Testes

The Testes

In a man, the testes, which produce sperm and testosterone, hang well outside the pelvis, in the scrotum.
The hypothalamus secretes gonadotropic-releasing hormone (GnRH). This triggers the pituitary to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which both acts on the testis. LH stimulates Leydig cells to produce testosterone, which is responsible for spermatogenesis and male secondary sexual characteristics. FSH prompts Sertoli cells to support developing spermatozoa. The feedback loop reduces Gnrh secretion in response to rising levels of testosterone.
The testes produce the following hormones

• Testosterone – which determines the “sex” of the brain in the fetus, stimulates the descent of testes before birth, regulates sperm production promotes the development of secondary sexual characteristics at puberty.
• Inhibin – which inhibits secretion of FSH from the pituitary gland

Estrogen in Males

In males, estrogen regulates certain functions of the reproductive system important to the maturation of sperm and may be necessary for a healthy libido.

Men produce estrogen (Estradiol) but in much lower amounts than women. Men also produce progesterone, but about half a much as women. .

• Estrone (E1)–This is found in women and men (in small amounts). It’s obtained from the adrenal gland and is also made, as well as stored, in fatty (adipose) tissue.
• Estradiol (E2)–The most active form of estrogen, it’s mainly produced by the ovaries in women and by the testes and adrenal glands in men.

High levels of estrogen are believed to possibly be the primary cause of prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. Men with the highest level of estrogen have enlarged prostates.
Studies had shown that men with the highest level of testosterone have the least prostate enlargement.
A common mistaken belief is that testosterone causes prostate cancer.
Declining testosterone from aging, together with increasing level of estrogen in men, is the most likely reason for prostate enlargement and cancer in men.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance in Men (a condition when there is insufficient progesterone in proportion to estrogen, making estrogen unbalanced or unopposed).

• Enlarged prostate
• Urinary problems
• Low sex drive
• Impotence
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Rapid increase in weight

Testing

Blood tests are the best way to measure the estrogen levels and Estradiol is what should be measured. Estradiol levels should be mid-range or lower.

Blood test should include free testosterone and progesterone.

You should never attempt to self diagnose high or low estrogen. Too many of the symptoms overlap and the only way to know if treatment is necessary is by testing.

Treatment
Ways to battle high estrogen levels…

• Cut out the estrogen mimicking chemicals in our life.
• If possible, when you need to store food use glass or ceramics.
• If you must use plastics, do not heat them up in the microwave oven or leave them in the sun.
• Use natural pest control not pesticides.
• Don’t use herbicides.
• Eat hormone free meats.
• Avoid synthetic chemicals.
• Buy organic produce, the produce grown without synthetic fertilizer, pesticides, or herbicides.
• Use condoms without spermicide for birth control.
• Older age–Aging can lead to decreased levels of testosterone and increase in estrogen levels, especially if you’re obese.
• Medications–This includes estrogen-containing drugs, steroids, ulcer medications such as cimetidine, some antibiotics (tetracycline, ampicillin, etc.), anti-fungal medications and antidepressants. Since there are more medications that can cause this effect, it’s best to check with your pharmacist.
• Obesity–Fat cells, especially those in the abdominal region, have the ability to produce an enzyme known as aromatase. This plays a role in converting testosterone into estrogen, thus changing the hormonal balance.
• Illness–Certain tumors of the testes, adrenal and pituitary glands, liver and lung, cirrhosis (liver disease), kidney and thyroid disease may elevate estrogen levels.
• Drugs–The use of anabolic steroids, marijuana, cocaine and other drugs can affect hormone levels.
• Alcohol–Drinking excessively can increase the body’s conversion of testosterone into estrogen, especially in fat cells. It can also block the liver from effectively eliminating excess estrogen.
• Environmental exposure–The breakdown products from certain pesticides, chemicals and herbicides have the potential to cause estrogen-like effects in the body. There is even some concern regarding hormone-enhanced food products; people with elevated estrogen levels may be wise to choose hormone-free foods.

Progesterone in Males

Overview

Men also produce progesterone, but about half a much as women. Just like women, men produce both estrogen and progesterone. Progesterone is made in men by the adrenal glands and testes.

Men also suffer from low progesterone symptoms. However, among men, this condition is seldom acknowledged since progesterone is available in very scant quantities. Low progesterone levels in men translate into lowered testosterone levels. This is because progesterone is converted into free testosterone in the male body. Among men, this condition is likely to be interpreted as that of having low testosterone.

Symptoms

• Mood swings
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Appetite changes
• Weight gain
• Irritability
• Lack of concentration
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Low sex drive
• Migraines
• Dizziness
• Bloating
• Breast tenderness

Testing

Blood tests are the best way to measure the progesterone levels.

Make sure that you also test testosterone and estrogen.

You should never attempt to self diagnose high or low progesterone. Too many of the symptoms overlap and the only way to know if treatment is necessary is by testing.

Treatment

• Natural progesterone cream lowers estrogen dominance in men
• Natural progesterone cream has many benefits…
• Reduces prostate size
  Progesterone cream can help to reduce the prostate size.
• Reduces prostatism symptoms
  Symptoms of prostatism (benign enlargement of the prostate gland) such as urinary urgency and frequency decreased considerably after application of Natural Progesterone cream.
• Enhance sex drive
  Physiological doses of progesterone also appear to enhance libido (sex drive).
• Osteoporosis prevention
  Natural progesterone cream prevents osteoporosis in men.
• Decrease balding
  Natural progesterone cream might decrease male balding due to the corresponding rise in testosterone.
• Helps with rheumatoid arthritis
  Progesterone cream might relieve pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis when rubbed into the joints.
  Also, progesterone has no feminizing characteristics.