Aromatase is an enzyme that belongs to the cytochrome P450 superfamily. It’s naturally present in your body, including your testes, brain, and fat tissue. Its main job is to convert androgens (male hormones) into estrogens (female hormones).
Aromatase inhibitors, often shortened to AIs, are medications that block aromatase. By blocking aromatase, these drugs reduce how much estrogen your body makes. There are different types of aromatase inhibitors, and they don’t all work equally well.
While they’re more commonly used in women with breast cancer, aromatase inhibitors can be used in men for a few different reasons. These reasons include:
- Treating or preventing gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue)
- Improving testosterone levels
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of aromatase inhibitors for men, including their uses, benefits, and risks.