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Many men desire higher androgen levels for a variety of reasons. Some want more muscle bulk, while others wish to relieve symptoms associated with low androgen levels. However, taking medications and supplements that increase androgens can lead to the unwanted effect of increased estrogen levels due to an enzyme called aromatase. People who want high levels of masculine hormones without these unpleasant side effects may benefit from natural aromatase inhibitors for men.
What Are Aromatase Inhibitors?
Aromatase is an enzyme in the human body that converts testosterone to estrogen. Most men have very little aromatase action because they naturally need high androgen levels and low estrogen levels to function. However, there are times when men have more aromatase and thus a higher ratio of estrogen to male hormones. In addition, a man’s body increases aromatase activity when men have sudden increases in androgen levels. This includes taking testosterone therapy or supplements that increase this hormone. The increase in aromatase is the cause of many of the unwanted side effects of androgen therapy, including gynecomastia, moodiness, impotence, infertility, and a decrease in testicular size.
As a result, many men who take measures to increase masculine hormones have an increase in estrogen as well unless they take medication or supplement to decrease aromatase activity and increase the desired hormone levels. These substances are called aromatase inhibitors. There are several aromatase inhibitors on the market. Pharmaceutical options are available by prescription only and can have serious side effects. Many doctors are reluctant to prescribe them simply to increase androgen levels, even when there is a medical necessity. However, there are several natural aromatase inhibitors that can have the same impact with fewer side effects and no prescription necessary.
The Benefits of Aromatase Inhibitors
Most of the benefits of aromatase inhibitors are due to the corresponding increase in luteinizing hormone and androgen levels. The most desired benefit is an increase in muscle strength and size. Men who are seeking a more masculine appearance may find that they have more lean bulk and better muscle definition. In addition, higher androgen levels can produce higher stamina, allowing longer and more intense workouts. Androgens also discourage the storage of fat, contributing more to the bulky, defined bodybuilder physique that many men desire.
In addition, androgens contribute to men’s health in a variety of ways. A man’s body simply cannot function well without these necessary hormones. Men who have infertility, impotence, weak bones, and other effects from low androgen levels will often see improvement in these conditions when taking an aromatase inhibitor. Because androgen levels are responsible for many distinctive male traits, increasing these levels can have huge positive implications. Increasing androgen levels can have the following surprising effects:
- Improved libido and sexual performance
- Better, more positive mood
- Clearer and more decisive thinking
- Increased bone density
- Higher iron levels in the blood
- Increased fertility
- Increased energy and stamina
In addition, aromatase inhibitors for men supplements can decrease the effects of excessive estrogen in men already taking supplements to increase androgen levels. These effects include gynecomastia (increase in fatty breast tissue) and moodiness. Increased estrogen can destroy the masculine appearance and outlook that many men are seeking. Aromatase inhibitors reduce estrogen levels dramatically by decreasing levels of the enzyme needed to produce female hormones.
Natural Ways to Inhibit Aromatase Activity
There are several ways to naturally inhibit aromatase. Many men seeking lower estrogen levels and higher androgen levels try the following supplements:
- Zinc, a trace mineral that is essential as a cofactor in several crucial metabolic practices while also decreasing aromatase activity. Also, zinc can increase testosterone levels in men who have zinc deficiency and take supplements for it.
- Boron, which acts in a similar manner as zinc but is difficult to find in adequate quantities in the modern Western diet.
- Grapeseed extract, which acts as an anti-oxidant and has many cardiovascular benefits in addition to inhibiting aromatase activity.
- Resveratrol, which is a natural anti-inflammatory compound found in red grapes and berries that have a variety of health benefits in addition to lowering aromatase.
- Tongkat Ali, a popular bodybuilding supplement because it offers the double benefit of increasing androgens while decreasing aromatase.
These all are natural, healthy options for increasing androgens and reducing estrogen activity. In addition, there are a variety of herbal supplements that have been found to act as natural aromatase inhibitors. Many of these herbs have been used for centuries for a variety of reasons without any known ill effects. Some of these supplements have gained immense popularity in the bodybuilding and fitness community for their impact on virility and muscle gains.
Can Natural Aromatase Inhibitors Cause Side Effects?
All bioactive substances, whether natural or pharmaceutical, have the potential to cause side effects. Aromatase inhibitors are no exception. Although side effects are rare, it is important to watch for the following side effects of aromatase inhibitors for men and to talk to a medical professional if they are concerning:
- Hot flashes
- Changes in sex drive
- Muscle and joint pain
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbance
- Cognitive changes
These side effects are extremely rare, but there is a slight chance that people taking natural aromatase inhibitors for men can experience them. They are more common in people taking pharmaceutical aromatase inhibitors such as tamoxifen and anastrozole. Men who have medical conditions that can be exacerbated by high androgen levels should talk to their physician about whether these supplements are right for them.
More on the topic: What Are the Effects of Taking Anastrozole for Men?
If you or a loved one are interested in aromatase inhibitors for men supplements are available to help you meet your goals. Many people are meeting their lifestyle and fitness goals by taking natural aromatase inhibitors for men. These supplements offer a safe and natural way to get the health and bodybuilding benefits of high androgen levels without a prescription or unwanted side effects.