Hi, I have a few general questions on HRT. I’ve read quite a bit about the subject on line and even went to see a Dr concerning this.
First off, I am 51 years old and I have a few of the symptoms of low T such as lower mood and energy levels. The biggest thing though I’ve noticed is my inability to recover from hard work outs or long periods of activity. My job is pretty strenuous and it’s quite obvious to me that I just don’t have the samina I once had. Also putting on LBM is much more difficult as well.
I went to an anti aging doc in my area and she ordered a salivary hormone profile for me and my T results came back “normal for a 30 year old male.” (I have been franticly searching for my lab results but as yet can’t locate them) Here are few general questions I have;
First off I was told that salivary hormone levels are a measure of free test. TRUE?
I normaly have ‘morning wood.’ Does this indicate normal T levels? Libido is good
How much could I expect to spend per month on TRT, my insurance company won’t help?
Can someone recommend a good DR in the Chicago suburban area?
I tried using some of the links that were posted by Happydog (I think it was him) for locating a DR in my area, but a lot of the links were outdated/inactive.
THANKS!!!
Edit; ok I found my lab results;
Estradiol 1.7 normal range 0.8 - 1.5
Progesterone .013 normal range .070 - .150
Testosterone 86.5 normal range 75 - 95
Dihydrotestosterone 8.7 normal range 20 - 40
DHEA 778.4 no normal given
Cortisol;
Morning 11.5 normal range 7 - 10
noon 5.4 normal range 3 -6
afternoon 4 nr 2 - 4
evening 6.1 norm <1.5 (too much coffee?)
Your biggest problem, as HH alluded to, is too high Estradiol. This is most likely causing symptoms of mood instability, loss of drive and possibly energy. This problem can easily be corrected with Arimidex.
Secondly, someone has confused you about saliva testing and free T. Saliva testing is just an alternative to blood testing which has been around for thirty years. It has NOT been widely accepted as superior to blood testing, as is claimed on many online web sites selling saliva kits. It also makes it slightly harder, imo, to guage treatment because the bulk of experience in managing hormones has been built upon serum (blood) levels.
You may be fortunate enough to only need the A.I. to optimize your hormones and then convert your increased energy into better workouts, positive mindset, and working on improved nutrition. All of these things will work synergistically to make you feel better and gain some LBM.
Arimidex is expensive, close to $6 a pill, but you often need very little, i.e. one pill per week, to reduce E2 to optimal levels. Check out KSman's thread on In Praise of TRT+A.I.
Also, a glaring oversight in the lab test battery is a thyroid profile. This could be the cause of decreased energy and also difficulty obtaining LBM. A must. Doc
Are OTC supplememts such as I3C, DIM, Chrysin, or Nettle of any use? Or are they overhyped like so many other supps?
I’ve been attempting to reduce my cortisol. I’m taking Cort-Block (phosphadylserene) but I have no idea if it is doing any good.
My Dr suggested to drink less coffee, do a colon cleanse, and eat less red meat. So I think I might need to start over with a new doc. Any help in that regard would be much appreciated.
[quote]post_man wrote:
Doc and HH, thank so much for your input.
Are OTC supplememts such as I3C, DIM, Chrysin, or Nettle of any use? Or are they overhyped like so many other supps?
I’ve been attempting to reduce my cortisol. I’m taking Cort-Block (phosphadylserene) but I have no idea if it is doing any good.
My Dr suggested to drink less coffee, do a colon cleanse, and eat less red meat. So I think I might need to start over with a new doc. Any help in that regard would be much appreciated.
Thanks again guys!
[/quote]
WTF? Eat MORE butter, steak, and bacon. Colon cleanses are a scam. Don’t take any supplememnts, except maybe the Rez-V they sell here, though it won’t be anywhere near as powerful as Arim.
I am happily married, but apparently banging a hot young 20 year old also is highly remommended!! ;D
I’m considering starting all over with a new Doc after the first of the year. He is an Endo that my regular MD referred. After doing some reading on this site. Thankfully I at least have a clue now what I might expect, and what I want! And whether this new guy knows what he is doing, or not. Maybe my T is ok which would be fine. But if the bloodwork shows elevated E, then at least I can get treated for that. I’m really curious now about the E level.
I did a little research in the reservatrol product, and really didn’t find out too much promising info as far as any aromatizing properties. Hopefully the new Dr will oreder a E blood test with my profile and we could go from there with a real AI. Or maybe I should have said that I will DEMAND that my new Dr order a E blood teat. See? I’m learning already.
I’ll keep you all posted. Thank for the input!
Oh and thanks for the link to the other threads, great stuff!!
[quote]post_man wrote:
I suspect your are spot on Headhunter.
I’m considering starting all over with a new Doc after the first of the year. He is an Endo that my regular MD referred. After doing some reading on this site. Thankfully I at least have a clue now what I might expect, and what I want! And whether this new guy knows what he is doing, or not. Maybe my T is ok which would be fine. But if the bloodwork shows elevated E, then at least I can get treated for that. I’m really curious now about the E level.
I did a little research in the reservatrol product, and really didn’t find out too much promising info as far as any aromatizing properties. Hopefully the new Dr will oreder a E blood test with my profile and we could go from there with a real AI. Or maybe I should have said that I will DEMAND that my new Dr order a E blood teat. See? I’m learning already.
I’ll keep you all posted. Thank for the input!
Oh and thanks for the link to the other threads, great stuff!![/quote]
Your endo will most likely evaluate your Test, not evaluate your E2, and put you on 5 grams a day of Androgel. You truly have my sympathy for what you are about to go through.
Your body will readjust to the test by shutting down your own production. You’ll wonder why you don’t feel good anymore. The doc may up your dose again and you’ll go through it all again. Then, finally you’ll go to shots. If you arom, you’ll feel no better. Your doc will be puzzled and give up or ‘refer’ you elsewhere.
HH
He already has been tested for his E2. From the labs he posted it was a 1.7 with normal being under 1.5. He needs an AI. He also needs to have a thyroid panel and lower his cortisol. Could he have Adrenal Fatigue? He needs to do some research on cortisol and challenge his doctors seemingly simplistic answer at the next appointment.
