Cruciferous vegetables are highly regarded as  anti-estrogenic; it’s role are especially helpful for preventing hormonal cancers, such as breast cancer, because some ITC, such as indole-3-carbinol (abundant in broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage), can even help the body excrete estrogen and other hormones.14 In fact, new research has shown additional anti-estrogenic effects of both indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane (most abundant in broccoli); these ITCs blunt the growth-promoting effects of estrogen on breast and cervical cancer cells.15-17

Researchers have now discovered that estrogen also plays an important role in many of the processes previously thought to be relegated to testosterone alone.18 

For example, they’ve determined that, in men, testosterone deficiency accounts for decreases in lean mass, muscle size and strength, while estrogen deficiency was the primary culprit when it came to increases in body fat. Both testosterone and estrogen were found to be important for sexual function, and a deficiency in either had a negative impact on the men’s libido.19 According to the lead author, Dr. Joel Finkelstein, an endocrinologist at Harvard Medical School:

“Some of the symptoms routinely attributed to testosterone deficiency are actually partially or almost exclusively caused by the decline in estrogens.” 

Despite individual variations, Dr. Finkelstein’s research offers valuable insight into the function and behavior of estrogen and testosterone at different levels in a man’s body. For example, they found that less testosterone is actually needed for muscle maintenance than previously thought. They also found that:

  • In young men, the average testosterone level is about 550 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl)
  • Muscle size and strength does not become adversely affected until testosterone levels drop below 200 ng/dl, which has previously been considered extremely low
  • Fat accumulation, however, increases at testosterone levels of 300-350 ng/dl, due to its impact on estrogen
  • Libido increases steadily with simultaneous increases in testosterone and estrogen

Please note that men are NOT advised to take estrogen replacement therapy, as this could cause feminization, such as enlarged breasts. As your testosterone levels rise, your body will automatically produce more estrogen, so the key is to maintain your testosterone level.

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