How Long to Wait After Changing a Variable?

[Kirk001]

So I gather that you should try to change only one variable at a time in the mix, and give it some time to see results, ideally. This I'm sure is easier said than done as it requires patience and also can involve things like finances, scheduling consultations, shipping of meds/supplements, etc.

Are most of you guys pretty disciplined about only changing one thing at a time? And then how long do you wait to feel like you have a pretty good idea about the effects of the changed variable?

I'm just starting down this road and I can already feel I'm having to muster up a lot of willpower to try to be disciplined about this. For instance I'm about to start on clomiphene. Possibly also anastrozole, but I'm telling myself to wait for follow-up labs based on what I've read here. Possibly also DHEA, but I don't want to confuse what's doing what. Possibly also metformin. Possibly also tadalafil. My high TSH suggests I get further thyroid testing, and if there's an issue there, then possibly adding some thyroid meds. Possibly may look into peptides down the road. Etc...

Since there's not one exact roadmap for each individual, and since for the first time in a long time I'm seeing the possibility of improving a lot of my issues, I'm chomping at the bit to try this and try that and find what works! But the logical part of my brain says be deliberate and methodical or you could get lost in a quagmire.

 

[CoastWatcher]

You write that you're about to start a Clomid protocol, which may include anastrozole. So, at the the present time, you've not initiated therapy. What are the details of the protocol that's been prescribed? You are going to have to wait six weeks to achieve stable serum levels, levels that offer you and your doctor any sort of insight into how you are responding to treatment.

Why are you not pushing for better understanding of your thyroid now, before commencing? If you have thyroid issues they may well impede your other efforts (it's called the master gland for a reason). You raise the possibility of DHEA? You have documented low levels?

Many questions, I know. Patience in this game pays off. The mantra Dr. Crisler introduced, "Start low and go slow," makes a lot of sense. None of us, well, most of us, didn't wind up her overnight and it's unrealistic (though natural) to think we can straighten things out quickly.

 

[FeelingLost]

So I gather that you should try to change only one variable at a time in the mix, and give it some time to see results, ideally. This I'm sure is easier said than done as it requires patience and also can involve things like finances, scheduling consultations, shipping of meds/supplements, etc.

Are most of you guys pretty disciplined about only changing one thing at a time? And then how long do you wait to feel like you have a pretty good idea about the effects of the changed variable?

Nope but I do understand the logic behind making one change at a time then you know exactly why something happened.
IMO you really should get your thyroid stable and optimized NOT just with in normal ranges.
Then start your clomiphene protocol and only use the AI when you feel your E2 is getting to high.
Mini blood test along the way would be a nice peeks at how things are going.

I am not sure when or if metformin is required but I would not hesitate on using cialas or viagra as needed regardless of your protocol.

Just my opinion I'm no doc.

 

[Kirk001]

I told you I'm impatient and I lack willpower! lol I've already waited months and spent a whole lot of money just to get to this point and I haven't even started on any kind of treatment yet. If I go back to the drawing board on the thyroid question now, that's more money for more tests and consultation fees and probably more months of waiting. I know my testosterone is in the basement and I have common low-T symptoms so I want to attack this problem straight away, then I'll circle back on the thyroid question.

We could go into protocol specifics but I wanted to just ask generally how you approach making changes. I'm taking my provider's recommendations into account of course, but then I've heard other doctors say something different, and an old pro on ExcelMale says something different, and an old pro on PeakT says something different, and some study I read says something different, and then the same thing can affect two people in opposite ways, so... I think ultimately I'm going to have to be my own health advocate as it were and take in all the information I can get but ultimately make my own choices and decisions. Which will probably include a lot of trial and error, or making protocol adjustments, or fine tuning or however you want to phrase it.

 

[FeelingLost]

I think ultimately I'm going to have to be my own health advocate as it were and take in all the information I can get but ultimately make my own choices and decisions.

Go for it.
You got everyones opinion, and that is all they are opinions, now its your turn.
I do multiple protocol changes all the time.