Our functional medicine Toronto blog frequently discusses hormone-related topics, such as boosting testosterone levels in men. But what happens when estrogen levels in the male body become higher than expected?

While estrogen is often associated with women, men also require this hormone for reproductive function, heart health, and bone metabolism. Some men may experience estrogen dominance, a situation where estrogen amounts are elevated compared to testosterone and progesterone levels. This imbalance can be linked to various symptoms, including erectile dysfunction, changes in sexual health, and other concerns.

In this article, our Toronto functional medicine providers explain the role of estrogen in men, offer tips to help address male estrogen dominance, and outline the benefits of our personalized integrative medicine services.

What does estrogen do in men?

Estrogen levels in men can differ based on age and personal health history. Men require estrogen for several physiological processes, such as maintaining muscle mass, managing stress, regulating metabolism, supporting nervous system function, maintaining bone health, and contributing to heart disease prevention.

Estrogen dominance may occur due to factors such as genetics, stress management habits, body composition, hypogonadism, or liver-related health conditions. Certain prescription medications may also contribute to higher estrogen levels.

Possible symptoms in men may include:

• • Mental health changes (including mood swings)
  • Infertility
  • Gynecomastia (growth of breast tissue)
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Reduced bone density and muscle mass
  • Concentration difficulties
  • Hot flashes (changes in temperature regulation)
  • Hair loss across the body

If estrogen dominance is not addressed, it may be associated with high blood pressure, calcium deficiency, certain cancers, reduced bone density (osteoporosis), decreased sex drive, blood clots, and increased chances of developing heart disease.

Quick tips to reduce male estrogen dominance naturally

If you think your hormones may be out of balance, visiting a healthcare provider is recommended. Our functional medicine practitioners are accepting new patients and can provide hormone balancing tips designed for your individual needs. Here are some considerations:

1. 1. Inquire about functional medicine testing
      Ask about functional lab tests that assess estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol at specific times of the day. These tests can help determine whether estrogen dominance may be present.
   2. Get a nutrition plan tailored
      A holistic nutritionist from our integrative medicine practice can design a nutrition plan that may help manage hormone balance. This could include increasing cruciferous vegetables while reducing dairy, fatty meats, and certain grains.
   3. Reduce your alcohol intake
      Alcohol use can influence hormone levels and may contribute to both estrogen dominance and low T. Reducing alcohol intake may also support immune function and mood balance.
   4. Avoid plastic materials when possible
      Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as BPA can affect hormone regulation. Opt for organic foods when available, limit the use of plastic containers, and review personal care product labels.
   5. Nourish your mental health
      Chronic stress may contribute to high estrogen in men. Consider stress management approaches such as deep breathing exercises, physical activity, or hobbies like yoga, painting, or other creative outlets.

Suggested reading: 7 No-Fuss Healthy Prostate Tips from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre

Why choose our functional medicine therapies

Integrative functional medicine aims to address the root causes of health concerns, and this is the model we follow at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre. In addition to addressing hormone imbalances, our services may include care for digestive concerns (irritable bowel syndrome), polycystic ovary syndrome, changes in weight, heavy metal exposure, chronic pain (including migraines), autoimmune conditions, and other issues.

Potential benefits of becoming a patient include:

• • Access to functional medicine laboratory testing, such as DUTCH testing for hormones and food allergen/sensitivity testing (IgG food antibody tests)
  • Availability of multiple treatment approaches in one location, including herbal medicines, naturopathic and conventional medicine, cold laser acupuncture, detoxification programs, IV therapy, hormone replacement therapy, psychotherapy, and Chinese medicine
  • Support in making lifestyle modifications that may help with long-term health goals

Your first visit will typically include discussion of your family history, lifestyle, personal health objectives, environmental factors, and possible recommendations for functional medicine testing. All treatment plans, including IV drips, are tailored using integrative functional medicine principles.

You do NOT need to settle for hormone imbalances – our healthcare providers can help revive your outlook on wellness! Call us now to book your visit for functional medicine in our Toronto office. 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

 

References

Cooke, P. S., Nanjappa, M. K., Ko, C., Prins, G. S., & Hess, R. A. (2017). Estrogens in Male Physiology. Physiological Reviews. https://doi.org/PRV-00018-2016

Dorofeev, Dmitry. (2022, February 14). The Role of Estrogen in Men’s Health. News-Medical. Retrieved on January 27, 2025 from https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Role-of-Estrogen-in-Mene28099s-Health.aspx.

Koh K, Kim SS, Kim JS, Jung JG, Yoon SJ, Suh WY, Kim HG, Kim N. Relationship between Alcohol Consumption and Testosterone Deficiency according to Facial Flushes among Middle-Aged and Older Korean Men. Korean J Fam Med. 2022 Nov;43(6):381-387. doi: 10.4082/kjfm.21.0173. Epub 2022 Nov 20. PMID: 36444123; PMCID: PMC9708857.

Nuttall, F. Q., Warrier, R. S., & Gannon, M. C. (2015). Gynecomastia and drugs: A critical evaluation of the literature. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 71(5), 569. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00228-015-1835-x

Schulster M, Bernie AM, Ramasamy R. The role of estradiol in male reproductive function. Asian J Androl. 2016 May-Jun;18(3):435-40. doi: 10.4103/1008-682X.173932. PMID: 26908066; PMCID: PMC4854098.

Stanikova, D., Luck, T., Bae, Y. J., Thiery, J., Ceglarek, U., Engel, C., Enzenbach, C., Wirkner, K., Stanik, J., Kratzsch, J., & Riedel-Heller, S. G. (2018). Increased estrogen level can be associated with depression in males. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 87, 196-203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.10.025

Wiggs AG, Chandler JK, Aktas A, Sumner SJ, Stewart DA. The Effects of Diet and Exercise on Endogenous Estrogens and Subsequent Breast Cancer Risk in Postmenopausal Women. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021 Sep 20;12:732255. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.732255. PMID: 34616366; PMCID: PMC8489575.