T:E2 Ratio - How Much Does it Really Matter?

Pharma / TRT Testosterone Replacement
1

Of course low T and both E are problematic, but what about a high T/DHT: E2 ratio, assuming that E2 is not crashed but in the normal range.

Does ratio really matter with regard to feeling well sexually and mentally? If there is any literature on this, please link it.

I think I pushed my androgen: estrogen ratio too high. I am naturally lean and aromatize very little. I got some benefits from TRT, but stupidly thought I’d see the results I really wanted (sexually) if I increased my androgen levels further. I added daily proviron and oxandrolone to my daily T, and I completely wrecked my sexual function (way worse than starting). I now am suffering all the low E2 symptoms (cracking/popping joints, increased constipation, weaker erections, almost zero libido, dry hair and skin, etc.). I stopped the steroids a while ago, but these issues have not resolved themselves.

I just got bloodwork, and it seems my T:E ratio is still pretty high. At 30 mg test E EOD, I’m at:

Total T - 1119 ng/DL [250-1100] HIGH
Free T - 178.3 pg/ml [35 - 155] HIGH
Estradiol - 38 pg/ml [ < 39 pg/ml]

I stopped the steroids a couple months ago, and the “low e2” issues have persisted, in spite of having E2 well in the reference range. However, proportionally to my androgen levels, E2 is a bit low.

Any advice? Should I change injection frequency (less frequent) in order to try to get my estrogen signaling normally again, or should I just leave everything as is and wait a few months to see how I feel?

I did notice Cialis (which is a mild AI) and test cream applied to the scrotum (only tried this once) made the low E2 symptoms worse, even though both seemed to enhance erection quality significantly.

Hormones are tricky, and I wish more was known about them.

What is your experience when it comes to androgen:estrogen ratio?

2

It depends on who we are talking about here, for me T:E2 ratios don’t matter at all. Once my body meets the minimum requirements for both testosterone and estrogen, things are good.

The AI on top of using Cialis as you already know has an anti-estrogen effect, by adding the Test cream likely increased DHT which can also decrease estrogen.

My experience with T:E2 ratios is whether my estrogen is 28, 62 or 98, as long as my Total T is 400-800, my libido and erections are good.

If you find out injections never really gets your sexual function to where it needs to be, you might give Jatenzo a try.

3

Var is known to lower libido, not sure about Proviron. For me at least it makes sense that raising DHT would lower e2 (there is only so much test that can be converted to either one). E2 keeps your libido high.

Your labs don’t look terrible, maybe bring e2 up 10-15pg

4

What’s the best way to bring e2 up a bit? I know that reducing injection frequency helps some people. I’ve heard of others use E2 cream or E2 injections, but this seems far less common…

5

Best way to bring up E2 is to raise T, and drink beer/soy products. Im regards to cleansing your body, you can hit the sauna, do aerobic cardio one day and anerobic cardio the other. Sometimes these compounds stay in the body a bit longer than what some expect. Excretion is the hardest part, so sweating it out is truly a method that has worked for a few in steroid circles. Drinking lots of water and driving it out via the dermis is effective when internal organs arent doing it for you. So get to sweating, up your dose for a month, and drink some beers. It will all level out again.

6

How much standalone T are you on?