What Is Aromatase And Why Stop It?

If you have done any research into boosting testosterone. Be it for the purpose of building muscles, or to try and reverse age related testosterone decline you will have no doubt heard of Aromatase.

What Is Aromatase? How Can It Effect Testosterone?

The aromatase enzyme is present in both men and women, it is a key precursor to the manufacture and release of the female sex hormone Estrogen.

Found in most parts of the body, in particular the Brain, Skin, Bones, Blood vessels and in a man, the Testes.

It can also be found in large quantities in the tissue cells of uterine fibroids and endometrial cancers. 

Aromatase is responsible for the conversion of male sex hormones such as testosterone into Estrogen.

This is natural, gradual process, however it can be accelerated in men who use anabolic steroids to try and manufacture massive muscle growth.

When we are younger, Aromatase helps to control and manage levels of cholesterol and glucose in the body. 

It can however, especially in adult men cause a reduction in muscle tone, libido and strength and also increase body fat, particularly in the belly area.

Our body uses a process known as homeostasis to regulate the delicate balance between testosterone and estrogen. 

It helps maintain the levels of temperate and fluid balances, it also helps to synthesise the cholesterol and fats in our blood.

Estrogen In Men

Although it’s the female sex hormone, men actually need small amounts of Estrogen to function. 

It helps us maintain our bone strength and works alongside testosterone helps to maintain our strength and muscle mass.

It also helps to regulate the way the body uses glucose especially after strenuous exercise.

Testosterone production can be affected by aromatase, especially if the levels are allowed to build in the body. 

As aromatase levels increase in the blood, the more testosterone will be converted into Estrogen.

Most at risk are bodybuilders who turn to anabolic steroids, as the actions of the synthetic hormones in these injections, shuts down our natural hormone processes.

This can lead men with man boobs (aka gynecomastia), increased body fat, reduced immunity and high cholesterol. 

Anabolic steroids do also have their own range of side effects, some that can be life changing, even fatal.

Delicate Hormonal Balance

During our younger years, the delicate balance between testosterone and estrogen is kept stable, with any threat to our testosterone kept to a minimum. 

The problem really rears its head as start to get older, from the age of about 30 our natural testosterone levels start to reduce by between 1-2% per year. 

As our levels of testosterone reduce, this allows a greater amount of estrogen to form in the blood. This will help increase the decline in testosterone even further.

A man will usually start to experience a reduction in energy and strength. He will also start to put on weight, with body fat appearing especially in the belly area.

He will also experience a decline in sex drive, his erections can become weaker or even non existent, and his moods and overall feelings of self worth can decline.

it is a known fact that increased levels of Estrogen in men are behind many of the health issues felt by older men with low T

Risks To Health

Increased levels of Estrogen can also bring with them some more nasty side effects, these can include certain cancers, namely prostate, breast and colon.

Women can also face health risks if their estrogen levels increase, they can also be more at risk of cancers, including ovarian, uterine and breast.

They can also experience health problems that include:

• Uterine fibroids
• Infertility
• Weight gain
• PMS symptoms
• Cervical dysplasia
• Endometriosis
• Fibrocystic breasts

Stopping The Aromatase Enzyme

You cannot stop the aromatase process completely, it is a natural and essential process. But it is possible to reduce its effects and help keep more of your crucial testosterone flowing in the blood. This helps to negate the problems linked to low T.

There are some key lifestyle changes that you can make to reduce the build up of estrogen.

Your Diet And Aromatase

You can help reduce the effects of Aromatase by making small change to your diet.

It has been recognised that certain foodstuffs have anti Aromatase effects that diminish the effects of the enzyme, this allows greater levels of testosterone to remain in the blood.

You should try and add these foods to your diet:

• Cauliflower
• Brussel sprouts
• Broccoli
• Coconut Oil
• Avocado
• Extra Virgin Oil
• Salmon
• Poultry
• Game
• Grass Fed Beef
• Chives, Garlic and scallions
• Leeks

Other great additions are citrus fruits, and herbs including thyme, oregano and turmeric.

Reducing Aromatase With Natural Supplements

Nature has been very generous to us, in that she has given us a number of natural extracts, vitamins and minerals that when taken in supplement form help reduce the aromatase process. 

This allows us to keep more of our free testosterone.

3 of the best ingredients to look for in a T-booster are:

• Luteolin
• Nettle Extract
• and DIIM (Diindolylmethane)