Hi guys,
I decided to start some Clomid treatment for my symptoms (see symptoms below). I have read many good stories about Clomid treatment and some well known doctors are convinced about this protocol. My plan was to use the MWF 12.5mg protocol. However, I did not start yet. Before I start I wanted to get my blood work done. After getting the results I am not happy and would like to have some clarification first before I decide to start with Clomid or not. I may consider going to an endocrinologist as well, depending on my findings and what you guys can tell/suggest me.
1. Blood Work Results
View attachment 567212
For my issues/questions we need to consider the latest results (Test 3, 26.02.). The past results can be seen somehow as a reference. With those older results I felt relatively normal.
Notes:
Prior to Test 2 I felt relatively normal. I noticed these symptoms since around July 2017. But the last 4-5 weeks getting worse:
Regarding the barberries. I found some interesting article that berberine (active agent in barberries) can have an impact on estrogen: berberine might disturb sex-hormone synthesis pathway; consequently possibly resulted in modification of estrogen or testosterone synthesis (full article see here: https://scialert.net/fulltext/?doi=jbs.2013.271.276)
5. Measures since last blood test
6. On juice between Test 1 and Test 2
Not sure if this has an impact on my current situation but I thought it would be good to mention this: Between blood work test 1 and test 2 I was on Test E. This was not prescribed by a doctor. The reason I chose to go on Test was my hopes to get some better gains in gym. As I mention earlier, I was always little bit a hard-gainer in gym, so I wanted to give it a push (note: right now it is almost impossible for me to make gains in the gym. Prior to my current situation I made some good muscles but needed to work hard for it).
I started with 100mg every 3.5d. My test went through the roof. My libido was dead. My erections non-existent. I used AI. Situation improved little bit but found it difficult to find a balance. I lowered Test E to 70mg every 3.5d. My test was still way over 1300 and I couldn’t figure a way to solve my libido and erection problems. After 4 months I stopped this experiment and went off with a proper PCT started with HCG and then took Clomid for about 6 weeks. 3-4 months later everything was normal as before. The blood test 2 is about 3 months after my PCT.
Never say never, but right now I am not considering to go on Test ever again, whether it’s for a cycle or HRT. That is why I am looking alternatively into Clomid instead.
7. Questions to you
I decided to start some Clomid treatment for my symptoms (see symptoms below). I have read many good stories about Clomid treatment and some well known doctors are convinced about this protocol. My plan was to use the MWF 12.5mg protocol. However, I did not start yet. Before I start I wanted to get my blood work done. After getting the results I am not happy and would like to have some clarification first before I decide to start with Clomid or not. I may consider going to an endocrinologist as well, depending on my findings and what you guys can tell/suggest me.
1. Blood Work Results
View attachment 567212
For my issues/questions we need to consider the latest results (Test 3, 26.02.). The past results can be seen somehow as a reference. With those older results I felt relatively normal.
Notes:
- I am on no medications, no juice, etc.
- HDL/LDL profile may be little bit inaccurate because I had a meal about 2 hours before blood work.
- Very low E2!!!
- High SHBG vs. previous results
- Lower Testo vs. previous results
- Higher LH (LH-FSH Ratio) vs. previous results
Prior to Test 2 I felt relatively normal. I noticed these symptoms since around July 2017. But the last 4-5 weeks getting worse:
- Absolutely zero gains in gym. I was never an easy-gainer in gym, but since around last July it is almost impossible for me to gain some muscles)
- Not much energy in gym.
- Often tired. I also sleep more and longer than before.
- Not so much of vital energy.
- Self confidence definitely not at its peak.
- Libido: Much less than in the past. Still here, sometimes good, sometime gone.
- Erection: Not strong as in the past. Morning wood mostly yes, but not strong.
- Testicles and penis “lost some volume”. Don’t have anymore that juicy feeling in my pants. Hope you guys know what I mean.
- Some very hard times mentally the last couple months coz of GF & job. Things should get better now.
- Started to eat every morning 150-200g cereal/oatmeal. Before I left out breakfast and had a whey protein shake instead.
- Cold pressed coconut oil around 15-25g a day. Together with oatmeal and always put in coffee.
- Eat less protein than before. But still around 1-1.5g/kg a day.
- Since about 1 month I started to eat dried barberries around 20g/day together with my breakfast.
Regarding the barberries. I found some interesting article that berberine (active agent in barberries) can have an impact on estrogen: berberine might disturb sex-hormone synthesis pathway; consequently possibly resulted in modification of estrogen or testosterone synthesis (full article see here: https://scialert.net/fulltext/?doi=jbs.2013.271.276)
5. Measures since last blood test
- I stopped eating barberries
- I stopped eating coconut oil. Instead I eat few gel capsules of Omega 3 and CLA.
6. On juice between Test 1 and Test 2
Not sure if this has an impact on my current situation but I thought it would be good to mention this: Between blood work test 1 and test 2 I was on Test E. This was not prescribed by a doctor. The reason I chose to go on Test was my hopes to get some better gains in gym. As I mention earlier, I was always little bit a hard-gainer in gym, so I wanted to give it a push (note: right now it is almost impossible for me to make gains in the gym. Prior to my current situation I made some good muscles but needed to work hard for it).
I started with 100mg every 3.5d. My test went through the roof. My libido was dead. My erections non-existent. I used AI. Situation improved little bit but found it difficult to find a balance. I lowered Test E to 70mg every 3.5d. My test was still way over 1300 and I couldn’t figure a way to solve my libido and erection problems. After 4 months I stopped this experiment and went off with a proper PCT started with HCG and then took Clomid for about 6 weeks. 3-4 months later everything was normal as before. The blood test 2 is about 3 months after my PCT.
Never say never, but right now I am not considering to go on Test ever again, whether it’s for a cycle or HRT. That is why I am looking alternatively into Clomid instead.
7. Questions to you
- Any conclusion/thoughts from you on my abnormal blood work (Low E2, High SHBG, Low Testo, Higher LH, or any other)?
- Do you think dried barberries/berberine had an impact on my low E2?
- Do you think it is a good idea to start with Clomid?
- Or do you think I first should make sure E2 and the others are back in a more normal range? Or could Clomid even help them to get back to normal (except LH & FSH)?