I’ve always had low estrogen levels on TRT.
Anyone have an idea why? I’m consistently between 5, and 600 test, and 9 estrogen.
Even after raising dose, estrogen levels still low. I’m going to come off, get a baseline to see what it is off testosterone. Then probably continue.
Since I’m already experiencing bad cystic acne on my face, upping dose isn’t something I was interested in. I’m at 120 split 2x a week.
My doctor has never really cared because it’s not high, but I’m definitely not dialed in. Anybody got any pointers?
I have all sorts of bloodwork if anyone needs. Just not posting it all now. It’s a lot of data.
Blood work is certainly telling. What are your other metrics as well, (e.g. height, weight, age, body fat percentage, workout regimen, diet, water consumption, etc)?
I’m 43. On TRT 2 years. Work out less than I should. Probably 20 min 3x a week.
I’m 5 8’ 155lb very low body fat. I became very lean on TRT. Last test was free t 12.4 total 573 e2 9.93.
I basically eat a good diet but as of late my cake intake has gone way up.
Drink plenty of water. On TRT I could eat anything and it wouldn’t change my weight.
Blood tests taken 3 days after shot.
I’m not sure. Doctor never said anything.
My earliest result from about 2 years ago was 8, with 400 free t. I don’t think that was pre TRT though. I’m going to come off , and see a urologist to check what it is without TRT.
I’m on my second week without a shot, waiting to crash soon. Urologist says go cold turkey.
I heard aromatase deficiency was extremely rare, but who knows right?
I did notice that once during my therapy I tested 771 total t and 27 e.
The only time I was in a good number.
Unfortunately I’m getting cystic acne and increased dose seems to make it worse.
Not sure what to do here.
Stopping “cold turkey” will be interesting. My understanding is your body adjusts slowly to changes, so sufficient time (on the order of weeks) after a protocol change, is necessary to really understand the effects. I’ve also read that Aromatase enzyme levels can be correlated to body fat levels – suggesting maybe adipose tissue stores Aromatase. Your “very low” body fat may be a factor contributing to low Estradiol.
Did you consider lowering your dose slightly (say 20%) for a few weeks, then re-evaluating?
I’m already at such a low total t that if I reduce dose any further I’ll be very close to my levels without TRT. That is the basic mode of thinking at urologist. Come off. Test levels. See if clomid will bring it up. Then stop clomid.
I’m in 10x better shape now than pre TRT, as well as I’ve stopped drinking, and smoking. So it’s not out of the realm of possibility I’ll be in the 500 area.
I was 299/297/310 when I first tested.
Exactly what I thought. If anything. I’d would have gone to 140. 70 2x/week, but the cystic acne is kicking my ass. Very severe, and only on my face. Not a blemish on my shoulders or back. It’s upsetting because I love the physical benefits of TRT. I respond extremely well as far as strength, and muscle are concerned.
My physique is practically flawless.
Libido steadily got worse after a resurgence starting TRT. I probably had about 4-5 good months then a decline. I had a low libido before TRT. The shots increased desire and hardness. Short lived though.
Unpredictable libido/ ED
Severe cystic acne
And low Estrogen in my bloodwork.
Side affects were so far generally mild, but getting worse. I know the long term physical effects have f low estrogen are not good. So it’s something I want to fix.
I stopped doing those because they alway read very low for me. I knew something was wrong. As soon as I started testing using regular E2 test, it made more sense, it was coming anywhere from 29 to 39.
Just to update, I haven’t taken a shot since the 17th of last month. Exactly 1 month ago. It was a very bad month. I experienced some pretty gnarly withdrawal. Worst was ED and Depression. Bad depression… Big mistake stopping cold turkey.
Anyway I just got bloods back from urologist, and I’m 143 total. 34 free. He put me back on testosterone, wouldn’t even prescribe clomid.
Getting prescription this afternoon.
At least my insurance will now cover.
At 3k/year for the clinic I was going to, it’s a big money saver. Plus much more convenient since the pharmacy is around the corner.
Cystic acne never went away either.