What Supplements Block Estrogen?
There are several supplements that purport to block the production of estrogen in your body. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, however, does not regulate claims made by supplement manufacturers. Therefore, scientific evidence does not necessarily verify the purported benefits of supplements that claim to block estrogen in your body. The excessive production of estrogen in men and the decrease of production in women can have serious health consequences. Thus, you should speak with a medical professional prior to taking any supplement that purports to change estrogen levels in your body.
What is Estrogen
Estrogen is a hormone responsible for several functions in your body the development of sexual organs, maintenance of pregnancy and growth and development of the female body. Although commonly associated as a female hormone, men also produce a limited amount of estrogen. According to “Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine,” approximately 1 to 8 percent of the testosterone produced by men converts to estrogen 2. This conversion can have unwanted physical manifestations in some men.
- Estrogen is a hormone responsible for several functions in your body the development of sexual organs, maintenance of pregnancy and growth and development of the female body.
Estrogen Blockers
What Happens When a Man Takes Estrogen?
Learn More
Aromatase is an enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen. The supplements that block estrogen do not block estrogen production directly. Instead, these supplements block the aromatase enzyme. This action also boosts the production of testosterone naturally without the use of steroids. Novadex XT and 6-OXO are estrogen blockers that function by blocking the aromatase enzyme.
- Aromatase is an enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen.
- Novadex XT and 6-OXO are estrogen blockers that function by blocking the aromatase enzyme.
Supplements
Anti-aromatase or estrogen-blocking supplements contain a variety of ingredients. The specific ingredients will vary based on the manufacturer’s specific formulation. However, these supplements typically contain diindolymethane, 7-dihydroxyflavone, LPC and chrysin. Additionally, these supplements contain herbs associated with the increase in testosterone production. Herbs commonly found in estrogen-blocking supplements include:
- fenugreek
- fadogia aggrestis
- epimedium sagittatum
- tribulus terrestris
- shilajit moomiyo
- dodder seed
- Anti-aromatase or estrogen-blocking supplements contain a variety of ingredients.
Effects of Estrogen in Men
What Is a Safe Testosterone Booster That You Can Take?
Learn More
Men typically use estrogen blockers to increase testosterone levels in their body. Having too much estrogen can cause water retention, feminization and muscle loss in men. On the other hand, the increase of testosterone production can also cause health problems including an increase in dihydrotestosterone. Elevated levels of DHT can lead to prostate cancer, acne and male pattern baldness.
- Men typically use estrogen blockers to increase testosterone levels in their body.
- Having too much estrogen can cause water retention, feminization and muscle loss in men.
Related Articles
References
- Medline Plus: Estrogen; August 2010
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Dennis Kasper et al; 2004
- "Estrogen and the Vessel Wall (Endothelial Cell Research Series)"; Gabor M. Rubanyi and R. Kauffman; 1998
- “Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology”; John E. Hall; 2010
- Gordon CM, Ackerman KE, Berga SL, et al. Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2017;102(5):1413-1439. doi:10.1210/jc.2017-00131
- Fairview Health Services. Menopause: Effects of Low Estrogen Levels.
- Harvard Health Letter. An update on soy: It's just so-so. Published June 2010.
- Cleveland Clinic. Estrogen & Hormones. Updated April 29, 2019.
- Mayo Clinic. Hormone therapy: Is it right for you? Published May 24, 2018.
Writer Bio
Allison Adams has worked as a registered dietitian since 1996. She began writing professionally in 2000, with work featured in a variety of medical publications such as "Women's Health Magazine" and the "New England Journal of Medicine." Adams holds a Master of Science in nutrition and food sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.