OT: what is the most important estrogen related blood level to check in men? (related to low libido) Is it estradiol? Please help

I seem to be very sensitive to changes in libido so Im wondering maybe my estrogen levels might be out of whack.

I know there are a ton of other reasons, but Im asking only for estrogen related info in this post.

Thanks in advance to anyone in the know!

does anyone have any knowledge of this?

Estradiol is the most important, as it is the most potent/active. In a blood test for a male, you'll be tested on either estradiol or estrone, or both. But it will more than likely be just estradiol. Its not one of the cheaper of the blood tests, so you probably won't have it done period unless you are displaying what the community sees as male estrogen-related issues: breast tissue, delayed puberty, or certain cancers.

Not sure what else you'd like to know about it.

Just scour Google for information related to estradiol. I'm not that educated on estrone's effects in men, so I can't speak to it.

Interesting study done on a mutant male unable to produce aromatase. Symptoms of what can occur due to a lack of estrogen. Note the loss in bone density. And the hyperinsulinemia.

Apparently he also had huge balls and a testosterone level that's just ridiculous haha.

http://press.endocrine.org/doi/abs/10.1210/jcem.80.12.8530621

There appears to be an ideal range for estradiol in males, as it concerns virility and libido.

Estrogen deficiency can lead to loss of libido in males and hampered erectile function. But elevated estrogen can hamper sexual function as well, and its been shown in a few mice models that aromatase inhibition led to better sexual functioning/behavior in male rats.

So as far as specifics on the numbers, you'll have to take a look around. You'll find a great deal of talk about this at any forum related to weight training, and particularly in threads on steroids and cycling them (including post-cycle therapy protocols), as estrogen control is essentially the crux of this. Guys often share what they feel to be the sweet spot for estrogen levels, but I've seen different recommendations. And its really going to end up being based on how you feel - assuming you are within the normal range. Clinically, you aren't going to find information on what the optimal level is. Within the normal reference range of 15-60 pg/ml I've seen some men report feeling their best at 20, while others say closer to 40 is healthiest (given the long term effects on bone density).

So do some research, get tested if you feel its a problem for you. Testosterone is also heavily involved in your libido, and if you're having symptoms you should probably have this tested as well. I wouldn't advise going on any protocol to alter steroid hormone levels without the data first. Doing it blindly is probably going to make it worse in the end. Libido can be effected by many factors, not just the steroids.

I also hesitate to recommend any of the plant-based solutions for controlling estrogens. Things like the flavones, i.e. chrysin. There are others. The problems all have to do with a lack of information. These things have pro- or anti-estrogenic effects depending on the cell and the tissue. Potency/dose/effectiveness/bioavailability questions also muck it up.

For controlling estrogen synthesis, I believe the best thing you can do is to lower body fat levels. Hands down. Aside from that, zinc at higher dosages (http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/anabolic-steroids/zinc-strong-aromatase-inhibitor-must-read-203062.html ; some interesting reads here).

It is probably more controversial, but a short-term cycle of an aromatase inhibitor such as anastrozole has in my experience shown to to correct the pituitary-gonadal axis like a second-puberty almost. I mention this as a point to research. Don't jump on one willy nilly. Seriously.

Boron demonstrates estrogen-lowering actions. (http://www.ergo-log.com/boron.html)

Selenium, B-vitamins, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids also help in better estrogen metabolism.

Based on my own research, the ratio of estrogen-to-testosterone is more important and you want to get closer to the 1:200 mark.