Low Vit-D low HDL Estradiol High. Any Ideas?

[daleb]

Got a new batch of labs in. Taken at 8am Mar 4. Taken just before my Friday morning pin.

Despite taking 10,000 IU of vit d a day it is still low.
Mar 04 -- 38 ng/mL (30-96 ng/mL)
Jan 15 -- 31 ng/mL (30-96 ng/mL)

HDL is staying low.
Mar 04 26 mg/dL (40-60 mg/dL)
Jan 15 25 mg/dL (40-60 mg/dL)

Finally... Estradiol...
Mar 04 75.5 pg/mL (15.5-60.7 pg/mL) *not the LC/MS test. I called the lab. I didnt quit hear what it is called. ELISA maybe.
Jan 20 35 pg/mL (10-44pg/mL) *unsure the methodology, the lab was unsure too :-s

Total Testosterone
Mar 04 552 ng/dL (400-1080 ng/dL)
Jan 15 379 ng/dL (400-1080 ng/dL)

on Jan 15 my doc upped the dosage from 200mg/2wks to 300mg/2wks. I have been dividing dosages. Was 50mg/3.5 days, now its 75mg/3.5days

I will call the lab tomorrow and see if they can do the LC/MS Estradiol test. Im gonna try to get some Arimidex on Saturday but I imagine it will not go well. I had a suspicion my Estradiol was high. Having ankle/knee joint pain. Tendons and ligaments are not happy. Prostate not happy.

Main question is why my Vit D and HDL are low. Ive been eating lots of chef and crab salads. Cutting out a lot of junk food. I work outside so I am exposed to some sun.

 

[Megatron28]

HDL is a challenge to increase while on TRT -- it is often low while on TRT but exercise helps. If you are really concerned, you could supplement Niacin but be aware that it causes painful flushing at the doses required. You have to titrate the dose slowly to build up your tolerance. Fish Oil may help as well. I would personally not be overly concerned about your HDL numbers. LDL is more important than HDL. Getting a Cardiac Calcium Scan could put your mind at ease -- they often only cost around $100 and takes about 5 minutes.

Vitamin D is a little strange. 10,000iu should be enough to put you in the upper third of the normal range. What brand are you using? For how long have you been taking this dose? As for sun exposure, do you wear Sunscreen? That blocks the sun from creating Vitamin D via your skin.

E2 of 76pg/ml means you need to lower your test dose or get on an AI. Arimidex or Aromasin are great choices.

How much protein are you eating daily? Do you know your daily macros?

I am surprised your TT is only 552 on 150mg of Test/week. You are losing a bit of TT to E2, but still... You should consider increasing your dose to 200mg/wk if you can get on an AI.

 

[Southernfish]

Along with what Mega has stated I would opt for Aromasin if that is at all possible for you. From my experiences Arimidex had a negative impact on my HDL a well. My HDL is where it is supposed to be since switching to Aromasin.

If you suspect getting an AI from your Dr is going to be an issue, educate him/her on aromatization and how Test does aromatize into estrogen and educate him/her on the dangers of having a high E2 level for too long. I would say most Drs arent educated on this matter, therefore arent quick to hand out a script for an AI. Inform him/her that is a staple in a TRT protocol and why it is. See how that goes.

 

[daleb]

I went and got a different kind of Vitamin D supplement this morning, its from fish liver oil. 5000 IU per capsule. No luck so far with the AI. Got dr appointment on Monday, see how that goes.

 

[daleb]

Interesting about the Arimidex vs Aromasin angle with respect to HDL. I was gonna try the Arimidex just cuz its cheaper, and I know more about how to dose it.

 

[daleb]

I am surprised your TT is only 552 on 150mg of Test/week. You are losing a bit of TT to E2, but still... You should consider increasing your dose to 200mg/wk if you can get on an AI.

553 isnt really that bad, when my estradiol was lower Id get wood if I took a nap at work during break or lunch. Whenever I woke up at night or in the morning I was hard, so I am thinking the AI and eventually adding in HCG would put me in a good spot. Keep in mind that the blood was drawn literally right as I was due for my next pin. I pin Friday morning and Monday night.

I think it would be best to get on the AI first, then adding in HCG. I didnt want to get on HCG without my doc being on board with an AI. So its just taking small steps. I think he will be ok with the AI. See how all that goes, then maybe up my dosage of Cyp.

 

[daleb]

another lab came in, kinda interesting.

Free Testosterone
Mar 04 -- 174 pg/mL (47-244 pg/mL)
Jan 15 -- 90 pg/mL (47-244 pg/mL)