The value of estradiol for the male body

Despite the fact that estradiol is considered a conditionally female hormone, it is not only present in the body of men, but also plays an important role in the health of the male body. A decrease and an increase in its concentration in the blood leads to the development of a number of processes, and is a sign of a particular pathology.

It is not unimportant to control the level of the hormone: an increase or decrease in its concentration in the blood, especially when there are external manifestations indicating the possibility of the development of this process. This allows you to suspect and resolve the pathological process that led to hormonal imbalance in time.

The functional meaning of estradiol

Estradiol is a hormone belonging to the estrogen group. Unlike the female body, in men it is contained in small quantities and is formed from cholesterol. Most of the hormones are found and synthesized in Leydig cells. The synthesis process is based on the aromatization of testosterone. Estradiol and testosterone are directly related: with an increase in the concentration of one hormone, the concentration of the other decreases. With age, the concentration of estradiol in the blood increases. Its amount also increases with obesity - fat cells also produce estrogen.

For the health and normal functioning of the male body, the hormone is of no small importance:

• It is involved in the formation of sperm and in the maintenance of libido;
• Maintains fertility levels;
• Reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease;
• Prevents the development of osteoporosis;
• Participates in metabolic processes in the body;
• Participates in the growth of scalp hair and the prevention of baldness;
• Improves the functioning of the nervous system, cognitive functions;
• Ensuring stable weight, muscle strength;
• Participates in the regulation of the production of pituitary hormones - gonadotropins, which affect the functioning of the gonads.

The norm for estradiol in men

The hormone circulates and performs its functions in a man's body all the time, but if its indicators change, both to a smaller and larger side, it can lead to a number of disorders.

From 16 to 72 pg / ml - estradiol is the norm in men.

In some laboratories, other limits of values may be specified, this may be due to the choice of reagents for the analysis. As a rule, in laboratory findings, the normal limit is indicated next to the analysis result.

Rules for preparing for blood sampling

Before passing the analysis, you need to prepare in order to avoid distorting the results of the analysis and do not have to redo it, or worse, choose the wrong tactics for leading a man.

There are a number of guidelines to follow:

• Quitting smoking and avoiding strenuous physical activity at least 3 days before the expected date of the test;
• Avoiding alcohol 2-3 days before the test;
• Cancellation of sexual activity before donating blood in 2-3 days;
• Blood is taken in the morning, on an empty stomach.

Estradiol in blood is lowered

A decrease in the level of the hormone can cause many pathological processes in the body of a man, such as:

• Diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
• Osteoporosis;
• Chronic prostatitis;
• Reduced fertility, up to infertility.

But before diagnosing estradiol deficiency, it is imperative to carefully collect an anamnesis from a man, to conduct a number of additional studies. The reasons why the hormone is lowered may be different, some of which are modifiable, after elimination of which the amount of estradiol in the blood gradually returns to normal. Some causes cannot be eliminated, but their control allows you to keep the level of hormones in the required range, which is determined by the attending physicians.

The reasons why estradiol in the blood may be lowered:

• An error during the analysis - at some stage of the procedure (during preparation, blood sampling or at the analytical stage) an error was made, as a result of which distorted results were obtained;
• Intense physical activity;
• Unhealthy lifestyles - smoking, drinking alcohol and a sedentary lifestyle;
• Unbalanced diet - vegetarian, low fat and high carbohydrate intake;
• Dramatic weight loss;
• Diseases of the central nervous system - pituitary gland;
• Various endocrine disorders, increased values of prolactin in the blood, disturbances in the synthesis of sex hormones;
• Inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system;
• Taking medications can lower hormone levels, such as antiestrogens and aromatase inhibitors.

Increase in the concentration of the hormone in the blood

To restore normal estradiol levels, lifestyle changes and drug withdrawal may be sufficient. Prescribing estrogen medications is questionable. there is a risk of going from hypo- to hyper-state. In some cases, androgen administration may be considered.

Elevated levels of estradiol in the blood

Elevated estradiol in men should alert the doctor.

The reasons for the change in indicators upward can be a number of formidable pathologies:

• Malignant formations of the testicles;
• Liver cirrhosis;
• Obesity.

Given the severity of these pathologies, the patient should be examined in a comprehensive manner, interacting with doctors of different profiles.

If estradiol is significantly increased, clinical symptoms appear:

• The body retains and accumulates fluid, edema appears;
• Low levels of muscle mass despite regular exercise;
• Decreased libido;
• Changes in hair growth: hair reduction on the face and chest, up to the termination of their growth;
• Female-type obesity - fat is deposited in the waist and hips;
• Gynecomastia - a semblance of a female breast is formed. The process is benign, but psychologically unpleasant for men.

Restoring hormone balance with elevated estradiol levels

Treatment, in order to restore normal hormone levels, is prescribed only by doctors. The main method of treatment for this condition is the treatment of the underlying disease, which is determined by the attending physician, depending on the etiology of the process. Taking a number of drugs are symptomatic, because do not solve the main problem, but lead to a decrease in hormone levels and an improvement in the patient's condition.

The following drugs are mainly used to restore hormonal balance:

• Anti-estrogen drugs: tamoxifen and clomiphene, in which they block the feedback between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, as a result of which the production of estradiol decreases;
• Antioxidants - the most famous and commonly used, vitamin C. Antioxidants reduce the aromatization of testosterone to estrogen, resulting in less estradiol;
• Aromatase inhibitor drugs - they block the aromatase enzyme. They can also take over the work of antioxidants in the human body.

Uncontrolled intake of drugs can cause a number of adverse reactions. It is necessary to use drugs strictly in the indicated dosages, as indicated in the doctor's recommendations.

Conclusion

Hormonal imbalance is a complex problem that requires a multitasking approach to address it. It is very important to monitor your health and consult your doctor if you have any complaints. There are currently a number of estradiol-based drugs available.

Hormonal drugs are also used by some athletes to increase muscle growth. You need to be careful about these funds, especially if there is already a suspected or identified hormonal shift.