Nettle works by binding and inactivating SHBG. This protein binds circulating hormones and acts as a natural storehouse to release when levels fall and bind when levels rise. It can hold DHT, Testosterone and estrogen among other hormones. Taking Nettle can release all three of these and if you have higher than normal estrogen levels it can cause gyno activity.
If you are going to start a nettle program make sure to have DIM/I3C on hand along with potentially a natural SERM to block these effects. Strong SHBG binders like dymethazine can also have this effect so be careful!
N Z Med J. 2007 Nov 9;120(1265):U2803.
Gynaecomastia in a man and hyperoestrogenism in a woman due to ingestion of nettle (Urtica dioica).
Sahin M1, Yilmaz H, Gursoy A, Demirel AN, Tutuncu NB, Guvener ND.
Author information
Abstract
Nettle (Urtica dioica) is commonly sold as a herbal tea in Turkey. We report a case of gynaecomastia in a man (in which the only aetiologic factor identified was nettle tea consumption) and a case of galactorrhoea in a woman (in which the only aetiologic factor identified was also nettle tea ingestion).
If you are going to start a nettle program make sure to have DIM/I3C on hand along with potentially a natural SERM to block these effects. Strong SHBG binders like dymethazine can also have this effect so be careful!
N Z Med J. 2007 Nov 9;120(1265):U2803.
Gynaecomastia in a man and hyperoestrogenism in a woman due to ingestion of nettle (Urtica dioica).
Sahin M1, Yilmaz H, Gursoy A, Demirel AN, Tutuncu NB, Guvener ND.
Author information
Abstract
Nettle (Urtica dioica) is commonly sold as a herbal tea in Turkey. We report a case of gynaecomastia in a man (in which the only aetiologic factor identified was nettle tea consumption) and a case of galactorrhoea in a woman (in which the only aetiologic factor identified was also nettle tea ingestion).