When To Take An AI?

[binkskii]

Hey guys,

I’ve been on 100mg of Testosterone Cypionate weekly, broken up into 4 subcutaneous injections in the stomach/love handle area. It has been 7 weeks since I started. I am also taking 750ius of HCG split into 3 injections.

I have been getting acne, and sensitive nipples. More recently, I’ve been retaining water and my hands, fingers, face and feet have been swelling.

The doctor offered an AI but I’d like to use it as a last resort. The sides weren’t horrible until things started swelling pretty bad.

 

[FunkOdyssey]

Hey guys,

I’ve been on 100mg of Testosterone Cypionate weekly, broken up into 4 subcutaneous injections in the stomach/love handle area. It has been 7 weeks since I started. I am also taking 750ius of HCG split into 3 injections.

I have been getting acne, and sensitive nipples. More recently, I’ve been retaining water and my hands, fingers, face and feet have been swelling.

The doctor offered an AI but I’d like to use it as a last resort. The sides weren’t horrible until things started swelling pretty bad.

Go straight to lab, do not pass go, do not collect $200. Then come back and we'll chat.

You're doing multiple things that can ramp up E2, between the hCG and the subq injections, but let's see the results of your bloodwork before you change anything.

 

[binkskii]

Go straight to lab, do not pass go, do not collect $200. Then come back and we'll chat.

You're doing multiple things that can ramp up E2, between the hCG and the subq injections, but let's see the results of your bloodwork before you change anything.

This is from October 19th.

 

[FunkOdyssey]

This is from October 19th.

Ok, you do have elevated E2 to match your symptoms, although it is not terribly high. I would not take the AI at that level.

The easiest thing to try is switch from SC to IM injection. This is not certain to lower your E2, but in many people it will. Try the delts and ventroglutes - these are easy places to inject that everyone likes.

Reducing or eliminating hCG would certainly help lower your E2, but presumably there is some good reason you included that in your protocol. I would leave that for now, considering your situation is not dire.

 

[binkskii]

Thanks for the response.

The doc ended up prescribing me Arimidex. The dose was 0.5mg three times a week. I’m starting at 0.25mg a week.

I’m just trying to get rid of the swelling in my face and hands then I’m going to adjust my protocol.

 

[Fernando Almaguer]

Thanks for the response.

The doc ended up prescribing me Arimidex. The dose was 0.5mg three times a week. I’m starting at 0.25mg a week.

I’m just trying to get rid of the swelling in my face and hands then I’m going to adjust my protocol.

KEEP US PRIVY HOW YOU FEEL AND NUMBERS PLEASE

 

[Systemlord]

Testosterone effects the kidneys absorption of sodium and this can lead to fluid retention.

The acne is DHT related.

 

[FunkOdyssey]

Testosterone effects the kidneys absorption of sodium and this can lead to fluid retention.

The acne is DHT related.

There are independent contributions to water retention from both testosterone and estradiol. The rhetoric that only one or the other is responsible is false. Reducing E2 is a legitimate and effective way to reduce at least some of the water retention. This is blatantly obvious to anyone that has used an AI before.

Acne and oily skin in men on TRT (important distinction here) is often driven more by E2 than DHT. It seems counterintuitive, because the conventional understanding of acne and production of sebum focuses almost exclusively on androgens. This is another instance where the literature diverges from reality. But again, it's something you'll learn by direct experience with the use of AIs.

 

[Fernando Almaguer]

There are independent contributions to water retention from both testosterone and estradiol. The rhetoric that only one or the other is responsible is false. Reducing E2 is a legitimate and effective way to reduce at least some of the water retention. This is blatantly obvious to anyone that has used an AI before.

Acne and oily skin in men on TRT (important distinction here) is often driven more by E2 than DHT. It seems counterintuitive, because the conventional understanding of acne and production of sebum focuses almost exclusively on androgens. This is another instance where the literature diverges from reality. But again, it's something you'll learn by direct experience with the use of AIs.

what is it in your experience or opinion that makes e2 drive acne?

 

[FunkOdyssey]

what is it in your experience or opinion that makes e2 drive acne?

I have no idea. Studies report estradiol suppresses sebum production by countering androgenic activity in sebaceous glands. On paper, it should prevent acne.

 

[BadassBlues]

Testosterone effects the kidneys absorption of sodium and this can lead to fluid retention.

The acne is DHT related.

Interesting... I was going to recommend he try some DHT cream on the breast area.

 

[BadassBlues]

This is a controversial subject, some on here will disagree. You may consider trying a few weeks of DIM. It works to balance estrogens.

 

[Fernando Almaguer]

I have no idea. Studies report estradiol suppresses sebum production by countering androgenic activity in sebaceous glands. On paper, it should prevent acne.

e2 suppresses sebum, then higher e2 would lead to less acne, right?

 

[FunkOdyssey]

e2 suppresses sebum, then higher e2 would lead to less acne, right?

In theory, yes. Try it though, assuming you are susceptible to acne, and see what happens.