Aromatase and Estrogen Dominance: What Can You Do?
Recently, there seems to be an influx of customers seeking advice on reducing estrogen dominance, which can show up in men as increased breast tissue (gynecomastia) and in women who complain that their legs are fat or thick. Observing these men and women, I noticed that they tend to spend a lot of time on cardio equipment or jogging, and little or no time on strength training.
Aside from the activity of choice these men and women choose, they tend to be estrogen dominant. Estrogen dominance can be attributed to genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Estrogen is a catabolic hormone that causes an increase in body fat and an increase in aromatase, while testosterone is an anabolic hormone that promotes muscle growth.
Aromatization occurs when androgens (testosterone) are converted to estrogens (estrodial). High estrogen and low testosterone can indicate aromatase. Aromatase is an enzyme found in estrogen-producing cells in the adrenal glands, ovaries, placenta, testicles, adipose or fatty tissue, and the brain.
Symptoms of low testosterone include fatigue, lack of motivation, depression, decreased libido, poor concentration, decreased muscle tissue, and increased body fat. In men, their breasts may become larger as the extra estrogen begins to promote female body characteristics.
Estrogen dominance can be revealed through caliper skinfold measurements and hormonal blood tests or saliva tests. The results revealing high estrogen levels and low testosterone levels apply to both women and men.
Suggested Laboratory Tests:
*Female Hormone Profile: Pregnenolone, Total Estrogens, DHEA-S, Progesterone, Testosterone (Total)
*Male Hormone Profile: Pregnenolone, Total Estrogens, DHEA, Progesterone, Bioavailable Testosterone, Testosterone (Total), Testosterone (Free)
*Both men and women should take the test – Thyroid panel: T3, T4, TSH and thyroid antibodies
*Male: PSA (Test at age 50 for Caucasians; at age 40 for African Americans)
For skinfold measurements in men: If the pectoral site is higher than the triceps site, this indicates aromatase. Also, if the quadriceps skinfold is relatively high in a man, a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test is required. Estrogen sites in skin folds for a woman are the quads and hamstrings. Liver enzyme activity and poor estrogen detoxification are other factors to consider. Alcohol can be the culprit here, as well as marijuana.
Excess estrogen in your body not only leads to aromatization, but also to estrogen-dominant health problems such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, and breast and prostate cancers. Read more about hormones in my book, THE POWER OF 4 ~ Your Guaranteed Ultimate Guide to Changing Your Body and Transforming Your Life.
Factors that raise estrogen levels include:
*Age increases aromatase activity
*Carbohydrate intolerance and insulin resistance: This affects the adrenal glands and all other major hormone levels. (The hormone you have the most control over is insulin; this is controlled through your diet. Hormones do not act independently.)
*Eating a diet of processed soy and non-organic foods loaded with xenoestrogens, pesticides, etc.
*Changes in liver function: elevated AST and ALT values
*Obesity – High estrogen is present in most obese people of all ages. Obesity in men = 25% body fat or more. Obesity in women = 30% body fat of greater
*Excessive use of marijuana and alcohol: This equates to higher levels of blood sugar, triglycerides, and estrogen.
*Plastics, pesticides, soaps, skin care products, cosmetics, and household cleaning products that contain xenoestrogens, pesticides, and other chemicals.
*Side effects of prescription drugs, especially diuretics and drugs for liver activity
*Zinc deficiency. Low zinc levels have been linked to enlarged prostates and lower-than-desirable testosterone levels.
In addition to implementing lifestyle changes, eliminating all estrogen precursors such as plastics, non-organic foods, and ensuring healthy gut flora, there are several aromatase inhibitors available through botanicals and supplements.
Resveratrol, calcium d-glucarate, nettle root, chrysin, passionflower, and green tea are natural estrogen blockers that prevent aromatase. DIM and Calcium D-Glucarate are helpful for estrogen-dominant legs in women and gynecomastia in men. Gynecomastia is a growth of breast tissue in men.
In addition to the above, consider:
*Omega-3 fish oils (EPA/DHA), zinc and probiotics
* Consume organic versus conventional foods due to their abundance of synthetic pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, etc.
*Eliminate processed soy products.
*Avoid refined carbohydrates, HFCS, and trans fats. Learn about these ingredients and products, and stay away from them!
*Avoid estrogen precursors such as plastic bottles, cosmetics, lotions, and chemical-laden cleaning products.
The solution to the exercise training program for estrogen dominance and low testosterone is a high-intensity strength training program that builds muscle. Proper nutrition should always be kept in mind and cannot be underestimated. Workouts that engage the core muscles and multi-joint exercises will force the body to lose fat stores and increase muscle mass. Some of my favorite full-body strength training exercises include Olympic lifts, squats, multidirectional lunges, deadlifts, pull-ups, push-ups, and stair steps using sandbags, bodyweight, dumbbells, suspension training (TRX), free weights Russian, sleds. , pulleys and bars.