Estrogen is an important hormone in men as well, but high levels can cause certain health problems in men. Certain foods may affect hormone levels, but there is relatively little quality research on the effects of different diets on estrogen levels in the body. When age-related changes occur, or when hormonal imbalance is suspected, the doctor may prescribe tests to search for the causes of the condition. A variety of treatments are available, and personalized dietary and lifestyle recommendations can also be provided by a specialist. What foods should be avoided because they raise estrogen levels? According to some research, the following foods can increase estrogen levels in the body: Milk and meat All animal products contain traces of estrogen because even male animals produce the hormone. Cow’s milk can also contain phytoestrogens. Some studies have linked consumption of red and processed meat to an increased risk of breast cancer in women. A possible reason for this is a buildup of the hormone from the high estrogen levels in the meat. There are no studies showing similar effects in men. However, studies are inconclusive about the effect of meat and dairy products on estrogen levels and cancer risk. A 2018 review shows that estrogen levels in milk are not high enough to affect human health. More research is needed on estrogen levels in meat and dairy products. Alcohol It has been suggested that chronic alcohol abuse can lead to low testosterone levels and increased estrogen levels. Problems with both hormones can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Alcohol can also increase some effects of low testosterone levels. For example, alcohol is high in calories and can lead to weight gain. Cereals Some cereals (barley, wheat, rice and corn) contain a fungus that produces zearalenone (a mycotoxin and potent estrogenic metabolite formed primarily by fungi of the genus Fusarium), which can disrupt estrogen balance due to its similarity to the estrogens that occur naturally in the body. Scientists in Europe, where the fungus is common, found that 32 percent of more than 5,000 mixed grain samples contained zearalenone. Studies have mainly focused on the effects of zearalenone in animals. Some scientists believe that the mycotoxin may have similar effects in humans, although there is no evidence that this genus of fungus harms human health. Legumes Legumes, such as lentils, peanuts and chickpeas, have many health benefits. For example, they contain relatively high amounts of protein, making them a popular alternative to meat. Legumes also contain phytoestrogens, especially in the form of isoflavones. Research shows that two isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, can increase estrogen production.It should be noted that some isoflavones, especially in soy, can lower estrogen levels. Different types and amounts of isoflavones likely have different effects on estrogen levels, suggesting the need for further research in this area. Legumes may also support heart health and reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. Instead of being eliminated from the diet, they can be included in the diet in small portions several times a week. What other ways are there to reduce estrogen levels? When testosterone or estrogen levels are a concern, it is best to seek medical advice before attempting to alter these hormone levels on your own. Some patients benefit from hormone injections. Testosterone therapy may be helpful in some individuals, but more research is needed on the risks for older men. Some research is looking at natural ways to reduce estrogen. Several studies have shown that exercise can lower estrogen levels in some women. A 2015 study, for example, found that more frequent aerobic exercise reduced estrogen levels in women at greater risk of developing breast cancer. However, there is little research in men. Some products contain chemical compounds called xenoestrogens that mimic estrogen in the body. Research at the cellular level suggests that exposure to these chemicals may increase the risk of cancer and endocrine disorders, although more research is needed. Many plastics contain xenoestrogens. To reduce exposure to these chemicals, avoid plastic products, including bottles and food storage containers, whenever possible. Men who are concerned about the effects of high estrogen levels can also make healthy lifestyle changes, such as: Reducing the number of calories in the diet; More quality and fulfilling sleep; Regular exercise. 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 articlethey can be included in the diet in small portions several times a week. What other ways are there to reduce estrogen levels? When testosterone or estrogen levels are a concern, it is best to seek medical advice before attempting to alter these hormone levels on your own. Some patients benefit from hormone injections. Testosterone therapy may be helpful in some individuals, but more research is needed on the risks for older men. Some research is looking at natural ways to reduce estrogen. Several studies have shown that exercise can lower estrogen levels in some women. A 2015 study, for example, found that more frequent aerobic exercise reduced estrogen levels in women at greater risk of developing breast cancer. However, there is little research in men. Some products contain chemical compounds called xenoestrogens that mimic estrogen in the body. Research at the cellular level suggests that exposure to these chemicals may increase the risk of cancer and endocrine disorders, although more research is needed. Many plastics contain xenoestrogens. To reduce exposure to these chemicals, avoid plastic products, including bottles and food storage containers, whenever possible. Men who are concerned about the effects of high estrogen levels can also make healthy lifestyle changes, such as: Reducing the number of calories in the diet; More quality and fulfilling sleep; Regular exercise. 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 articlethey can be included in the diet in small portions several times a week. What other ways are there to reduce estrogen levels? When testosterone or estrogen levels are a concern, it is best to seek medical advice before attempting to alter these hormone levels on your own. Some patients benefit from hormone injections. Testosterone therapy may be helpful in some individuals, but more research is needed on the risks for older men. Some research is looking at natural ways to reduce estrogen. Several studies have shown that exercise can lower estrogen levels in some women. A 2015 study, for example, found that more frequent aerobic exercise reduced estrogen levels in women at greater risk of developing breast cancer. However, there are few studies in men. Some products contain chemical compounds called xenoestrogens that mimic estrogen in the body. Research at the cellular level suggests that exposure to these chemicals may increase the risk of cancer and endocrine disorders, although more research is needed. Many plastics contain xenoestrogens. To reduce exposure to these chemicals, avoid plastic products, including bottles and food storage containers, whenever possible. Men who are concerned about the effects of high estrogen levels can also make healthy lifestyle changes, such as: Reducing the number of calories in the diet; More quality and fulfilling sleep; Regular exercise. 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 articleHowever, there are few studies in men. Some products contain chemical compounds called xenoestrogens that mimic estrogen in the body. Research at the cellular level suggests that exposure to these chemicals may increase the risk of cancer and endocrine disorders, although more research is needed. Many plastics contain xenoestrogens. To reduce exposure to these chemicals, avoid plastic products, including bottles and food storage containers, whenever possible. Men who are concerned about the effects of high estrogen levels can also make healthy lifestyle changes, such as: Reducing the number of calories in the diet; More quality and fulfilling sleep; Regular exercise. 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 articleHowever, there is little research in men. Some products contain chemical compounds called xenoestrogens that mimic estrogen in the body. Research at the cellular level suggests that exposure to these chemicals may increase the risk of cancer and endocrine disorders, although more research is needed. Many plastics contain xenoestrogens. To reduce exposure to these chemicals, avoid plastic products, including bottles and food storage containers, whenever possible. Men who are concerned about the effects of high estrogen levels can also make healthy lifestyle changes, such as: Reducing the number of calories in the diet; More quality and fulfilling sleep; Regular exercise. 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