Estrogen and IGF-1

[Gman86]

I always thought that estrogen helps the liver produce more IGF-1, however, was just researching the connection real quick on google, and it seems like everything states that increasing estrogen actually inhibits the liver from making IGF-1. So a person would actually want lower estrogen levels, if they were to want higher endogenous levels of IGF-1

Is anybody knowledgeable on the subject that can clear this up?

I remember listening to a podcast where a bodybuilding guy, that would get his labs done very frequently, reported that he saw a clear connection between estrogen and his igf-1 levels. However, he saw the opposite of what google says. He noticed that the higher his estrogen levels, the higher his IGF-1 levels went

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Great article from a very respected source

Estrogen is Essential for Muscle Growth in Bodybuilders

William Llewellyn’s, ANABOLICS Estrogen Aromatization Testosterone is the primary substrate used in the male body for the synthesis of estrogen (estradiol), the principal female sex hormone. Although the presence of estrogen may seem quite unusual in men, it is structurally very similar to...

www.excelmale.com

 

[Gman86]

Here’s the section that talks about estrogen and igf-1, from the article madman posted. Not sure if it answers the question of whether estrogen inhibits, or promotes the lives to produce igf-1, or not. Thank you for posting it tho

Estrogen and GH/IGF-1

Estrogen may also play an important role in the production of growth hormone and IGF-1. IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) is an anabolic hormone released in the liver and various peripheral tissues via the stimulus of growth hormone (See Drug Profiles: Growth Hormone). IGF-1 is responsible for the anabolic activity of growth hormones such as increased nitrogen retention/protein synthesis and cell hyperplasia (proliferation). One of the first studies to bring this issue to our attention looked at the effects of the anti-estrogen tamoxifen on IGF-1 levels, demonstrating it to have a suppressive effect.30 A second, perhaps more noteworthy, study took place in 1993, which looked at the effects of testosterone replacement therapy on GH and IGF-1 levels alone, and compared them to the effects of testosterone combined again with tamoxifen.31 When tamoxifen was given, GH and IGF-1 levels were notably suppressed, while both values were elevated with the administration of testosterone enanthate alone. Another study has shown 300 mg of testosterone enanthate weekly to cause a slight IGF-1 increase in normal men. Here the 300 mg of testosterone ester caused an elevation of estradiol levels, which would be expected at such a dose. This was compared to the effect of the same dosage of nandrolone decanoate; however, this steroid failed to produce the same increase. This result is quite interesting, especially when we note that estrogen levels were actually lowered 32 when this steroid was given. Yet another demonstrated that GH and IGF-1 secretion is increased with testosterone administration on males with delayed puberty, while dihydrotestosterone (non-aromatizable) seems to suppress GH and IGF-1 secretion.

 

[Gman86]

@madman would u happen to be knowledgeable on the connection between estrogen and igf-1 production?

 

[FunkOdyssey]

I always thought that estrogen helps the liver produce more IGF-1, however, was just researching the connection real quick on google, and it seems like everything states that increasing estrogen actually inhibits the liver from making IGF-1. So a person would actually want lower estrogen levels, if they were to want higher endogenous levels of IGF-1

Is anybody knowledgeable on the subject that can clear this up?

I remember listening to a podcast where a bodybuilding guy, that would get his labs done very frequently, reported that he saw a clear connection between estrogen and his igf-1 levels. However, he saw the opposite of what google says. He noticed that the higher his estrogen levels, the higher his IGF-1 levels went

Starts where he discusses estradiol increasing GH production of IGF-1

As an MD, biochemist and IFBB pro, surprisingly Todd Lee's approach to bodybuilding pharmacology is quite simple and straightforward:

1. Take the dose of testosterone which produces an E2 level that maximizes IGF-1 production and no more. In his case, I believe he saw increased IGF-1 at consistent GH dosage with increasing E2 up to 80 or 100 pg/mL and then no further increase. This will be different for everyone.
2. Use masteron as the primary anabolic agent to reach whatever your target dose is for androgens. He believes it is the safest anabolic steroid and virtually free of side effects.
3. Take as much GH as you can afford.

He doesn't really believe in using any other anabolics because all of them are more toxic and/or more prone to cause adverse effects than masteron (including testosterone itself). Also, he believes on a milligram for milligram basis, the potency of all anabolics to promote muscle growth is similar, so there is no reason to use dangerous or expensive compounds.

 

[Gman86]

Starts where he discusses estradiol increasing GH production of IGF-1

As an MD, biochemist and IFBB pro, surprisingly his approach to bodybuilding pharmacology is quite simple and straightforward:

1. Take the dose of testosterone which produces an E2 level that maximizes IGF-1 production and no more. In his case, I believe he saw increased IGF-1 at consistent GH dosage with increasing E2 up to 80 or 100 pg/mL and then no further increase. This will be different for everyone.
2. Use masteron as the primary anabolic agent to reach whatever your target dose is for androgens. He believes it is the safest anabolic steroid and virtually free of side effects.
3. Take as much GH as you can afford.

He doesn't really believe in using any other anabolics because all of them are more toxic and/or more prone to cause adverse effects than masteron (including testosterone itself). Also, he believes on a milligram for milligram basis the potency of all anabolics to promote muscle growth is similar, so there is no reason to use dangerous or expensive compounds.

I’m almost positive this is the exact video I was referencing where the guy consistently saw that the higher his estradiol level, the higher his IGF-1 level went, on the same dosage of HGH, I believe. I could be wrong about that last part. Gonna rewatch this vid and see if it’s the one I’m thinking of. Either way, thanks for posting it, and thanks for the breakdown of that guys basic principles/ opinions, very helpful!

Just clicked on the vid, and realized it’s from 4 weeks ago. So definitely not the vid I’m thinking of. But I’m still almost positive it’s the same guy that I’m thinking of