What are hormones? Estrogen and testosterone are hormones that are produced naturally in the body of men and women. Research shows that certain foods can affect the levels of these hormones. Hormones are substances that are released from endocrine glands and enter the bloodstream directly. They play an essential role in libido, mood, health, fertility and many other functions in the body. Estrogen is thought to be a “female hormone,” although men’s bodies also produce it. High estrogen levels have been linked to some health problems in men. What disorders are high estrogen levels associated with in men? Estrogen is the main female sex hormone, while testosterone is the main male sex hormone. Men’s bodies also produce estrogen, but in smaller amounts. Estrogen plays a key role in men’s sexual health, helping to modulate sexual desire, erections and seminal fluid production. It also helps keep bones healthy. However, too high levels of estrogen in the blood in men can cause problems. Symptoms of high estrogen levels in men include: Breast enlargement, known as gynecomastia; Erection difficulties; Infertility According to a 2016 study, low testosterone levels and high estrogen levels can worsen erectile dysfunction. Some research has also linked elevated estrogen levels to depression in men. The balance between estrogen and testosterone is important for overall health. Too much or too little of either hormone can cause disorders. Low testosterone levels, or hypogonadism, is a common age-related problem in men. Symptoms of hypogonadism include decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and low sperm count. There is a belief that too high estrogen levels are the cause of low testosterone levels, but this is a myth. Estrogen and testosterone do not oppose each other. Is it possible to lower estrogen levels? Many websites claim that certain diets can lower estrogen levels, but there is little research to support these claims. Some studies show that certain foods can raise or lower estrogen levels. However, it is not clear whether eating these foods can help reverse the health effects caused by high estrogen levels. A doctor’s consultation is necessary before undertaking dietary changes to reduce estrogen levels. Dietary regimens vary among patients. Research shows that certain foods can lower estrogen levels in the body. However, these studies are often of low quality or involve animals rather than humans, and more research is needed. The following foods can lower estrogen levels: Soy products Products made from soy are rich in compounds called phytoestrogens.These substances have a similar chemical structure to estrogen and can have estrogen-like effects in the body. Soy products include edamame and some meat substitutes. Studies report that soy products can increase estrogen levels in the body, while others suggest that they have the opposite effect. Paradoxically, both are true. Soy contains isoflavones (a type of phytoestrogen), which are considered selective estrogen receptor modulators. This means that they can cause different effects – they can have a pro-estrogenic, anti-estrogenic or neutral effect when they bind to estrogen receptors. This means that different types of isoflavones can increase or decrease estrogen levels in the human body. These variations can make it difficult to draw broad conclusions about the health effects of foods that contain phytoestrogens. Although soy has many health benefits, more research is needed on the effects of soy and phytoestrogens on the human body. For example, research shows that phytoestrogens, especially in soy and legumes, may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Estrogen probably plays a role in the development of prostate cancer, although more research is needed. Soybeans may also reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by lowering estrogen levels, according to a 2015 study. Cruciferous vegetables Cruciferous vegetables contain a substance called indole-3-carbinol, a chemical that may have anti-estrogenic effects. This means that cruciferous vegetables can reduce estrogen levels in men. However, research has not directly shown that consumption of cruciferous vegetables reduces estrogen levels in the human body. This group of vegetables includes: Cauliflower; Bok Choy; Broccoli; Brussels sprouts Studies show that eating cruciferous vegetables can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Mushrooms Kladnitsa mushrooms contain compounds that can block aromatase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen. In this way, they can reduce estrogen levels in the body. Hispolon, a trace element found in some medicinal mushrooms, can also block aromatase. At the same time, it can increase estradiol, a type of estrogen. Further research is needed on mushroom and estrogen levels. Curcumin and Turmeric Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin. A 2013 study showed that curcumin can reduce estrogen levels. However, the scientists observed this result in cells outside the body, so it is not clear whether curcumin has the same effect in the body. A 2014 study found that high doses of curcumin increased testosterone levels in rats. More research is needed on the effects of curcumin in the human body. References: 1. Andres, S., et al. (2015). Determination of the isoflavone composition and estrogenic activity of commercial dietary supplements based on soy or red clover 2.Armamento-Villareal, R., et al. (2016). Effect of lifestyle intervention on the hormonal profile of frail, obese older men 3. Cooke, PS, et al. (2017). Estrogens in male physiology 4. Malekinejad, H., et. al. (2015). Hormones in dairy foods and their impact on public health � a narrative review article