Hoping to get some guidance as I keep hearing so many conflicting opinions about AI’s.
For reference, I’m 30 years old, 5’10" and about 170 lbs, probably around 18% bodyfat. My initial blood test showed total testosterone of 95 ng/dl (with 280-800 being the reference range). Estradiol was 5.0 (7.6-42.6 pg/ml range). I just started TRT about 2.5 months ago with the following protocol prescribed by a men’s clinic:
-200mg test cyp injected once per week
-500 IU HCG (for maintaining fertility) injected 2X per week
-.5mg Anastrozole 2X per week
My question is, should I drop the AI and only use it if symptoms of high estrogen occur? I’ve heard AI’s are very detrimental to health, so my thinking is that I shouldn’t be taking something as a precautionary measure.
Also heard that HCG can really raise estrogen, so worried that not taking the AI will cause problems.
Really appreciate any feedback.
Yes, especially given your physical presentation and history.
It can, but if it does, usually not significantly. You do not need hCG unless trying to conceive or for cosmetic purposes/testicular atrophy.
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It’s difficult to offer advice without some context, how do you feel and where are your testosterone labs? You have said nothing of any negative symptoms, so I’ll assume you’re doing well.
I will say it’s not uncommon to see estrogen suppressed over months at this AI dosage and you may not even notice for sometime to come until the damage is done. AI’s can cause hair loss, screw with your lipids, bones and joints. I wonder was the AI prescribe in the absence of high estrogen?
There are other ways to deal with high estrogen, like adjusting your injection frequencies and injecting smaller doses.
I feel good, no negative symptoms thus far. The AI was prescribed as a precautionary measure. My initial labs showed low estrogen (5.0 pg/ml with reference range of 7.6-42.6).
The AI is bad if you don’t have symptoms. Period. Avoid any drug, especially harsh ones, that you don’t need and you will be happier overall with things.
You should retest estrogen at the very least because that’s a lot of anastrozole. It wouldn’t hurt to test total and free testosterone.
This is an extremely flawed practice approach. Did they give you cholesterol medication, as a precaution, in case your cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL increased? Did they start hair loss medication, just in case? What about osteoporosis meds? Anti inflammatory drugs for your joints? You may retain fluid and experience an increase in blood pressure on TRT, what about that?
If they want to prescribe anastrozole, fine, but they need a real reason. Also, you should have been part of the decision, after the options were laid out for you.
This precautionary measure might end up doing more harm than good.
I’d drop the HCG and drop the AI, might have to up your dose as well, just depends how you feel