How & When to use Estrogen Blockers for Men

How & When to use Estrogen Blockers for Men

Do estrogen blockers really help to get you shredded or cut?

Is high estrogen the bane of your TRT existence?

In this post we will discuss the benefit of estrogen blockers including who should consider using them, how they should be used, and other signs and symptoms associated with estrogen problems

Estrogen in Men

When you think of estrogen you may be tempted to think that this hormone is only important for women. 

But estrogen, much like testosterone, is incredibly important in men. 

Estrogen works through hormonal cellular receptors found throughout the body. 

In men, these estrogen receptors are concentrated in the brain, penile vasculature, and testes (1).

Obviously, if these important areas have estrogen receptors then they must play an important role in sexual function. 

After all, why would the body have receptors for hormones if they served no purpose?

And we know, from several clinical studies, that both high and low estrogen is associated with alterations in libido, mood, and even testosterone levels (2).

In many ways, estrogen is a Goldilocks-like hormone. 

Too much causes a big problem while too little causes problems as well. 

In reality, you want to have a sufficient level of estrogen to have a normal sexual function and to prevent issues related to other hormones such as testosterone. 

Estrogen imbalance, predominately higher than normal estrogen levels, is becoming more and more prevalent among men. 

Estrogen is produced directly by the body but it is also created through a process known as aromatization (3).

It turns out that fat cells (your adipose tissue) do more than just add love handles or a belly to your body. 

They are an active participant in your endocrinology (hormone balance) and part of this participation is taking testosterone and turning it into estrogen. 

Put simply:

The more fat cells you have, the more testosterone you convert to estrogen and the more estrogen you have in your body

Estrogen, in high levels, causes two major problems in men:

#1. It increases the production of another hormone called SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) which binds to and inactivates testosterone

#2. It circulates back to your brain and reduces the production of pituitary FSH and LH which further reduces testosterone (4).

Knowing that high levels of estrogen promote a problem in men there is now a huge market for what is known as “estrogen blockers”. 

But do these blockers actually work to reduce estrogen in the body? 

Probably not in the way you are thinking. 

Estrogen Blockers Explained

So what exactly is an estrogen blocker?

An estrogen blocker is any compound or medication that blocks either the action of estrogen at the cellular level (cellular inhibition of the estrogen receptor) or a medication that reduces the total amount of estrogen in the body (reduced production). 

The problem with estrogen blockers is not that they don’t work, but that most people don’t understand how or why to use them. 

Using estrogen blockers simply because you are overweight and want to “get shredded” is not really the correct way to use them. 

Furthermore, you absolutely don’t want to alter your estrogen levels, if they are normal, to begin with!

You have to remember that estrogen works in tandem with testosterone. 

In this way, it’s important to have both optimal levels of testosterone AND estrogen.

But it’s absolutely possible to have high estrogen and normal/low testosterone or normal estrogen and low testosterone. 

The only way to determine which problem you have is with serum testing of your hormones (more on that below). 

Suppressing your estrogen into oblivion is not the answer to whatever issue you are dealing with and is likely to cause other problems

What Causes High Estrogen in Men

There are certain conditions, however, that are known to cause high estrogen at a relatively high frequency. 

The presence of these conditions (one or more) may be an early sign that an estrogen blocker may be beneficial for your body. 

The most common causes of high estrogen in men include

Symptoms of high estrogen in men include

  • Breast tenderness or enlargement of breast tissue (nipples as well)
  • Bloating or retaining water
  • Increased emotion
  • Sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction)
  • Low energy
  • Lack of muscle tone or inability to increase muscle mass despite weight training
  • Female fat distribution (weight gain in the breasts, hips, thighs, etc.)
  • BPH or issues with urination

If you fit into these categories, or you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, then it is much more likely that you are experiencing some degree of high estrogen. 

The next step would be testing, or supplementation (if it makes sense) as a trial run. 

Estrogen Blockers with TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy)

Testosterone replacement therapy is a special situation in which the use of an estrogen blocker may be necessary. 

The use of bio-identical exogenous testosterone (meaning from a gel or a shot) may supply your body with the substrate that it can use to produce estrogen. 

Think about it this way:

Many men with obesity suffer from low testosterone (this is an undisputed fact). 

These men will obviously benefit from testosterone replacement therapy because it will not only help them lose weight but it will also promote a better quality of life. 

