Aromatase and Estrogen Mastery: What Can You Do?
Recently, there seems to be an influx of clients seeking advice to reduce estrogen dominance, which can show up in men as an increase in breast tissue (gynecomastia) and in women who complain that their legs are plump or thick. In observing these men and women, I noticed that they tend to spend a great deal of their time on cardio equipment or jogging, and never or almost no time, on strength training.
Aside from the activity these men and women choose, they tend to be estrogen dominant. The dominance of estrogens can be attributed to genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Estrogen is a catabolic hormone that causes an increase in body fat and an increase in aromatase, while testosterone is an anabolic hormone that promotes muscle growth.
Aromatization occurs when androgens (testosterone) are converted to estrogens (strodial). High estrogen and low testosterone can indicate aromatase. Aromatase is an enzyme found in the estrogen-producing cells of the adrenal glands, ovaries, placenta, testicles, adipose or fatty tissue, and the brain.
Symptoms of a decrease in testosterone include fatigue, lack of motivation, depression, decreased libido, poor concentration, decreased muscle tissue, and increased body fat. In men, your breasts may enlarge as the extra estrogen begins to promote female body characteristics.
Estrogen dominance can be revealed through caliper skinfold measurements and laboratory tests of hormonal blood or saliva tests. Results that reveal high estrogen and low testosterone levels apply to both women and men.
Suggested lab tests:
* Female hormonal profile: pregnenolone, total estrogens, DHEA-S, progesterone, testosterone (total)
* Male Hormone Profile: Pregnenolone, Total Estrogens, DHEA, Progesterone, Bioavailable Testosterone, Testosterone (Total), Testosterone (Free)
* Both men and women should perform the test – Thyroid panel: T3, T4, TSH and thyroid antibodies
* Male: PSA (test at age 50 for Caucasians; age 40 for African-Americans)
For male skinfold measurements: If the pectoral site is higher than the triceps site, this indicates aromatase. Also, if the quadriceps skinfold is relatively high in a man, a PSA (prostate specific antigen) test is necessary. The estrogen sites in a woman’s skin fold are the quadriceps and hamstrings. Liver enzyme activity and poor estrogen detoxification are other factors to consider. Alcohol can be the culprit here as well as marijuana.
Excess estrogen in your body not only leads to aromatization, but also estrogen-dominating health problems such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, and breast and prostate cancers. Read more about hormones in my book, THE POWER OF 4 ~ Your guaranteed definitive guide to changing your body and transforming your life.
Factors that increase estrogen levels include:
* Age increases aromatase activity.
* Carbohydrate intolerance and insulin resistance – This affects the adrenal glands and all other major hormone levels. (The hormone you have the most control over is insulin, which is controlled through your diet. Hormones do not act independently.)
* Consume a diet of processed soy and non-organic foods loaded with xenoestrogens, pesticides, etc.
* Changes in liver function: elevated AST and ALT values
* Obesity: Most obese people of all ages have elevated levels of estrogen. Obesity in men = 25% body fat or more. Obesity in women = 30% higher body fat
* Excessive use of marijuana and alcohol: this equates to higher levels of blood sugar, triglycerides and estrogens.
* Plastics, pesticides, soaps, skin care products, cosmetics, and household cleaning products that contain xenoestrogens, pesticides, and other chemicals.
* Side effects of prescription drugs, especially diuretics and drugs for liver activity
* Zinc deficiency. Low zinc levels have been linked to an enlarged prostate and lower than desirable testosterone levels.
In addition to implementing lifestyle changes, eliminating all estrogen precursors such as plastics, non-organic foods, and ensuring a healthy gut flora, there are several aromatase inhibitors that can be obtained through botanicals and supplements.
Resveratrol, calcium d-glucarate, nettle root, chrysin, passionflower, and green tea are natural estrogen blockers that prevent aromatase. DIM and Calcium D-Glucarate are helpful for estrogen-dominant legs in women and gynecomastia in men. Gynecomastia is a growth of breast tissue in men.
In addition to the above, consider:
* Omega-3 fish oils (EPA / DHA), zinc and probioitics
* Consume organic food compared to conventional food due to its abundance of synthetic pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, etc.
* Eliminate processed soy products.
* Avoid refined carbohydrates, HFCS, and trans fats. Educate yourself on these ingredients and products, and stay away from them!
* Avoid estrogen precursors like plastic bottles, cosmetics, lotions, and chemical-laden cleaning products.
The exercise training program solution to estrogen dominance and low testosterone is a high intensity strength training program that builds muscle. Proper nutrition should always be considered and cannot be underestimated. Workouts involving the core muscles and multi-joint exercises will force the body to lose fat stores and increase muscle mass. Some of my favorite total body strength training exercises include Olympic lifts, squats, multi-directional lunges, deadlifts, chin-ups, push-ups and step-ups with sandbags, bodyweight, dumbbells, suspension training (TRX), kettlebells, sleds. . , pulleys and dumbbells.