zyg i found this in my bookmarks, its pretty interesting....
Causes of increased production of estrogen are:
Increased activity of the aromotase enzyme.- This enzyme increases with age and body fat while high level of zinc and vitamin C decrease it.
Age- over 50 years old the body increases it’s conversion to estrogen.
Obesity - the fat cells contain a high amount of the aromatase enzyme which converts testosterone to estrogen.
Zinc – the most important mineral for testosterone/estrogen balance.
Cigarette Smoking – nicotine and the cadmium interfere with zinc
The ability of the liver’s P450 system to convert the more active estradiol into weaker forms.
Excessive Alcohol intake. I recommend less than 5 drinks weekly
Drugs or Medications
Anti-inflammatory medications - Aspirin, Tylenol, NSAIDS (Motrin etc.)
Antibiotics
Anti-fungal medications
Cholesterol-lowering medications
Antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft)
Heart medications - beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers
Recreational Drugs - Marijuana, Amphetamines, Cocaine
Prolonged exposure to pesticides or chemicals. These contain xeno-estrogens (synthetic compounds that act like estrogen in the body)