Good diet and thoroughly intense workouts are the foundation for building muscle, but not everyone builds muscle the same way. Some could use the helping hands of a diet supplement to build definition and lean muscle mass instead of outright size and bulk. With so many supplements in the market, making the right choice can be difficult, but many people turn to estrogen blockers. Read ahead to learn more about the best estrogen blockers and how they can help you to gain leaner muscle mass.

What is Estrogen and How Does It Contribute to Weight Gain

Estrogen is a natural chemical produced in the body that plays an important role in sexual and reproductive development in women. Men also produce estrogen in smaller amounts. Of the three types of estrogen (estriol, estrone, and estradiol), estradiol is the most active in men. It plays a vital role in joint and brain health and ensures the proper development of sperm cells.

While estrogen is still necessary to good health, some men may have too much estrogen, causing an imbalance that could lead to a variety of problems. High estrogen levels in men have been shown to cause weight gain and increase levels of stored body fat, which can keep you from developing the physique you want. Furthermore, too much estrogen in the male body can lead to cardiovascular problems, prostate issues, and increased risk of stroke. By comparison, high testosterone levels have been shown to increase your fat burning potential while helping you gain greater muscle and strength. As men age, their testosterone levels naturally go down, which only exacerbates the problem.

Increasing testosterone levels naturally raises estrogen levels, which is why, as effective as they can be, testosterone boosters may potentially hold a risk of throwing your natural chemicals out of balance. Instead, you may find yourself turning to estrogen blockers.

How Do Estrogen Blockers Work?

Estrogen blockers are a group of supplements that work by either reducing the production of estrogen or blocking the effects of estrogen. Many estrogen blockers or general anti-estrogen supplements work by inhibiting the chemical aromatase, which is responsible for converting testosterone and other androgens into estrogen. In the average man, aromatase turns about 20 percent of the testosterone in your body into estrogen. By inhibiting aromatase, these estrogen blocking supplements can reduce estrogen while increasing testosterone.

Effective Natural Estrogen Blockers

You will find a wide range of natural and pharmaceutical ingredients that can block estrogen. Some of the best natural estrogen blockers that can help to correct any imbalances include:

• Acacetin – Acacetin is a compound found in a variety of plant sources, including the Damiana shrub, the silver birch tree, and the black locust plant. According to research, acacetin has been found to possess anti-estrogen and anti-aromatase properties, allowing you to safely and effectively increase testosterone levels.
• Brassaiopsis glomerulata extract – Brassaiopsis glomerulata is a type of tree indigenous to Vietnam. While it has traditionally been used as a treatment for back pain and rheumatism in the elderly, the extract from Brassaiopsis glomerulata has found modern use as an effective aromatase inhibitor, contributing to more testosterone for a leaner, more defined look.
• Grape seed extract – Grape seed extract mixes procyanidins (which are chains of compounds known as catechins) and tannins to create an effective anti-estrogen effect. Studies suggest that grape seed extract works through a similar mechanism as green tea catechins and may also enhance blood flow.
• Safflower seed extract – Early studies show that safflower seed extract may effectively decrease estrogen levels. Safflower seed extract may also target fat around your midsection and increase lean muscle. Evidence also suggests that safflower seed extract can reduce inflammation, regulate blood sugar, and increase levels of good cholesterol.
• Resveratrol – Resveratrol is found in red wine and is produced in grape skins as a defensive chemical for toxins. Resveratrol is best known for its association with increasing the human lifespan. While those effects have been a bit overblown and still require research, other studies have found that resveratrol can effectively inhibit aromatase and reduce conversion of testosterone into estrogen. Evidence also suggests that resveratrol may protect against heart problems, regulating blood pressure, and reducing osteoporosis.
• Curcumin – Curcumin is a yellow pigment that is most commonly known as the active ingredient in turmeric, though it is also found in smaller quantities in ginger. Studies suggest that curcumin has anti-estrogen effects resulting from its potential to reduce the catalytic activity of aromatase. Other evidence suggests that curcumin may have powerful anti-inflammatory effects and may help to alleviate cognitive decline associated with aging.
• Wild nettle root – Wild nettle root and nettle leaves contain compounds that can act as natural estrogen blockers to regulate production of the hormone.
• Chrysin – A flavonoid commonly found in passionflower, bee propolis, and honey, chrysin has been found to block estrogen and increase testosterone in early studies, but further research may be necessary.

You may also find it beneficial to avoid certain environmental estrogens, which can be found in the foods you eat and in shampoo, toiletries, and other personal care products.

Are Estrogen Blockers Safe?

Research shows that estrogen blockers are completely safe to use as long as you reserve their use to the recommended periods of time. Long-term use can pose potential health problems, including joint pain, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular issues. Cycling your supplements properly can help to prevent negative side effects while making considerable gains and staying healthy.

If you do want to try an estrogen blocker, consider Alphadex™ from MYOKEM™. Alphadex™ is a high performance hardening agent that uses an advanced formula of natural ingredients to block estrogen, resulting in increased stamina and strength with leaner, harder muscle definition.

Estrogen blockers may not be right for you, but you can still gain lean muscle mass without them. Consider trying different workout programs and focus on a diet where you count your calories and your macronutrients, along with other supplements designed to increase your natural metabolic rate.