The Estrogen Handbook

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Gyno Mechanics​

First of all there are three different types of Gynecomastia (Gyno): Estrogen induced, Progesterone induced and Prolactin induced. Of course, you can avoid all three types of Gyno by keeping Estrogen (E2) within the normal range (unless using a 19-nor). The precursor to any type of Gyno is almost always Estrogen! Once you let Estrogen build up you signal to your brain that you have conceived, it doesn’t matter if you are a man or woman, your body at this point will have to go through certain processes to prepare you for lactation. Firstly your body will rush to use that Estrogen and build up breast tissue (which will form a lump) which is mandatory for the lactation process. Once this stage has been completed and you have let Estrogen still high your Progesterone will increase (Estrogen can still remain high) which is an attempt from your body to make the tissue larger and also make your aerolas bigger (puffy and enlarged nipples) again to get them ready for lactation. Last stage of Gyno is Prolactin lactation, all previous stages were preparing the body for this moment at this point your Progesterone and Estrogen will drop and your Prolactin will spike, this is when someone starts lactating.

Estrogen (E2)​

Estrogen is commonly referred to as “E2”. Estrogens are made up of Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2), and Estriol (E3) (though the one we’re concerned with is E2 specifically). It is fine to simply refer to these as Estrogen, but it’s more important that you know how to control your own and have a basic understanding of the topic.

The mechanisms through which E2 interacts with sexual reproductive organs and other hormones in the male body is actually much more complex than in a woman’s body. This is mainly because we have so little E2 compared to our female counterparts. The same can be said of Testosterone in women; a slight change in levels can trigger huge changes. A lot of people know the term “aromatase” or “aromatization”, but do people know exactly what it is?

The most challenging hormone for the steroid user is Estrogen by far. It is the cause of any changes in your nipple/pecs (gyno), mood, libido, hardness, bloat, skin, prostate, appetite – you name it, when you feel off 90% of the time is due to low/high Estrogen levels.

When you hit your sweet spot you will know, you can’t miss it. You will feel happy, content, you will sex like a champ, eat like a champ and train like a champ and to top it off everybody around you will be happy as well.

Here is an indicators of low/high Estrogen levels:

Low Estrogen Sides​

• Dry skin/lips
• Feeling of dehydration
• Loss of libido
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Loss of sensitivity
• Dry glans (penis)
• White glans
• Loss of girth
• Irritability/Mood swings
• Crying for no reason
• DHT rage (aggression you take out on others)
• Dull orgasm
• Hesitation just before urinating
• Night sweats
• Loss of appetite
• Constant fatigue
• Lethargy
• Constipation (due to dehydration)
• Diuretic effect (pissing more water than you are consuming)
• Itchy scalp
• Obsessive thoughts

Low and high Estrogen sides are very alike, the more experienced you get the easier it is to differentiate between them, but it will always be tricky. The best way to tell is always to get your Estradiol (E2) checked though blood work.

High Estrogen Sides​

• Acne
• Loss of libido
• Water retention (Bloat)
• Moon face
• Scrotum hanging too high
• Extreme oiliness all over
• Moodiness (Aggression, depression, increased irritability)
• Lethargy
• Insomnia
• Soft erections
• Extreme cravings for sugar/chocolate
• High BP
• BP spikes
• Enlarged prostate
• Pressure in lower abdomen when urinating
• Thin stream when urinating
• Constipation (from water retention)
• Itchy nipples
• Gynecomastia

When you get one side effect, it is just an indication use this list to potentially make a full picture. Never go by one side only, being bloated only means nothing, having dry skin only means nothing again. Again, the best way to tell is always to get your Estradiol (E2) checked though blood work.

Aromatase​

Aromatase is an enzyme that converts testosterone to estradiol and androstenedione to estrone. Similarly, 17-ketosteroid reductase is an enzyme that is capable of converting androstenedione to testosterone and estrone to estradiol. Aromatase is named based upon the fact that it removes a methyl group on the 19th carbon and rearranges ring A into an aromatic ring, hence it aromatizes the testosterone molecule.

Aromatase is found in many different cells in the body, however it is primarily found in adipose tissue. The liver, skin, and testes are also primary sites of aromatization. In the testes, you have two different cells that respond to the gondaotropic hormones (LH and FSH). Leydig/interstitial cells respond to LH and initiate the synthesis of testosterone. Sertoli/sustentacular cells respond to FSH and initiate and support spermatogenesis. Sertoli cells do not produce testosterone but they contain FSH-dependent aromatase. The estradiol produced in Sertoli cells binds to E2 receptors in Leydig cells and the estradiol will suppress the Leydig cell’s response to LH stimulation. Aromatase activity in other cells are not FSH-dependent. Much of the brain contains aromatase, except the pituitary gland.

Aromatase Regulation

Aromatase is decreased endogenously by prolactin and anti-Mullerian hormone, although AMH is irrelevant and concentrations are almost non-existent in adult males. It is also decreased exogenously by aromatase inhibitors, nicotine, zinc, vitamin E, and resveratrol. The enzyme is increased endogenously by gonadotropins, insulin, testosterone, and androstenedione. Increased adipose tissue increases quantity of aromatase in body.