Aromatization mostly occurs when a large fluctuation of testosterone production occurs, such as when anabolic steroids are injected. The large amount of testosterone will be seen as an excess by the human body and aromatization will occur in an attempt to balance the new testosterone with a higher amount of estrogen.

What triggers production of estrogen?

At end of folliculogenesis, thecal cells luteinize to form the corpus luteum after ovulation. (b) Cell-specific estrogen synthesis in the ovary. Production of estrogens starts with the synthesis of pregnenolone from cholesterol, catalyzed by the cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc).

What causes testosterone aromatization?

Aromatization occurs when the aromatase complex converts C19 androgen substrates to C18 estrogens in three consecutive reactions: (1) hydroxylation (2) oxidation and (3) demethylation.