E2?

[Milehigh1965]

Is this the same as Estradiol?

[Vettester]

Si, it would be the same thing.

[Milehigh1965]

Ok so I am a noob here. My E2 was 13.8 prior to going on HRT. I'm doing 1ml of test .5ml of Hcg and 1mg of arimidex . I'm going on week 4. I am stronger than ever however my gut seems to pudgy. Diet is clean and I do a lot of cardio. Is there a reason to think the arimidex is causing some water or weight gain? Is there a reason to be on the arimidex? Seems like I was on the low end

[kelkel]

You should not be on an AI at this point with such a low E2 level. Assuming it was a sensitive assay. Your taking 1mg Adex per week total? Is this doctor prescribed? Your due for more BW I'm sure so test your E again and make an informed decision from there. Some people are just low converters or just hereditarily run at lower E levels (I seem to.) It's very easy to crash your E so be careful. It's always good to make one protocol change at a time so you can actually see/feel the results. If in fact you do need an AI start low (maybe .25 x 2) and titrate up IF needed, based on BW.

[Milehigh1965]

Yes it is 1mg of arimidex per week split into 2 doses. The T HCG and AI are part of the package. They do new BW after 10 Weeks. I am also having my GP do BW for me as well. The clinic I go to seems to do just basic testing. Is there a E2 number I should be looking out for to consider going on an AI?

[kelkel]

Ok, so .5 x 2. Understood. The majority of people seem to use an AI but ton's of people here have crashed their E by using what seems to be the suggested dosage of 1mg AI per week for 100mg test. I'd still try to get your BW done soon to see where your at so you can make an informed decision. A particular number? Probably mid to upper 20's based on how you feel, erection quality, etc. We need estrogen for many reasons just like T. If your hesitant to stop the AI before BW you may consider cutting it again into quarters and doing .25 x 2.

If you haven't yet, take some time and read the stickies at the top of the forum. A wealth of knowledge up there. And welcome.

[Milehigh1965]

Thank you. Everyone here has been awesome. I think I may stop the AI till next BW. I figure I have room. Last 2 questions. 1. HCG is it something I should do? 2. Any other important numbers I should be watching in my BW? I have high cholesterol as it is. Done the diet and exercise thing. GP wants me on a statin.

[bullshark99]

HcG is to keep the "boys" functioning and not to shrivel up. There are other benefits if you read thru the stickies. The big one is the testicles, also, the HcG will raise your T levels. Your E2 is on the low end, I would strongly consider Kel advice above, as I am one who has recently crashed my E2, trust me its no fun, forget about sex!

[kelkel]

You'll find a list of pre and post BW recommendations in the Finding a TRT Physician sticky. Add/delete as personally needed. Do some research on Non-statins for cholesterol and compare both. I personally use a non-statin. Any excess basically passes through your system.