Rebalancing Hormones as Men Age: The Decline in Testosterone and the Rise of Estrogen Imbalance (Part 1)

As men age, it’s no secret that hormone levels shift—but the implications of these changes are often misunderstood.  While much attention is given to the drop in testosterone  that typically occurs with age, a key issue lies not just in testosterone decline alone, but in the relative imbalance between testosterone and estrogen that can develop over time.

The Hormone Shift: Testosterone vs. Estrogen

Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, naturally declines about 1% per year after age 30.  But in aging men, estradiol, a form of estrogen, may remain steady—or even increase. This happens due to greater conversion of testosterone to estrogen via the enzyme aromatase, which becomes more active with age, body fat accumulation, and insulin resistance.

This shifting ratio between testosterone and estrogen—not necessarily high estrogen on its own—is what can lead to symptoms of hormonal imbalance in men.

Symptoms of Testosterone-Estrogen Imbalance in Men May Include:

• Low energy and motivation

• Loss of muscle mass and increased belly fat

• Reduced libido and erectile dysfunction

• Mood changes, anxiety, or irritability

• Prostate symptoms or gynecomastia (breast tissue growth)

Why the Balance Matters

Even small shifts in hormone ratios can have outsized effects. Testosterone and estrogen interact in complex ways—both are important, but testosterone should remain dominant in a healthy adult male.  When estrogen begins to relatively outweigh testosterone, it can throw off metabolic, reproductive, and emotional health.

Strategies to Restore Hormonal Balance

The good news is that targeted lifestyle and clinical strategies can help restore the testosterone-estrogen balance:

1. Reduce Aromatase Activity

• Lose visceral fat (especially belly fat) to reduce aromatase enzyme expression

• Use natural aromatase inhibitors like zinc, resveratrol, or DIM (diindolylmethane from cruciferous vegetables)

2. Support Testosterone Production

• Prioritize quality sleep (at least 7 hours)

• Engage in resistance training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT)

• Ensure adequate intake of vitamin D, magnesium, and healthy fats

3. Improve Detoxification of Estrogen

• Eat fibre-rich foods to support estrogen elimination

• Consider calcium-D-glucarate or sulforaphane-rich foods to enhance liver detox pathways

4. Monitor and Test

• Consider regular hormone testing that includes free and total testosterone, estradiol, and SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin)

• We will work with you to ensure your success

A Functional Approach to Healthy Aging

Healthy male aging isn’t just about boosting testosterone—it’s about maintaining the right balance between testosterone and estrogen. When these hormones are in sync, men experience better energy, leaner bodies, sharper minds, and healthier libido.

With the right strategies, men can take control of this natural transition and stay resilient, strong, and vital well into their later decades.  In out next article we’ll explore the good ,the bad and the ugly strategies for achieving this desired balance.

Dr D Michael Elliott MSc, D.C. CFMP #AbleBodiedHealthCare&Chiropractic