Men need oestrogen too, in small amounts. If the balance with testosterone is disturbed and your oestradiol is relatively too high, that can cause complaints. A blood test maps the ratio between testosterone and oestrogen.
Many men don't even know they have oestrogen. Yet the balance is just as important as the testosterone itself.
Which symptoms fit high oestrogen?
Possible complaints are breast tissue, less interest in sex, mood swings, fluid retention and fatigue. None of these complaints proves anything, and they overlap with other causes. So measuring and viewing it in context matters.
What are the causes?
Overweight is a common factor, because fat tissue converts testosterone into oestrogen. Alcohol, certain medicines and a low testosterone can also shift the balance. See also belly fat and your hormones.
What do you do with the result?
Discuss a disturbed balance with your GP, who looks at the whole. See also gynecomastia and the pillar male hormonal health.
Getting started
The Men's Hormones panel measures your testosterone and oestradiol, so you see the balance.
References
- Wu FCW, et al. Identification of late-onset hypogonadism in middle-aged and elderly men. N Engl J Med. 2010;363(2):123-135. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa0911101.
- Health Council of the Netherlands. Background document on hormones and health. The Hague.
- NHG-Standaard (hormonal complaints in men, biology). Dutch College of General Practitioners.
Disclaimer
Caliberhealth works with BIG-registered doctors who assess your blood results. This article gives general information and is not a substitute for medical advice from a GP or specialist. A blood test is a tool, not a diagnosis in itself. For serious symptoms, contact your GP, or in an emergency call 112.
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