TRT - Fine tuning

[tom1959]

Team,

First off, thank you for sharing your wisdom. It has been very helpful over thepast (6) months.

Recap;
- TRT for 6 months
- 55 years old
- Blood work has been posted in previous threads and all within good range.
- Arimidex .25 EOD
Even though I do feel better since starting TRT, I never reached the sustained energy levels I have hoped for. I do work a lot, in a high stress environment but nonetheless, I'm convinced I should have more energy. I try to work out and do push myself but I'm whipped at the end of theday.

QUESTION;

Can a small dose of DHEA compliment the positive effects of TRT to give me more energy? If so, what would be a good dosage to begin? Recommendation on best source?

My last blood work showed a level of 124.5. The normal range is 71.6 - 375.4

I've read some positives from others but I've also read of some very negative effects.

Thank you in advance for your insight, feedback and advice.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Tom

What level is that? What units?

 

[tom1959]

hi Nelson!

MY DHEA is 124.5 ug/dl

Normal range on test is 71.7 ug/dl - 375.4 ug/dl

Does this help?

 

[Vettester Chris]

Tom, that looks to be Labcorp, probably measured in "ug/dl". If not, please let us know the correct values. If it is then my personal opinion is that aiming for a range of 225ug/dl -to- 300ug/dl is generally a good place to be. Discuss that with your physician to see what range might be best for you. I also believe that you will get better results using DHEA that is the micronized form, or I've even had good luck with a compounded cream from my pharmacy.

I would suggest 25mg to 50mg per day, but again, talk with your doctor. To get the most out of back filling hormonal pathways you might also consider pregnenolone in the equation.

Now, with everything I just said, I would highly suggest that you run a 4x cortisol saliva panel to get a better picture on how your adrenals are holding up with the stress. Also, for those who know me know that I don't stop at the adrenals without checking the thyroid. If there's cortisol/adrenal concerns you will generally see a correlation with the thyroid. If you have this posted in one of your other threads, please point me in that direction.

 

[Vettester Chris]

Tom, you answered my question on the values as I was typing my post ...

 

[tom1959]

Hi Chris

Thank you. I've read posts on the site that suggest optimum ranges up to 600. Please share your thoughts.

I did read in posts that it is recommeded to suppliment DHEA and pregnenolone together.

Also, I had a cortisol test rencently with a reading of 13 ug/dl; range = 6.2 ug/dl to 19.4 ug/dl.

Thanks, T

 

[Vettester Chris]

Tom, are you saying there's been suggestions to get DHEA up to 600ug/dl? If so, I wouldn't personally recommend getting DHEA that high. Your range tops out at 375ug/dl. Going over might contribute to adrenal issues and unwanted androgen conversion downstream, BUT, workout a program with your physician that fits your lifestyle and keeps you feeling good.

On the cortisol, truthfully it's tough to make heads or tails with that 1 serum lab. The variances of cortisol production in a 24 hour period are substantial, where early morning can be 17ug/dl and late night can be 2.5ug/dl, which could be perfectly normal in a circadian profile. If given the chance, check into a 24 hour saliva kit with someone like ZRT Labs. It will give you the 4x for the day, plus DHEA, and the circadian profile.

IMO, anyone in a stress related environment should check this at least once, and of course all the thyroid labs should be included just to make sure that's covered. Seems just about every other guy we deal with that's over 40yo and on TRT seems to be dealing with some form of thyroid issue; usually being hypothyroidism in some form.

Cortisol, iron, ferritin D3, & other related variables to the thyroid functioning properly tend to decline as we age. These are transport agents in various ways for T3 reaching the cells of the body and ensuring ATP is thriving. When this not working properly, symptoms can include feeling off, lethargic, no energy .. You see where I'm going with this?

 

[tom1959]

Thanks Chris.

Valued advice! I will explore everthing you have shared.

Yes, there are posts that suggest optimum ranges of DHEA are 500-600 for men.

 

[tom1959]

Team

I have ordered both micronized sr DHEA and pregnenolone. Both should deliver this Monday.

I've continued my reading and found an article the states; do not use DHEA, if you are using Arimidex.
Is appreciate any feedback!
I do use prescribed Arimidex to control e2 levels

Thanks Team!

 

[tom1959]

Team

follow up;

i began supplimenting DHEA 50mg in the morning, two weeks ago.

Ive not notice a pick up of energy.
I have experience better focus.
I've also experienced very dry eyes. Blood shot. Ever heard if that?
I feel like my mood has dropped a bit. More agitated. Ever heard of that?

i was hope the suppliment would improve energy.

Feedback welcome

 

[jger242]

tom1959 Ive tried both micronized dhea and pregnenolone. Individually.
With both I experienced increased aggression and more frequent spon. erections. Dhea did cause me to have dry eyes too.

With all other trt meds and supps I take I decided to just stay with dhea.
I use hcg and think it restarts or increases dhea & pregn .

I also tried progesterone cream and had increased erections and libido. It lowered. E2 too much so I stopped using it.

For energy you.might try l-carnitine 2000 mg a.m. and 1000 mg at lunch along with a b-complex (50-100 mg) twice per day.