Anastrozole and dosing options

[LFH40]

Ok, I'm at a crossroads. I have been prescribed Anastrozole and it has arrived in the mail.

Attached is recent blood work. The dilemma is whether or not I try the .50mg e3d or do I take it upon myself to do .25mg e3d? Or do I start at half pill e3d and after a week just lower it to .25mg e3d?

[LFH40]

And also, I take my hcg tomorrow and my test on Wednesday( both are twice a week). Should I hold off on starting the AI till day after my test shot? I guess I'm over eager to start and get there E2 down a little.

[Brett N]

I was prescribed 1/4mg 2x a week in the beginning. I took it 24 hours after injection. I ended up with a resting spot of 1/4 1x a week which works for me. You could do the 1/2 2x a week for the first week if it makes you feel better about it and then adjust down. I was told it takes a couple of weeks to feel any difference. I still think 1/2 2x a week indefinitely is way too high though.

[LFH40]

From intelligence gathering, I've gotten the vibe that it would be good to do 1/2 pill twice a week and then titrate down to 1/4 twice a week then 1/4 per week.

The aspect that terrifies me, is that I could go too low and lose the new found libido I've been experiencing(and also saving my marriage which was sexless prior to trt for obvious reasons)

[bass]

its hard to make a call on a none sensitive assay, but from what I see 0.5 mgs twice a week sounds aggressive.

[LFH40]

its hard to make a call on a none sensitive assay, but from what I see 0.5 mgs twice a week sounds aggressive.

I'm surprised by using the site sponsor they don't do a non-sensitive assay. I am going to have to independently get tested in approximately four weeks, however, I don't want to compromise my libido by taking an aggressive dose for more than a week.

[LFH40]

I'm surprised by using the site sponsor they don't do a non-sensitive assay. I am going to have to independently get tested in approximately four weeks, however, I don't want to compromise my libido by taking an aggressive dose for more than a week.

Any recommendations on self testing sensitive assay or would I be better just going to a Quest or a LabCorp? ( don't need to do this for 4 weeks or so, but I want to do it regardless because I need to be aware of my E2 if I'm taking Anastrozole.

[bass]

try (private md labs . com) remove spaces.

here is a 15% coupon code, ke8gbah

[LFH40]

Thanks Bass!

[kelkel]

I would not go over .25 the day after each injection and retest in a month. There's no need to front-load adex or stomp your E down. That's just the road to issues, imho.

[Lockout888]

Any recommendations on self testing sensitive assay or would I be better just going to a Quest or a LabCorp? ( don't need to do this for 4 weeks or so, but I want to do it regardless because I need to be aware of my E2 if I'm taking Anastrozole.

Yes, Private MD Labs and use the code bass gave. Get the "Hormone Panel for Females" for $59 (Males get it all the time) and also the Estradiol, Sensitive test. Add SHBG if you want to know free & bio-available T.

[LFH40]

Yes, Private MD Labs and use the code bass gave. Get the "Hormone Panel for Females" for $59 (Males get it all the time) and also the Estradiol, Sensitive test. Add SHBG if you want to know free & bio-available T.

Hey guys, I have a test through Lowtestosterone coming up in April, but I've been on the AI for over a month now and I want to just get the E2 levels checked, what test should I actually be ordering? (I would love to get all the tests done and see everything, but money is the issue, so for now I just need to know if I'm in range for the E2) Lockout888 mentioned three different tests above, which one is the desirable one to fit my budget and let me know if I'm in range for E2? Thanks!!!

[Beethoven]

I would also do the 1/4 every three days. I did 1/2 every three days and brought my E2 too low. I was given the same advise but opted.for my Doc's script thinking because of my age and bodyfat level it might be the best. Turns out after bw that 1/4 would have been better.

[LFH40]

Hey guys, I have a test through Lowtestosterone coming up in April, but I've been on the AI for over a month now and I want to just get the E2 levels checked, what test should I actually be ordering? (I would love to get all the tests done and see everything, but money is the issue, so for now I just need to know if I'm in range for the E2) Lockout888 mentioned three different tests above, which one is the desirable one to fit my budget and let me know if I'm in range for E2? Thanks!!!

Can anyone please help me with the above? Thanks!

[64509chvl]

I'm with you...money is always tough for additional costs. If all you are concerned with is E2, why don't you just order the sensitive assay & be good...If you haven't changed anything with test dosing, the E2 test will be all you need to know for now.

