chemman has an axe to grind because he had E2 levels go too low, for whatever reason. Now he now feels a need to state that the concept and advantage of E2 modulation has no benefits or merit. This is misleading and a dis-service to all. Yes, there are things that you need to know and understand.
One real problem is doctors who prescribe Arimidex at 1mg/day… disaster! I think that with a little education, most would be better able to manage E2 modulation with anastrozole better than most doctors.
Slight axe to grind. I agree that with some education E2 can be better maintained than MOST doctors… but not ALL doctors, of course. I never stated that E2 modulation has no benefit. Clearly it has tremendous value, especially when using exogeneous test. I apologize if I have performed a dis-service and led others down the wrong path, but I believe that my posts convey a cautionary approach for this particular case rather than a disowning of evidence-based medicine.
What I’m really saying is that he needs to find a DOCTOR who knows hormones inside and out and to only proceed under the medical supervision of said DOCTOR. And why alter his current biochemistry when he hasn’t even had a legitimate blood workup performed? IMO he needs an excellent doctor and the following labs before touching anything:
lh
fsh
total T
shbg
e2
bio T (free T if bio not available)
dhea-s
progesterone
dht
total t4
total t3
ft4
ft3
reverse t-3
TSH
cortisol am and free
vitamin D 25 OH
1mg a day of adex made me feel like hell, 1\10 mg is just right. My doc said it was absurd that I thought adex was responsible but when I lowered it myself I felt much better. and this guys is great with everything else with trt. I really don’t think doctors know enough about adex. Just throwing that out there, take it for what it’s worth.
I agree that I need a good, educated, progressive doctor to work with to really get a handle on my issue here. However as I am still a university student finishing up undergrad, it will be at least a year until I have the finatial means to really work with anyone uninsured, as it seems most progressive doctors don’t take insurance.
In the mean time I’m cautiously trying to find some inexpensive yet effective ways to improve my quality of life; its difficult to make the jump into the real world when you can’t push yourself like you need to.
I agree that I need a good, educated, progressive doctor to work with to really get a handle on my issue here. However as I am still a university student finishing up undergrad, it will be at least a year until I have the finatial means to really work with anyone uninsured, as it seems most progressive doctors don’t take insurance.
In the mean time I’m cautiously trying to find some inexpensive yet effective ways to improve my quality of life; its difficult to make the jump into the real world when you can’t push yourself like you need to.[/quote]
You should be able to go to your GP and get complete bloodwork done under insurance (if you have insurance). That’s what I did. I told him exactly what I wanted. Your GP just isn’t likely to take any action based on the the results. This doesn’t mean you couldn’t post the results here and get some feedback.
Regardless of the ultimate course of action, an E2 test (lef.org) and a bottle of liquidex is under $100. Take a couple drops a day for a week then go in for the test. Cut or add to the dose using the ratio of actual drop to desired drop in E2. Maybe buy another test after adjusting.
You could also pop for the occasional bottle of Alpha Male when funds are available. This seemed to bring my T up a bit. Too expensive, for the results I got, to make it a permanent staple but it might work for you.
DHEA is also pretty cheap. If you spring for a DHEA-s test and the results come back low, that may be an inexpensive course of action. I read somewhere that magnesium absorbtion through the skin may raise DHEA levels. I just ordered a bottle of magnesium oil and a DHEA-s test to see for myself. Supplementing magnesium helps me sleep better anyway.
I don’t have any relevant scientific literature on hand, but from most anecdotal accounts I have gathered, supplemental DHEA seems to convert largely to estradiol. If you are going the route of self-experimentation, I would at least only add in one variable at a time.
I have read about the DHEA-raising effects of magnesium. Here’s the patent (assuming the website is legit). Not entirely convinced by his data but there does appear to be a trend in this small data set. The mechanism I would propose for any effect would be that magnesium apparently supports the adrenal glands, where most DHEA is made. Recall that testosterone is overwhelmingly produced in the testes. Not discounting the importance of DHEA, just trying to clarify a few things.
[quote]chemman wrote:
I don’t have any relevant scientific literature on hand, but from most anecdotal accounts I have gathered, supplemental DHEA seems to convert largely to estradiol. If you are going the route of self-experimentation, I would at least only add in one variable at a time.
I have read about the DHEA-raising effects of magnesium. Here’s the patent (assuming the website is legit). Not entirely convinced by his data but there does appear to be a trend in this small data set. The mechanism I would propose for any effect would be that magnesium apparently supports the adrenal glands, where most DHEA is made. Recall that testosterone is overwhelmingly produced in the testes. Not discounting the importance of DHEA, just trying to clarify a few things.
Damn that Alpha Male is an expensive supp!
[/quote]
Thanks for the link. I took DHEA for some time will no noticeable effect. No DHEAs test before or while on it though. In general I would rather support natural production. I need to take magnesium anyway, so thought I would give the oil a try and see what happens. That’s what’s nice about the less expensive options and testing. You can just give it shot and not be out much if it does nothing.
Supplementing DHEA and/or progesterone can support the adrenals.
[/quote]
Its seems like DHEA might not greatly increase Test but in a poorly functioning endocrine system give some support in the form of raw materials to make various hormones. (?)
There is nothing wrong with your hormones. You are depressed. Stop looking for explanations to make yourself feel better about that.
I don’t care if “a man your age” is supposed to have higher T or not. There are plenty of 55 year old men with lower T than you who are not moaning about it online.
Go ride a bike. Or get laid. Stop spending money on pills that have never been tested in any trial for a disease you don’t have.
Hmmm, I am mostly satisfied with my actual life right now. I see nothing wrong researching and posting online for ways to improve my QUALITY of life and learning things in the process.
Many people don’t care where their hormones are at. Many don’t care about diet, exercise, health, or living a long enjoyable life. Some pride themselves in never going to a doctor. To each their own.
If I had posted this looking for pity I would have put it in the GAL section.
[quote]Muskulls wrote:
Hi,
There is nothing wrong with your hormones. You are depressed. Stop looking for explanations to make yourself feel better about that.
I don’t care if “a man your age” is supposed to have higher T or not. There are plenty of 55 year old men with lower T than you who are not moaning about it online.
Go ride a bike. Or get laid. Stop spending money on pills that have never been tested in any trial for a disease you don’t have.
If you have been depressed for a long time, like years, you should abslolutely get a complete blood test checking all your hormone levels. Muskulls’ response is uninformed and idiotic. I was off and on anit-dpressants by the mouthful for DECADES. Finally I convinced a doc to check me for low T. What a suprise, i nearly had none. I’ve been on 100 mg/wk for abou two years, and never felt better…I just fought off the last my fucking effexor…
I went back to the doc again,seems I’m also hypothyriod and have low DHEA. Just started those today…so jury is still out on that. But, the T injections work. By the way, not only will you feel better, but your workouts will likely improve. In the last two years I have dropped 60 pounds of fat, added 10 pounds of muscle, BF around 7%. I also work hard at the gym and am very strict with my food.