Question about Androgel, E2, and endocrinoligists?

[louie2400]

I have a question for you guys about my dad's situation (he's 60), he also has low T. He is seeing an endocrinologist and is using Androgel 1.62%. He was using 2 pumps per day, but then started getting some acne (our family is prone to acne) and backed off to only one pump a day. His last lab work showed a total T of around 450 and he says he doesn't feel that much better. I told him to stay with the 2 pumps a day and the acne will hopefully dissapear eventually. His endo is also not testing for Estradiol. Does someone on androgel need to worry about e2? Do you think the reason he isn't reaping the benefits of TRT is because he is on too low of a dose of gel and the fact that his e2 could be high? Would you go to an endo that doesn't check e2 with androgel?

[louie2400]

By the way his before TRT lab showed Total T at about 180

[jasondd1]

I have been on compounding cream plus HCG for 4 months and my E2 level is at an extreme low of 8. I only went from 320-409 and even with the the low E2 I feel better. My joints ache from the low E2 but i have much more energy and my lifts are increasing in the gym again. Seeing my Doc Wednesday to see if we can get it into the 600-700 range.

[steroid.com 1]

Generally speaking men who use a transdermal daily don't need an AI because of the lower doses and consistent serum levels.

One of the upsides to TD.

Most everyone one get acne on TRT no matter the application and he needs to stick with the prescribed dosage, his last serum level of 450 is better than the 180 but not that great...better in the 800's.

[zaggahamma]

my e2 SKY rocketed on androgel and this was back in the 1% days

whether or not i would go to an endo who didnt check it or not i would want to know what my e2 was..especially just starting out..

[louie2400]

Yeah I told him he needs to up his pumps. As far as the acne that is interesting I wonder how many guys get acne once starting a form of HRT. I just started clomid a month ago and have had acne flair up on my shoulders and I haven't had shoulder acne in years. So it looks like he should maybe have his E2 checked? I was originally thinking that if his endo isn't checking E2 than that is a red flag that the endo doesn't know what he's doing, but I guess I could be wrong.

[louie2400]

my e2 SKY rocketed on androgel and this was back in the 1% days

whether or not i would go to an endo who didnt check it or not i would want to know what my e2 was..especially just starting out..

Do use an AI with your androgel now, and how many pumps do you use?

[kelkel]

Louie as we age Test drops and E2 rises. I think he needs to know where his lies. Like GD said, most don't need an AI on TD's but we are all different. His may have been high from the start:

http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2010/...ing-Men_01.htm

http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2008/...ng-Male_01.htm

[j1990]

was on androgel for about 6 months my test levels went from the 200s to the 400 range but i didnt feel any different. My doc never checked e2 levels and i have a feelin mine may have been high as I know clomid made my levels jump due to my doc actually checking e2 levels this time. So i know my estrogen levels are sensitive and maybe ur dads are too.

[zaggahamma]

Do use an AI with your androgel now, and how many pumps do you use?

My androgel days are far behind...behind is where i take my shots and have been for 7 years...androgel was temporary...did me well though...

my e2 went from 25 to 78 on 10mg ed of the 1%...as u can see they werent high in the beginning or i would have said that

we can all agree you want to know your e2

[Vettester]

Louie, some are more prone to convert downstream to DHT with the gels, so I would also tell your dad to keep an eye on it by running it with his E2 sensitive labs. With that said, some like JPK will have a tendency to convert more E2. It's a matter of each individual discovering how their body will work with any particular treatment.

Pass this forum on to your dad and encourage him to participate here. He could pickup a lot of other tips on his protocol, supplements, diet, etc., which will greatly enhance his program.

Best