Timing of sensitive free estradiol test

[stx359]

I have always run a high estrogen level but I also run a consistently high SHBG.

TT - 1010 (264-916)
FT - 16 (6.8-21.5)
E2 (sensitive) - 40.8 (8.0-35.0)
SHBG - 42.6 (16.5-55.9)

My last labs were actually low for E2 and SHBG which have both run in the 50's for months, but I have been steadily lowering my test cyp does and testing every two months so perhaps that explains that. I currently inject 0.38 ml q 3.5.

I feel like a TRT success story after a year of small dose adjustments and extreme patience, BUT there is one nagging thing I can't seem to beat and that is low penis sensitivity. I have never experienced E2 symptoms of any kind and have never taken an AI. My strategy to drop E2 has been to lower my test cyp dose but I have gotten to the point where I don't want my TT or FT any lower.

Here is my question. I have ordered the sensitive free E2 test on discounted labs. When is the best time of the week to draw bloods? I always draw for labs on the morning before I inject so I get a trough. But in this case I don't think I want to see my trough free E2. I would prefer to see more of an average value. Does anyone have any thoughts on timing that?

 

[Systemlord]

An SHBG of 42 and injecting twice weekly I wouldn't expect to see big fluctuations. I can tell you when E2 is high or low pensis sensitivity is lower, the sweat spot for some can be narrow.

I would most definitely have problems with penis sensitivity at 40 pg/mL, not dramatic but noticeable. FT can be a window into Free E2, generally Free E2 is lower in relation to FT. I see guys having problems in the 1000 ranges, always saying they don't feel right.

Regardless of your Free E2 levels, you may just be sensitive to androgens and knowing your Free E2 level will do you little good. Lowering your dosage in the correct move.

You don't want your TT or FT to be any lower and it might be preventing you from solving your low penis sensitivity issue.

 

[stx359]

I did not realize that TT and FT can reduce penis sensitivity. Truth be told I am a little gun-shy on lowering my free T because it was so low when I started TRT, around 5.0, and I did not feel myself and libido was gone. 16 seems awfully close to 5. That being said if lowering FT a little more with a lower dose increased my penis sensitivity I would try it in a second.

 

[Vince Carter]

I think you're one the wrong pathway here, killing your Free T such as you are. There's no reason and nothing at all wrong with needing an AI which you apparently do. There's a point of diminishing returns here, very prudent to cut your dose but now where are you? (sarcasm).

 

[Nashtide]

I agree. If you need a very tiny dose of anastrazole to keep your E2 where you need it, then that's the move.

 

[stx359]

What would be considered a tiny dose of AI? Also how would I time the dose and how many per week. I basically need to tell my doctor what to do and I have seen too many cases of AI overdosing on here. What would be a very conservative way to start?

 

[stx359]

Also would switching to one injection per week from every 3.5 days have an effect on free E2?

 

[Nashtide]

What would be considered a tiny dose of AI? Also how would I time the dose and how many per week. I basically need to tell my doctor what to do and I have seen too many cases of AI overdosing on here. What would be a very conservative way to start?

I would start with 0.125mg with your T injections then retest at 6 weeks.