What Does It Mean?
Estrogen dominance in males occurs when estrogen levels are elevated relative to testosterone, leading to hormonal imbalances. This dysfunction may be caused by excess estrogen production, impaired detoxification, or testosterone deficiency. Functional Medicine focuses on identifying root causes such as liver detoxification issues, gut imbalances, environmental toxins, and stress-related hormone dysregulation.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
- Increased Aromatization – Excess conversion of testosterone to estrogen due to obesity or metabolic dysfunction.
- Impaired Estrogen Detoxification – Liver dysfunction or poor methylation can lead to the accumulation of estrogen metabolites.
- Xenoestrogen Exposure – Environmental toxins from plastics, pesticides, and personal care products mimic estrogen and disrupt hormonal balance.
- Low Testosterone Production – Age-related decline, chronic stress, or metabolic dysfunction contribute to low testosterone, exacerbating estrogen dominance.
- Gut Dysbiosis & Poor Elimination – Imbalances in gut bacteria can lead to reabsorption of estrogen instead of excretion.
- Insulin Resistance & Inflammation – Metabolic dysfunction interferes with hormone signaling and balance.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Increased body fat, particularly around the chest and abdomen
- Low libido and erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue and decreased muscle mass
- Mood swings, depression, and anxiety
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
- Water retention and bloating
Lab Test Findings
(Note: Additional lab tests may be referenced for a comprehensive evaluation.)
| Lab Test Name | Expected Changes | Optimal Range |
| Alkaline Phosphatase | Altered | 45.00-100.00 IU/L |
| ALT (SGPT) | Increased | 10.00-26.00 IU/L |
| Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Screen | Presence may indicate autoimmune activity | Negative |
| AST (SGOT) | Increased | 10.00-26.00 IU/L |
| Estrogen | Increased | 80-250 pg/mL |
| Estrone | Altered | 0-125 pg/mL |
| Progesterone | Altered | 0.00-0.90 ng/mL |
How Do We Treat It?
A Functional Medicine approach focuses on supporting estrogen detoxification, balancing testosterone, reducing inflammation, and optimizing liver and gut function to restore hormonal equilibrium.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Magnesium | Supports muscle relaxation and hormone balance | 3 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita-Glutathione | Provides antioxidant support and detoxification | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita DIM | Supports estrogen metabolism and detoxification | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Reduce Xenoestrogen Exposure: Avoid plastics, pesticides, synthetic hormones, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
- Support Liver Detoxification: Enhance estrogen metabolism through cruciferous vegetables, fiber intake, and hydration.
- Improve Gut Health: Promote healthy elimination of excess estrogen with probiotics, fiber, and digestive enzymes.
- Optimize Stress Management: Lower cortisol levels through mindfulness, exercise, and proper sleep hygiene.
- Support Testosterone Balance: Promote natural testosterone production through resistance training, healthy fats, and proper sleep.
- Engage in Regular Exercise: Improve estrogen metabolism and reduce excess body fat that stores and produces estrogen.