HCG & Estradiol

[Gokk]

I have just completed a "mini-cycle" of HCG monotherapy to check how my body would react to HCG supplementation. I have been taking approximately 1100 IU per week (the first week 350 IU 3X, and then 150 IU ED).
Before starting this cycle my lab results were as follows:

Total Testosterone: 292 ng/dl
Estradiol (sensitive): 12.9 pg/ml

After the 3-week cycle:

Total Testosterone: 550 ng/dl
Estradiol (sensitive): 31.1 pg/ml

As you can see my Total Testosterone has indeed increased, but my Estradiol more than doubled! As a result my Testosterone/Estradiol ratio has worsened, from 22.6 to 17.7
Furthermore I gained 2 pounds without any change in diet/excercise (water retention?). Overall I do not feel any better..

So my question is: do I need to take an AI? would you recommend trying an OTC supplement before taking Anastrozole?
Thank you very much for your help.

 

[HarryCat]

550 totalT just may not be high enough for you to feel a difference.

E2 follows T, so if your T goes up it is normal for E2 to go up. 31.1 is not all that high.

Dr's Crisler and Shippen have written that they start their HCG mono patients at 500IU's 3 time per week, then increase from there, so your dose is a little low.

It has been reported on the boards that HCG mono doesn't seem to generate the same subjective benefits as TRT.

 

[Vince Carter]

I have an interest in the ratio being 14-20 rather than the number on a single test. I've also read that the E2 isn't converted in the testes via the aromatase enzyme and is such unnaffected by an AI. I would wait on an AI and whatever path you take for therapy. A 2lb change could be anything.