Estrogen imbalance in males

What is estrogen imbalance in males and how does it affect overall health?

Estrogen imbalance in males refers to either excess or deficient levels of oestradiol, the primary form of estrogen, disrupting hormonal harmony. While estrogen is more commonly associated with female biology, men require small amounts for brain function, bone density, libido, and cardiovascular health.

In a healthy male body, estrogen is mainly produced through the aromatisation of testosterone. Ideally, estrogen and testosterone exist in a balanced ratio. But when this balance tips—due to increased conversion (aromatisation), impaired liver clearance, or imbalanced testosterone levels—symptoms can arise.

Left unaddressed, estrogen imbalance can lead to unwanted fat distribution, breast tissue development, water retention, and emotional instability. In older men, it may also contribute to prostate issues, reduced muscle mass, and metabolic dysfunction.

Which symptoms indicate high or low estrogen levels in men?

• Low libido or erectile changes
• Enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia)
• Increased body fat, especially in the abdomen
• Fatigue or low energy
• Irritability or mood swings
• Poor sleep or night sweats
• Brain fog or memory issues
• Joint pain or stiffness
• Decreased muscle mass
• Fertility issues

These symptoms often overlap with low testosterone or thyroid dysfunction, which is why functional lab testing is essential for clarity.

What causes estrogen imbalance in males and how does it develop?

The primary cause of high estrogen in males is increased aromatisation—the enzymatic conversion of testosterone into estrogen. But the reasons behind this process are often multifaceted and tied to lifestyle, age, and underlying metabolic patterns.

Common causes include:

• Excess body fat: Fat cells produce aromatase, increasing estrogen levels.
• Liver dysfunction: Impaired detox pathways hinder estrogen clearance.
• Low testosterone: Reduced testosterone creates an unfavourable ratio.
• Chronic stress: Elevated cortisol disrupts hormonal rhythms and lowers testosterone.
• Alcohol consumption: Reduces liver efficiency and increases estrogen conversion.
• Environmental exposure: Plastics, pesticides, and personal care products can act as xenoestrogens (estrogen-mimicking compounds).
• Medication: Some drugs, like anti-androgens or SSRIs, can alter estrogen levels.
• Ageing: Hormonal regulation naturally shifts, especially post-40.
• Genetic or metabolic tendencies: Certain men are naturally higher aromatisers.

Understanding the root cause—whether it’s insulin resistance, sluggish detox, stress, or dietary excess—is key to restoring hormonal balance.

How is estrogen imbalance in males identified accurately?

We recommend a comprehensive health assessment through functional lab testing, all done from the comfort of your home. This includes:

• Saliva hormone testing: To measure free oestradiol and testosterone over 24 hours.
• Cortisol rhythm assessment: To evaluate stress-related hormonal disruptions (without using urine).
• Liver function markers: Assess detox pathways involved in estrogen clearance.
• Toxic Heavy metals panel: to identify the presence of toxins and heavy metals in the body

A single test is rarely enough. That’s why we retest regularly to monitor progress and fine-tune your protocol.

What lifestyle changes help restore estrogen balance in men?

Getting hormones back in balance starts with consistent daily actions. These include:

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce aromatisation
• Exercise regularly, combining strength training and moderate cardio
• Reduce alcohol to ease liver burden
• Support liver function through foods rich in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale) and bitter greens
• Minimise plastic exposure—opt for glass or stainless steel, and avoid microwaving in plastic
• Manage stress through breathwork, daily downtime, or adaptogens
• Prioritise sleep to help hormonal regulation and fat loss
• Balance your meals using the Metabolic Typing Diet, supporting your unique energy and nutrient needs

Consistency over intensity is the key. Small daily steps lead to long-term balance.

How do we support oestrogen balance in men long-term?

Managing oestrogen imbalance isn’t about suppressing symptoms with short-term fixes. It’s about recalibrating the system. Our Functional Medicine Specialists take a long-view approach:

• Short-term: Lifestyle optimisation, detox support, and adaptogens for adrenal balance, removing pathogens and improving gut health.
• Medium-term: Nutrition alignment with your metabolic type, supplementation, sleep enhancement
• Long-term: Monitoring progress with lab retesting, adjusting protocols, and supporting testicular function and stress resilience

For men experiencing sleep disturbances or night sweats, BHRT (bioidentical hormone support) may be appropriate under professional guidance. However, our focus remains on restoring the body’s ability to self-regulate naturally.

How does the Forbes.health method restore estrogen balance in males at home?

At Forbes.health, we go far beyond symptom relief. We focus on healing the root cause through a full-body systems approach:

• Functional lab tests from home to assess estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, testosterone, cortisol rhythm, and liver function
• Personalised plans based on your lifestyle, health history, and metabolic needs
• Targeted supplementation delivered to your door to support detox, Metabolic Type, fat metabolism, and hormonal regulation
• Nutrition and exercise guidance tailored to your body type and hormonal patterns
• Ongoing check-ins with your Functional Medicine Specialist to track progress and make adjustments
• Easy-to-understand dashboards that show your trends, progress, and next steps clearly

We believe men deserve the same depth of care and attention as women—especially when it comes to hormonal health. All of this can be done conveniently, from your home, with expert guidance and reliable tools.