Low Estradiol Levels - Any treatments available?

Hi folks,

I've just signed up. Well done to all involved in keeping this forum..second to none!

My details:

Based in Ireland
Male
38 years old
Height 5`6ft
Weight 10st
Enjoy sports in general, exercises up to 4 times a week (either running or weights at the gym)
Vegetarian (past 4 months)

Medical history:

Mild Sleep Apnea (under control using an oral device)

Medication:

Finasteride 1mg for the past 7 years - hair loss

Others:

Used steroids (Winstrol) 10 years ago - few cycles only


Current issues:

Lack of energy
Lack of concentration
Low libido
Decrease in muscle strength
Fatigue
Lack of morning wood
No desire to exercise
Lack of motivation

Actions taken so far:

• Completed the ADAM questionnaire available online
• Went to local GP, described symptoms and also showed ADAM questionnaire
• GP said straight away "you're too young to have low T". I then insisted on hormone tests, he said "let's do a general check up which will include some hormone test
• I then underwent the following tests (attach lab 1, non fasting in the afternoon)
• GP then reviewed the tests and said "you are fine, all seem ok except Iron as you don't eat meat so you should start eating meat again"
• As I wasn't happy with his answer, decided to take the matter on my own hands. Luckily, I came across this website!
• Went to private clinic and underwent the following tests (attach lab 2, fasting first thing in the morning)
• Although Testosterone Level seem normal, it appears that there is an issue due to Low Estradiol (it is not E2 sensitive as this type of test is not available in Ireland)

As a result, I have booked an appointment at a men's clinic / TRT specialist (as you may know there aren't many options in Ireland). The consultation will take place next week, but would appreciate if you guys could shed some light on the questions below

My questions

• Although my testosterone level seem ok, I'm still having similar low T symptoms. Would low estradiol also cause the same issues?
• Is there any specific treatment to increase estradiol levels? Would TRT be recommended?
• Does Finasteride affect Estradiol levels? Would you guys recommend stop using it?

Once again, thanks in advance for your assistance which is much appreciated. Have a nice week all, cheers Irish1979

Welcome to ExcelMale. Finasteride is a drug that *can*wreak havoc with a man's endocrine system, even when serum levels seem reasonable. This becomes more likely the longer one uses the drug. If you haven't done so, you should search Post-Finasteride Syndrome. Has your doctor addressed this subject with you?

Do we know if this has to do with the drug itself? Or would it be anything that inhibits 5AR? There are natural compounds that inhibit 5AR like saw palmetto and green tea.

CoastWatcher said:

Welcome to ExcelMale. Finasteride is a drug that *can*wreak havoc with a man's endocrine system, even when serum levels seem reasonable. This becomes more likely the longer one uses the drug. If you haven't done so, you should search Post-Finasteride Syndrome. Has your doctor addressed this subject with you?

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MikeXL said:

Do we know if this has to do with the drug itself? Or would it be anything that inhibits 5AR? There are natural compounds that inhibit 5AR like saw palmetto and green tea.

Click to expand...

My doctor waves a red light warning patients away from any saw palmetto-containing compounds because of their impact on DHT, in some cases quite a serious one.

As to your specific question, we've seen enough members who have taken finasteride to be very, very wary. I believe Dr. Saya has written here that it's a matter of working to manage the patient in the face of myriad challenges and so many unknowns - it's not a matter of "curing" or restoring them. Dr. Crisler is outspoken in his rejection of finasteride.

I'm not claiming that this is what is happening with Irish 1979, only raising the point that it is something to be seriously considered.

Vegetarian with low iron, Extreme fatigue and Weakness. I would try a eating a big Steak twice a week and see what happens.

Hi CoastWatcher,

Thanks for pointing me out to the right direction.

I have read the material available related to post-finasteride syndrome. I will address the matter with my doctor next week and will keep you all posted.

Captain, thanks for the advice!

Cheers

Irish1979 said:

Enjoy sports in general, exercises up to 4 times a week (either running or weights at the gym)
Vegetarian (past 4 months)

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You're a vegetarian and your iron is low per your posted labs. That alone could explain symptoms. Testing for others things vegetarians often low in, such as B12, EPA/DHA would also be warranted and possible culprits to those symptoms.

I would like to add, supplementing with DHEA will increase estradiol.

Hi \irish 1979,
Can I ask you where you got the second test done? with the free testosterone?