Androgel HRT and Anti-Estrogens

[supdawg]

Dear Swale and Forum Members,

I've been on HRT for 3 years now. I've been using Androgel 5 grams, one packet per day.

Life's been much better for the last 3 years. Before that I was always tired, no strength and no interest in sex.

Doctors haven't tried to find out why I have hypogonadism, they just have been treating it. They did check my prostaglandin, FSH, LH and thyroid hormones, all normal.

Would you guys/gals recommend that I use anti-estrogen like Arimadex or the OXO so the testosterone doesn't convert? The reason I ask is because I've developed a bad case of the "man boobs"... And sometimes I feel so moody, I feel like I have PMS... Now I know what women go through.

The Doc explained that my estrogen levels have been high for a number of years and that we need to compensate by adding the testosterone because the testosterone is low. But shouldn't I want to reduce estrogens as well? Should I have them tested to see if they're in the normal ranges? The Doc didn't do this...

Thanks.

 

[ldslifter]

I've been on HRT since 2000 and have great luck. I've tried them all, androgel, compounded cream, shots, etc...and prefer shots to anything else. I take 200mgs per week broken down into every 5 day intervals to keep me at a fairly constant level. Any variation in my regimen is noticed in my cognitive and memory abilities.

With regards to estrodiol..absolutely your doctor should be monitoring it. All doctors should check for it when somebody is in on HRT. Prior to starting therapy I was above the norm, then elevated slightly more after going on HRT. I take 1 10mg tablet Mon, Wed & Fri and it keeps everything in check. Recently I switched insurance and my new carrier does not want to cover it citing the drug is commonly used for breast cancer patients. I'm working on getting that overturned.

I would definitely encourage your doctor to check your estrogen levels, then to prescribe something if levels are above the norm.

Good Luck!

LDSlifter

 

[Ronin_]

I would also get in touch with your insurance company and see about a gyno operation performed bro

 

[supdawg]

Ronin,

Thanks! You're very helpful...

 

[HeadDoc]

Hold the knife bro! Consult w. SWALE and get him to design an estrogen control program and let him know about the gyno. This is sometimes reversible. You may also want SWALE to consult with your doc. Sounds like he only understands part of the picture. He also needs to advocate for you strongly with your insurance company. My own primary care doc would have had me doing the same thing as yours--and he really goes out of his way care for me. Just ignorance-- he actually admitted this.

 

[SWALE]

Thanks, guys.

Estradiol MUST be monitored with any TRT program.

BTW, 200mg per week will take most men to about twice the top of "normal" range. Therefore it is not legitimate TRT unless laboratory assay proves that is what is needed.