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Estrogen Dominance in Men
September 23, 2009 by Dee
Filed under Estrogen Dominance in Men
When you first hear the term estrogen dominance, it would be natural to assume this is a condition suffered only by women. That is not the 
case, however. Estrogen dominance also can affect a man’s health.
How Men Develop Estrogen Dominance
Men, as well as women, need their hormones to be balanced. Both testosterone and estrogen play a role in keeping men healthy and these hormones should have a harmonious balance in the male body.
There are several factors that can throw a man’s levels of estrogen and testosterone off balance, including obesity and alcoholism, but environmental concerns are one of the most common culprits. Our environment is filled with substances called xenoestrogens, substances that mimic estrogen. Xenoestrogens can be found all around us. They are in the food we eat, the water we drink and the products we use.
Commercially raised beef and poultry often come from animals that have been treated with steroids to make them grow bigger and more rapidly. Produce has been tainted with xenoestrogens from pesticides. Xenoestrogens are also found in paints, personal care products, detergents, artificial scents, styrofoam, plastics and a host of other items. Constant exposure to these substances can lead to estrogen dominance.
Problems Faced by Men with Estrogen Dominance
Testosterone levels are highest in men when they are young. As men begin to age, testosterone levels begin a natural decline. With a constant bombardment of xenoestrogens, which our bodies cannot differentiate from natural estrogen, and a lowering testosterone level, estrogen becomes the dominant hormone and can cause numerous health problems, such as:
- Weight gain, especially around the chest and abdomen
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Headaches
- Depression
- Decreased fertility
- Erectile dysfunction
- Hair loss
- Prostate and breast cancer (yes, men do get breast cancer)
How Men Can Fight Estrogen Dominance
To avoid these problems, men need to restore a healthy hormonal balance in their bodies. There are several steps you can take to regain control of the hormones in your body.
Decrease your exposure to as many xenoestrogens as possible.
- Change your shopping habits. Buy meats labeled ‘hormone-free’ or certified organic.
- Avoid processed foods
- Use traditional china or ceramic dishes rather than paper or plastics
- Don’t microwave or store food in plastic containers
- Cut down on dairy products. Dairy products are often high in estrogen because cows are frequently milked when they are pregnant and estrogen levels are at their highest. Use rice or almond milk instead.
- Wear gloves when handling paints or solvents such as paint thinner or rubbing alcohol
- Use natural household cleaners
- Buy detergents that are free of scents and dyes
You can avoid the problems of estrogen dominance by living a more natural lifestyle. By following only a few simple guildelines you can restore your body to a normal, healthy hormonal balance – even if you already suffer from estrogen dominance.
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