Chasing the E2.

[zerodarkthirty]

I know many folks here struggle with dialing in E2. Every time I think I have this figured out (based largely on how I feel), I seem to guess wrong. For example, when I inject HCG (or take Clomid) early in the day and then 3 hours later can't seem to stay awake, I assume that I'm running high on E2. Sound right? Ok, so maybe then I'll take a low dose of AI (aromasin -- arimidex is bad juju for me), and sometimes I'll subsequently crash my E2. Others on the board have mentioned that one can be a high converter to E2, AND also an over-responder to the AIs. I think this is me.

Long story short, other than bloat and fatigue/lack of libido, what are the tell-tale signs of high E2 for you guys? When I'm high on E2, I can barely stay awake. When I've crashed it (which is far worse), I usually have extreme anxiety/irritability/zero libido. Knowing the power of AI's, I'm always very reluctant to take one until I'm pretty certain that I'm running high.

[EverettCD]

E2 is difficult to diagnose based on signs/symptoms, BW is the only accurate method.

When my E2 is elevated I have lethargy, retain water, slight depression & my libido takes a nose dive.
When my E2 is too low I have the same signs/symptoms with the addition of joint discomfort & my knees, elbows & back pop a lot.

Sent from my iPhone that was manufactured in a sweat shop in China®

[zerodarkthirty]

3 hours after aromasin, big jump in energy level. Sometimes I guess right, others not even close.

[2Sox]

I know many folks here struggle with dialing in E2. Every time I think I have this figured out (based largely on how I feel), I seem to guess wrong. For example, when I inject HCG (or take Clomid) early in the day and then 3 hours later can't seem to stay awake, I assume that I'm running high on E2. Sound right? Ok, so maybe then I'll take a low dose of AI (aromasin -- arimidex is bad juju for me), and sometimes I'll subsequently crash my E2. Others on the board have mentioned that one can be a high converter to E2, AND also an over-responder to the AIs. I think this is me.

Long story short, other than bloat and fatigue/lack of libido, what are the tell-tale signs of high E2 for you guys? When I'm high on E2, I can barely stay awake. When I've crashed it (which is far worse), I usually have extreme anxiety/irritability/zero libido. Knowing the power of AI's, I'm always very reluctant to take one until I'm pretty certain that I'm running high.

Blood work is always important but physical signs are just as important, IMO. I have similar responses that you've described. I'm sleepy/lethargic/low low libido when I'm low but I also get sleepy, etc., a little while after I take my anastrozole. I also seem to run out of gas a little while after my shot of Test or hCG. But this is only when I haven't been taking my a.i. on schedule.

I've experimented with dosage and I've come up with .25mg E3D. I try to time the dose in the evening so when I get sleepy, I just go to sleep.

I'd say find a schedule that works for you and stay with it. Try it for awhile. If you find symptoms returning, try another dose/frequency that works for you. From my own experience, it takes awhile to figure out.

[zerodarkthirty]

Blood work is always important but physical signs are just as important, IMO. I have similar responses that you've described. I'm sleepy/lethargic/low low libido when I'm low but I also get sleepy, etc., a little while after I take my anastrozole. I also seem to run out of gas a little while after my shot of Test or hCG. But this is only when I haven't been taking my a.i. on schedule.

I've experimented with dosage and I've come up with .25mg E3D. I try to time the dose in the evening so when I get sleepy, I just go to sleep.

I'd say find a schedule that works for you and stay with it. Try it for awhile. If you find symptoms returning, try another dose/frequency that works for you. From my own experience, it takes awhile to figure out.

Thanks. I agree with both BW results and subjective feeling tests. So although I felt better yesterday after taking the AI, today I have been completely unable to do anything because I cannot stay awake. Maybe I'm wrong, but I feel like I've now crashed my E2. Total lethargy. I've found that one way to break out of this is to go on a long run. It's hard to get going, but after 4-5 miles I start to feel better. This halo effect will last a couple of hours and then I'm crashed again.

[phaedo]

As mentioned, low and high estrogen tend to have the same symptoms. For me, I can delineate between the two from bloating (high estrogen) and extreme lethargy (low estrogen), like you've mentioned. And yes, long runs are the only thing that make it better - something, I think, having to do with dopamine imbalances. I'm still reading on how estrogen relates with neurotransmitters, so I can't comment much further in that respect.

[zerodarkthirty]

As mentioned, low and high estrogen tend to have the same symptoms. For me, I can delineate between the two from bloating (high estrogen) and extreme lethargy (low estrogen), like you've mentioned. And yes, long runs are the only thing that make it better - something, I think, having to do with dopamine imbalances. I'm still reading on how estrogen relates with neurotransmitters, so I can't comment much further in that respect.

Interesting. Please let me know if you find anything enlightening on this subject.

[dreadnok89]

Isn't bloat only associated with high estrogen? Because when you go to low youdry tour self out? I feel it in my hands and feet when iI'm high.