Natural Aromatase Inhibitors

Derrick DeSilva, Jr., M.D.

Teaching Faculty, JFK Medical Center, Edison, NJ; Co-Chair, Department of Complimentary Medicine and Senior Attending Staff, Raritan Bay Medical Center, Perth Amboy, NJ

One of the most dangerous enemies to men when it comes to boosting testosterone is the Aromatase enzyme. This destructive enzyme’s main role is to convert testosterone into the female hormone estrogen. It goes without saying that men who want to keep their testosterone at optimal levels need to take measures to keep this enzyme at reasonable levels because this will ensure that they are protecting testosterone and not allowing it to be converted into estrogen. Of course, we can control aromatase activity with the use of prescription medications but what about the potential nutrient depletion and the side effects from the prescription drugs. There are natural aromatase inhibitors that have well documented effects without the side effects and have the potential for side benefits vs side effects. We will review these natural aromatase inhibitors along with some of the other potential side benefits that these natural compounds process.