In the future when ever I get the 6 month draw through LowT, I'm gonna order the sensitive along with it for comparison...a little out of my pocket once every 6 months isn't too bad! Or atleast until LowT starts using the sensitive test (tisk tisk LowT )

[Brett N]

I am almost positive it is this one - ht tp://www.privat emdlabs.com/lp/Estr adiol.php

Take out spaces in above.

Important question is how do you feel? If you feel good, I wouldn't bother spending the $50 on a test when they are going to test for it again in April. I know the numbers are important but the most important thing is how you feel. Hopefully someone can chime in to confirm my link above.

[2Sox]

Can anyone please help me with the above? Thanks!

Can you get your GP to write a script for blood work? If you have insurance, that would be the easiest and cheapest way to go. All he/she has to do is write in the diagnostic codes for you along with the tests and send you on your way. "Estradiol Sensitive" or "Estradiol Ultrasensitve" is what to ask for depending on the lab.

This is what my allergist actually does for me - and it doesn't cost me anything.

[Brett N]

2Sox, it's through LowT.com. Most GPs wont interfere with others work.

[LFH40]

Thanks guys! I'm better off springing for the test as my doc was against all of this anyways. He was good for nothing in this regard.

I can tell you guys, pre AI, I was feeling pretty darn good but for the achy nipples. Not to sound too graphic, but my erection quality was fabulous pre-AI, but the gyno thing had me worried and the doc out me on the AI after my 6 week blood work. I'm sure it brought it down some, which is good, but I've noticed that I having trouble now maintaining a quality erection and my libido is waning as compared to before. Night time erections don't really happen the last few weeks yet I'm still getting fairly decent morning erections. This perhaps is just a slight tweak, or maybe I even might be able to drop the AI altogether. This is why I want to get in this week for a blood test. I've been on the AI for over a month now.

I've also noticed that I tire much more easily. I wake up and I'm tired an hour later. I don't think I've crashed it completely. But I really do think I dropped it down low. The only way to tell is get the blood work done and I'm gonna schedule it for this week and figure it out. I'll post as soon as I get the results.

[2Sox]

2Sox, it's through LowT.com. Most GPs wont interfere with others work.

Nonsense. What interference? I have three doctors. A patient has the right to ask any doctor anything he wishes. Including the right to have blood drawn in all three doctors' office the same week, if he wants!

An example: My allergist writes me scripts every 4-5 weeks for blood work to monitor ALL my levels. He is more than willing to help me in this endeavor and he is aware that I have an urologist and a TRT doctor. HE is the one who is the true partner in my treatment and is essentially my GP. I even give my TRT doctor the blood test results that my allergist writes for. He's fine with it. No conflict at all. Why duplicate tests and take more blood than necessary? No one feels that their toes are being stepped on.

[64509chvl]

Yeah it kinda sucks going through my GP...I like him for what he is but he's clueless with TRT & thought I was normal with a total of 247 & free at 10. I told him I started with another source & asked if it'd be possible to get bloods checked periodically...not a chance! I'm prolly gonna switch docs unfortunately as I don't agree with that!

Basically I would have to make other symptoms up to get bloodwork & it would be obvious to him if I started asking for total, free, E2 ect...just not worth the hassle to me.

[2Sox]

Thanks guys! I'm better off springing for the test as my doc was against all of this anyways. He was good for nothing in this regard.

I can tell you guys, pre AI, I was feeling pretty darn good but for the achy nipples. Not to sound too graphic, but my erection quality was fabulous pre-AI, but the gyno thing had me worried and the doc out me on the AI after my 6 week blood work. I'm sure it brought it down some, which is good, but I've noticed that I having trouble now maintaining a quality erection and my libido is waning as compared to before. Night time erections don't really happen the last few weeks yet I'm still getting fairly decent morning erections. This perhaps is just a slight tweak, or maybe I even might be able to drop the AI altogether. This is why I want to get in this week for a blood test. I've been on the AI for over a month now.

I've also noticed that I tire much more easily. I wake up and I'm tired an hour later. I don't think I've crashed it completely. But I really do think I dropped it down low. The only way to tell is get the blood work done and I'm gonna schedule it for this week and figure it out. I'll post as soon as I get the results.

What was you E2 level, pre AI? What is your AI dose now? Are you taking .25mg every 3.5 days? Please bring us up to date.

I agree, it's best to wait for that blood work but in the meantime, you might try dosing .25mg once a week. Have you considered that?

OR you might want to consider .125mg every 3.5 days (which I will be doing soon myself.) You could only do this if you had some Liquidex.

