How to Lower Estrogen in Males

Estrogen is known as the “female hormone” and testosterone is known as the “male hormone”. Women have more estrogen than men and men have more testosterone than women. Although they are identified with a specific gender, both hormones are found in women and men. However, high estrogen levels can cause a number of undesirable problems in men.

How to Lower Estrogen in Males

Signs of High Estrogen in Males

1. Gynecomastia

Estrogen may stimulate breast tissue growth (gynecomastia). Men with too much estrogen may start developing larger breasts.

2. Low Sex Drive

If you have high levels of estrogen, you may have low sex drive. A balance of both testosterone and estrogen is important for healthy sexual growth and development. Sexual function may be impacted when these hormones become imbalanced.

3. Erectile Dysfunction

If you have high levels of estrogen, you may have a problem known as erectile dysfunction. This means you are unable to maintain an erection. If you are experiencing sexual problems, you should talk to your doctor about a possible hormone imbalance.

4. Prostate Problems

High levels of estrogen in men can cause differing results. Some studies show that excess estrogen may cause prostate cancer, but once the cancer occurs, the estrogen may have some anticancer effects.

5. Infertility

Estrogen is partly responsible for creating healthy sperm. When estrogen levels are high, sperm count may fall. This can lead to fertility issues.

6. Weight gain

High estrogen levels in men can cause weight gain and weight gain may cause even higher levels of estrogen. It is a vicious cycle that is not easily broken.

How to Lower Estrogen in Males


1. Pomegranates

Pomegranates contain phytochemicals which are thought to have estrogen-blocking properties.

2. Fiber-Rich Foods


3. Organic Foods

While chemicals used in food production do not necessarily produce more estrogen, they can have estrogen-like effects when your body absorbs them. Eating organic food will prevent these chemicals from entering your body.

4. Foods Containing Sulfur

Since the liver is responsible for metabolizing and breaking down estrogen in the body, a healthy liver can help reduce estrogen. Sulfur can help detoxify the liver by getting rid of substances that cause liver damage. As a result, the liver becomes more productive and helps reduce estrogen more effectively.

  • Sulfuric foods include leafy green vegetables, onions, garlic, citrus fruits, and egg yolks.
5. Green Tea

Green tea contains phytochemicals which may help decrease estrogen production in the body. Research is still in its early stages regarding this notion, but early results appear promising.

6. Red Grapes

The skin of a red grape contains a chemical known as resveratrol, and the seeds contain a chemical called proanthocyanidin. Both of these chemicals have been known to help block the estrogen production.

7. Polyphenols


  • Flax seeds can be especially beneficial. In addition to polyphenols, they also contain lignans, which can counteract the effects of estrogen in the body and interfere with estrogen production. They do contain plant derived estrogens known as “phytoestrogens,” however, so you should not eat them in excess.
8. Diindolylmethane Vegetables

Diindolylmethane vegetables are known as cruciferous vegetables, which have high levels of phytochemicals. These phytochemicals work with the body to help block estrogen production.

  • A few beneficial cruciferous vegetables include cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, turnips, bok choy, kale, and rutabagas.
9. Mushrooms

Mushrooms help prevent the production of aromatase, an enzyme that works to convert androgen into estrogen. By eating more mushrooms, you can restrict this conversion process and decrease estrogen levels in the body.

10. Vitamin Supplements

Certain vitamins and minerals can help the body get rid of estrogen. Dietary supplements should never be completely relied upon, but including them in your routine can still be a wise decision.


What to Avoid to Lower Estrogen Levels

1. Red Meat

Red meat can contain hormone additives, and these additives can increase estrogen levels in your body or behave like estrogen in the body.

  • Look for meat labeled as “natural” or “organic”. Consuming this meat will still cause you to consume the estrogen left over from the animal’s natural stores, but you will not consume any excessive amounts of estrogen this way.
2. Dairy

Roughly 80 percent of estrogens acquired through diet come from cow’s milk and dairy products made with cow’s milk. Cows are often milked during pregnancy, when their estrogen levels are highest, which is why cow’s milk can contain such high doses of estrogen. Opt for non-dairy milk products, like almond milk, instead.

3. Unfermented Soy Products

Soy products contain compounds called isoflavones that mimic estrogen, so if you have high estrogen levels in your body, consuming unfermented soy can aggravate the estrogen’s effects.

  • Unfermented soy products include soy milk and tofu.
4. Junk Food


  • Even one cup of coffee can increase estrogen levels. Drinking up to four cups a day can increase your estrogen levels by as much as 70 percent.
5. Alcohol

Estrogen is metabolized by the liver, but high levels of alcohol can decrease liver function. When liver function decreases, estrogen levels can increase.


Lifestyle Changes to Lower Estrogen Levels

Stress less. Elevated levels of stress create more cortisol, the stress hormone. A by-product of this process is a relative excess of estrogen.


Exercise more often. Moderate to high intensity exercises have the greatest impact on estrogen levels. Try to get 15-30 minutes of moderate exercise each day to begin lowering your estrogen quickly.

  • Exercise can also lead to weight loss. Since estrogen can hide out in the body’s fat cells, fewer fat cells can mean less estrogen.

Avoid handling items that could contain toxins. Certain plastics and cosmetics can contain xenoestrogens, and these estrogens can find their way into your body when you handle them on a regular basis.

  • Ceiling and floor tile glues can contain dangerous carbons.

Get plenty of sleep. Poor sleep habits can decrease the amount of melatonin hormone in your body. Melatonin hormone helps protect your body against estrogen dominance, so decreased melatonin levels can lead to increased estrogen levels.

  • Keep the room as dark as possible as you sleep. Darkened rooms allow you to sleep more deeply, and a deeper sleep will help you produce more melatonin.

Ask your doctor about stopping certain medications. You should never quit taking any medication without consulting your doctor first. However, if you are concerned about high estrogen levels in your body, you may want to talk to your doctor about certain medications linked to increased amounts of estrogen and ask if you can limit or avoid them.


