Aromatase

Description

Aromatase also is known as Estrogen Synthase, Estrogen Synthetase is a group of endogenous Oxidoreductase Enzymes.  It is located in the Endoplasmic Reticulum of Estrogen-producing Cells including the Ovaries, Placenta, Sertoli Cells, Leydig Cells, Adipocytes and the Brain.

Hormones

 Aromatase catalyzes the conversion of Androgens to Estrogens (by desaturating ring A of the Steroid) - excessive conversion of Androgens to Estrogens is undesirable:  ^[1]

 Aromatase catalyzes the conversion of Androstenedione to Estrone (in Adipose Tissue and in Bones).

 Aromatase catalyzes the conversion of some of the body’s free Testosterone to Estradiol (bodybuilders commonly aspire to prevent this conversion) - the conversions performed by Aromatase take place outside the Adrenal Gland - commonly in Adipose Tissue (body fat) and in the Brain:  ^[2]

 Although bodybuilders desire to minimize the conversion of Testosterone to Estradiol, this conversion is essential in that Aromatase-catalyzed Testosterone conversion to Estradiol helps to maintain Brain function and helps to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease in men (men have more Estradiol Receptors in their Brain than Testosterone Receptors).

 Excessive conversion of Testosterone to Estradiol by the Aromatase enzyme is undesirable as it can lower endogenous Testosterone levels to sub-optimal levels.

Musculoskeletal System

 Aromatase is present in Osteoblasts (where it catalyzes the conversion of Androstenedione to Estrone, which subsequently activates Osteoblasts)   ^[3]