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Estradiol, progesterone and pregnenolone synergistically improve cognitive function and a sense of calmness. 


I think we are learning a lot lately about how shutting down these hormones can affect us emotionally.



TRT shuts down or reduces upstream hormones like pregnenolone and progesterone.  The HPTA shut down of LH and FSH also has implications.  We need LH to activate  Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) to make upstream hormones while on TRT. In the absence of LH, HCG can do the trick to wake up the production of pregnenolone and progesterone (taking pregnenolone supplements can also accomplish this but without StAR activation).



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LH activates the areas shown as stars. TRT shuts down LH and thus several hormones upstream of testosterone. HCG can mimic LH's effect and compensate for this shut down.


As time goes by, the use of TRT+HCG will grow stronger as more data is generated on this fact.


All steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol.  A series of enzymatic steps in the mitochondria and  endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane of steroidogenic tissues convert cholesterol into all of the other steroid hormones and intermediates.


The rate-limiting step in this process is the transport of free cholesterol from the cytoplasm into mitochondria.  This step is carried out by the Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR)


Activating StAR has many benefits (read the link above).



Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) regulates the expression of Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) via the ERK1/2 pathway


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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