. Problems could include increased prostate cancer, cardiovascular risk and erectile dysfunction.
One of the important things to remember when helping men elevate their testosterone is that estradiol levels need to be monitored in addition to complete blood counts (hemoglobin and hematocrit levels etc.)
To encourage a healthy hormone balance and help reverse estrogen dominance and lower their risks follow these steps:
- If replacing hormone levels, use bio-identical hormones only
- Regularly monitor your hormone levels to make sure you have the right balance of all hormones, not just testosterone
- Maintain a healthy weight – body fat contains aromatase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogens
- Build more muscle mass with strength training to help increase testosterone and growth hormone levels
- Take a daily multi-vitamin/mineral that includes zinc, which inhibits the aromatase enzyme in fat cells from turning testosterone into estrogen
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes
- Exercise daily to reduce stress
- Choose hormone-free foods and estrogen producing compounds found in products to avoid xenoestrogens and pthalates
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– Dr. Sinda