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  1. Nelson Vergel

    Ibogaine: Promise and Practicalities for Transforming Addiction Treatment

    Ibogaine: Promise and Practicalities for Transforming Addiction Treatment Ibogaine is rapidly garnering attention as a potentially revolutionary treatment for addiction and related mental health disorders—a beacon of hope in landscapes often characterized by despair and systemic inadequacy...
  2. Nelson Vergel

    The FDA is seeking your comments on black box warning for women's hormone therapy

    The FDA is seeking comments on black box warning for women's hormone therapy The FDA is currently seeking public comments regarding the black box warning on women’s hormone therapy products for menopause. Here’s what you need to know: Background: Since the early 2000s, all estrogen-containing...
  3. Nelson Vergel

    Caffeine and its metabolites- Comparison

    Here’s a comparison of Caffeine, Paraxanthine, and Theophylline, focusing on their structure, effects, metabolism, and common uses: Comparison Table: Caffeine vs Paraxanthine vs Theophylline Feature Caffeine Paraxanthine Theophylline Chemical Name 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine...
  4. Nelson Vergel

    What is the Optimum TRT Dose for Muscle Growth? : Nelson Vergel Reviews the Data

    Landmark Study Reveals How Different Testosterone Doses Affect Muscle, Fat, and Health Markers in Young Men A deep dive into one of the most influential studies on testosterone dosing reveals key takeaways for anyone interested in hormone optimization—a topic of persistent debate in men's...
  5. Nelson Vergel

    The Link Between Muscle Quality and Erectile Dysfunction

    Briefing Document: The Link Between Muscle Quality and Erectile Dysfunction Date: July 21, 2025 Source: "Exploring the link between muscle quality and erectile dysfunction: assessing the impact of mass and strength" (Sexual Medicine Reviews, 2025) I. Executive Summary This briefing document...
  6. Nelson Vergel

    Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify

    Please subscribe by clicking on this link: Beyond Testosterone Podcast- Curated by Nelson Vergel - Excel Male TRT Forum
  7. Nelson Vergel

    Beyond Testosterone Podcast- Curated by Nelson Vergel

    Unlock the latest science, expert interviews, and practical strategies for optimizing men's health by subscribing to the Nelson Vergel Beyond Testosterone Podcast. Whether you're seeking real-world advice on testosterone therapy, maximizing muscle growth, improving fat loss, or understanding...
  8. Nelson Vergel

    Optimizing Fat Loss and Muscle Preservation: Tirzepatide + Oxandrolone + TRT + Protein & Exercise

    This article outlines a comprehensive strategy for optimizing fat loss and muscle preservation, primarily discussed within the context of an online forum dedicated to men's health, ExcelMale.com. The core of the strategy involves a multi-faceted approach combining specific pharmacotherapies...
  9. Nelson Vergel

    New Podcast Episode: All About Oxandrolone (Anavar)

    This podcast session examines the efficacy and safety of oxandrolone, an anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS), in treating various wasting and catabolic disorders. It explores the drug's pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, noting its unique resistance to liver metabolism compared to...
  10. Nelson Vergel

    How U.S. Blood Banks Handle Therapeutic Phlebotomy for Men on Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

    How U.S. Blood Banks Handle Therapeutic Phlebotomy for Men on Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Blood centers have had to adapt their policies because the polycythemia/erythrocytosis that often accompanies TRT creates both medical need (frequent blood removal) and regulatory challenges (how...
  11. Nelson Vergel

    Can Certain Blood Pressure Medications Decrease Hematocrit?