The problem with TRT in this situation is that your body can take that testosterone and turn it into estrogen with all of the excess fat cells that you have at baseline

In this way, you may be feeding the “aromatase conversion” fire by supplying your body with testosterone. 

This isn’t a problem necessarily, but it is always something that needs to be looked at and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 

Some men, due to genetics or due to how they are taking estrogen, will convert testosterone to estrogen at a high rate (9).

These men tend to do better by taking estrogen blockers in conjunction with their TRT. 

The goal of using estrogen blockers is not to suppress your estrogen down to zero, but to find an optimal level that allows you to benefit from BOTH testosterone and estrogen

This may take some trial and error. 

Types of Estrogen Blockers

When we talk about estrogen blockers there are really two main categories that they fit into. 

The first is prescription medications. 

These medications need to be prescribed by a physician and should be taken cautiously because they tend to be more powerful than over-the-counter supplements. 

#1. Medications

Medications that work to balance estrogen include a medication class known as aromatase inhibitors. 

These medications work by blocking the enzyme aromatase (the one we discussed earlier) (10).

Medications that fall into this category include Arimidex (anastrozole), Aromasin (exemestane), and Femara (letrozole). 

Believe it or not, these medications were developed and are most commonly prescribed to women with breast cancer. 

In women, they help to drop estrogen levels to very low amounts and can be used to treat estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. 

In men, they serve a different purpose. 

The goal of using these medications is to balance estrogen levels by reducing the amount of estrogen your body converts (or creates) from testosterone (11).

When used in men you should use a much smaller dose than what is “standard” for most women. 

This often will be 0.5mg to 1mg every 3-4 days

#2. Over the Counter Supplements

Over-the-counter supplements, work differently than estrogen-blocking medications. 

These supplements work to help your body metabolize and eliminate estrogen from circulation. 

They also help to promote the creation of healthy estrogen metabolites vs other more active metabolites. 

Remember that all of your hormones need to be metabolized or “cut up” by the liver into smaller and smaller pieces so they can be eliminated through the urine or stool (12).

Some of these pieces, after the main hormone has been cut up, have estrogen receptor activity (13).

You can reduce the creation of some of these metabolites by increasing how efficient your body is at eliminating estrogen. 

Supplements which fall into this category include Diindolylmethane (DIM), Indole-3-carbinol (14), and Calcium D-glucarate. 

These supplements are often referred to as “estrogen blockers” by those who are trying to sell supplements, but they are not as powerful as true estrogen-blocking medications (listed above). 

But just because they aren’t powerful doesn’t mean they aren’t useful. 

DIM and indole-3-carbinol are found naturally in certain plants such as brassica vegetables (15).

Eating plenty of vegetables (especially broccoli, cabbage, and so on) can naturally provide your body with some of these nutrients.

While consuming them is a necessary approach it should also be supplemented with additional nutrients (taking over-the-counter supplements). 

It’s not always possible to consume large enough quantities of vegetables to have a meaningful impact on estrogen metabolism, and, even if you do, it’s difficult to stay consistent in consuming these foods day in and day out. 

How to use Estrogen Blockers & Estrogen Metabolizers

The best way to approach estrogen blocker therapy is to start with a set of labs at baseline (including Testosterone, Estradiol, and SHBG). 

In some cases, that may not be available or it may be difficult to obtain from your current physician. 

If you fall into this category and you remain convinced that you have high estrogen due to your symptoms or other risk factors, then your best bet is to start with a combination of estrogen metabolizers such as DIM + Calcium D-glucarate

The use of prescription estrogen blockers is probably only necessary for those on testosterone replacement therapy or for those with extremely high estrogen levels. 

You can use these dosages as a starting point: 

  • DIM – 200-400mg per day (combine with calcium d-glucarate)
  • Calcium D-glucarate – 500mg per day (combine with DIM)
  • Arimidex – 0.5mg to 1mg every 3-7 days (most men do fine on 1mg twice per week as baseline dose)

In most cases, using DIM + Calcium d-glucarate will not grossly alter your serum estrogen level. 

They may, however, act to improve your symptoms. 

So, when using supplements, make sure you follow your symptoms instead of your absolute estrogen level. 

Arimidex, on the other hand, will drop your estrogen level as you use it, so you will need to follow your serum estrogen level. 

