Anti-estrogen diet for men: What to eat and avoid

How do males lower estrogen?

Certain medications can help lower estrogen in males. Speak with a doctor for treatment advice.

What suppresses estrogen in men?

Aromatase inhibitors (AI) can help suppress estrogen in men.

What are the top 5 estrogen foods to avoid?

Foods to avoid increasing estrogen include dairy and meat, alcohol, grains, and legumes.

Estrogen and testosterone are hormones that occur naturally in male and female bodies. Some research suggests that certain foods can influence the levels of these hormones.

Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers. They play essential roles in libido, mood, health, fertility, and many other functions.

Some people think of estrogen as a “female sex hormone,” but male and female bodies produce it. High estrogen levels link with some health problems in males.

This article examines foods that may raise or lower estrogen levels in the body and explores the evidence behind these claims.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.

Estrogen is the main female sex hormone, while testosterone is the main male sex hormone. Males also have estrogen, but in smaller amounts, and females have smaller amounts of testosterone.

Estrogen plays a key role in male sexual health. It helps modulate sex drive, erectile function, and sperm production. It also helps keep the bones healthy.

However, too much estrogen in males may cause problems. Symptoms of high estrogen in males include:

• breast enlargement, known as gynecomastia
• difficulty with erections
• infertility

According to

The balance between estrogen and testosterone is important for overall health. Too much or little of either hormone can cause health concerns.

Low testosterone levels, or hypogonadism, are a common age-related health concern among males. Its symptoms include a reduced sex drive, erection problems, and a low sperm count.

Some people worry that too much estrogen is the cause of low testosterone, but this is a myth. Estrogen and testosterone do not oppose each other.

Learn more about estrogen.

Many websites and natural health gurus claim that certain diets can lower estrogen levels, but little research has been done on these claims.

Some studies have suggested that specific foods may raise or lower estrogen levels. However, it is unclear whether these foods can address the health effects of high estrogen.

Speak with a doctor before making dietary changes to reduce estrogen. The most healthful diet varies from person to person.

Some

The following foods may lower levels of estrogen:

Soy products

Products made from soy are uniquely rich in compounds called phytoestrogens. These chemicals have a similar chemical structure to estrogen and may have estrogen-like effects in the body.

Soy products include edamame and some meat substitutes.

Some studies report that soy products can increase estrogen levels in the body, while others suggest they have the opposite effect. Paradoxically, both are true.

Soy contains isoflavones (a type of phytoestrogen), which doctors

This means that different types of isoflavones may increase or decrease estrogen levels in the human body.

These variations can make it difficult to draw broad conclusions about the health impacts of foods that contain phytoestrogens.

While soy has

Cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables contain indole-3-carbinol, a chemical that may have anti-estrogen effects. This means that they could reduce estrogen levels in men.

However, research has not directly shown that eating cruciferous vegetables reduces estrogen levels in the human body.

This group of vegetables includes:

Curcumin and turmeric

Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin.

A

According to some research, the following foods may increase people’s estrogen levels:

Dairy and meat

All animal products can contain traces of estrogen because even male animals produce the hormone. Cow milk may also contain phytoestrogens.

Some

More research is necessary on meat, dairy, and estrogen levels.

Alcohol

Alcohol may also heighten some effects of low testosterone. For example, alcohol is high in calories and can lead to weight gain.

Learn more about alcohol and testosterone.

Grains

Some grains contain a fungus called zearalenone that

Studies have mainly focused on the effects of zearalenone in animals and molecular pathways. Some scientists suggest that it could have similar effects in humans, though there is no evidence that the fungus harms human health.

Legumes

Legumes like lentils, peanuts, and chickpeas have many health benefits. They contain relatively high amounts of protein, making them a popular meat alternative.

Legumes

Notably, some isoflavones, particularly in soy,

Legumes also may support heart health and reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. Rather than removing them from the diet, consider eating small servings a few times weekly.

If someone has concerns about their levels of testosterone or estrogen, it is best to discuss this with a doctor before attempting to change these hormone levels at home.

Some people benefit from hormone injections. Testosterone therapy may be helpful, but

Some research has looked into natural ways to reduce estrogen. Several studies suggest that exercise may lower estrogen levels in some females.

Certain human-made products contain chemical compounds called xenoestrogens, which imitate estrogen in the body.

Some cell research suggests that exposure to these chemicals

Many plastics contain xenoestrogens. To lower their exposure to these chemicals, people may prefer to avoid plastic products, including bottles and food storage containers, when possible.

Males with concerns about the effects of high estrogen also may benefit from making healthful lifestyle changes, such as:

• reducing the number of calories in their diet
• getting more sleep
• exercising regularly