Estrogen isn't just a female hormone, and men need it too
Hormone discussions stress that men need estrogen for brain, bone and libido, and that women need testosterone as well. Crushing either hormone in pursuit of 'balance' backfires. This corrects a common oversimplification that drives misguided supplement and drug use.
What distinguishes the sexes hormonally, according to Andrew Huberman? Show answer
Ratios, not presence. Estrogen and testosterone are present in everybody, with estrogen higher in females and testosterone higher in males.
Where does much of a man's estrogen come from? Show answer
From his own testosterone. Enzymes called aromatases convert testosterone into estrogen.
Why do men need estrogen, according to Huberman? Show answer
Testosterone promotes seeking sex, but estrogen is important for libido in males. If estrogen is brought too low, men lose their libido.
Why does Huberman say more is not better when adjusting these hormones? Show answer
Tissues that constantly renew themselves, such as the breast, testes and prostate, are prone to cancers that thrive on androgens and estrogens.
How does negative feedback affect testosterone? Show answer
If testosterone goes too high, it can feed back and shut down luteinizing hormone, which then shuts down the body's own testosterone production.
What does Dr. Kyle Gillett say about women's testosterone levels? Show answer
In total terms almost all women have significantly more testosterone than estradiol, and for health optimization it matters as much as estrogen and progesterone.
What is Gillett's rule on aromatase inhibitors? Show answer
Very few people truly need one. Crashing estrogen can hurt men's joints and libido.
Which lifestyle factors raise aromatase, according to Gillett? Show answer
Alcohol, high-fat meals and excess calories. Smoked marijuana likely increases it too.
Why is DIM not a clean estrogen-only tool? Show answer
Gillett points out that it lowers both estrogen and testosterone.
How can oral contraceptives affect a woman's libido? Show answer
The synthetic estrogen in most of them raises SHBG and lowers free testosterone and free DHT, flattening the pre-ovulation androgen bump and the libido that goes with it.
Do the sources say estrogen should never be lowered? Show answer
No. Estrogen-dependent breast cancers and diagnosed estrogen excess are cases where lowering or blocking it can be appropriate under medical care.
What claim about men and estrogen do the sources not support? Show answer
Effects on the male brain and adult male bone density. The sources directly tie men's estrogen only to libido and joints.