High Estrogen Symptoms and How to Deal with It
Caroline Hedges
Caroline Hedges is a critically acclaimed researcher, writer and serial entrepreneur.
With a knack for making the obscure plain, she is able to distill her research
in writing both fun and engaging posts.
Aging is inevitable, but just because it’s a fact of life doesn’t mean it’s not frustrating. For men and women alike, the signs of aging can be challenging to deal with. You start to see wrinkles around your eyes, gray hairs on your head, and the saggy skin that makes you look, well, saggy.
But there’s one sign of aging that isn’t just skin deep. It’s a hormonal change that can cause a whole host of problems, both physically and emotionally. We’re talking about high estrogen levels.
What Is Estrogen?
Estrogen is a hormone that’s primarily found in women. It’s responsible for the development of female sexual characteristics, such as breasts. It also regulates the menstrual cycle.
In men, estrogen plays a role in sperm production and bone density. Its presence is essential for good health, but while estrogen is essential for both sexes, too much of it can lead to some serious problems.
What Causes High Estrogen Levels?
There are several causes of high estrogen levels in both men and women.
In women, the most common cause is menopause. As women age, their bodies produce less and less estrogen. This slowdown in estrogen production can cause a sudden spike in estrogen levels, as there’s no longer anything to balance it out.
Other causes of high estrogen in women include:
- Obesity;
- PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome);
- Pregnancy;
- Use of certain drugs, such as birth control pills.
In men, the most common cause of high estrogen levels is obesity. Fat cells produce an enzyme called aromatase, which converts testosterone into estrogen. So, the more fat cells a man has, the more estrogen he’ll produce.
Other causes of high estrogen in men include:
- Testicular tumors;
- Use of certain drugs, such as anabolic steroids;
Klinefelter syndrome (a condition that affects males born with two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome).
High Estrogen Symptoms in Men and Women
The symptoms of high estrogen vary from person to person. They can also be different in men and women.
In women, the most common symptom is hot flashes. Hot flashes are sudden feelings of warmth, often accompanied by a red, flushed face and sweating. They’re caused by the widening of blood vessels near the skin’s surface.
Other symptoms of high estrogen in women include:
- Mood swings;
- Weight gain;
- Irregular periods;
- Decreased sex drive;
- Fatigue;
- Bloating;
- Breast tenderness.
In men, the most common symptom of high estrogen is gynecomastia, or “man boobs,” caused by the enlargement of breast tissue.
Other symptoms of high estrogen in men include:
- Erectile dysfunction;
- Infertility;
- Loss of libido;
- Fatigue;
- Decreased muscle mass;
- Enlarged breasts.
What Are the Downsides of High Estrogen?
High estrogen levels can lead to serious health problems in both men and women.
In women, high estrogen levels can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer and endometrial cancer. It can also lead to cardiovascular problems, such as stroke and heart disease.
In men, high estrogen levels can increase the risk of prostate cancer and lead to enlarged breasts, infertility, and erectile dysfunction.
How Is High Estrogen Treated?
The treatment for high estrogen depends on the underlying cause. If the cause is obesity, then weight loss is the most effective treatment. If the cause is menopause, then hormone replacement therapy may be the right approach.
Consult with board-certified physician specialist and plastic surgeon Dr. Phillip Chang of MedHealth 360 to find the best treatment option for you. He will assess your symptoms and health history to create a personalized treatment plan.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy involves taking estrogen and progesterone supplements to replace the hormones that the body no longer produces. This treatment can help reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms.
You can effectively manage prevailing health challenges such as high estrogen levels with the correct information. Before starting hormone replacement therapy, it’s essential to discuss the risks and benefits with Dr. Chang.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of high estrogen, make an appointment with Dr. Chang today. He will examine your situation and discuss the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy before starting any treatment.
Hormone Replacement Therapy at MedHealth 360
High estrogen levels can be frustrating and even dangerous. But with the right treatment, you can get your hormone levels back to normal and enjoy a healthier, happier life.
At MedHealth 360, we offer hormone replacement therapy for both men and women. We use bioidentical hormones, which are identical to the hormones produced by your body, to help reduce the risk of side effects.
If you’re struggling with high estrogen levels, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chang! We also offer lifestyle and nutrition counseling to help you make the changes you need to support your treatment. You may also read our blog to know more about healthy aging.
