In this article
The Hormone Men Get Wrong
Estrogen is not a female hormone. It is a human hormone. Men produce it every day through aromatisation of testosterone. And the consequences of having too little estrogen are at least as severe as having too little testosterone.
Bone Density
Estrogen is the dominant regulator of bone metabolism in both sexes. In elderly men, estradiol correlates more strongly with bone mineral density than testosterone. Low estradiol (below 15-20 pg/mL) is associated with a 2.5-fold increase in fracture risk.
Cardiovascular Protection
Estrogen provides vasodilation through nitric oxide production, improves lipid metabolism, reduces inflammation, and prevents atherosclerosis. Men with congenital aromatase deficiency show elevated cardiovascular risk despite normal testosterone.
Brain Function
Estrogen supports synaptic plasticity, memory formation, serotonin/dopamine modulation, and neuroprotection against oxidative stress.
Sexual Function
Estrogen is required for normal libido, erectile function, and sperm maturation. Suppressing estrogen impairs the sexual function men are trying to enhance.
The Goldilocks Zone
Too low (< 15-20 pg/mL): bone loss, cardiovascular risk, cognitive impairment, reduced libido. Too high (> 40-50 pg/mL): gynaecomastia, water retention, mood instability. Optimal: 20-35 pg/mL.
What Drives Imbalance
Elevated: excess body fat, alcohol, TRT without monitoring, xenoestrogens. Low: excessive aromatase inhibitor use, very low body fat, age-related decline.
At Genoryx, we evaluate the complete hormonal ecosystem — not just testosterone in isolation. Book a consultation and get the complete picture.
Go deeper
Markers in this article
Sources
Studies named in this article that we matched to the original paper. A study described without enough detail to identify it is not listed.
- 01Khosla S, Melton LJ, Atkinson EJ, et al. Relationship of serum sex steroid levels and bone turnover markers with bone mineral density in men and women: a key role for bioavailable estrogen. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 1998. doi:10.1210/jcem.83.7.4924 (opens in a new tab)
- 02Finkelstein JS, Lee H, Burnett-Bowie SA, et al. Gonadal steroids and body composition, strength, and sexual function in men. New England Journal of Medicine. 2013. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1206168 (opens in a new tab)
This article is for education. It is not a diagnosis or a treatment plan; decisions about tests, medicines or supplements belong in a consultation with a physician who knows your history.
About the author
Dr. R. Brahmananda Reddy
MSc Dermatology, University of Hertfordshire (UK) · Founder & Chief Longevity Physician
MBBS · MSc Dermatology (University of Hertfordshire, UK) · Fellowship in Aesthetic & Regenerative Medicine (University of Greifswald, Germany). 13+ years in clinical practice.
Full profile
