Hormone therapy lowers the amount of testosterone in the body and this affects your ability to have and maintain an erection. This may get better within 3 to 12 months after the treatment ends. For some men, erection problems are permanent.
According to the North American Menopause Society, Estrace or other vaginal creams (Premarin) should not be used right before sex because the partner may absorb the estrogen hormone through his skin (Journal of Reproductive Medicine, Jan. 2008). Over time estrogen could have a feminizing effect on a man.
It is advised to wait at least 12 hours after you insert estrogen cream to have sex, although the risk to your partner is not thought to be of concern.
Conclusion: Men absorb vaginal estradiol during intercourse, whereas intercourse reduces estradiol absorption in women. Although serum estradiol levels were only mildly elevated in men, it is possible that long-term exposure could cause feminizing changes.
While estrogen has traditionally been known as a female hormone and testosterone has traditionally been associated with men, it may surprise you to know that estrogen plays an integral role in male sexual function, including the regulation of sex drive, the development of sperm, and even erectile function.
The first changes you will probably notice are that your skin will become a bit drier and thinner. Your pores will become smaller and there will be less oil production. You may become more prone to bruising or cuts and in the first few weeks you'll notice that the odors of your sweat and urine will change.
Once a person starts taking estrogen hormone therapy, they may begin to experience erectile dysfunction and fewer erections. However, a person will still be able to reach orgasm.
Vaginal estrogen may be used to decrease vaginal dryness and discomfort with intercourse, which can lead to increased sexual satisfaction.
Just as women need a small amount of testosterone, men need a small amount of estrogen. Why is estrogen important for men's health? Estrogen is important for sperm health, bone strength, cholesterol metabolism, as well as cardiovascular and circulatory health.
It can take up to 4 months to see the full effect of the estrogens.
Estrogen dominance is a common hormone imbalance that affects both women and men (as early as the 30s for women and the 40s for men) and causes those "love handles" to appear as you age.
The hormone estrogen is responsible for making skin look younger due to the hyaluronic acid it produces. Estrogen not only affects your skin but also your muscle mass, metabolism, and energy levels.
Neurological effects
Estradiol medication can cause depression, mood swings, irritability, anger, dizziness and headaches.
Typically if estrogen is administered in a testosterone deficient environment, it might cause breast enlargement or enhancement or if there are androgens floating down, them that suppress the breast development. So approach an endocrinologist if there is breast enhancement required for men.
Although the male body needs estrogen to function correctly, too much estrogen can cause health problems. Increased levels of estrogen can cause symptoms such as infertility, erectile dysfunction, and depression. A person who is concerned about their estrogen levels should contact their doctor.
Studies in animals and in humans have demonstrated that estrogen's actions in the CNS play critical roles in aggression and in sexual behavior in males, most likely due to local production of estradiol by aromatase.
Estrogen acts everywhere in the body, including the parts of the brain that control emotion. Some of estrogen's effects include: Increasing serotonin, and the number of serotonin receptors in the brain. Modifying the production and the effects of endorphins, the "feel-good" chemicals in the brain.
Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all affect sexual desire and arousal. Having higher levels of estrogen in the body promotes vaginal lubrication and increases sexual desire.
Estrogen promotes the storage of fat for healthy reproductive years. When estrogen is balanced, the right amount of fat helps carry out female reproductive functions. However, when there's too little or too much estrogen, weight gain often results.
The most common drugs, such as sildenafil (Viagra), work mostly on blood vessels but also have effects on raising both testosterone levels and estrogen levels in men.
Estrogen hormone therapy is a treatment option for people with gender dysphoria. It causes the development of typically feminine traits, such as breast tissue, decreased muscle mass, and a reduction in facial and body hair.
For people taking estrogen as part of their gender transition, breast growth typically begins within three months of starting GAHT. Breast growth or changes in sensation tends to increase dramatically within the first six to twelve months.
The hormone estrogen, if taken in high enough doses, increases breast size by stimulating growth of breast tissue. However, it is not safe to use estrogen in this way because when breast cells are stimulated to grow, they are more likely to turn cancerous.
If you are using estradiol gel, you should apply it in a thin layer to one arm, from the wrist to the shoulder. If you are using estradiol emulsion, you should apply it to both thighs and calves (lower legs). Do not apply estradiol gel or emulsion to your breasts.