Where does it come from?

• Testoserone is converted to estradiol through enzymatic activity.testosterone image by Cornelia Pithart from Fotolia.com
  
  Most estradiol in men is the result of a process known as aromatization. The aromatase enzyme acts on testosterone, changing it into estrogen. High levels of estradiol in men (more than 30 pg/mL) are usually the result of increased aromatase activity, which can be triggered in many ways.
  
  

What are its effects on the male reproductive organs?

• Erectile dysfunction medications may be unnecessary when high estradiol levels are addressed.Blue Pills image by Michael Costable from Fotolia.com
  
  Estradiol binds to testosterone receptor cells in the human body. The brain is unable to tell the difference between testosterone and estrogens at these sites. Consequently, the brain orders the testes to stop producing as much testosterone which can lead to symptoms of hypogonadism, such as loss of libido, erectile dysfunction and depression.
  
  

What are its effects on the heart?

• Excessive E2 levels are injurious to the cardiovascular system.cardiogram watched threw the magnifying glass image by Aleksandar Radovanovic from Fotolia.com
  
  Excessive estrogen levels in men have been linked to cardiovascular disease and malfunction. High estradiol levels tend to cause abnormal blood clotting and can double the risk of stroke. One Polish study, published in 2009, found an increased mortality rate in men who had chronic heart failure and high estradiol levels. The same study also noted a 50 percent lower rate of survival among men who had high E2 levels and had suffered a heart attack.
  
  

How does it affect the prostate?

• Proper testing to determine E2 levels can help in maintaining optimal prostate health.lab chair image by Alan Shearer from Fotolia.com
  
  High or disproportionate levels of E2 have been identified as key elements or precursors to the enlarged prostate condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Middle-aged men suffering this disorder often have high levels of estradiol due to increased aromatase activity. They also usually have testosterone/estradiol ratios that are out of balance due to the combination of aromatization and the natural, age-related decline of testosterone production.
  
  

What else might it affect?

• Gyencomastia can only be corrected surgically.chirurg image by Falk from Fotolia.com
  
  High estrogen levels in men, combined with the subsequent decrease in testosterone production, can lead to a condition called gynecomastia in which the breasts become enlarged due to increased tissue growth. Gynecomastia is not reversible and can only be corrected through surgical intervention.