I got my 4.5 month results in. They are 650 for total estrogen and 227 for testosterone. I'm concerned because I'm not seeing a single change whatsoever and still getting erections every now and then. The only answer I'm getting is "everybody's body is different". While I agree with that, my testosterone seems high and I'm worried it's slowing progress considerably. What do you think?
I agree that your testosterone seems high and I'll bet it's slowing progress considerably. I also think at 4.5 months in, you shouldn't expect a whole lot of changes anyways.
Would you say your Dr has you on a low dose?
Quote from: Alainaluvsu on March 20, 2013, 10:12:24 AM
I agree that your testosterone seems high and I'll bet it's slowing progress considerably. I also think at 4.5 months in, you shouldn't expect a whole lot of changes anyways.
Would you say your Dr has you on a low dose?
He has me on spironolactone, which was pretty low originally to start off. He doubled it after my testosterone levels showed in 380-400 range (can't remember exactly). I guess it was high to begin with too.
What about E? From what I understand, E suppresses T better than Spiro. Spiro is best at blocking the T from being used by hormone receptors.
Quote from: Alainaluvsu on March 20, 2013, 12:08:37 PM
What about E? From what I understand, E suppresses T better than Spiro. Spiro is best at blocking the T from being used by hormone receptors.
E is a more "average" dose. That hasn't changed since I started.
I'm a bit concerned about this, too. I'm on a pretty low does of estradiol and low dose of spironolactone. I just found out my doctor is planning on keeping me on this dosage until next year, regardless of the labs! I'm thinking very hard on going with a new doc. She also, before she prescribed me spironolactone, was concerned that spiro and finasteride my conflict with each other. I guess this should've been my first warning.
Quote from: Abby J on March 20, 2013, 12:58:51 PM
I'm a bit concerned about this, too. I'm on a pretty low does of estradiol and low dose of spironolactone. I just found out my doctor is planning on keeping me on this dosage until next year, regardless of the labs! I'm thinking very hard on going with a new doc. She also, before she prescribed me spironolactone, was concerned that spiro and finasteride my conflict with each other. I guess this should've been my first warning.
I'd go elsewhere.
Quote from: lydia_s on March 20, 2013, 12:34:42 PM
E is a more "average" dose. That hasn't changed since I started.
Maybe you need an above average dose?
Quote from: lydia_s on March 20, 2013, 10:04:17 AM
I got my 4.5 month results in. They are 650 for total estrogen and 227 for testosterone. I'm concerned because I'm not seeing a single change whatsoever and still getting erections every now and then. The only answer I'm getting is "everybody's body is different". While I agree with that, my testosterone seems high and I'm worried it's slowing progress considerably. What do you think?
I'm thinking your testosterone is high and it's slowing the process. However, I don't know as the measurements are not specific enough. The estrogen should be measured as estradiol, which is a different measurement. Do you know what level that was? Then, there are possible issues with the dose of the antiandrogen as well as free testosterone vs. bound testosterone. If the doctor isn't getting the right measurements then getting the right doses is very time consuming and largely trial and error. Maybe it's time for a discussion with your doctor and possibly a second opinion.
Quote from: JLT1 on March 20, 2013, 06:29:04 PM
I'm thinking your testosterone is high and it's slowing the process. However, I don't know as the measurements are not specific enough. The estrogen should be measured as estradiol, which is a different measurement. Do you know what level that was? Then, there are possible issues with the dose of the antiandrogen as well as free testosterone vs. bound testosterone. If the doctor isn't getting the right measurements then getting the right doses is very time consuming and largely trial and error. Maybe it's time for a discussion with your doctor and possibly a second opinion.
Actually yes now that I looked. Estradiol = 95.
From personal experience, the levels you are at will produce slow changes.
You may wish to talk with the doctor about getting your E in another form - patch or injections. Then, he might wish to consider adding more spiro, Finasteride or even Gonadotropin-releasing hormone.
Going back to the slow changes...I've seen some of your prior posts and just looked at your picture again. Your a beautiful woman. Could you just be being hard on yourself a little? I say this only to encourage you, not to say testosterone isn't higher than optimum.