25/07/2025
Estradiol Monitoring - What, How and Why_
We are used to thinking that men only need to monitor their estradiol levels during a steroid cycle — the rest of the time, it is within the normal range. In fact, this is not the case: many factors influence estradiol levels, so it can go beyond the acceptable range even without the help of anabolic steroids. I will definitely talk about these factors, but first, let's answer the question,
What is the danger of high estradiol levels?
Let me start with this: recently, there has been a noticeable decrease in the average testosterone level in young men. One of the reasons for this decrease is considered to be the relatively high level of estradiol — both hormones are interrelated.
In other words, an increase in estradiol levels will ultimately lead to a decrease in testosterone levels. This will immediately awaken a host of «demons», including low libido and erectile dysfunction, waistline gain, constant fatigue, mood swings, and even depression.
Estradiol generally has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system: women are less likely to develop cardiovascular diseases than men. However, excessively high (especially persistently elevated) levels of estradiol can be harmful, causing various complications. Yes, this applies to young men in particular.
Finally, excessively high levels of estradiol will lead to the development of gynecomastia, which occurs even in those who have never even heard of anabolic steroids. And, of course, there will be no muscle growth in this case.
What is an elevated level of estradiol?
Evaluating the level of estradiol in the blood of men on its own is a pointless exercise. It is necessary to look at the ratio of the levels of two hormones — testosterone and estradiol. And based on that, decide what to do.
(I am assuming that your testosterone levels are within the normal range — too low levels of this hormone are a separate issue).
So, the ideal situation is when testosterone levels exceed estradiol levels by 120-300 times. A ratio of 100:1 to 120:1 between the two hormones is also considered acceptable: it is worth being alert, but there is no need to intervene yet.
However, anything below a ratio of 100 to 1 should not only cause concern but also prompt specific steps to remedy the situation. We will look at these specific steps a little later, but for now, let's talk about
What can increase estradiol levels?
First and foremost, age. As the body ages, the activity of aromatase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into estradiol, increases.
Unfortunately, that's not all — the synthesis of enzymes called cytochromes P450, which are responsible for metabolizing estradiol and removing it from the body, also slows down. This means that as the body ages, more and more of this hormone accumulates in the blood.
The amount of cytochrome P450 in the blood decreases not only with age, but also with regular consumption of grapefruit juice, for example. Or with an unhealthy addiction to alcohol.
Some medications have a negative effect on P450: the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, the proton pump inhibitor omeprazole, the antihistamine cimetidine, the anticoagulant warfarin, and some others. Even a harmless supplement such as ginkgo biloba can disrupt enzyme synthesis, as can zinc deficiency.
Adipose tissue. Since testosterone is converted into estradiol mainly in adipose tissue, more fat under the skin means higher estradiol levels. All men who are overweight should be wary of this.
Xenoestrogens are chemical compounds that mimic the action of endogenous estrogens. Unfortunately, in today's world, they are everywhere: in plastic food packaging, insect repellents, perfumes, sunscreens, and even directly in food (these properties are inherent in some dyes and food preservatives).
Finally, there are plant estrogens, which are most abundant in soy products. Yes, they are much less dangerous and, unlike xenoestrogens, do not remain in the body for long. But with regular consumption, they can cause problems.
Eliminating the causes of increase
You should always start by eliminating the causes of the disease, rather than treating it. First of all, you should try to reduce the amount of fat under your skin by any means available. It is also worth eliminating phytoestrogens, i.e. avoiding foods containing soy. Just in case.
Xenoestrogens are more difficult to deal with, but there are some things you can do. First, do not use plastic packaging — either for storing food or for reheating it. Second, do not leave plastic containers with water in the sun; if they become very hot, they should be discarded.
Try not to eat farmed fish (tilapia, salmon, sturgeon; even shrimp are now farmed in the same unnatural conditions, so they should also be avoided). Use only olive or rice oil for frying, and add them to salads.
It is worth completely giving up fast food, as well as other foods that contribute to the accumulation of fat under the skin, such as cakes and pastries, mayonnaise, margarine, and foods that contain it, and so on.
The habit of eating right will even help you get rid of some fat deposits, and remember that it is in fatty tissue that testosterone is converted into estradiol. What else? Can you cut down on alcohol? Of course, if you try. Take supplements containing zinc? That shouldn't be a problem either.
You can replace P450-lowering medications and supplements — fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives. The only thing you can't do is stop aging.
Medicines for treating estradiol
However, there are remedies for this condition. They are called anti-estrogen drugs and are divided into two broad classes: aromatase inhibitors (arimistane, letrozol, exemestane) and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). I will not go into detail about how they work, their advantages and disadvantages, but I will say that only aromatase inhibitors are worth taking.
The single dose is one tablet, but the frequency of administration depends greatly on the «starting point». Usually, one tablet per week is sufficient, but if the estradiol level is significantly elevated, you can take one tablet every 3-4 days. If the level is very high, you can even take one every other day.
There is also a drug called Arimistane, which you can easily find online at a relatively affordable price. It should be noted that Arimistane is also an aromatase inhibitor, but it is very weak, so it is best to take it daily. Even so, you will not achieve the same effect as, for example, with letrozole.
What else is worth mentioning? Of course, Proviron. It is a common anabolic steroid with both SERM and aromatase inhibitor properties. It should be taken daily (preferably two tablets a day), and you should not expect any stunning effects from it. However, Proviron is guaranteed to increase libido.
There are other anabolic steroids with anti-estrogenic activity: drostanolone (Masteron), epistane, trenbolone... But drugs are a last resort. And you can take plain old vitamin D just for prevention: it's not an anti-estrogen on its own, but it can slow down the aromatization process when it gets out of control, so less testosterone turns into estradiol.
It is essential to know your s*x hormone levels; you should check them at least once every three months and take immediate action if any problems are detected. This will allow you to avoid a whole host of health problems and simply give you a much brighter and more fulfilling life.