From the Research
Estradiol has a complex effect on the prostate in men, generally inhibiting prostate growth and counteracting some of the stimulatory effects of testosterone on prostate tissue, as evidenced by the most recent study in 2019 1. The effects of estradiol on the prostate are multifaceted, involving the binding of estradiol to estrogen receptors in prostate cells, which can trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death) in prostate cancer cells and inhibit cell proliferation.
- Estradiol can reduce prostate volume and decrease prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels when present in higher-than-normal levels in men.
- Estrogen therapy has historically been used as a treatment for advanced prostate cancer, though it's now less common due to side effects such as feminizing effects, including gynecomastia (breast enlargement), erectile dysfunction, and reduced libido.
- The relationship between estradiol and prostate health is complex, as both very low and very high levels may be problematic, highlighting the importance of maintaining a proper balance between testosterone and estradiol for normal prostate function and overall men's health, as supported by earlier studies 2, 3, 4, 5. Key points to consider include:
- The role of estrogens and estrogen receptors in normal prostate growth and disease, as discussed in a 2008 review 2.
- The potential therapeutic strategies for growth regulation via estrogen pathways, as examined in a 2007 study 3.
- The effects of estrogens on prostate-specific antigen (PSA), acid phosphatase (ACP), and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as investigated in a 2001 study 5. However, the most recent and highest-quality study in 2019 1 provides the most relevant evidence for the effects of estradiol on the prostate, emphasizing the need for further research into the interaction between estrogens and prostate cancer.