Role of Estrogen in Male Reproduction

It's only been since the mid 1990s that the role of estrogen in male reproduction has been recognized. Testosterone and estrogen are no longer considered male only or female only hormones, according to Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology.

Protein Hormones

• Estrogens play a significant role in male production, according to Researchgate.net.
  Estrogens have an impact on gonadotropins, which are protein hormones secreted by the pituitary gland.

Gonadotropins Described

• Gonadotropins include LH or luteinizing hormone and FSH or follicle stimulating hormone as well as a third gonadotropin called CG or chorionic gonadotropin.

Too Much, Too Little Has a Bearing

• Estrogen excess and estrogen deficiency both have an influence on male sexual development, as well as on the function of the testis, spermatogenesis, hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis and male fertility, according to an article written by Yi-Qing Pan and Chen Xu, that appeared in the National Journal of Andrology.

Estrogen Present Throughout

• Estrogen receptors are present at all of the developmental stages of the male's reproductive organs.

Fluid Regulation

• Estrogen appears to have a direct effect on the function of certain cells. The primary role seems to be the regulation of fluid re-absorption in the efferent ductules via estrogen receptors. Disruption of the receptor can result in a change in sperm morphology, inhibit sodium transport with subsequent water re-absorption and decreased fertility, according to Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology.

Not Yet Fully Understood

• The Department of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy, reports that the exact role of estrogen in regard to the function and development of testicles and the regulation of spermatogensis is not fully understood.