Researchers, including the noted John R. Lee, MD, have found that estrogens and substances like them contribute to many modern health ailments. This state of excess estrogen is called “estrogen dominance” and negatively affects both sexes. Dr. Lee hypothesizes that estrogen dominance leads to both enlargement and cancer of the prostate. Xenoestrogens, which mimic the effects of estrogen, are found in commercial meats, contraceptives, plastics, and processed or preserved foods.

Men’s bodies produce both estrogen and progesterone through their adrenal glands and testes, although in much lesser amounts than women. Progesterone is important to both women and men’s health because it helps with the production and balance of other hormones: testosterone is produced from progesterone, and progesterone opposes estrogen.

Men produce a continuous supply of testosterone well into old age, and although testosterone was once suspected of causing prostate cancer, this is not the case. Young males with high concentrations of testosterone are healthy, but older males with lower testosterone and higher levels of estrogen are at the highest risk for prostate problems.

If prostate cells are subjected to estrogen, they can rapidly multiply and become cancerous. Progesterone or testosterone can kill these cancer cells.

A man’s progesterone levels begin declining after age 60; progesterone is responsible for blocking the production of DHT, a substance known to cause cancer. Without enough progesterone to counteract the effects of estrogen, rising estrogen levels can cause cancer as well.

Prostate enlargement is common, slow to develop, and a chief cause of cancer in males. There are many reports of progesterone therapy reducing or reversing prostate cancer and enlargement.

In order to avoid estrogen dominance, it is recommended to use glass or ceramic dinnerware when working with or storing food. Any plastics used should not be exposed to heat. Household products such as detergents and soaps should have as many natural ingredients as possible; meat and produce should be organic and hormone free. Condoms with spermicides should be avoided.

Use of a natural progesterone cream should also be considered by men over 40, especially those with a family history or other risk factors for enlarged prostate or prostate cancer. The recommended dosage of progesterone for men is 8-12 mg a day, applied twice a day to the scrotum.

Progesterone has been reported to have many benefits for men, including the reduction of prostate symptoms such as frequent or urgent urination. Natural progesterone can help improve sex drive, prevent osteoporosis, and male pattern baldness, as well as arthritis.

Progesterone has minimal side effects in men when the recommended dosage is used. Progesterone may prevent the maturation of sperm, thereby providing a contraceptive effect. Progesterone does not have a feminizing effect on men.