In men, aromatase, commonly known as estrogen synthetase, converts testosterone into estrogen, sometimes leading to estrogenic side effects such as sensitive nipples, tissue growth around the nipple, and water retention.
Doctors have multiple levers to reduce aromatization. Your goal is not to eliminate aromatase. Balance is key; your body needs estrogen and testosterone to function properly.
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are a group of synthetic hormonal medications. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are another group of hormone therapy drugs used to stop aromatization in fat tissues. SERMs and AIs were originally developed to treat breast cancer in women. HormoneMD has successfully used these medications to counteract estrogenic side effects in testosterone therapy patients.
As such, the preferred first step in treating estrogenic side effects is lifestyle changes, losing body fat, lowering the testosterone dosage, or changing the frequency of injections. If these methods don't work, or the side effects persist, AIs and SERMs can be used short-term to rebalance your hormones.
Some physicians solely use SERMs or AIs as hormone therapy. Aromatization reductions will increase testosterone levels and reduce estrogen levels so it’s easy to see why some physicians think this is a viable solution. There are three main risks:
Our free assessment quantifies your symptoms to see if hormone therapy is right for you. We're here to help you feel the way you want to feel.