I would have to agree with systemlord here. Anybody who has spent years here reviewing labs can tell you that most of the men who start on a lower dose have an easier time dialing in there protocol. I think that’s is all he is saying. I also think that all parties on here should start with the lower dose and NO AI as you never know how you are going to respond. Some guys like me, get their E2 crushed with even a little arimadex. Its hard to recover and unnecessary. Start at 100mg, get labs after 6 weeks, and adjust from there.
I apologize. You’re right. I shouldn’t have attacked your opinion. However, I still stand by my statement that new members need to know that there are opposing opinions on this forum that come from a competitive bodybuilder who is a trained Endo that actually treats TRT patients.
I also am an example of someone who has experienced the whole gamut of TRT from bio-identical hormone topicals, to pellets, to low dose test injections. Until I took control of my own treatment and got my levels at supra-physiological levels did my life change for the better. My insulin resistance changed, my focus increased, my energy levels went up, my libido went crazy, etc. Also I’m under a PCP care for general health care. I don’t have any BP issues or cholesterol issues.
Im having trouble getting in touch with my doctor to get the tests Id like to run concerning hormones and e2 sensitivity. Based on what I said, is it correct to try inputting more E2 inhibition? Im getting mixed signals concerning if its a good or bad thing. Also, what is a SERMS and what does it do?
You can get your own blood test done. I use Private MD Labs. I am able to use my FSA or HRA account to pay for them. Its important that you stay informed and dictate your treatment.
A SERM is a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator that blocks the effects of estrogen. They work by occupying the estrogen receptors in cells and prevent issues like gyno. Some estrogen is important for bone health, libido, etc.
You need to read everything this guy says. Here are a few pertinent posts from physioLojik
1 Like
@studhammer wow man thank you for all the kudos!!! It’s good to feel valued here because it’s been an uphill fight haha 
you’re awesome
Just carrying the torch brother
1 Like
Haha awesome man. You’re a beast.
Not necessarily. Above is an example of a high E2 measured via ECLIA methodology, and the LC/MS/MS on the same sample came back even higher. Go with how you feel and use the lab test to evaluate changes.
Goddammit this is confusing lol.
The above example is not common and this is the first time I’ve seen results like this, rinse and repeat when guys come in higher on the standard E2 testing, the sensitive E2 testing usually always comes in lower especially when the standard test is scoring higher.
If the standard test is around 20 pg/mL then in this case the sensitive will usually be close, on the flip side when E2 is higher say 50 pg/mL, almost always sensitive is much lower.
I’m going to use the test that going to provide the most accuracy in all scenarios.
I’ve posted this and other examples and I understand your position. I’ve spoken to a researcher (with Pfizer) who actually operates both IA and LC/MS/MS equipment. I relayed her comments earlier. I also spoke to a doctor with Quest and discussed both tests, point blank asking him which test should be used, he was “on the fence”. When a doctor that works for the lab, and specializes in lab testing, discusses the pros and cons of each test and does not recommend one over the other, I think that opinion should carry some weight.
It does not appear that IA is “the wrong test”. It is another test. There are situations in which the LC/MS/MS would be better, and situations in which it would not. This is something for the doctor to determine and likely relative to the unique patient.
To me, it seems that whichever test is used, you would want to consider significant changes and specific symptoms.
It can be, go with how you feel and pay attention to significant changes, which is what your doctor will also do.
Honestly I just want to understand if my hormones are out of whack. One thing that has always plagued me since puberty is what seems to be gynocemastia. Its very embarrassing as well as stubborn fat. I hope that if its e2 that might be causing this I really really want to fix it.