When to get estradiol sensitive test

[Gossamer]

Well, I'm trying to dial in my anastrozole dose. I inject 75mg test on Tuesday evenings, and Saturday mornings. @24 hours after each injection, I take .25mg anastrozole. I need to know if this dose is keeping my estradiol at a good level.

So, when do I get the estradiol sensitive test done? At peak, or trough? And please explain to me why?

Getting estradiol dialed in has been the most difficult thing about trt.

 

[Mprtz]

Because of the indirect nature of the effect of anastrozole in inhibiting future aromatization, I don't think there is a set answer for this. The half-life of adex may be known, but E2 levels are also tied to peak T and the rate at which T naturally converts to E2, which may vary with the individual.

In my opinion, therefore, it's best (and most convenient) to test E2 at the same time a T is being tested, and that should generally be at trough.

 

[LtDunbar]

Because of the indirect nature of the effect of anastrozole in inhibiting future aromatization, I don't think there is a set answer for this. The half-life of adex may be known, but E2 levels are also tied to peak T and the rate at which T naturally converts to E2, which may vary with the individual.

In my opinion, therefore, it's best (and most convenient) to test E2 at the same time a T is being tested, and that should generally be at trough.

^^^What he said. Get the test done EVERY time you get your blood work done - as S.O.P. I'd also like to suggest that 150mg/week as a beginning dose is rather high. Many avoid AI's completely by finding the lowest possible T dose - to alleviate your symptoms - while watching your E2 levels all along. Also, IMO, it's unwise just to take an AI without even knowing your E2 level. Anastrozole is a VERY strong medication and can knock you estrogen down in no time - within days. This from personal experience.

 

[Gossamer]

^^^What he said. Get the test done EVERY time you get your blood work done - as S.O.P. I'd also like to suggest that 150mg/week as a beginning dose is rather high. Many avoid AI's completely by finding the lowest possible T dose - to alleviate your symptoms - while watching your E2 levels all along. Also, IMO, it's unwise just to take an AI without even knowing your E2 level. Anastrozole is a VERY strong medication and can knock you estrogen down in no time - within days. This from personal experience.

Huh?
I've been on trt for 8 months. Started at 200mg a week. Have been as low as 100mg/wk, and still had high e symptoms with an estradiol level of over 40 at trough. So on 100mg/week without an AI, estradiol was high even at trough. My dr. Put me on .5 mg twice a week of anastrozole, which after only about 2 weeks, drove my estradiol level to 10 on the sensitive test. So, I've cut my dose to .25mg twice a week of anastrozole, to see if it is good for me.

To sum it up, I want to know if I should get my e tested at peak or trough, to see if my anastrozole dose is working for me. Which time(peak or trough) will give me a better indication of how my anastrozole dose is working?

 

[LtDunbar]

Huh?
I've been on trt for 8 months. Started at 200mg a week. Have been as low as 100mg/wk, and still had high e symptoms with an estradiol level of over 40 at trough. So on 100mg/week without an AI, estradiol was high even at trough. My dr. Put me on .5 mg twice a week of anastrozole, which after only about 2 weeks, drove my estradiol level to 10 on the sensitive test. So, I've cut my dose to .25mg twice a week of anastrozole, to see if it is good for me.

To sum it up, I want to know if I should get my e tested at peak or trough, to see if my anastrozole dose is working for me. Which time(peak or trough) will give me a better indication of how my anastrozole dose is working?

Why the "huh"? I think I wrote clearly enough. I also clearly stated that this was my opinion based on my own experience. You're free to accept or reject it. I also answered your other question. But if this is still not clear, I'll be happy to repeat it: I agree with post #2; take you blood at trough - and make sure the test is included on all lab work you get at least once a month. My opinion, of course.

Just as a side note which anyone on TRT understands: Everyone is different. Most men are super sensitive to Adex; others need more. You've got to find what's best for you. I will say that going down to .25mg Adex twice a week is a good move at this point. Would be interested in seeing how it works for you.

Also, any doctor that starts a patient at 200mg/week is unwise. I've been there. Any physician who knows TRT always starts low and titrates up based upon blood work. You can always tell if a doctor knows what they are doing by the initial dose they start someone on.

 

[Gossamer]

Alrighty then. Apparently I wasn't clear with my questions, because I'm getting answers to questions I didn't even ask.

Let's try again. Is a blood test for estradiol taken at peak, or trough, a better indicator of how my anastrozole dose is working for me, And why? Keep in mind, I'm paying out of pocket for this test, and it is in between my usual tests that my doctor wants me to get. So, the dr. won't even see the results. I've been on .25mg/2w of anastrozole taken approx. 24 hrs after my twice weekly injection of cypionate. I've been on this anastrozole dose for about 6 weeks now, to give my body enough time to get used to the dose.

And again, when I was on .5mg/2w, I suspected my estradiol was too low. And I was right, it was 10.

 

[Gossamer]

Got the results of my estradiol sensitive blood test from labcorp taken at trough.

21

Seems like at least at trough, I'm in the "optimal" range.