The Role of Estrogen in Men: Why Hormone Balance Matters More Than You Think
When it comes to men’s hormones, testosterone often gets all the attention. However, an equally important — and often overlooked — player is estrogen. Although commonly associated with women, estrogen performs crucial roles in a man’s body that influence everything from energy and mood to fertility, bone strength, and cardiovascular health.
At Resilient Heath Austin, we see many men experiencing fatigue, low libido, weight gain, or mood changes. While testosterone deficiency is a frequent suspect, the real issue is often an imbalance in estrogen — either too high or too low.
Understanding Estrogen in Men
Men produce estrogen naturally, primarily through the conversion of testosterone into estradiol (E2) by the enzyme aromatase. This process occurs in the liver, brain, and adipose (fat) tissue. In healthy amounts, estradiol is essential for:
Supporting libido and erectile function
Maintaining bone density and joint flexibility
Protecting cardiovascular health
Regulating mood, memory, and cognition
Supporting metabolic balance and insulin sensitivity
In short, testosterone builds the framework of male health, while estrogen refines and regulates it.
When Estrogen Becomes Imbalanced
Estrogen levels that are either too high or too low can significantly affect men’s physical and emotional well-being.
High Estrogen in Men
Excess estrogen is often due to increased aromatase activity, which converts more testosterone into estradiol. This can result from:
Obesity and excess body fat
Liver dysfunction (impaired estrogen clearance)
Excess alcohol consumption
Exposure to xenoestrogens (chemicals in plastics, pesticides, and personal care products)
Overuse of testosterone therapy or certain medications
Symptoms may include:
Low libido or erectile difficulties
Fatigue and poor motivation
Mood swings or irritability
Gynecomastia (breast tissue development)
Weight gain around the chest or abdomen
Brain fog
Low Estrogen in Men
Low estrogen can also create problems, especially in men with low testosterone, those using excessive aromatase inhibitors, or those with restricted diets or extreme weight loss.
Symptoms may include:
Depression or low mood
Cognitive decline or poor memory
Joint pain or stiffness
Decreased bone density or fracture risk
Reduced libido and sexual function
Maintaining the right testosterone-to-estrogen ratio is far more important than simply lowering or raising one hormone.
Testing and Monitoring Estrogen
Functional medicine emphasizes precision testing to understand each individual’s hormonal landscape.
Common lab assessments include:
Estradiol (E2): The most active form of estrogen in men
Total and free testosterone
Testosterone-to-estradiol ratio (T:E ratio)
Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)
Liver function tests (for metabolism and clearance)
Thyroid and metabolic markers
Blood samples are ideally taken in the morning when hormone levels are at their daily peak.
Functional Medicine Strategies for Estrogen Balance
At Resilient Heath Austin, our goal is to identify and correct the root causes of hormone imbalance — not just managing symptoms.
1. Support Liver Detoxification: The liver breaks down excess estrogen. Nutrients like B vitamins, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), milk thistle, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, cauliflower) can enhance this process naturally.
2. Reduce Body Fat and Improve Insulin Sensitivity: Since aromatase is active in fat tissue, reducing visceral fat through exercise, stress management, and a low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory diet helps normalize estrogen levels.
3. Minimize Xenoestrogen Exposure: Limit plastics, pesticides, and synthetic fragrances. Choose glass or stainless-steel containers, and opt for clean personal care products free of parabens and phthalates.
4. Optimize Gut Health: The gut plays a major role in hormone elimination. A healthy microbiome prevents reabsorption of estrogen into circulation. Fiber-rich foods, probiotics, and proper digestion all support this process.
5. Use Targeted Nutritional Support (as clinically indicated)
Zinc and DIM (Diindolylmethane) help balance aromatase activity.
Calcium D-glucarate promotes estrogen clearance.
Adaptogens such as ashwagandha or rhodiola support stress and adrenal health.
These should only be used under professional supervision.
6. Address Low Estrogen by Restoring Testosterone: In men with low estrogen, the priority is often to optimize testosterone production rather than supplement estrogen directly. This may involve improving sleep, nutrition, thyroid function, and adrenal balance.
The Takeaway
Estrogen isn’t just a female hormone — it’s a vital regulator of male vitality, mood, metabolism, and longevity. The key isn’t to suppress or boost it, but to maintain balance through a holistic approach that considers lifestyle, environment, and root causes.
At Resilient Heath Austin, our functional/integrative medical team uses advanced hormone testing and personalized treatment plans to help men restore optimal hormonal balance — supporting strength, energy, mental clarity, and long-term wellness at every stage of life.