In a recent 2012 article in Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, there was an excellent discussion on the impact of estrogen on men. It points out that increased intracellular estrogen levels in men induce and promote obesity, gynecomastia, metabolic syndrome, type two diabetes, benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostate cancer.
The problem is that with increased estrogen, relative testosterone levels drop and diabetes and weight gain occurs. This change in chemistry leads to a proverbial catch 22: with increased weight there is increased diabetic and metabolic syndrome risk, which further increases estrogen burden via the aromatase enzyme.
So, in order to lower aromatase activity, weight reduction is one of several important steps. Yet, also lowering sugary food intake and stress can pay big dividends. I also encourage my patients to engage in regular physical activity that will not only help lessen stress and improve insulin levels, it also will help support healthier testosterone levels.
