How to Reduce Levels of Estrogen in the Male Body

As men get older their, bodies tend to decrease testosterone production and increase estrogen levels. Males need a small amount of estrogen for their bodies to function, but large amounts can cause some undesirable side effects such as fatigue, weight gain, lower sex drive and increased breast size (known as gynecomastia). Increased levels of estrogen can also place men at a greater risk for certain health conditions such as diabetes and coronary heart disease. Men can adopt lifestyle changes and take medications to help lower estrogen levels.

Instructions

• 1

  Seek advice from your physician and get tested for high estrogen levels if you are experiencing some of the above listed side effects. If you do have high quantities of estrogen in your body, certain lifestyle changes can help you decrease the levels. You can also consult with your physician about hormone replacement therapy.

• 2

  Consider hormone replacement therapy, which includes several prescription options to decrease estrogen levels in males. There are self-injections, gelatin capsule pills, topical creams and gels, patches placed on the skin, and pellet forms of prescription medications. The injections or pellets often are found to provide the hormones at higher levels than the other options. The pellets are inserted under the skin in the buttocks or hip area by a physician and control hormones for up to six months.

• 3

  Engage in healthy eating habits--a diet low in fat and high in fruits and vegetables. Eliminate grapefruit from the diet because this hinders the liver's ability to break down estrogen.
  Maintain 30 minutes of physical exercise per day such as bicycling, walking or weight training. Exercise increases muscle mass and lowers estrogen levels.

• 4

  Limit alcohol consumption to no more than one alcoholic drink per day. Alcohol affects the liver's ability to process estrogen and can increase levels.

• 5

  Take 50 mg of the vitamin zinc twice daily to lower estrogen levels. Zinc helps convert testosterone into estrogen. Decrease amount once symptoms improve.