Berniece Heng
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It converts to estrogen and supports reproduction, growth, and general health. If you’re noticing bothersome signs of low estrogen, see your provider and discuss the hormonal and non-hormonal ways to manage your symptoms. Some phytoestrogens may help promote heart health, bone health and skin elasticity. Discuss whether you’re a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy with your provider.
Excess estrogen can arise from elevated testosterone levels, leading to side effects. Aromatization is the process where the enzyme aromatase converts testosterone into estrogen (a.k.a. estradiol, also called E2). Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) primarily aims to elevate testosterone levels in men. On the contrary, low estrogen levels can lead to increased health risks.
But if your levels or high or low, your doctor will recommend the next steps to help get your estrogen levels balanced. You’ll see your blood estrogen levels shown in measurements of picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). But estrogen needs to stay in balance with testosterone to help control sex drive, the ability to have an erection, and the production of sperm. Testosterone is the most significant hormone to male sexual development and function.
Unopposed estrogen is called estrogen dominance in some medical literature. High estrogen can disrupt reproductive processes, cause unpleasant symptoms and increase your risk of certain conditions. Estrogen levels that are too high or cause a hormone imbalance can cause problems. Increases in estrogen spur your sexual development during puberty. Too much estrogen, though, can cause irregular periods and may worsen conditions that affect your reproductive health. Speak with a doctor if you’re worried or experiencing abnormal symptoms.
High exposure to estrogen-like chemicals may also affect testosterone levels. Other research suggests that several herbal supplements could also help support healthy testosterone levels, including saw palmetto, ginger, and ashwagandha. In a 2021 study, zinc supplementation increased testosterone levels and improved sexual function in postmenopausal women with low blood levels of zinc. Although the potential benefits of multivitamins are hotly debated, certain supplements may be useful for supporting healthy testosterone levels. Eating enough protein can help you maintain healthy testosterone levels and can aid in fat loss, which may be beneficial, too. Normal levels of testosterone may be achievable with hormone therapy and lifestyle adjustments. If a woman has symptoms of high or low testosterone, it’s recommended that she visit a healthcare provider to get further testing and a diagnosis.
Excess testosterone affects your body differently depending on your sex and age. Your provider will always reference your laboratory’s normal ranges when interpreting your results. The two charts below list the general normal ranges of testosterone based on age and sex. (LH more often stimulates the production of estrogen and progesterone in ovaries.) LH then travels to your gonads and stimulates the production and release of testosterone. For adult females, testosterone enhances libido. Testosterone triggers the development of the male internal and external reproductive organs during fetal development.