Testing for Estrogen & Testosterone

Testing and evaluating sex hormones in men deserves its own blog post, but I can outline some of the basics here. 

When testing your sex hormones you need to be evaluating values in the context of other hormones. 

What this means is that you never just want to order testosterone by itself or estrogen by itself. 

In addition, there is really no such thing as “estrogen”. 

Instead, you can focus on ordering the most biologically active estrogen which is known as estradiol

And, in men, you should make sure you order the ultra-sensitivity estradiol test designed to evaluate low levels of estradiol in the serum. 

The “standard” estradiol test, which was created for women, is not as useful in men who need finer titration and regulation of estradiol. 

With these concepts in mind you will want to evaluate the following hormones (at a minimum): 

  • Ultra-sensitive estradiol – Optimal levels will vary from man to man, but aim to get this value less than 25pg/mL. 
  • Total and free testosterone – Testosterone levels will vary from man to man, but optimal levels usually fall in the top 20% of the reference range. 
  • Sex hormone binding globulin – SHBG should be no higher than 30-35 nmol/L. 

Final Thoughts

When considering the use of estrogen blockers it’s important to cut through the hype and marketing. 

In many cases, estrogen blockers can be an effective tool to help regulate both estrogen and testosterone in men, but they must be used correctly. 

Blind use of these supplements with the goal of weight loss in mind or in an attempt to build muscle will likely not yield the results you are looking for. 

Instead, careful evaluation of your hormones (including both estrogen and testosterone) while using estrogen blockers only as necessary, will yield much better results long term

Now I want to hear from you:

Are you struggling with high estrogen?

Are you also on TRT?

Have you used estrogen blockers with success in the past?

Have they worked for you?

Leave your comments below! 

#1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20126844

#2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC34093/

#3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278933/

#4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3083691

#5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17825496

#6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24928451

#7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4046332/

#8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4524299/

#9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3741419/

#10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24119010

#11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5182219/

#12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16112414

#13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2852629/

#14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1656396

#15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27538743

using estrogen blockers in men

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About Dr. Westin Childs

Hey! I'm Westin Childs D.O. (former Osteopathic Physician). I don't practice medicine anymore and instead specialize in helping people like YOU who have thyroid problems, hormone imbalances, and weight loss resistance. I love to write and share what I've learned over the years. I also happen to formulate the best supplements on the market (well, at least in my opinion!) and I'm proud to say that over 80,000+ people have used them over the last 7 years. You can read more about my own personal health journey and why I am so passionate about what I do.

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15 thoughts on “How & When to use Estrogen Blockers for Men”

  1. You provide excellent advise on the use of the SENSITIVE E2 test for men. As I understand it the STANDARD E2 test will give false high readings for men, and if an AI is dosed based on false high readings it is easy to tank a mans E2 and he would then feel miserable, not to mention other risk that go along with low E2. I would think that the starting dose of anastrozole should be 0.5mg, or less, per week, and titrate up from there, so as to not crash a mans E2. One other thought is to use a compounding pharmacy for a lower dose tablet that could be spread out over the week, so a stable level would be maintained and not a big surge of the drug at one time.

    Reply
    • Hi Omi,

      Yes, I would definitely agree, those are great suggestions and may work better than the larger biweekly dose.

      Reply
  2. Dr Childs,

    I’m mid 40’s, and have worked out since I was 15. I’m 5-10 180 lbs with a BMI of 26. For many years I took any pro hormone over the counter supplement most with little gain or success. Ive never taken an estrogen blocker or suppressor before. I also took both soy and whey proteins for years and do have “slight” gyno I attribute to all the afformentioned?

    The only supplement I ever took which work tremendously was a transdermal oil called TRENAZONE banned in 2015.

    For some time now I am extremely tired / exhausted all the time, can sleep 5 or 9 hours and it makes no difference. My joints ache like I’m 80, stiff in am and after sitting down for a period of time (more so than a 45 yo should be.

    All this to say, I’ve been trying to figure out what’s going on. I have been tested for thyroid, all normal, lymes, nothing, no RA. Recently tested for Low T.

    Results =
    271 1st test
    391 second test

    Both blood draws first thing in the morning.

    My insurance will not pay for the TRT – so I am now thinking it is POSSIBLE I have too much estrogen or testosterone conversion to estrogen? I am not sure?

