Testosterone Supplementation instead of Replacement - Experiment

[Youthful55guy]

Thanks for the feedback mate. But my T set point is based on endogenous+exogenous E intake, correct?

I think it all comes to if the T microdosing doesn't convert to E. If it does I will be suppressing my natural T production, otherwise not. Correct?



I will be controlling T conversion to E with diet and natural supplements only. Using an AI would be too much though, as I am aware of successful cases of AI mono-therapy with Aromasin, that managed to increase T and free T substantially. Therefore, I would not know if the increase was from the extra T or the AI.

Not exactly. Androgens also feedback negatively on GnRH & LH secretion, but are not as potent as E2. I don't understand the logic that very small doses of supplemental T will convert at a slower rate (mg for mg) than larger doses. As far as I know, the conversion follows enzyme mediated mass-action kinetics. The more substrate you feed the enzyme, the more it will convert until the enzyme is saturated, at which point conversion rate (mg for mg) will drop off.

To the second point, I believe controlling E2 is a wise move if you have labs to show that your E2 is high or out of range. However, playing with a necessary hormone without understanding baseline values with labs is not something I recommend. Honestly though, I wish you the best of luck with your experiment.

[dikow]

Not exactly. Androgens also feedback negatively on GnRH & LH secretion, but are not as potent as E2. I don't understand the logic that very small doses of supplemental T will convert at a slower rate (mg for mg) than larger doses. As far as I know, the conversion follows enzyme mediated mass-action kinetics. The more substrate you feed the enzyme, the more it will convert until the enzyme is saturated, at which point conversion rate (mg for mg) will drop off.

To the second point, I believe controlling E2 is a wise move if you have labs to show that your E2 is high or out of range. However, playing with a necessary hormone without understanding baseline values with labs is not something I recommend. Honestly though, I wish you the best of luck with your experiment.

Youthful55guy and kelkel, what are your thoughts on the possible exogenous estrogen intake we acquire through contaminated water with hormones, meat, pesticides and so forth? Wouldn't this extra estrogen, such as xenoestrogens contribute to pituitary shutdown prematurely?

I've read some research papers saying this is one of the reasons of delayed puberty in men and also why adults with less testosterone than in previous generations. Men are getting more and more feminine every generation according to some studies.

The main reason I wanted to do this experiment was to counter act the effect of these types of issues. A little bit more test per day to balance the extra estrogen we get from eating/drinking etc.

Regarding controlling my E, would you recommend the use of an AI for such low doses of T?

Cheers.

[Youthful55guy]

Youthful55guy and kelkel, what are your thoughts on the possible exogenous estrogen intake we acquire through contaminated water with hormones, meat, pesticides and so forth? Wouldn't this extra estrogen, such as xenoestrogens contribute to pituitary shutdown prematurely?

I've read some research papers saying this is one of the reasons of delayed puberty in men and also why adults with less testosterone than in previous generations. Men are getting more and more feminine every generation according to some studies.

The main reason I wanted to do this experiment was to counter act the effect of these types of issues. A little bit more test per day to balance the extra estrogen we get from eating/drinking etc.

Regarding controlling my E, would you recommend the use of an AI for such low doses of T?

Cheers.

Yes, there are theories out there with regard to xenoestrogens, and perhaps they do effect us, but there is little we can do to avoid them. While I commend your thinking outside the box, my gut feel is that you will only further suppress your HPTA with this approach and you will be left worse off.

With regard to controlling E2, I've not seen you post any labs to indicate they are out of range. E2 treatment should only be used if you have the labs to show there is a problem. Also make absolutely sure they are the proper labs. Bad information with improper labs is worse than none at all. We've discussed this recently in another string.

[kelkel]

Youthful55guy and kelkel, what are your thoughts on the possible exogenous estrogen intake we acquire through contaminated water with hormones, meat, pesticides and so forth? Wouldn't this extra estrogen, such as xenoestrogens contribute to pituitary shutdown prematurely?

I've read some research papers saying this is one of the reasons of delayed puberty in men and also why adults with less testosterone than in previous generations. Men are getting more and more feminine every generation according to some studies.

The main reason I wanted to do this experiment was to counter act the effect of these types of issues. A little bit more test per day to balance the extra estrogen we get from eating/drinking etc.

Regarding controlling my E, would you recommend the use of an AI for such low doses of T?

Cheers.

I would only worry about an AI if blood work warranted it.