Emotional, ED, high T, and suspiciously low E2

[Vince Carter]

timing of blood draw is the recommendation by my “functional medicine” hormonal specialist.

That person is wrong.

 

[Vince Carter]

Daily cypionate causes very flat hormone levels for the vast majority of guys, meaning test timing is not so important—although it's still good to be consistent.

There is a defined peak and a trough like every other protocol, the swing of the up and down may be less pronounced and less perceived but the fact remains that testing is a trough issue and this guy is doing wrong...evidenced by 350mg...A WEEK.

 

[Cataceous]

There is a defined peak and a trough like every other protocol, the swing of the up and down may be less pronounced and less perceived but the fact remains that testing is a trough issue and this guy is doing wrong...evidenced by 350mg...A WEEK.

The point is that with daily cypionate the fluctuations from the mean in serum testosterone are likely less than 5%, on the order of the error margins for the tests themselves, so it's not particularly important when you test. Overdosing the testosterone is a separate issue.

 

[DaviSh]

Guys, I appreciate in the input I have received. I've been on TRT for 4-1/2 years; first two years through PCP, then functional medicine hormone "specialist" for the last 2-1/2. I did far better back with my PCP prescribing, while I mostly self-regulated. I went to the specialist because I was nervous about continuing my own dosage schedule based on internet research.

Here's an update to my original post. LabCorp re-tested my original sample for "sensitive E2" and results were the same (<2.5). I went back to LabCorp last week for the upgraded TT/FT test with no upper boundary. It's no surprise, both TT/FT are too high. I plan to reduce dose and move to twice weekly injections.

I also had DHT, non-sensitive E2, and prolactin tested (see attached results). Prolactin is slightly high, E2 remains almost non-existent, and DHT is very high.

Nelson posted previously that DHT is a powerful estrogen blocker.

I'm guessing that my high DHT levels are tied to my excessive test cyp dosage? Should I look for another cause for DHT at 132 (30-85 range) besides TRT?

I have an appointment with DR on Monday, and I'm trying to educate myself as much as possible about what may be causing rather sudden drop in libido and near-impossible-erections.

Thanks!

 

[Systemlord]

I'm guessing that my high DHT levels are tied to my excessive test cyp dosage?

Testosterone converts to DHT and you are in excess of testosterone. Low estrogen is also a libido and erection killer. Cialis is the only explanation for low estrogen.

Testosterone:estradiol ratio changes associated with long-term tadalafil administration:

Sustained improvement in sexual function after 12 months of tadalafil administration is associated with increased T:E ratio mainly related to reduction of E levels.

 

[Vvs1]

Testosterone converts to DHT and you are in excess of testosterone. Low estrogen is also a libido and erection killer. Cialis is the only explanation for low estrogen.

Testosterone:estradiol ratio changes associated with long-term tadalafil administration:

Would you recommend a natural DHT inhibitor such as black tea? That allows e2 to bounce back?

Don't use Saw Palmetto or finasteride to inhibit DHT, anyone.