Estrogen is a powerful hormone that is not only essential for female fertility, but also greatly influences mood, bone health, skin, brain, and the cardiovascular system — in both women and men. A healthy estrogen balance is crucial: too little can lead to fatigue, depression, or bone loss, while too much or poor clearance can cause issues like PMS, weight gain, anxiety, or even breast cancer.
In this article, we explore the complete estrogen pathway: biosynthesis, genetic variations (like CYP19A1), metabolism, and the role of alcohol.
🧬 Estrogen Biosynthesis: How is Estrogen Made?
🔹 Step 1: Cholesterol → Pregnenolone
- Cholesterol is converted into pregnenolone, the mother hormone for all steroids.
- Enzyme: CYP11A1 (in mitochondria)
🔹 Step 2: Pregnenolone → DHEA → Androstenedione
- Enzyme: CYP17A1
🔹 Step 3: Androgens → Estrogens (via aromatase)
- Androstenedione → estrone (E1)
- Testosterone → estradiol (E2)
- Enzyme: Aromatase (CYP19A1)
🧬 The Three Main Estrogens:
🔬 Genetic Insight: CYP19A1 (Aromatase) and SNPs
The CYP19A1 gene encodes the enzyme aromatase, which converts androgens into estrogens. SNPs (like rs10046, rs4646) can cause increased or decreased aromatase activity.
👩 Effects in Women
Increased: PMS, tender breasts, fibroids, mood swings, low libido
Decreased: Irregular cycles, acne, fertility issues, anxiety, dry skin
👨 Effects in Men
Increased: Fat gain, gynecomastia, low libido, low muscle mass, low T
Decreased: High T but low sperm quality, bone loss, dry skin
🧠 Brain and Mood Effects
Estrogen affects serotonin, GABA, and dopamine. Imbalance may cause:
- ↓ Estrogen: depression, irritability, insomnia
- ↑ Estrogen: anxiety, overstimulation, mood swings
🍷 Alcohol: The Aromatase Amplifier
Alcohol increases the activity of aromatase (CYP19A1), especially in fat tissue and liver.
⚠️ How Alcohol Increases Estrogen:
- ↑ CYP19A1 expression → more conversion of testosterone into estrogen
- Disrupts liver detoxification: slows COMT, UGT, SULT enzymes
- ↓ Methylation: increases toxic estrogen metabolites
- ↑ β-glucuronidase (in gut) → reactivation of estrogen
Symptoms with CYP19A1 Sensitivity + Alcohol:
🧪 Estrogen Detox: How is Estrogen Broken Down?
🔹 Phase I: Hydroxylation (in the liver)
🔹 Phase II: Conjugation (detoxification)
🔹 Phase III: Elimination via the Gut
- Estrogen is excreted via bile into the intestines
- Gut bacteria with β-glucuronidase can reactivate estrogen
✅ Support for CYP19A1 Sensitivity
🧠 Final Thoughts
The CYP19A1 gene strongly influences how much estrogen you produce. Variations can lead to high or low estrogen levels — with effects on mood, menstruation, muscle mass, fat storage, and fertility.
Alcohol amplifies the effect of CYP19A1 by increasing aromatase and disrupting estrogen detox. Therefore, limiting alcohol is especially important for individuals with a CYP19A1 variant or estrogen dominance.
With the right nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle choices, you can optimize estrogen balance — tailored to your genetic profile.