Oestrogen is often labeled as a 'female hormone', but it plays a vital role in men’s health as well. When oestrogen levels in men fall below a healthy range, the effects can quietly disrupt everything from bone strength to mood and heart health.
In women, oestrogen plays a critical role in female puberty and controls the menstrual cycle. In men, oestrogen is produced in smaller amounts, mainly through the conversion of testosterone by an enzyme called aromatase. When oestrogen levels in men become too low, it can lead to a range of physical, mental, and sexual health issues that are often overlooked.
What are the normal levels of oestrogen in men?
As per Medical News Today, some medical centers estimate a healthy oestrogen level for men to fall between 10 to 50 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL).
What happens if the levels are low?
One of the most significant effects of low oestrogen in men is bone loss. When levels drop, bones can become weaker and more brittle, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Low levels of oestrogen may also cause decreased sex drive, excess fat around the belly, and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
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Low oestrogen can negatively affect sexual health as well. While testosterone drives libido, oestrogen supports erectile function by maintaining healthy blood vessels. Men with low oestrogen may experience reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, or difficulty maintaining erections despite having normal testosterone levels.
Another important consequence is its impact on mood and cognitive health. When oestrogen is low, men may experience mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, or difficulty concentrating.
"Men with lower levels of oestrogen are at a risk of suffering osteoporosis and also increased mood disorders, which is often overlooked," said Dr Jyotsna R Dass, a Hyderabad-based senior resident.
What happens if the levels are high?
High oestrogen levels can hinder the functioning of the body's functions and can cause symptoms such as infertility, erectile dysfunction, and depression, according to experts at Medical News Today.
How can men restore oestrogen to healthier levels safely and sensibly?
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Dr Sudhir Kumar, a Hyderabad-based neurologist, lists out how one can restore oestrogen to prescribed levels.
Focus on hormonal balance, not suppression
One of the common causes of low oestrogen in men today is excessive suppression, often seen in men on testosterone therapy or those using hormone-modifying drugs without supervision. Overuse of aromatase inhibitors, sometimes popular in bodybuilding circles, can drive oestrogen to abnormally low levels, with harmful effects.
Maintain a healthy body composition
Aromatase activity occurs partly in fat tissue, so men with extremely low body fat, such as endurance athletes or those on crash diets, may have reduced oestrogen production. At the other extreme, excess body fat can lead to too much oestrogen. The goal is metabolic balance, not extremes.
Eat enough and eat well
Chronic under-nutrition lowers both testosterone and oestrogen. Adequate intake of healthy fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals is essential for hormone production. Nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D indirectly support the testosterone–oestrogen pathway.
Exercise smart, not excessively
Regular physical activity improves hormonal health, but excessive endurance training without adequate recovery can suppress hormone production. Overtraining leads to lower testosterone and consequently, lower oestrogen.
Prioritise sleep and stress management
Sleep deprivation and chronic stress elevate cortisol, a hormone that interferes with sex hormone production. Even modest, long-term sleep loss can alter testosterone and oestrogen levels. Seven to eight hours of quality sleep remains one of the most powerful and overlooked hormone regulators.
Address medical causes
Low oestrogen may also signal underlying conditions such as hypogonadism, pituitary disorders, or inappropriate hormone medication use. In such cases, medical evaluation is essential. Self-treatment with supplements or hormones is unsafe.
For more information, consult a health expert.
