Men are being urged to check their hormones before reaching for their next pint. Experts warn beer is a key source of external oestrogens that can knock male hormones out of whack.
Dr Paul van der Westhuizen, Men’s Health Lead of Medichecks, says men need to get wise on their hormone levels with one drink in particular upsetting their hormone balance.
Excess amounts of the ‘female hormone’ oestrogen can trick the brain into thinking it has too much testosterone and cause the body to reduce its production.
This can possibly lead to symptoms like low mood and energy, reduced libido, and erectile dysfunction. Plus, changes to our food chain and environment have increased the risk of absorbing extra oestrogen from outside the body.
“While we typically label hormones as male or female, the fact is men and women make both types of hormones in different levels,” says Dr van der Westhuizen.
“The different volumes of these hormones are what distinguishes the sexual characteristics of men and women.
“Oestrogen is the collective name for a group of hormones which are mainly responsible for developing the female reproductive system, but men also produce oestrogen in small amounts.
“Oestradiol is the strongest of these, and in men it’s responsible for regulating libido, erectile function, and sperm production.”
The doctor says oestradiol levels in men can be raised due to excess body fat, or linked to an age-related decline in testosterone.
High levels of oestrogen in men can cause a negative feedback loop in the brain, causing it to think the body has too much testosterone, and lowering its testosterone production in response.
He continued: “High and low oestrogen levels are relatively rare in healthy men, but they could be on the rise. It’s recently come to light that changes in the food chain and our environment has upped the risk of exogenous (or external) oestrogens entering the body and raising oestrogen levels – with alcohol, and especially beer, being a key source.
“We all know alcohol can have profound effects on the body, but especially the hormones; it can decrease testosterone levelsi, and encourage the body to turn testosterone into oestrogen.
“Alcohol also contributes to higher body fat through its own calorie content, and unhealthy eating behaviours associated with drinking.
“The resulting ‘beer belly’ also encourages the body to turn testosterone into oestrogen, doubling up on the negative effects.
“Symptoms of raised oestrogen levels include loss of libido, infertility, and excess growth of breast tissue; the so-called ‘man boobs’.”
The health expert says: “If you’re experiencing these symptoms, a testosterone and oestradiol blood test can be a good way to see if your hormones are out of balance.”
The NHS recommends drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week for men and women. Remember to drink responsibly (18+) and be Drinkaware.
