Female hormones, such as estrogen, are steroid hormones that enter the bloodstream and communicate with a number of cells and tissues throughout the body. Normally, the male body produces small amounts of female hormones, though diseases or medication can lead to excessive estrogen production in men. This excess estrogen causes a number of effects in estrogen-responsive tissues.
Gynecomastia
One possible effect of female hormones in men is breast growth, also referred to as gynecomastia. Under normal conditions, the male breast remains relatively undeveloped and contains only a small amount of glandular tissue. This glandular tissue can respond to circulating female hormones, including estrogen, and begins to proliferate. As a result, men with high levels of female hormones may experience breast-gland proliferation, leading to the development of firm breasts. Depending on the severity of the hormonal imbalance, the excess breast growth can range from a small breast bud to the growth of full breasts. "USA Today" notes that, in many cases, gynecomastia can spontaneously go into remission. Severe cases may require cosmetic surgery to remove the excess breast tissue.
Hot Flashes
Another effect of female hormones on men is the development of hot flashes. Hot flashes are characterized by a sudden radiating heat throughout the body, often accompanied by a rapid heartbeat and uncontrolled sweating. Hot flashes are caused by changes in hormone signals to the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that controls body temperature. A study published in "Vitamins and Hormones" in 2005 explains that estrogen signals to cells within the hypothalamus, and estrogen signaling helps maintain a normal body temperature. In men with increased female hormones, changes in estrogen levels can disrupt the normal function of the hypothalamus, leading to temporary changes in body temperature and hot flashes. Men experiencing unexplained hot flashes should seek medical attention to assess their hormone levels.
Increased Risk of Breast Cancer
Another possible effect of high levels of female hormones in men is an increased risk of breast cancer. The majority of breast cancer cases occur in women -- the National Cancer Institute estimates that about 1 percent of breast cancer deaths in the United States in 2010 will occur in men. The increased risk is due to sustained high levels of female hormones such as estrogen driving male breast growth -- and continual male breast cell proliferation can eventually increase the risk for developing breast cancer. To help prevent the development of serious diseases such as breast cancer, men experiencing the effects of increased female hormone levels, such as hot flashes or breast growth, should seek medical attention to address and correct their hormone imbalance.
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