Supplements That Lower Estrogen
The enzyme aromatase is responsible for converting testosterone into estrogen. When men have elveated estrogen levels, 95% of the time the cause is high levels of aromatase activity. High levels of estrogen inhibit the luteinizing hormone release from the pituitary gland and therefore blocks testosterone production. In reality, this is a very viscous cycle that results in very low testosterone levels and too much estrogen.
This unhealthy balance of low testosterone and high estrogen in men causes:
- feminization
of the face and physique
- drastically weakened libido
- dramatically increased emotional feelings and expression
- retention
of subcutaneous water under the skin
- possible
development of man boobs, hot flashes and prostate problems (these are
typically only seen in the worst case scenarios).
Naturally Reducing Estrogen Levels
The best way to reduce estrogen levels is to eat lean healthy food and to avoid man-made estrogen-mimic chemicals. Outside of this, there are several supplements that can help by either inhibiting the aromatase enzyme or by down regulating the activity of the estrogen towards receptors. If supplements are the way you choose to go, below are the top 5 scientifically proven choices.
These Five Supplements Will Help You Lower Estrogen Levels
#1. Zinc
Zinc is one of the 24 most essential nutrients for human survival and is responsible for regulating enzymes as well as ensuring the immune system is functioning properly. Zinc supplements have been shown to reduce the activity of estrogen receptors as well as inhibit aromatase. Zinc can also increase thyroid hormone production which lowers levels of SHBG; this means more free testosterone is available. Ideally you want to make sure you include more lean meat in your diet but a high quality supplement of 15-30mg will deliver results. For optimal results, combine a lean meat diet with zinc supplements.
#2. Boron
This trace mineral is completely essential and just so happens to pack a pretty mean estrogen-lowering knockout blow. With 10mg a week men have seen free testosterone levels increased by 28%, decreased free estrogen levels, DHT(dihydrotestosterone) levels increased by 10% and a significant drop in certain inflammation markers. 6 mg of boron a day for two months resulted in increased testosterone levels by 29% as well as improved absorption of vitamin D. The best results will be seen with consumption of 6 to 10mg of high-absorption boron glycinate and eating plenty of raisins.
#3. Grape Seed Extract
The valuable compound in grape seed extract is a phenol known as procyanidin. While it is mostly known for its ability to improve circulation, procyanidin also reduces estrogen levels by inhibiting aromatase activity. This phenol has the ability to block estrogen biosynthesis which not only highlights its value for testosterone increases but also provides a potential way to prevent breast cancer. Grape seed extract unfortunately has low bio-availability so high doses are required to see effects. This means you are looking at a gallon of grape juice or 5 high potency supplemental pills.
#4. Resveratrol
An antioxidant found in red grapes, resveratrol is the central reason that people even consider red wine to be healthy. Resveratrol is able to inhibit the aromatase enzyme and boost testosterone levels. The problem resveratrol has is similar to grape seed extract, in that it has low bio-availability. The resveratrol supplement that has actually been shown to work is a patented resveratrol delivery system , so more research is needed for this option. Given the additional benefits that resveratrol has for human health, as soon as the challenge of bio-availaility can be overcome, this will be an excellent estrogen controlling supplement.
#5. Tongkat Ali
Coming to you from Malaysia, Tongkat Ali is hugely popular as a pre-erectile testosterone booster. Many studies have shown the ability for this compound to suppress the stress hormone cortisol and simultaneously increase the levels of testosterone. There are three potential ways in which Tongkat Ali is thought to work; suppression of SHBG, inhibition of aromatase and stimulation of testicular CYP17 enzymes. When tested against synthetic boosters, Tongkat Ali had comparable potency and ability to reduce estrogen levels.
Final Thoughts
High estrogen levels are something no man wants to deal with; the feminizing effects alone are enough to scare the most masculine of men. If your estrogen levels are high and you want to look at more natural treatments instead of synthetic medications, then look to make some dietary and lifestyle changes as well as thrown in a few of the recommended supplements discussed above.