Trough/Peak Values and Testosterone/E2 Ratio

CoastWatcher · Jun 29, 2015

For the past nine weeks I've been injecting 60mgs of test enth every 3.5 days.

Results on a "peak" (24 hours after injection injection):

Total Test: 1035 ng/dL (348 - 1197)

Free Test: 20.3 pg/mL (7.2 -24.0)

Estradiol (Sensitive LC/MS/MS): 55.6 pg/mL (8.0-35.0)

SHBG: 27.3 nmol/L (19.3-76.4)

Results on a "trough" (just prior to injection):

Total Test: 733 ng/dL (348 - 1197)

Free Test: 14.0 pg/mL (7.2 -24.0)

SHBG: 22.8 nmol/L (19.3-76.4)

Estradiol (Sensitive LC/MS/MS): 31.8 pg/mL (8.0-35.0)

Even on twice-weekly injections I clear testosterone more quickly than I'd like, but I feel great.

The estradiol level might suggest concern, but applying the ratio that Nelson and others use as a factor in evaluating e2 puts me in a comfortable spot at the peak and only slightly above the suggested value at the trough. As noted, I do fee good. Would you agree that there is NO NEED for an AI? I would think any adjustments could be made by pulling the total test dose from 60mg twice-a-week to 40mg. But I'm inclined to leave as things as they are, enjoy how I'm feeling, listen to my body, and test regularly.

But I would appreciate any thoughts as to this approach.

Gene Devine · Jun 29, 2015

Most men don't need an AI especially on the dosages you are on.

Your labs look fine to me.

You can try not using the AI for 6 weeks and see how you feel.

If you get symptoms of elevated E2 or labs confirm elevated serum levels then just restart on the AI.

I'd give it a shot.

CoastWatcher · Jun 29, 2015

Gene Devine said:
Most men don't need an AI especially on the dosages you are on.

Your labs look fine to me.

You can try not using the AI for 6 weeks and see how you feel.

If you get symptoms of elevated E2 or labs confirm elevated serum levels then just restart on the AI.

I'd give it a shot.

Never used an AI, and my doctor isn't keen on them if they can be avoided (though she'll prescribe if needed). My estradiol when I began therapy was single digit; a bone density scan as there was concern about osteopenia. It had not developed.