[Note: I decided to compile this info into one simple and easy to understand post because it's something I didn't know when I started and wish someone had shared with me. Hopefully others will find it useful and save themselves the hassle of learning the hard way. ...or not at all.]
Estradiol = Estrogen = E2
Whether you actually have LowT or just LowT like symptoms or are on TRT for other purposes knowing and controlling your E2 is no less important than raising your Testosterone levels.
This assertion is based on everything I've read or experienced in the past year of my dealings with Low T /HRT. It's a chicken and the egg riddle. Which came first? High E can actually cause Low T or even mask the effects of *High* T if you're already on TRT.
Even worse, for those with advanced stages of LowT who have gained significant weight, excess body fat will actually *increase* the E production. It's a vicious cycle. As many already know, just being on TRT can increase your E levels as excess T turns in to E.
While normal amounts of E2 in men are necessary for your libido and sexual performance among other things; too much can: lower your libido, effect your sexual performance, cause water retention, foggy thinking, fatigue, insomnia, "puffy nipples" moodiness, anxiety, depression, pain throughout your body, weight gain, "man boobs", loss of muscle mass, prostate problems, urinary problems, allergies, hot flashes, night sweats, etc.
A number of factors can effect your E2 production levels regardless of your TRT program. How much free T you have, whether you're taking DHEA, your diet, including various protein sources etc.
There is a surprising amount of Estrogen in our food, and the environment around us, from sources you would never suspect. Do a search on
Xenoestrogens and you'll see what I'm talking about.
Recently someone on this site, with *normal* T levels was having problems and it came down to the likelihood his E2 was high even though he did not have any of the classic traits of someone with a pre-existing E imbalance. It turns out he was consuming a significant amount of soy products which is very high in estrogen.
Adversely, *Low E* can also be a problem. Those on estrogen blockers should be aware that it's entirely possible to overshoot the mark. This can be just as bad with such symptoms as: loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, loss of bone density, moodiness, hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, loss of hair, headaches, insomnia, increased body fat, etc.
In my particular case, my E2 was 167 on 200mg of Test Cyp weekly which put my Total T at 1032. I was also taking 50mg of DHEA daily. Once I found out about my E2 levels, I dropped the DHEA, lowered my Test Cyp to 180mg weekly. Then I started on Adex and after *only* 6 weeks, my E2 was down to 47 and Total T was 923. I'm now dialing back the T even further to 150mg weekly and tapering my Adex as well. I should know in another 4 weeks what the change is and will update this thread when I know.
I only wish I had known about the Estrogen factor when I started off on this journey. It might have help save me some time and grief. I'm fully convinced that addressing the "E Factor" on a TRT regimen is essential.
If it's not already part of your program, then I highly suggest you look into it.
