ESTROGEN is a steroid hormone synthesized from a cholesterol precursor. Cholesterol is the parent molecule for many hormones. This is critical for those taking cholesterol reducing drugs called statins. These statins block HMG co reductase so cholesterol is not made. Cholesterol is needed to make progesterone, pregnenolone, DHEA , testosterone and many other hormones.
If you are a man you should continue to read this as estrogen is important for men and women. Estrogen is critical for women for growth and development, reproduction, sex characteristics, fat distribution and libido.
In men testosterone is converted to estrogen via an aromatase enzyme. Thus the more fat a male has may indicate high estrogen levels. Men can use natural aromatase enzyme blockers as chyrsin, pomegranate and quercitin to block this enzyme. This will result in higher natural testosterone levels and less estrogen levels, thus less male fat ( the side fat - all men have no matter how much exercise)
In both sexes, estrogen is important to maintain normal bone mineralization. This will be important so post menopausal women and even men do not develop osteopenia or osteoporosis.
We all should support healthy estrogen balance by optimal gastrointestinal health and balance, taking indole 3 carbinol and exercise. These three can minimize the risks associated with too much estrogen as cancers. I utilize the DUTCH test for hormone levels, I akso use natural hormonal replacement therapy comnpounded from a pharmacy for optimal health