When it becomes dominant, aromatase is a significant threat to hormone balance. Here we look at 5 key substances that can reduce its activity.
Aromatase is an enzyme complex responsible for catalysing the conversion of androgen hormones into estrogens. More specifically, it converts hormones into oestrone and hormones into active compounds (1). It is found in various tissues and organs in the body including the gonads (testes and ovaries), the brain, fatty tissue, the placenta, blood vessels, skin and bones.
Aromatisation is a natural process which is initially beneficial: it finetunes male and female hormone balance.
In particular, it allows menopausal women - once menstruation has ceased - to continue benefiting from a certain level of estrogen (needed for bone health, amongst others) from hormones produced by the adrenal glands. In men too, it provides the small amount of estrogen required for good quality spermatogenesis, amongst others (2-3).
But when aromatase activity goes into overdrive – something which happens much more frequently with age – this balance is disrupted, causing hormone problems with various repercussions.
Excessive aromatisation in men precipitates a drop in hormonal levels which already start to fall naturally from the age of 30-40. Depending on the individual, this leads to abdominal fat gain, gynaecomastia (increase in breast tissue), loss of libido, enlarged prostate, mood swings and/or lack of energy (4-5). Partially inhibiting aromatase helps to stabilise levels of androgen hormones and maintain metabolic, emotional and sexual health.
In women, a number of studies suggest aromatase plays a role in the development of certain hormone-dependent cancers (breast, ovaries …), since estrogens directly stimulate hormone-sensitive tumor cell receptors and contribute to their growth. Anti-aromatase drugs (letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane…) have, for several years, been showing promised in hormone therapy as an adjuvant treatment for breast cancer in post-menopausal women (6).
Several studies have highlighted the benefits of plant antioxidants in the aromatase inhibition mechanism (7). It would therefore make sense to prioritise a diet high in fruit and vegetables, preferably organic to reduce exposure to xenobiotics (such as synthetic pesticides) which are thought to be endocrine-disruptors.
Studies on women with estrogen-dependent endometrial tumors suggest that overproduction of hormones may stimulate the aromatisation process in situ (8). This makes a case for reducing consumption of refined sugars and foods with a high GI index in order to maintain stable blood sugar levels. It's worth noting that alcohol also stimulates overexpression of aromatase (9).
More generally, any diet and lifestyle measure aimed at reducing fat mass - lowering sugar and saturated fat intake, taking regular exercise, getting sufficient sleep - are also to be encouraged, since adipose cells accumulate a high proportion of aromatase (10).
While the impact of stress on aromatase in humans is not yet clearly established, a study of male quail birds exposed to acute stress found an in increase in cerebral aromatase in the medial preoptic nucleus (the region governing reproductive behavior) (11). Chronic stress is also known to disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and the release of hormones (12). All the more reason, then, to embrace relaxation techniques (yoga, meditation, sophrology ...) to manage your emotions as well as possible.
Along with apigenin, chrysin has been shown in in vitro studies to be one of the most promising flavonoids for fighting aromatase (13). Isolated from blue passion flower (Passiflora caerulea), chrysin is believed to bind directly to aromatase, blocking its catalytic activity, though the extent of this ability needs to be further investigated in humans (you can find this substance in the supplement Chrysine) (14-15).
The potential of Paris mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) to inhibit aromatisation was highlighted in a mouse model analysis. Its fatty acids (more specifically conjugated linoleic acid and its derivatives) appear to be able to bind to active sites of aromatase via a competitive mechanism (16).
Dubbed the star molecule of longevity (for its leading role in the ‘French Paradox’), the antioxidant resveratrol continues to fascinate scientists. Researchers have for some years been interested in its presumed antiestrogen action. Its effects on aromatase have also been compared with those of selective estrogen receptor modulators, a group of clinically-used anti-aromatase treatments (the supplement Resveratrol is standardized to contain 10% resveratrol, making it the most potent such extract on the market) (17).
Zinc is an essential trace element which helps to maintain normal hormonal levels. Animal studies confirm that a zinc-deficient diet is associated with greater conversion of hormones into active compounds, a marker of increased aromatase activity (18). The best dietary sources of zinc include oysters, cheese, red meat, offal and cocoa, but taking a highly-absorbable zinc supplement is also an easy way of optimising intake (one such product is Zinc Orotate).
Ayurveda’s favorite rhizome, turmeric may still have a few secrets to reveal. One study investigating how its curcuminoids affect the aromatisation of hormones (19) found that their molecular conformation had striking similarities with those of steroid substrates, which could make it easier for them to bind to active aromatase sites (combined with phosphatidylcholine, the curcuminoids in Super Curcuma are absorbed 29 times better than those in standard supplements) (20).
If you’re keen to restore optimal hormone balance in your body, there are certain supplements that specifically target the problem of aromatase by combining several of the above-mentioned compounds. One example is Natural Anti Aromatase Support, in which the strength of chrysin and Paris mushroom is paired with a whole host of natural and scientifically-studied regulatory compounds: naringin, genistein, quercetin, Epilobium parviflorum, diindolylmethane (21-23)… However, if you have a health condition, make sure you seek medical advice before starting supplementation.
References
Keywords
14 Hours
I trust this company and product as I tolerate the bacillus coagulans very well and feel better overall when I am taking it . Thank you for offerring this product as a company . And thank you for an easy ordering process.
Barbara J
1 Days
Always fast & quick service/delivery. Top products
Brett
3 Days
The peanut sugar free one was very rancid tasting… the nuts were old. Everything else was amazing
MOORE Jennifer
5 Days
I purchase hyaluronic acid from Super Smart because it's the highest Dalton rating I could find. Shipping could be a day or two faster.
Kathy
9 Days
Fast shipping; availability of products.
Paul
21 Days
Above and beyond
DOMINIC
21 Days
The discount paves way to try new products.
Larry
22 Days
Professional and timely
TOMASINO Anthony
24 Days
Rapid order! All comes when expected.
NEW Virginia
25 Days
1- website easy to navigate and understand the different products 2- easy to order 3- superb timely shipping 4- excellent product 5- best customer service not just in the industry but overall!
Mohamad Hussein
25 Days
This was a reorder and fortunately you offered a discount. It was received as promised.
El Capt
27 Days
FIRST TIME TRYING
DOMINIC
27 Days
Great products and good to work with in ordering shipping.
DOMINIC
34 Days
High quality, great prices, fast shipment and large variety keep me coming back!
Jackson Josiah
36 Days
We were recommended products to buy at SuperSmart USA by Neurosurgeon Russell Blaylock. So glad he made this recommendation because we have been very pleased with all the products we have purchased from SuperSmart. Lately, I started using the Silyphus for liver and have been extremely pleased with my results.
Diane