    I work out 4-5 days a week and eat healthily most of the time but I do eat sweets as well.

    If I were to try estrogen balancing supplements, given what I’ve described, do you recommend I follow what you’ve stated in the article or do you have another suggestion for me?

    Sincerely searching,

    Chad

    Reply
    • Hi Chad,

      Testosterone is actually quite cheap, as little as $2 per injection if you get it from the right pharmacy. I would also make sure you evaluate your thyroid function, cortisol, and DHEA. You’ll need to look beyond testosterone and estradiol to figure out what is going on.

      Reply
      • Thank you for your reply Dr. Childs.

        Thyroid was ruled out – T3 & T4 test normal.

        Would Cortisol or DHEA show up on standard labs or would I have to request them specifically?

        Sincerely,

        Reply
        • Remember that there is a WORLD of difference between being within range (NORMAL) and OPTIMAL. Dr. Childs has some great articles on that.

          Reply
  3. I am on TRT been on it for about 1 YR now I am having trouble with the right arimdex dose.
    – it says on my bottle take 1 mg weekly, however, I feel that is way too high due to the effects of my body. My penis will Not get fully erect like normal. Very embarrassing might I add.
    Secondly, I feel it dry me out Too hard as rock muscle. Also, I feel parched. I notice when I take that dose. So I stop taking it. I know that everyone’s body reacts differently, however, any advice would be much appreciated.

    Thank you

    Reply
  4. Hello, I was wondering what your advise for trans men would be. I take testosterone and I’m not seeing the results a lot of people are. I still have my ovaries (unfortunately) so my oestrogen levels must be high for a man and surely hormone therapy should be about having the same normal levels as cis men. Would you recommend I take blockers?

    Many thanks,
    Dean

    Reply
  5. Hi, my names Justin and I’m currently on testosterone replacement therapy. I really enjoy reading your articles and wanted to ask you about a few things. In this article I noticed you said the goal is to keep estrogen below 25 and since I’ve been on TRT mine has been about 40 on the day before I do my next shot. My doctor says as long as it’s below 42 it’s fine but I think that it might be the reason I feel like I’m retaining more water and my blood pressure has gone up. Do you think I would benefit from an estrogen blocker in addition to my testosterone? Also could my thyroid effect the amount of estrogen my body produces from testosterone? My thyroid has been sluggish at many times.

    Reply
  6. I’m 40 and overweight. I’ve always been overweight. I workout and eat fairly healthy. I dont have a problem gaining muscle mass but I do have a problem with losing body fat. I’m 20-25% body fat. My labs last year showed a normal testosterone level but an elevated estrogen level. My sex life is great by the way. Should I be taking an estrogen metabolizer or maybe a blocker?

    Reply
  7. Great article. Have battled high estrogen levels for years. Tried medical blockers along with TRT. My body did not react well at all. After the shot I felt like an 18 year old for about 36 hours and then like an 80 year old afterwards. Apparently my bodies metabolizes very quickly. It was a year of a nightmare. Still having problems battling high estrogen, low t and high SHBG and low Free T.

    Reply
  8. Here are my latest test results. 10/2020 7:50 am

    950 ng/dl 250-1100 T (MS) good (32.96 nmol/l)
    5.6 ng/dl 3-13.5 fT (dialysis) way too low – should be at least 20
    0.59% %ft should be at least 2%
    PROBLEM> 48 pg/ml 115 nmol/l 23-77 SHBG way too high
    6.9 1.5-12.4 FSH
    11.7 1.7-8.6 LH high

    4.04 .35-4.94 TSH
    2.84 1.71-3.71 FT3
    1.01 .70-1.48 FT4

    Symptoms are near complete loss of libido and poor or no erection, plus loss of muscle strength and body hair.

    I think I should first reduce estradial with an aromatase blocker like Chrysin (since endo won’t prescribe Arimidex).

    Suggestions?

    Reply
  9. I used estriol cream and then pills, my husband developed BPH and grew rapidly. We did not use condoms, I think I transferred estriol to him. What can we do now to fix this? Please help.

    Reply
  10. …………greetings doc….concerning DIM….you didnt mention the positive effect on dht at the prostrate and scalp……and the benefit of lessening of outher weak estrogens in male/ female……creatine > dht so dim is needed to consider using, right?…….i enjoy your site for its info…….

    Reply

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