Should I try an AI?

**LeeSin1** · 05-08-2016, 09:42 AM

Hello all. I have been on TRT for 2 1/2 years, and have improved significantly compared to how it was before! However, the endo I went to refused to check E2, and stated that he never had needed to. I have a doctor in the family that said the same thing. I started going to a general practitioner, and he stated that as long as my T remained within normal levels, he would not need to check E2, and that it would only soar when it goes above the range.

I am currently on 160 a week, but lowered it myself to 130 a week due to minor shoulder acne. I used to be on 200/week but the doc saw that my trough was at 900, and lowered it as he said he likes the trough to be a little lower. (Currently Total T is in the 600 range at trough on this dose)

My question is that since none of the doctors I've visited want to check E2 levels, would it make any sense to purchase an AI and try an extremely low dose, and see the effect of that? I don't have blood work regarding E2, but that's because no doctor wants to do it. I realize I could get lab work done in other ways, but I was wanting to see if I could try out an AI in a very, very low dose (for a very short amount of time), and see if mood changes, if libido improves, etc. I feel better than I did before TRT, but I was VERY bad off before starting! I also feel as though if this changes things in a positive way, then I could POSSIBLY use this information and present it to a general practitioner as a positive reason to get them to work on E2 (potentially).

Also, I know that it's always best to have labs, and that low E2 can cause problems as well. That's why I'm asking you guys first, and seeing if this would be at least worth a TRY, and if things went wrong, that I could just cease and desist... Felt it might be worth it at least to test the waters. Thanks for any advice!

**kelkel** · 05-08-2016, 09:49 AM

If you're in the states why not pull an E2 test yourself if in a state that allows self-testing? Then you'll know for sure whether you need an AI or not. For a doc to generally just dismiss testing E2 is ridiculous. It's a hormone that needs to be monitored when on TRT. Why they would refuse when it's not costing them anything amazes me.

Check out discounted labs dot com as I believe their price is around $40 for the E2 Sensitive Assay. Also check out private md labs dot com.

**dreadnok89** · 05-08-2016, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by kelkel

If you're in the states why not pull an E2 test yourself if in a state that allows self-testing? Then you'll know for sure whether you need an AI or not. For a doc to generally just dismiss testing E2 is ridiculous. It's a hormone that needs to be monitored when on TRT. Why they would refuse when it's not costing them anything amazes me.

Check out discounted labs dot com as I believe their price is around $40 for the E2 Sensitive Assay. Also check out private md labs dot com.

Tuesday test only costs 40 dollars? When it goes thru my insurance it costs alot more

**kelkel** · 05-08-2016, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by dreadnok89

Tuesday test only costs 40 dollars? When it goes thru my insurance it costs alot more

No clue what Tuesday test is but yes, around $40 from memory if you search it up on their site. If it goes through insurance and labcorp it's over $200. Amazing isn't it?

**LeeSin1** · 05-08-2016, 04:55 PM

Originally Posted by kelkel

No clue what Tuesday test is but yes, around $40 from memory if you search it up on their site. If it goes through insurance and labcorp it's over $200. Amazing isn't it?

lab work used to be $100 through my insurance! ridiculous!

and thanks kelkel. you are one of the most knowledgeable people here so i will look into it.

**dreadnok89** · 05-09-2016, 07:56 AM

Originally Posted by kelkel

No clue what Tuesday test is but yes, around $40 from memory if you search it up on their site. If it goes through insurance and labcorp it's over $200. Amazing isn't it?

Ya man crazy, I meant estrogen lol dB phone.