What can lead to high estrogen levels in both men and women?

High estrogen levels in both men and women can be significantly influenced by environmental or lifestyle factors. These factors include exposure to endocrine disruptors found in plastics, pesticides, and personal care products, which can mimic estrogen and lead to increased levels of the hormone in the body. Additionally, lifestyle choices such as stress, lack of sleep, being overweight, and sedentary behavior can also contribute to hormonal imbalances, including elevated estrogen levels.

Genetic predisposition can play a role in hormone levels, but it does not encompass the wide array of external influences that environmental and lifestyle factors cover. Similarly, while dietary choices and excessive exercise can impact hormone levels, they are more specific and do not address the broad spectrum of factors that environmental influences represent. Hormonal replacement therapy specifically refers to medical interventions and may lead to increased estrogen levels, but it does not have the same widespread effect on the general population as environmental and lifestyle factors do.