Nutrition Diva Can an estrogen-lowering diet make men more manly?
Sep 24, 2025
Explore the intriguing connection between diet and hormones! Discover whether foods like broccoli and red wine can really block estrogen. Learn about aromatase and its role in balancing estrogen and testosterone. While some foods show promise in lab studies, real-world effects on hormone levels appear modest. Monica breaks down the difference between supplements and their actual impact. Ultimately, she emphasizes that overall diet and weight play a far more significant role in hormone health. Tune in for insightful takeaways!
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Aromatase Is Biologically Important
- Aromatase converts testosterone into estrogen and is produced in multiple tissues including fat and brain.
- Estrogen supports bones, brain function, and libido in both sexes, so some aromatase activity is desirable.
Drug Blocking Is Rarely Appropriate For Men
- Very high aromatase activity in men is rare and drugs to block it have serious side effects.
- Pharmaceutical aromatase inhibitors can cause bone loss, joint pain, and hot flashes.
Lab Effects Don’t Equal Real-World Hormone Changes
- Some foods contain compounds that inhibit aromatase in test tubes, including crucifers, mushrooms, and red grapes.
- However, eating those foods does not reliably translate into meaningful hormone changes in humans.