Adding to this discussion, here's an excerpt on a very well written discussion on the roll of estrogen in men (From <https://www.discountedlabs.com/blog/post/blog_the_top_18_things_you_did_not_> )Originally Posted by charger69
Estrogen and its beneficial effects in bodybuilding
Estrogen, one of the most important female sex hormone, is vital for professional athletes who aim at increasing their muscle mass.
For example, estrogen can increase the anabolic response by modifying the way glucose is processed in muscle tissue.
This hormone can influence the amounts of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase which is directly correlated to muscle growth and repair. In other words, having adequate amounts of estrogen can maximize muscle gains and strength.
In studies performed on rats, estrogen has also been correlated with a whopping 480% increase in methyltrienolone which is an androgen connected to the levator ani muscle.
The production of growth hormone and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) are also influenced by estrogen. This female sex hormone can increase the proliferation of IGF-1 in body tissues and liver which leads to greater muscle gains and protein synthesis.
Estrogen also plays an important role when it comes to serotonin production. Serotonin is known for regulating the sleep/waking cycle.
Bodybuilders who take aromatase inhibitors as drugs might have low levels of estrogen in the body. This can alter the serotonin production and lead to a thing called “steroid fatigue”.
This is usually characterized by a general feeling of tiredness which can interfere with training regimes and prevent the athlete from performing at his peak. Maximizing muscle gains can be difficult in this case.
Some of the drugs which inhibit aromatase and can lead to “steroid fatigue” are anastrozole, letrozole and fadrozole. This happens if they are taken in high quantities, above the prescribed dosage and for long period of times.
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