[Brett N]

2Sox, you must have a lot better docs than I do. My GP has told me that he thought TRT was just a passing Fad and thought my test was fine because I was having a receding hair line and my nuts were sized ok. LMAO

I personally only take .25mg anastrozole 1 time a week. It does fine for me but we are all different. I had a lot of the same symptoms you are talking about when my dose was double and I brought my E2 down too far. For me, a little high is better than low. I never had gyno though so thats a tough one to call.

[2Sox]

2Sox, you must have a lot better docs than I do. My GP has told me that he thought TRT was just a passing Fad and thought my test was fine because I was having a receding hair line and my nuts were sized ok. LMAO

I personally only take .25mg anastrozole 1 time a week. It does fine for me but we are all different. I had a lot of the same symptoms you are talking about when my dose was double and I brought my E2 down too far. For me, a little high is better than low. I never had gyno though so thats a tough one to call.

My allergist is really great. I'm lucky. A real friend. The TRT doc - who writes for Test Cyp - doc and his N.P.s are very old school and it's unfortunate. They don't believe in hCG or in A.I.s - until your nipples hurt. I get both from overseas and get the guidance I need from BW and the folks on this forum.

[NEFLRick]

My E level was hight at my last test. I had BAD bloating, sore joints and all that. Luckily, I didn't have low libido but I was worried about that. I'm now doing .5mg Monday-Friday. Did a 5-day juice fast to get rid of the bloat (it's totally gone now) and everything feels good. Libido is still there (my wife still cowers in fear when I come into the bedroom ).

Will check levels at the next test but I'll probably wind up cutting back what I'm taking soon. I've been cutting body fat (down almost 30lbs and 3 inches in the waist) and have a ways to go. So, once I lose a little more, I'll cut back a little and see how I feel.

[LFH40]

What was you E2 level, pre AI? What is your AI dose now? Are you taking .25mg every 3.5 days? Please bring us up to date.

I agree, it's best to wait for that blood work but in the meantime, you might try dosing .25mg once a week. Have you considered that?

OR you might want to consider .125mg every 3.5 days (which I will be doing soon myself.) You could only do this if you had some Liquidex.

LowT doesn't check E2 initially in the bloodwork, but at 6 weeks. So I have nothing to gauge it against. So my E2 at 6 weeks (right before I was prescribed the AI) was:

65.8 High pg/mL 7.6 − 42.6 01

I'm taking .25mg every 3.5 days. Been taking it for about 5-6 weeks now. I want to try cutting my dose to .25 per week, however, I want to see what the bloodwork says before I alter anything in my protocol.
See, if you came across my other thread, I was anadvertantly double dosing my hcg . The way the hcg was reconstituted called for 5.5ml of bacto water, but it's typical that it's reconstituted with 11ml of bacto water. I was instructed to inject 250iu twice weekly, but i was pulling back to the midway between 20 and 30 on the slin pin. I don't think my doctor knew that this vial was reconstituted with only 5.5ml of water, therefore I didn't catch my error either and was doubling my dose. Since starting the AI, I've figured out my issue and now I'm wondering that if doubling my HCG caused the high E2 in the first place making me need an AI.

There's a possibility that had I been dosing my HCG correctly that I may not even have needed the AI at all. So I want to get my E2 tested independently to see where it's at before making any changes. I have a feeling even this small amount of AI has brought it down so low now that my libido and erection quality are sub par, my knee caps are hurting and all of a sudden I have a super dry face and dandruff, which is something that I've never had before. I've been exhausted tired from doing absolutely nothing (been home rehabbing a shoulder/bicep surgery), which is quite different from the first few months of TRT.

I think the best way to find out what is going on is through the blood work, so I'm making my appt for this week and getting it sorted out.

If I independently get my own test, how do I get my results? Do they typically mail them? Email a PDF, or do I have to go pick them up? Just curious. With LowT.com they post them right to my chart on their website via pdf and I get it right away.

[LFH40]

Also, should this alarm me on a blood test?

MCV 101 High fL 79 − 97 01
MCH 33.9 High pg 26.6 − 33.0

[Brett N]

Through privatemd, you get the results online. If I remember correctly, they gave me the test and results online and you can just view it or download it. Of course, test you download to print out.

You have a username and password to log onto the site.

