The Dangers of Inhibiting Estrogen in Men

Rob Kominiarek, D.O., FACOFP

Member, AMMG Planning Committee; Director, ReNue Health, Springboro, OH; Assistant Clinical Professor, Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Estradiol is a pleiotropic hormone that has instrumental influence over numerous critical functions related to the cardiac and vascular system, bone and mineral metabolism, cognition, memory, mood, balance, age related neurodegenerative disorders and lipolysis of fat. Evidence suggests that estradiol has neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties and promotes the survival and viability of intimate brain structures. The benefits of estradiol on neuroprotection are attributed to genomic and non-genomic signaling, regulation of mitochondrial energy and antioxidant action. Damaged neurons increase the production of aromatase, the enzyme that is responsible for the conversion of androgens into estradiol. Our own astrocytes after suffering trauma increase aromatase expression to exert the numerous benefits of estrogen to these intimate structures. Knowing all this to be an evident truth, why then do some clinicians insist on blocking the aromatization of testosterone into the ever-important, pleiotropic hormone estradiol? Attendees will learn the importance of allowing the natural aromatization of testosterone into estradiol to occur and how blocking this important conversion will do long term harm to these numerous systems.