    ARBs, or Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers, are a class of medications primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). They also play a role in managing heart failure and protecting kidney function, particularly in patients with diabetes. ARBs work by blocking the effects of...
  12. Nelson Vergel

    How Compounding Pharmacies Are Challenging Big Pharma on Fair Access

    13-Minute Podcast: This podcast discussion examines the burgeoning role of compounding pharmacies, particularly in the context of GLP-1 medications, and how they are challenging the established dominance of Big Pharma. Driven by soaring drug costs, supply shortages, and a demand for...
  13. Nelson Vergel

    TRT vs Clomiphene: Effect on IGF-1

    Key human studies that have measured circulating IGF-1 after giving testosterone, clomiphene or enclomiphene # Intervention (dose & route) Study population & design Treatment length Mean change in IGF-1* Notes 1 Testosterone enanthate 300 mg IM weekly 11 healthy young men, double-blind...
  14. Nelson Vergel

    Comparison of U.S. Clinical Guidelines on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in Women

    These are not usually what many US clinics follow, but I wanted to show what the guidelines say. Comparison of U.S. Clinical Guidelines on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in Women Multiple U.S. medical organizations—including The Menopause Society (formerly NAMS), ACOG, the Endocrine Society...
  15. Nelson Vergel

    Website that compares prices of GLP-1 weight loss medications (Ozempic, Mounjaro, Compounded)

    Sabina Hemmi was taking a compounded obesity medicine, when the price jumped from $550 a month to $875 a month. "I was like, 'What the hell?' " She started shopping around, but found it confusing. Most telehealth sites offering compounded obesity drugs didn't list prices and wouldn't reveal...
  16. Nelson Vergel

    Testosterone Therapy in Pre- and Post-Menopausal Women: Deep Dive

    Testosterone Therapy in Pre- and Post-Menopausal Women Testosterone Therapy for Women: Indications and Evidence (2010–2025) Low Sexual Desire (HSDD) and Sexual Function Evidence: Multiple randomized controlled studies (RCTs) and meta-analyses confirm that testosterone improves sexual desire...
  17. Nelson Vergel

    Can Clomiphene / Enclomiphene Reverse Testicular Atrophy? Review of Limited Data.

    Below is a synthesis of what the literature presently shows about clomiphene (and its trans-isomer enclomiphene) and reversal of testicular atrophy in men. What hard data exist? Setting Study design (n) Testicular-volume result Time to observation Secondary hypogonadism, enclomiphene 25...
  18. Nelson Vergel

    Why Use hCG With TRT?- A Clinical Review

    Using hCG in Men on Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) – A Clinical Review Introduction Exogenous testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can profoundly suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis through negative feedback. By inhibiting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and...
  19. Nelson Vergel

    Aromatase Inhibitors Decrease Male Sexual Desire

    The abstract below is from a systematic review and meta-analysis concerning the impact of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) on male sexual desire. The study investigated whether these medications, sometimes used for male hypogonadism due to their effect on the hypothalamus-pituitary-testis axis...
  20. Nelson Vergel

    The Evolution of Testosterone Products in the U.S. (1935-2025)

    Thanks to Dr Sun for this diagram. Timeline details (left → right) YearProduct (image above/below the line)Form & delivery 1935-1937No product image—text block below the line: “Testosterone first synthesized” with a bullet list of early preparations (oral 17α-methyltestosterone, injectable...
  21. Nelson Vergel

    Smoking Cessation's Effects on Male Hormonal Levels

    This scientific paper investigates the effects of smoking cessation on hormonal levels in men, specifically focusing on steroid hormones like testosterone, DHEA, DHEAS, cortisol, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). The researchers aimed to determine if these hormonal levels could predict...
  22. Nelson Vergel

    Medications that Can Impair Muscle Mass and Strength Gains from Resistance Training

    Introduction Many common medications – both prescription and over-the-counter – can influence the muscle mass and strength gains achievable through resistance exercise. Some drugs impair or blunt muscle hypertrophy and strength development, while others enhance or exaggerate these gains. These...
  23. Nelson Vergel

    High levels of antihistamine drugs can reduce fitness gains, study finds

    These articles discuss how histamine-blocking drugs, often taken for allergies, can negatively impact the physiological benefits of exercise. Both sources present studies indicating that high doses of antihistamines interfere with muscle adaptation, blood flow increases, and overall fitness...
  24. Nelson Vergel

