Treating Excessive Estrogens in Men with Chrysin

Passiflora coerulea extract, also known as Chrysin is a naturally occurring bioflavonoid extracted from this plant. In the early 1980’s it was found to have the ability to inhibit the conversion of testosterone into estrogens by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for this conversion called aromatase. Aromatase inhibiting drugs (anastrozole) have been traditionally used to treat women with estrogen dependant breast cancers, as estrogens are produced in fat cells via these enzymes in a process called aromatisation. The use of these inhibitors is however becoming more popular in aging men seeking to gain control over their sex hormone levels, suppressing excess estrogen production while boosting low testosterone levels to a youthful state. Natural alternatives to aromatase inhibiting drugs such as chrysin are also now available.

Declining testosterone in aging males can be the result of several factors one of these being an excess of the aromatase enzyme activity resulting with too much testosterone being aromatised into estrogen. This elevation in estrogen levels then acts on the brain to turn off testosterone production by a negative feedback mechanism resulting in a decline in the testosterone/estrogen ratio. The increased estrogen levels also increase SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) levels which then binds to whatever free testosterone is left thus further reducing its free and active form levels even further. This cascade effect causes a hormone imbalance between estrogen and testosterone and is suspected to be the cause of prostate cancer as well as the many symptoms associated with male menopause (andropause). These symptoms include: decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory problems, decreased energy and strength, increase in body fat, loss of muscle mass, prostate enlargement, osteoporosis, depression, inability to concentrate, reduced mental agility and loss of enthusiasm.

In these cases where an excess of aromatisation exists the use of an aromatase inhibitor can help men increase their free testosterone levels and reduce their estrogen levels thus achieving a normal youthful hormone balance. This can result with an increase in strength and stamina, increase in energy levels, improved muscle tone, increased libido, improved sexual function, improved mood and mental agility and a greater zest for life.

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