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How CYP19A1 (aromatase) Affects Male Hormone Balance

Estrogen plays an important role in men's health. It helps with bone density, brain function, fertility, and maintaining a healthy balance with testosterone. The CYP19A1 gene makes the aromatase enzyme, which converts testosterone into estrogen. Genetic variation at rs4646 in CYP19A1 can change aromatase activity, shifting how much estrogen your body produces. Depending on your genotype, you may have lower, intermediate, or higher aromatase activity, which can influence risks for conditions such as gynecomastia, reduced libido, prostate concerns, or lower bone density.

What this means for you

  • If aromatase activity is lower, you may have a higher testosterone-to-estrogen ratio. That can be beneficial for some aspects of vitality but may increase risk of low estrogen-related problems over time, such as decreased bone density or subtle cognitive changes.
  • If aromatase activity is higher, you may have relatively higher estrogen levels. This can sometimes contribute to symptoms like breast tissue growth, reduced libido, or altered prostate physiology.
  • Most people fall in between. Lifestyle, diet, body fat, medications, and environmental exposures all interact with genetics to determine actual hormone levels.

Healthy habits to support balanced hormones

Regardless of genotype, lifestyle and nutrition strongly influence hormone balance. Suggestions below are intended to support healthy testosterone and estrogen balance in men. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, changing medications, or if you have symptoms.

  • Eat cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower contain compounds that support balanced estrogen metabolism.
  • Include anti-inflammatory fats: Omega-3 rich foods like fatty fish, flaxseed, or a high-quality fish oil supplement can support endocrine and reproductive health.
  • Key nutrients: Ensure adequate vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc through food, sensible sun exposure, or supplements if testing shows deficiency. These nutrients support bone health, testosterone production, and overall hormone function.
  • Targeted supplements: Some supplements are commonly used to influence estrogen pathways. Examples include DIM (diindolylmethane), resveratrol, and quercetin. Use only under healthcare supervision, especially if you are on hormone therapies or other medications.
  • Exercise: Regular resistance and weight-bearing exercise helps preserve bone density, supports healthy testosterone levels, and assists in maintaining a balanced hormone ratio.
  • Limit alcohol: Excessive alcohol can disrupt hormone balance and liver clearance of hormones. Moderate consumption is advised.
  • Avoid environmental estrogens: Reduce exposure to plastics with BPA, certain personal care chemicals, and other endocrine-disrupting compounds when possible.
  • Maintain a healthy body composition: Higher body fat increases aromatase expression in adipose tissue, which can raise estrogen levels. Weight management supports balanced hormones.
  • Routine monitoring: If you have symptoms or are considering supplements that affect estrogen, work with your healthcare provider to monitor hormone levels and bone health as appropriate.

Genetic Interpretation

2 effect alleles (AA genotype for rs4646) — lower aromatase activity

You carry two copies of the effect allele associated with reduced CYP19A1 aromatase activity. This typically leads to less conversion of testosterone to estrogen and lower circulating estrogen levels. While a higher testosterone-to-estrogen ratio can support some aspects of male vitality, estrogen remains essential for bone strength, cognitive health, and reproductive function.

Practical recommendations

  • Prioritize weight-bearing and resistance training to preserve bone density.
  • Ensure adequate intake of vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc. Check blood levels of vitamin D and discuss supplementation with your provider if low.
  • Avoid automatic use of aromatase-inhibiting supplements such as high-dose DIM unless recommended by a clinician, because further lowering estrogen may increase risk to bone and reproductive health.
  • Monitor for signs that could indicate low estrogen, such as decreased bone health, mood or cognitive changes, or fertility concerns. Discuss testing with your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms.
  • Maintain healthy body weight to avoid extremes that could further skew hormone balance.
1 effect allele (AC genotype for rs4646) — intermediate aromatase activity

You have an intermediate genotype likely associated with moderate aromatase activity. Estrogen production is expected to be between the higher and lower extremes. Lifestyle and environmental factors will significantly influence your actual hormone levels.

Practical recommendations

  • Include cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage regularly to support balanced estrogen metabolism.
  • Consider dietary sources or supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids, resveratrol, and quercetin after discussing with your provider.
  • Engage in regular strength training and limit alcohol intake to support healthy testosterone-to-estrogen ratios.
  • Reduce exposure to environmental estrogens by avoiding plastics with known endocrine disruptors and choosing cleaner personal care products.
  • Check vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc status and correct deficiencies under medical supervision.
0 effect alleles (CC genotype for rs4646) — typical to higher aromatase activity

You carry two copies of the non-effect allele generally linked to normal or higher aromatase activity. This can increase conversion of testosterone to estrogen and may lower the testosterone-to-estrogen ratio. Men with this pattern may be more prone to gynecomastia, lower libido, or prostate-related concerns depending on other factors.

Practical recommendations

  • Eat cruciferous vegetables daily to encourage balanced estrogen metabolism.
  • Prioritize resistance training to support testosterone production and healthy body composition.
  • Limit alcohol and reduce exposure to environmental estrogens from plastics and certain chemicals.
  • Ensure sufficient vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc through diet or supplements as guided by laboratory testing.
  • If symptoms like breast tissue changes, decreased libido, or urinary/prostate concerns arise, consult your healthcare provider to evaluate hormone levels and consider appropriate testing or referrals.

When to test and what to monitor

If you have symptoms suggestive of hormone imbalance or have concerns related to fertility, bone health, or prostate symptoms, discuss the following with your healthcare provider:

  • Serum testosterone (total and free) and estradiol levels
  • Sex hormone binding globulin if indicated
  • Vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc status
  • Bone density screening when risk factors are present
  • Referral to an endocrinologist or urologist when specialized evaluation is needed

Final notes and disclaimer

This information is educational and intended to explain how variation in the CYP19A1 gene can influence aromatase activity and estrogen levels in men. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to supplements, diet, or medical care, and before interpreting genetic results in the context of symptoms or treatment decisions.