What are Estrogen Blockers?
Estrogen blockers, also known as antiestrogens, are substances that help counter the effects of estrogen in the body [1]. They work by either competing with estrogen for its receptors or by reducing how much estrogen the body produces [2]. This helps balance hormone levels and limit estrogen’s impact.
Uses of Estrogen Blockers
Estrogen blockers serve various purposes for both men and women. In women, they are often used to treat hormone-sensitive breast cancers. Breast cancers are usually sensitive to hormones like estrogen and respond well to this treatment. When these cancer cells can’t get the estrogen they need to grow, they may shrink in size or be unable to grow much at all [3].
In men, estrogen blockers are becoming increasingly popular, especially for those planning to have children. Testosterone supplements can sometimes lead to sterility by disrupting hormonal balance, but prescription estrogen blockers can help restore that balance without impacting fertility [2].
Estrogen blockers are also used to treat symptoms of advanced prostate cancer [4]. Furthermore, they are employed effectively for the treatment of precocious puberty and anovulatory infertility [5].
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, essential for defining male characteristics, producing sperm, and supporting fertility [6]. In men, it’s mainly produced in the testes by Leydig cells, with smaller amounts coming from the adrenal glands, both derived from cholesterol [6]. Women also produce small amounts of testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands [7].
Uses of Testosterone as a Supplement
Testosterone supplementation therapy: Testosterone supplementation therapy (TST) is a common treatment for men with late-onset hypogonadism, a condition where testosterone levels are too low [8]. It’s also used to address hormone-related issues in men and boys, such as delayed puberty or growth problems [7].
Testosterone supplementation can help alleviate many symptoms of androgen deficiency in ageing men by affecting various parts of the body. It boosts bone mineral density and improves bone structure by promoting bone formation and reducing bone loss [9]. Additionally, testosterone helps improve body composition by decreasing body fat and increasing lean muscle mass [9].
In patients with diabetes and androgen deficiency, testosterone supplementation may help lower blood glucose levels, which could significantly reduce cardiovascular risk [9].
Testosterone is also used in women to treat metastatic breast cancer, particularly when it has spread to other parts of the body [10].
However, it’s crucial to remember that testosterone should not be used to enhance athletic performance or to treat normal male ageing [7].
Should you take estrogen blockers with testosterone?
The decision to take an estrogen blocker with testosterone should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, as it depends on the balance of your hormones during your testosterone treatment. Estrogen blockers can increase testosterone levels in males by limiting the amount of estrogen present or active in the body. They do not create the testosterone hormone on their own, but they can help bring your hormones into balance by making your testosterone levels proportionately higher than your estrogen levels or by limiting how much testosterone is turned into estrogen [2].
Alternatives for estrogen blockers
Estrogen blockers help reduce estrogen levels in the body by either halting its production or limiting its effects. While effective, some people may look for alternatives due to side effects or personal preference. Fortunately, there are several natural and pharmaceutical options available.
One alternative to estrogen blockers is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which can be especially helpful if excess estrogen is linked to low testosterone levels [2]. Another option is selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), such as tamoxifen, anastrozole, and letrozole. These medications can block estrogen in men and are often used in the treatment of breast cancer [2].
Non-pharmacological alternatives are also available. Lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a balanced diet, and adding cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts to your meals can help regulate estrogen levels [2].
Phytoestrogens, found in certain plants, can help reduce vasomotor symptoms, though they are generally less effective than conventional hormone therapy [11]. Natural products like wild nettle root, maca, chrysin, and grape seed extract may help block estrogen, but more research is needed to fully confirm their effectiveness [2].
In some cases, transdermal patches and estradiol implants, which provide a steady delivery of estradiol, can serve as alternatives to oral estrogen replacement [12].
For women who cannot or prefer not to take estrogen, there are alternative options that may help alleviate menopause symptoms. However, these alternatives are limited and have not been extensively proven in long-term clinical trials regarding their safety and effectiveness [13].