Low T, Anabolics, and AI Advice?

[TheSpoonyBard]

Hello guys and girls. I'm a new member here and am beginning to become very serious about recovering lost/atrophied muscle from spinal injury, stomach surgery, and getting into the prime shape of my life. This is my 2nd thread here on the forums. My first was my intro thread with my basics and some questions also. I posted the link but it wouldn't allow it, so basics: 32 yrs old, 2 kids, married, 172lbs, 10% body fat, spinal surgery w/ injury resulting in wasted left calf and shin muscles, huge weight gain, and a bunch of time away from the gym, stomach surgery in 2010 to comabt weight gain from back injury(lost 173 lbs, and tons of muscle mass). Was very depressed and had no real care for anything in life anymore and was diag'ed with Low T last month. My question is regarding Low T, AI's, and the effect of anabolics on people with LowT. I've read a few places that certain beans don't adversely affect estrogen levels such as Masteron. Being a man in his early 30's with low testosterone, you can see why this is important to me, lol. My other question is I believe I could talk my doc into upping my dose of test, I'm currently on 1 50mg tube of transdermal Testim/daily, I believe it to be very wise to seek an increase in dose and let the insurance pay for it? I am also feeling confident that she would bite on an AI as well. What is the best/most effective AI? Arimidex, Aromasin? Thanks for looking and thanks for all comments and ideas.

[kelkel]

First, welcome and sorry for your dilemma. Yes, certain anabolics will not aromatize. But remember, estrogen is a needed element in a mans body and you need balance, homeostasis for all things to work correctly. Arguably your E2 on a sensitive assay should run between 20-30 consistently for overall health, but this is subjective and should be based on how you feel, not just the number as we are all different. Most people on transdermals do not need an AI. When it comes to an AI, you need to base it off proper blood work with the previously stated sensitive Estrogen Assay. Your much better off it you can continue your TRT without an AI if at all possible.

What is best as an AI? Subjective once again but if you visit the TRT Forum, which quite honestly is where this post should be, you'll find most use Arimidex. Now, if you've only been on TRT a month it is way to soon to consider adding to it. This takes time to settle in and adjust dosages via BW. I would doubt you've even had follow up BW at this point. If you can, post pre and post BW in the TRT forum as we review BW there all the time. Also take a look at the Finding a TRT Physician Sticky for proper follow-up bloodwork and make sure your doc gets the correct ones done. Be sure to include vit D as most are low. If your not supplementing now I'd suggest starting. Vit D will allow more free T for your body to use.

I don't think you stated, but exactly what caused the low T? Are you primary or secondary hypogonadal?

Remember to copy this to a thread in the TRT forum....

Kel

[deathdodger]

welcome

[TheSpoonyBard]

First, welcome and sorry for your dilemma. Yes, certain anabolics will not aromatize. But remember, estrogen is a needed element in a mans body and you need balance, homeostasis for all things to work correctly. Arguably your E2 on a sensitive assay should run between 20-30 consistently for overall health, but this is subjective and should be based on how you feel, not just the number as we are all different. Most people on transdermals do not need an AI. When it comes to an AI, you need to base it off proper blood work with the previously stated sensitive Estrogen Assay. Your much better off it you can continue your TRT without an AI if at all possible.

What is best as an AI? Subjective once again but if you visit the TRT Forum, which quite honestly is where this post should be, you'll find most use Arimidex. Now, if you've only been on TRT a month it is way to soon to consider adding to it. This takes time to settle in and adjust dosages via BW. I would doubt you've even had follow up BW at this point. If you can, post pre and post BW in the TRT forum as we review BW there all the time. Also take a look at the Finding a TRT Physician Sticky for proper follow-up bloodwork and make sure your doc gets the correct ones done. Be sure to include vit D as most are low. If your not supplementing now I'd suggest starting. Vit D will allow more free T for your body to use.

I don't think you stated, but exactly what caused the low T? Are you primary or secondary hypogonadal?

Remember to copy this to a thread in the TRT forum....

Kel

Woah! This is such an informative reply. I know they say that internet forums shouldn't be used as a substitute for a "qualified physician" but jesus man, you've asked and answered more questions than my doc has in a single reply than my doc has in my last 2 appts. I want to apologize in advance for any ignorance on my part(for there is sure to be an overabundance). I believe that I am secondary hypogonnadal because the doc thinks there may be pituitary issues that I'm awaiting results on. I've also requested a semen analysis as well to be sure that I'm not primarily hypogonadic(is that a word, lol?). I feel like the doc should be ordering these tests, not me. Anyways, Total T: 132, Free T: 34, Estriadol I believe was 50 or 51 pg/ml, I believe, without the figure in front of me here at work. The T numbers I'm fairly certain are accurate by memory because the doc calls at first and says: "Your levels are a little on the low side." I'm thinking to myself, "a LITTLE on the LOW side?!" And after our last appt she admits to me that my levels are "really low" and not just "a little on the low side." I'm also concerned that the Estriadol test may have been administered for a female patient not male. I've read that it is a common lab mistake, plus I don't exactly have the most faith in my Dr's office and the competency of the lab techs at the hospital lab they use. I'll have to double check that the correct testing procedures were used and ordered. Thanks for the reply Kel it goes a long way for me. It seems that you have to be your own advocate for everything nowadays...I will post this in the TRT forum also. Once again, I apologize for not posting in the correct section, and I hate being the annoying noob anywhere.

[TheSpoonyBard]

welcome

Thank you, sir!

[TheSpoonyBard]

I posted this info in the HRT forums. Thanks guys.