Beyond Testosterone: Why Estrogen & Progesterone Matter for Men

When we talk about male hormones, testosterone gets all the headlines and for good reason. But if you think that’s the full story, you’re only seeing part of the picture. Everyone, including men, typically produces and depends on all sex hormones, including testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. And when those hormones fall out of balance, bad things can happen.

Let’s dive into the lesser-known roles of estrogen and progesterone in the male body, how they interact with testosterone, and what you can do to keep your hormones in harmony.

Remember, this information isn’t one-size-fits-all. If you notice any unusual symptoms or health changes, consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Testosterone Doesn’t Stand Alone

We all know what testosterone does, it deepens the voice, supports muscle growth, fuels drive, keeps bones strong. In men, it’s produced by the testes, under direction from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. But it’s not a solo act. 

As guys age, testosterone tends to decline by about 1% per year after the age of 30. That’s normal. But symptoms like low energy, mood issues, and reduced libido don’t always mean that testosterone alone is the problem. Sometimes, the real culprit lies in how testosterone is being converted to or balanced with other hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Estrogen in Men: Not Just a “Female” Hormone

It might surprise you to learn that estrogen plays essential roles in the male body. Most of the estrogen in men comes from converting testosterone via an enzyme called aromatase, the main form of which in men is estradiol. It’s got several key functions:

• Bone Health & Density: Like testosterone, estrogen plays a vital role in maintaining bone formation. For older guys in particular, estrogen levels actually correlate better than testosterone with bone density!
• Sexual & Reproductive Health: Estrogen works with testosterone to support libido and erectile function (in moderation). Some studies even show that estrogen plays a vital role in male sexual function.
• Brain, Mood & Cognition: Estrogen supports memory, emotional regulation, and overall brain health. Plus, there’s emerging data that estradiol affects neural pathways that impact mood.
• Cardiovascular Health: Having estrogen in a healthy range may help maintain vascular function and reduce heart risk (though scientists are still investigating this bit).

Too much estrogen (relative to testosterone) can lead to problems like gynecomastia, mood swings, weight gain, and reduced libido. But too little can lead to poor bone health, weak sexual function, and cognitive decline. The sweet spot is a healthy balance, not zero estrogen.

Progesterone in Men: The Forgotten Partner

Progesterone rarely gets airtime in men’s health discussions, but it plays several powerful roles:

• Hormone Precursor & Estrogen: Progesterone is a building block for other hormones like testosterone. At the same time, it helps maintain balance by decreasing your estrogen levels. If progesterone is too low, your body can struggle to produce other hormones or maintain a proper equilibrium. 
• Mood & Stress: It supports neuroprotection and influences chemicals like GABA, helping calm the brain and manage stress. Some metabolites of progesterone (such as allopregnanolone) are known to modulate GABA receptors and create subtle sedative or calming effects. 
• Quality Sleep: Because of its calming influence, progesterone helps with better sleep, which is crucial for hormone production and recovery.  

Men’s progesterone levels decline with age, and when they dip too far, issues like low libido, irritability, and estrogen dominance may come up. Some studies show that progesterone levels correlate inversely with obesity markers, suggesting lower progesterone in overweight men.

When Hormones Get Out of Balance

As a quick recap, here’s what often happens when estrogen or progesterone go off track:

• Estrogen Dominance (too much estrogen relative to testosterone): Gynecomastia, weight gain, fatigue, low motivation
• Low Estrogen: Weak bones, poor sexual function, cognitive issues
• Low Progesterone: Mood swings, trouble sleeping, increased estrogen effects, more difficulty producing testosterone

As men grow older, testosterone drops. Without the right levels of progesterone, estrogen can creep up or dominate. Even if your total testosterone is “normal,” you may not feel so great if this hormonal triangle is misaligned.

How to Support Healthy Balance

Here are some practical, actionable steps for helping your hormones stay in balance:

• Optimize Body Fat: Fat tissue can influence your body to convert more testosterone into estrogen. Staying in a healthy range helps keep balance
• Prioritize Sleep: Quality sleep is non-negotiable. Aim for 7–9 hours each night. After all, hormone production is at its best when you’re deeply rested
• Manage Stress: Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can drag progesterone down. Try practicing stress-reducing habits like breathing, meditation, and movement
• Eat Right (With Smart Fats): Healthy fats (found in avocados, fatty fish, olives, and nuts) support hormone production. Avoid excess processed foods, which can aggravate estrogen levels
• Lift Weights & Move: Resistance training helps maintain testosterone, helping to keep estrogen and progesterone in check
• Watch Alcohol Consumption & Liver Health: Excess alcohol messes with hormone metabolism and liver function, which is key to maintaining a healthy balance

When to Ask for a Hormone Panel 

If you’re experiencing:

• Low energy
• Low libido / erectile issues
• Mood fluctuations / brain fog
• Sleep problems
• Unwanted fat gain

…then it’s worth talking to your medical provider! Some common options and treatments include:

• Total & Free Testosterone
• Estradiol (E2)
• Progesterone
• SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)
• Cortisol & DHEA-S

A full profile helps you see whether something like high estrogen or low progesterone could be contributing to your symptoms.

Broaden the Hormone Conversation

Testosterone absolutely matters. But it’s not the only hormone that moves the needle. For many guys, subtle imbalances in estrogen or progesterone can be the secret causes of fatigue, low mood, sexual trouble, or weak bones.

If you’re trying to get leaner, stronger, more mentally sharp, or just feel like yourself again, consider this: your hormonal health isn’t one-dimensional! It’s an interwoven system. Don’t just chase more testosterone; chase a better balance.

The more you understand estrogen and progesterone, the more power you have over your own biology. One type of hormone alone can’t carry you to success. That’s because they function as a team—complex, vital in their own ways, and at their best when working in sync.