2 months ago, I went my doctor complaining about extreme fatigue and low energy in the evenings and low libido. I was tested for testosterone and my total came low.
TT : 276
E2 : Not tested. (I didn’t know about this forum at that time)
LH/FSH: Again, not tested.
I was prescribed Axiron 60mg for the past 6 weeks.
In the first 4 weeks, everything was great. I had lot of energy, my libido came back very strong (wanted to have sex with everyone in the street, lol).
In the last 2 weeks of the Axiron regimen:
libido went back to low levels
Low energy came back, though not as bad as before.
my gynecomastia became worse. Always had a little man boobs, now I need a bra
my weight increased quite a bit
started having some real bad knee pain on the right leg (might be unrelated).
This is the time I found this forum and learned about E2 and AI. Since E2 follows T and my gyno increased, I thought my symptoms might be due to the increased estradiol.
Asked doc to test for E2 and TT again. The results:
TT : 259 (lower than before)
E2 : 34
Doc said E2 is normal and won’t prescribe any AI.
I asked for shots this time (wiser thanks to all of you) and they administered 200mg shot (for the next two weeks). Got the shot yesterday, but I don’t feel anything so far. I was tired yesterday evening and my libido remains low.
My questions are:
Is my E2 really normal like the doc mentioned? Should I order AI from a research lab?
If my E2 in normal, why am I not responding to TRT? Should I look at anything else?
Thanks for making it this far. I could really use some help.
I really don’t think an E2 of 34 is anything to worry about or a cause for much of anything. It may not be optimal but it’s not too bad.
I also really doubt you have true gyno with that E2…is it possible you have pseudo-gyno? Fat tits are not the same as man tits with glandular tissue in them.
Can’t offer anything about transdermal absorption as I’m a needle guy but some say hypothyroidism can decrease absorption.
Topicals can stop absorbing quickly. In the first few weeks, they combine with what T you have naturally
and you feel great. Once your body slows or stops your own production you need more topical or you will be
worse than you were before. Adding fat at this stage is natural as your T is now even lower, which allows E2 (even at 34) to be more dominant because of the increased ratio of E2 to T.
Since you are new to TRT the 200mg shot you received will take a little while to be felt and raise your levels.
If at all possible you should ask to self inject at home and do so 2x per week.
You also will eventually need an AI, if your Doc won’t play ball just get the research chem on line.
Good Luck.
I didn’t know the needle had slower effect than tropical application, so it’s good to know. I’ll keep an eye on how it goes.
My plan is to self inject at home, couple of times a week. I told the doc the same and he agreed for self injection. However, he wants to first establish the optimum dose that increases my TT to 450+ and I need to visit him every couple of weeks.
[quote]PKNY wrote:
You also will eventually need an AI, if your Doc won’t play ball just get the research chem on line.
[/quote]
When should I start AI? Now or wait till the E2 is at a certain level?