    ExcelMale.com: The Most Comprehensive TRT Forum for Men’s Health

    ExcelMale.com is widely regarded as the ultimate online forum for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and men’s health discussions. Founded in 2013 by a leading men’s health advocate, this platform has grown into a vast community with tens of thousands of members, ranging from newcomers...
  25. Nelson Vergel

    Elevated Hematocrit from Testosterone Therapy vs High-Altitude Adaptation: A Comparative Analysis

    From this thread: WARNING: Do not believe Internet "gurus" proclaiming no need to manage hematocrit on TRT - Excel Male TRT Forum Underlying Physiological Mechanisms Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and Erythrocytosis: Exogenous testosterone stimulates red blood cell (RBC) production...
  26. Nelson Vergel

    Can Please Review My Latest Book: Beyond Testosterone?

    Friends, over the years ExcelMale.com has grown into a knowledgeable, supportive community, and many of you have already taken the time to read my latest project, “Beyond Testosterone: The Illustrated Guide.” If the book has clarified a lab result, sparked a productive conversation with your...
  27. Nelson Vergel

    High Estradiol in Men on TRT: What to Do

    Briefing Document: Estradiol in Men on TRT Source: Excerpts from "High Estradiol in Men on TRT: What to Do" by Nelson Viegel (excelmale.com) 1. The Role and Importance of Estradiol in Men Core Idea: Estradiol, often misconstrued as a solely "female hormone," is crucial for male health and is...
  28. Nelson Vergel

    Eating More Live Microbes May Boost Testosterone: What a New Study Found

    A new study published in Scientific Reports (Nature Publishing Group) has found a potential link between eating foods rich in live microbes—like those found in yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and other fermented foods—and higher testosterone levels in men1. Why Testosterone Matters Testosterone is a...
  29. Nelson Vergel

    Testosterone blood level is correlated with immune cell abundance in transgender young people on gender affirming hormones

    Sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone don’t just affect things like body shape or voice—they also play a role in how the immune system works. This is especially important for transgender people who take these hormones as part of their gender-affirming care. However, there’s not much...
  30. Nelson Vergel

    Managing the Testosterone-to-Estradiol Ratio in Men on TRT

    Managing the Testosterone-to-Estradiol Ratio in Men on TRT Introduction Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in hypogonadal men often leads to an increase in estradiol (E2) levels due to the aromatization of testosterone. This alters the testosterone-to-estradiol (T:E) ratio, a metric...
  31. Nelson Vergel

    Clomid (Clomiphene) Reduces IGF-1, a measure of Growth Hormone

    Summary of Study Findings: "Reduced IGF-1 Levels Following Clomiphene Treatment for Male Hypogonadism" (Journal of the Endocrine Society, 2025) Objective: To investigate whether clomiphene citrate—a selective estrogen receptor modulator used off-label to treat male hypogonadism—affects serum...
TRT Hormone Predictor Widget

TRT Hormone Predictor

Predict estradiol, DHT, and free testosterone levels based on total testosterone

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This tool provides predictions based on statistical models and should NOT replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your TRT protocol.

ℹ️ Input Parameters

Normal range: 300-1000 ng/dL

Predicted Hormone Levels

Enter your total testosterone value to see predictions

Results will appear here after calculation

Understanding Your Hormones

Estradiol (E2)

A form of estrogen produced from testosterone. Important for bone health, mood, and libido. Too high can cause side effects; too low can affect well-being.

DHT

Dihydrotestosterone is a potent androgen derived from testosterone. Affects hair growth, prostate health, and masculinization effects.

Free Testosterone

The biologically active form of testosterone not bound to proteins. Directly available for cellular uptake and biological effects.

Scientific Reference

Lakshman KM, Kaplan B, Travison TG, Basaria S, Knapp PE, Singh AB, LaValley MP, Mazer NA, Bhasin S. The effects of injected testosterone dose and age on the conversion of testosterone to estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in young and older men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Aug;95(8):3955-64.

DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0102 | PMID: 20534765 | PMCID: PMC2913038

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