Estrogen dominance has become an epidemic in most developed countries.  Both men and women are susceptible to developing estrogen dominance in the body.  However, men in particular are much more prone to this imbalance.  As a result, this post will be geared towards men suffering from estrogen dominance.

With that said, there are several factors that can lead to high levels of estrogen in the body.  However, the primary cause for this imbalance in the body is mainly due to the many estrogen mimicking compounds found in our food and water supply.

Luckily, there are several natural strategies that can be used in order to help reverse excessive estrogen in the body and balance the hormones.

High Estrogen Symptoms

Before we get into the natural protocols that can help reverse estrogen dominance, let’s look at some of the symptoms of excessive amounts of estrogen in the body.

The following are symptoms often associated with high estrogen levels men:

Increased abdominal fat
Low levels of muscle mass (skinny fat)
Decreased libido and/or erectile dysfunction
Enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia)
Depression and anxiety

One study found that men suffering from gynecomastia had an imbalance between estrogen and androgen hormones, and all exhibited abnormally high levels of estrogen (1)

Xenoestrogens and Estrogen Dominance

Many men are unaware of the fact that plastics can actually contribute to excess estrogen in the body.

For example, if you drink from a plastic water bottle then you are taking in a good amount of xenoestrogens.  In fact, a study published in The Environmental Health Perspectives found that most plastics release estrogenic chemicals (2).

When these fake xenoestrogens build up in the body they cause hormonal imbalances such as estrogen dominance and various types of disease in the body (3).

Furthermore, men exhibiting high levels of estrogen will always have low levels of testosterone.  Unfortunately, studies reveal that when testosterone levels are low in men, the ability to build and maintain lean muscle mass diminishes significantly (4).

Foods Containing Harmful Estrogens

Many foods can also be a source of harmful estrogens. If you’re eating a whole food diet then your estrogen intake will be naturally low.  Although some plant foods contain phytoestrogens, they do not have the same devastating effect that synthetic xenoestrogens have on the body.

However, for those eating a highly processed diet, the risk of consuming xenoestrogens rises dramatically.

Researchers have found that 4-hexylresorcinol, an additive used to prevent discoloration and increase shelf life of shellfish, produces estrogenic effects (5).

Furthermore, propyl gallate, a preservative used to keep fats and oil from going rancid, has also shown estrogenic effects (6).

Both of these chemicals are used extensively in processed foods which is all the more reason to follow the correct diet if you wish to reverse estrogen dominance in the body.

Estrogen Blocking Foods and Herbs

It turns out that there are many foods and herbs that naturally reduce levels of estrogen in the body by decreasing the aromatase enzyme.

Research has shown that decreasing aromatase in the body can reduce the production of estrogen in the body (7).

Nettle Root

Nettle Root is excellent for men looking to reduce estrogen levels in the body and increase their free testosterone.

A study revealed that nettle root contains aromatase inhibiting properties and can stop the conversion of testosterone into estrogen, thus resulting in more free testosterone in the body (8).

We’ve found that this nettle root is excellent for those looking to reduce estrogen levels in the body naturally.

Raw Honey

Raw honey is perfect for reducing estrogen levels naturally in the body.  It contains a flavonoid called chrysin which has been shown to have aromatase inhibiting effects (9).

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale and arugula are great choices for reducing estrogen load in the body.  All cruciferous vegetables contain a particular compound called Diindolylmethane which is extremely important for the breakdown of excess estrogen.

Research shows that it exhibits anti-estrogenic effects in the body and positively effects estrogen metabolism (10).

Interestingly, Maca root, a super food we have written about before, contains extremely high amounts DIM.

Turmeric

Turmeric has been getting a lot of praise as of late, and rightfully so.  As well as containing amazing anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric also an anti-estrogen.

A study published in The International Journal of Gynecological Cancer found that curcumin, an activate component in turmeric, acted as a natural aromatase inhibitor and suppressed estrogen receptors in tumor cells (11).

Consequently, supplementing with turmeric can be a great way of combating estrogen dominance in the body.