Estrogen blockers, also called estrogen inhibitors or anti-estrogens, can help raise testosterone levels in some situations by blocking the effects of estrogen in the body. However, the relationship between estrogen, testosterone, and estrogen blockers is complex.
- In men, high estrogen levels signal the body to stop producing as much testosterone. Estrogen blockers may help reactivate testosterone production by reducing excess estrogen.
- In women, estrogen blockers are sometimes prescribed to help treat estrogen-sensitive conditions like breast cancer. Lowering excess estrogen can help slow cancer growth. This can also lead to a relative increase in testosterone.
However, there are risks to using estrogen blockers just to increase testosterone:
- Estrogen blockers can cause significant side effects in both men and women when taken without medical supervision. These may include hot flashes, fatigue, nausea, vision problems, and increased risk of bone fractures and cardiovascular disease over time.
- Lowering estrogen too much may negatively feedback to reduce testosterone production over the long run in some situations. There is often an optimal balance between testosterone and estrogen for health.
- The body may adapt by increasing estrogen receptors or signaling when estrogen itself is too low, which can ultimately decrease testosterone over time.
So using an estrogen blocker is not guaranteed to increase testosterone. Outcomes depend on your age, gender, medical conditions, genetics, lifestyle habits, and more.
Balance Hormone Clinic employs an integrative approach to balancing hormones for health, taking all these factors into account.
If you are concerned about low testosterone or high estrogen levels, consult a medical provider for appropriate testing and oversight. Bloodwork is important for confirming hormone imbalances. Bioidentical
hormone therapy may be safer than taking oral estrogen blockers on your own.
Below are some key points about estrogen blockers and raising testosterone:
- Estrogen blockers work by inhibiting estrogen production or blocking its effects in the body. Major types used for hormone therapy include:
- SERMs like tamoxifen, raloxifene - Act as selective estrogen receptor modulators on breast and bone tissues
- Aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole - Block the aromatase enzyme which converts testosterone to estrogen
- Phytoestrogens from foods and herbs - Weakly bind to estrogen receptors to block stronger estrogens
- Reasons someone might take an estrogen blocker include:
- Breast cancer treatment in pre and postmenopausal women
- Managing gynecomastia (male breast enlargement)
- Raising testosterone in steroid users and older men
- Reducing estrogen-dominant symptoms like fatigue and low libido
- Potential side effects of estrogen blockade involve hormone disruption and include:
- Hot flashes, headache, nausea
- Vaginal dryness, pain with intercourse
- Joint pain, osteoporosis risk
- Cardiovascular effects
- Changes in mood and cognition
- Dosage is key - too much estrogen inhibition can negatively impact health markers, but finding the right balance for the individual can optimize testosterone levels. This may promote benefits like:
- Increased muscle mass and strength
- Improved energy levels
- Better sexual function
- Improved bone density
- Decreased fat mass
Working with a knowledgeable
hormone specialist to measure blood levels and carefully adjust estrogen blocker dosing is crucial for the best results.
Contact Balance Hormone Clinic to learn more about our integrative programs combining nutrition, fitness, stress management, and bioidentical hormones for both women and men seeking better health and balanced hormones.