Monitoring Estrogen Levels
If your not monitoring your estrogen, or more importantly your estradiol levels your doing it wrong. This is the most important aspect to getting your testosterone replacement therapy program "dialed in".
Testosterone can convert directly to estradiol (E2) via the aromatase enzyme. These enzymes are found in dense lipid cells, or fat cells, in the body and when they bump into testosterone it automatically converts your testosterone into estradiol. So the more adipose or fat tissue that you have the more likely you are going to turn your testosterone into estradiol. This results in reduced testosterone levels as well since testosterone is the raw material for estradiol. To top it off now you have a less favorable testosterone to estradiol ratio.
So what are the negative effects of my testosterone converting too readily to estradiol?
- Man Boobs
- Acne
- Water Retention
- Increased BP
- Decreased Libido
- Feeling Emotional
If you have the symptoms or better yet get your blood tested while on your testosterone replacement therapy program and your E2 (estradiol) is high your program needs to be tweaked to bring it down into a normal healthy range. This can be achieved by titrating the testosterone dosage downwards or adding an aromatase inhibitor like Arimadex or the generic version Anastrozole.
Aromatase inhibitors attach themselves to the aromatase enzyme inhibiting it from converting your testosterone to estradiol. This will lower the total amount of estradiol in your blood stream and increase testosterone levels making sure your T to E ratio is favorable.
It is also imperative that you do not suppress your E2 levels too much, this can also result in negative symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Joint Pain
- Lowered Sex Drive
- Trouble Achieving Erection
Don't trust your TRT program with just anyone. If your not monitoring and titrating your estradiol levels while on testosterone replacement therapy we urge you to give us a call today so we can get you on the most advanced testosterone replacement therapy program available.
Positive effects of an aromatase inhibitor in men have been shown in the following study:
"In this study, we examined the effects of 12 months of daily anastrozole therapy on gonadal steroids, body composition, strength, PSA and lipids in older men with low normal serum testosterone. Aromatase inhibition increased testosterone levels by approximately 50%, resulting in levels that were generally in the mid-eugonadal range for young men. Aromatase inhibition also modestly decreased E2 (approximately 20%), though the mean remained in the normal range. Additionally, anastrozole therapy increased bioavailable testosterone, DHT and LH as compared to placebo. These increases in androgen levels and the associated mild decrease in E2, however, failed to significantly improve body composition or strength. Importantly, anastrozole therapy did not alter PSA levels, urinary obstructive symptoms, or lipid profiles"
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