[2Sox]

LowT doesn't check E2 initially in the bloodwork, but at 6 weeks. So I have nothing to gauge it against. So my E2 at 6 weeks (right before I was prescribed the AI) was:

65.8 High pg/mL 7.6 − 42.6 01

I'm taking .25mg every 3.5 days. Been taking it for about 5-6 weeks now. I want to try cutting my dose to .25 per week, however, I want to see what the bloodwork says before I alter anything in my protocol.

I think the best way to find out what is going on is through the blood work, so I'm making my appt for this week and getting it sorted out.

Yes, your E2 does seem to be rather high. And you're right about waiting to see what your labs tell you. Anything else would just be conjecture. IMO, it's a good move that you're not changing anything until you know.

Also, it seems logical that double dosing you hCG would elevate your E2 levels more than anticipated. As soon as you get your BW done, you'll know how to proceed. Get it done a.s.a.p.

[LFH40]

Thank you for your continued help and input! Labs ordered! As soon as I can get out of the house, I'm getting the blood drawn. (It's -50 and white out conditions in chicago! Lol)

[kelkel]

Also, should this alarm me on a blood test?

MCV 101 High fL 79 − 97 01
MCH 33.9 High pg 26.6 − 33.0

Not alarming at all, but read this to self-educate a bit.

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) Low MCV & High MCV Levels - Medfriendly.com

[LFH40]

Can anyone help me read this please? I got my e2 sensitive results back today.
Thanks!!

[LFH40]

My protocol is 50mg test cyp twice per week. 250iu hcg twice per week, and a little over a month ago started Anastrozole .25mg twice per week.

[FRDave]

Can anyone help me read this please? I got my e2 sensitive results back today. Thanks!! <img src="http://forums.steroid.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=148094"/>

Too low. Ease up on the AI. You want to be in the mid 20's to low 30 range.

I get sore joints when dipping below 20, as well as sleep issues and low libido.

[2Sox]

Too low. Ease up on the AI. You want to be in the mid 20's to low 30 range.

I get sore joints when dipping below 20, as well as sleep issues and low libido.

I agree with Dave. You may know from another thread that I'm going through something similar. And I definitely want to shoot for around 15 (Quest's upper range is 29).

Sore joints are nothing new to me - low E or not. I ALWAYS have them. Not surprising at my age and having been a long distance runner for twenty years.

[Brett N]

I'd recommend doing exactly what FRDave and 2Sox said and backing off on anastrozole. Sounds like you need the exact same schedule as me.

Inject Test 50mg 2x a week - Mon pm and Fri am for me
HCG 250 IU 2x a week - Wed pm and Sun am for me
1/4mg anastrozole only 1x a week - Tuesday pm (approx. 24 hours after injection)

Congrats, you are one step closer to becoming fully dialed in. Has to feel good to know that your E2 is a little low and symptoms aren't in your head.

[LFH40]

I'd recommend doing exactly what FRDave and 2Sox said and backing off on anastrozole. Sounds like you need the exact same schedule as me.

Inject Test 50mg 2x a week - Mon pm and Fri am for me
HCG 250 IU 2x a week - Wed pm and Sun am for me
1/4mg anastrozole only 1x a week - Tuesday pm (approx. 24 hours after injection)

Congrats, you are one step closer to becoming fully dialed in. Has to feel good to know that your E2 is a little low and symptoms aren't in your head.

Thank you! Yep. We are about the same protocol.
I'm definitely going to back off the AI for a month and then retest and reassess.

It DOES feel good because I knew I felt not quite right again and the labs proved my assumptions correct.

[LFH40]

Good morning guys. I took the advice of you senior members and got my bloodwork done for E2 sensitive again for 4 weeks. The results are below. It's now back up to a 32. I notice no morning wood. I still have a libido, but I always seem tired. I notice slight nipple sensitivity.

I was previously on 1/4 pill of Anastrozole twice a week(the day after my test shot) I had the blood work done a little over a month ago and it was down to a 9 on the sensitive panel. Now after that, I ceased the Anastrozole and waited it out till this last blood test. Now hovering at a 32.

Any suggestions on if I should even use the Anastrozole again? A 1/4 pill per week? 1/4 every other week? I'm sort of lost. Been trying to get dialed in since October.

Thanks guys!

[LFH40]

... Or should I leave it where it's at? I guess I'm at the upper level of "optimum" at 32. Without making you all read back, I had inadvertently double dosed my hcg because of the way I reconstituted it. That most likely shot my e2 way up and then I was put on anastrozole. Am I one if the minority that may not even need the AI?

[Juced_porkchop]

.25mg eod to start. then go for blood work and see were u r at