The male body needs a small amount of estrogen as conversely the female body needs a small amount of testosterone. Estrogen in men helps prevent osteoporosis and supports sex drive.

Excess estrogen in men is not good. It offsets the effects of testosterone, causes the body to retain water, is not health for the heart, can cause the prostate to swell and increases the risk of prostate cancer.

Excess estrogen in men occurs as men age and hormones decline, men tend to become more sedintary, allowing the male body to accumulate fat--primarily belly fat. Fat contains an enzyme called aromatase which may convert testosterone to estrogen. In treatment, when we raise the level of testosterone to a healthy level, some testosterone may convert to excess estrogen. Estrogen may in turn convert to a metabolite 16 alpha hydroxyl estrone and on to 4 alpha hydroxyl, a carcinogen.

Approximately 65% of the new clients at Renew Man have belly fat and an issue of cenverting testosterone to estrogen.  We control the level of estrogen as part of our treatment by placing men on an estrogen blocker if necessary. i.e, We use a medication to suppress estrogen conversion as we raise testosterone levels. About 80% of the above 65% of our clients work on diet and exercise such that at 6 months of treatment the belly fart is gone and so the the problem of conversion.

Summary: Excess estrogen is unsafe and adds to the symptoms of andropause.  Testosterone treatment is safe if done correctly.  It should be noted that testosterone replacement – there are supporting studies -- decreases the chances of developing prostate cancer. It is the conversion of testosterone to estrogen that causes an enlarged prostate (lifestyle and diet are also contributing factors) and/or increases the risk of prostate cancer. Increasing testosterone levels and controlling estrogen lowers the risk of prostate cancer.