Testosterone is the hormone men hear about. Estrogen rarely comes up, even though men make it too.
Here's what testosterone and estrogen each do in men, how they connect, and what you can do to support both.
What Does Testosterone Do in Men?
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone. It helps with sex drive, muscle and strength, bone density, and energy levels.
Your levels peak in your late teens and early twenties, then slowly decline with age.
What Does Estrogen Do in Men?
Men make estrogen in much smaller amounts than women do. Your body makes much of it from testosterone. An enzyme called aromatase turns some testosterone into estradiol, the main form of estrogen. This happens in several parts of the body, including body fat.
In men, estrogen helps keep bones strong and supports sex drive and sexual function.
Testosterone vs. Estrogen at a Glance
| Testosterone | Estrogen | |
|---|---|---|
| Role in men | The main male sex hormone | Present in smaller amounts |
| Where it comes from | Made mostly in the testes | Largely made from testosterone by aromatase |
| What it supports | Sex drive, muscle and strength, bone density, well-being | Bone health, sex drive, and sexual function |
Does Testosterone Turn Into Estrogen?
Yes, it does. Aromatase turns a portion of your testosterone into estradiol. It's a normal process, and it's why the two hormones are linked.
Your body also breaks down and processes hormones so they can be eliminated. That's called hormone metabolism, and estrogen metabolism is the part that handles estrogen.
What Affects Your Testosterone and Estrogen?
Age is one factor. Your testosterone starts to drift down gradually as you get older. Body weight matters too. Fat tissue contains aromatase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen, and excess body fat is associated with changes in the balance between these hormones. Sleep quality and overall health can also influence testosterone levels.
Everyday Habits That Support Your Hormones
Sleep seven to nine hours. Research links short sleep to lower testosterone, so a steady bedtime is a good place to start.
Strength train. Regular resistance training helps you build and keep muscle as you age, and it's a good habit for your overall health.
Keep a healthy weight. Body fat contains aromatase, so your weight is part of the hormone picture. Staying active and eating well help you maintain it.
Eat a balanced diet. Your body needs adequate protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients to maintain normal hormone production.
Where DIM+ Fits
Along with everyday habits like eating well, exercising, and maintaining a healthy weight, DIM+ offers another way to support your body's natural hormone processes. It's formulated to promote healthy estrogen metabolism, which is how your body processes estrogen.*
Frequently Asked Questions
Do men need estrogen? Yes. Men make it in small amounts, and it helps with bone health, sex drive, and sexual function.
What is estrogen metabolism? It's how your body breaks down and clears estrogen after it has done its job.
How can I support healthy hormone function? Start with the basics: steady sleep, regular exercise, a healthy weight, and a balanced diet.
The Takeaway
Testosterone and estrogen both matter in a man's body. Testosterone supports muscle, bone, and sex drive. Estrogen helps keep bones strong and supports sexual function. Your body makes some estrogen from testosterone, so the two are linked, and age, weight, sleep, and daily habits all affect them.
Start with sleep, exercise, and food. When you look at supplements, pick ones that are clear about what they do.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
