Coconut Oil--estrogen

[sixfootsix]

I want to know if applying coconut oil topically would lower testosterone levels or increase estrogen levels......I believe I read somewhere about a connection between coconut oil and estrogen.....could someone clear this up??? oh and I know about tea tree and lavender oil inducing gynomastia, but are there any other oils to avoid (is coconut one of them)

[Dr. D]

It will increase testosterone. Healthy fats helps make the hormone cholesterol which is a precursor to androgen hormones. Cholesterol is also a precursor to vital corticosteroids, the hormones that help us to deal with stress and protect the body against heart disease and cancer. Sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone are made from cholesterol. It acts as an antioxidant and protects against free radicals. It is needed for proper function of serotonin receptors in brain; serotonin is the “feel-good chemical” where low levels are associated with depression. It is important in the health of the intestinal wall.