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Testosterone Aromatization

Meaning

Testosterone aromatization is the biochemical process by which the androgen testosterone is converted into the estrogen estradiol, a reaction catalyzed exclusively by the enzyme aromatase (CYP19A1). This conversion is a crucial step in steroidogenesis, occurring primarily in adipose tissue, the liver, the brain, and the testes. While essential for male bone health, cognitive function, and modulating the HPG axis, excessive aromatization can lead to supraphysiological estrogen levels, resulting in clinical symptoms such as gynecomastia and water retention.