DHEA and Clomid? Among other things...

[Rodax]

So, been on Clomid for a little over a year now. T levels have been in the 600's. My estradiol is at 40 pg/ml. My Endo wants to throw in some DHEA into the mix and see if that will bump me up a bit further, mainly with the goal in mind to drop down from 25mg of Clomid every day to a lower dose. That said, my main concern is if anyone on here may know what effect that will have? I know the DHEA can become either Test or E but will the added T cause me to produce less from the top down (hypothalamus to testes)?

I did ask about using an AI but he didn't want my E to drop like a rock and feel like crap, so he didn't prescribe anything. Did push for the test injections with HCG but he said he still wasn't a fan of it because there are no long term studies on it etc..

So, thoughts? Advice? I see him again in November but if I see something on here compelling enough, I may go to someone else about a different therapy.

Thanks all!

-Rodax

[kelkel]

The question is what is your Free T level. Serum means nothing.
Also what is your DHEA serum level? Know it before you supplement. If you do supplement make sure it's a micronized product.
DHEA can help but it's not going to make a huge difference in your numbers, imho.
Estradiol is not the proper test. It needs to be an E2 Sensitive assay. You're doc should know this.....Estradiol is the standard test for women and is not sensitive enough for men. It tends to run higher than an E2 assay which can lead to AI use or overuse that may not be necessary.

So, your doc is willing to put you on a SERM forever but not willing to let you go on testosterone, which is the exact same thing a healthy body produces? Makes no sense to me. I'd be looking for another doc and be treated how YOU want to be treated. It's your body, not his. Regarding studies you doc should spend some time on Pubmed, Endo Journals or simply pick up a book.

[Rodax]

Well I think one of the main obstacles is retaining fertility function for me. As well as how long I can continue this in the long run. 5-10-maybe 20 years. I'm single now and I do want to start a family in the future. I just don't want to get caught in a situation where I chemically castrate myself beyond repair. I know this can be avoided with hcg added in onto an injection regimen. I also know the SERM plan is not a forever solution, it's just the one that has a clinical backed foundation of 3-5 years of use.

I have read some interesting stuff on Androxal (Enclomiphene) and its use in users with secondary hypogonadism like myself...but it's in phase III trials now and I can't get on any of them because I have used Clomid over the past year (can't have used it in the past year).

Kelkel, I live near Houston TX, dunno if anyone on here can recommend a doc or endo but I'm open to suggestions by PM to someone close to me.

[austinite]

LowTestosterone.com - $199 All-Included Testosterone Treatment

Plenty of help in Houston. Give them a call.

[Rodax]

Yeah, Austinite, I've looked at them and I would be interested but at $200 a month I'm just not too sure about it. I mean I have health insurance and right now I'm not spending over $100 a month for what I'm on. Dunno what it would be with injections etc. or if they cover lowtestosterone.com's deal.

I'd have to compare because if the like $200 a month (+$15 refill fees) is less than what my insurance does cover, then I probably would go with them.

[Rodax]

So... spoke to the ageless men's health clinic down in Houston, they're the only ones who emailed me back (sent one to lowtestosterone.com too Austinite) basically I'd get charged $30 per week bc that's my ins. copay..But since I'm like 90miles from Houston I'll be driving down there every week which is like $40/week in gas. They only do in office injections, no prescriptions. So if the others are like that as well, where I have to go in once a week to get pinned, I'll probably just wait out and press my endo. That sound like a solid plan or no? Open to suggestions either on here or via pm, thanks!

[jimmyinkedup]

I think your docs expectations of dhea are completely unrealistic. Unless it is low in your blood work I see no advantage it would bring t a serm protocol and even if it is low to expect it to raise your T levels with any significance is not very realistic. As I am posting this I realize you are already in the best of hands with those who have already posted in the thread so I will leave you to it.