High Estrogen vs Low Estrogen Sides

[JOKER]

One of the hardest hormones to control while on testosterone replacement therapy is estrogen. This is statement is more true if you’re overweight or have a high BMI count. (All the more reason to start exercising if you’re not already).

Men will sometimes report that their TRT started out great only for it to “stop working” a few months into therapy. Doctors well versed in TRT will likely send you out for an estrogen test and start you on an aromatase inhibitor such as Arimidex if high estrogen is the cause. This powerful drug, if not used correctly however can lead to tanked estrogen levels which come along with symptoms as bad as high E2 levels! The goal is a balance. Let’s take a look at the symptoms of both:

Low Estradiol Symptoms:

Fatigue along the lines of sleepiness hypersomnia (sleeping too much and too often)

strong erections but limited sensitivity

loss of erections

osteoporosis and osteopenia

joint pain, clicking or popping joints

eye fatigue (eyes seem more tired despite
adequate sleep, dark circles)
loss of libido (interest in sex)

difficulty retaining water (constant urination)

anxiety, depression, irritability


High Estradiol Symptoms:

Soft erections, inability to maintain an erection

Water retention (less frequent urination), leading to excessive sweating, blood pressure spikes or high blood pressure (from the water retention)

insomnia

hot flushing (flushing around the ears or on the face)

night sweats (from estradiol lowering, causing loss of water retention)

bloating; brain fog (like your head’s in a bubble)

testicles seem smaller than usual

As you can see the symptoms are very similar. Never diagnose based on feel or symptoms. ALWAYS GET BLOODS!

 

[Kaladryn]

a number of these 'effects' only apply to people with low and high estrogen are not on trt, for example, smaller testicles from high estrogen would only apply to people not taking trt

I personally don't get any effect from high or low except maybe subtle water retention and a very slight tendency to increased joint soreness, so I go only by bloodwork.