Originally Posted by
Justin
SERMS and AI's will both increase natural testosterone production, both increase LH and FSH output, which is what causes the testicles to produce testosterone, so no surprise that your levels went up when using Clomid or large amounts of Anastrozole.
When it comes to HPTA restarts, resets or whatever you'd like to call it, the only way we can call them successful is if the testosterone levels hold after treatment is discontinued. Restarts typically have their highest chance of success when an individual is in his 20's, especially lower to mid-20's. This doesn't mean they have no chance in your 30's or over but the odds do decrease as we get older.
The statement made by the one physician that you are too young to have low testosterone, there's really not a nice way to put this, that's simply idiotic. That is like saying you are too young to have any existing condition or ailment despite having the condition or ailment. Peoples eyesight typically worsen as they age - would we then say there are no children that ever need glasses or contacts? Diabetes is perhaps more common in adults - would we then say adolescent diabetes is impossible? Of course not, that would be irrational. But somehow some physicians have taken irrational thinking and made it rational in their own minds as it pertains to testosterone.
Your current situation - a combination of HCG and Clomid might produce a better result compared to last time in regards to it holding. HCG is typically needed if a restart is to be successful. Is it a waste of time? That's hard to say - you can always attempt it and see, but in the end you may end up needing testosterone treatment regardless, time will tell. It's really impossible to predict. Personally I would opt to go ahead and fix the problem once and for all but some like to explore all other options first. This is often due to a partial fear of actual testosterone use or a misunderstanding, so they wait.
Lastly, the estrogen issue - any time testosterone levels go up, regardless of what's driving them upwards, estrogen levels will typically rise. All men make and need estrogen. This increase is caused by testosterone converting to estrogen, again a necessary and essential hormone to men despite popular culture misunderstandings. In fact, you can not live a healthy life or have a functioning libido without adequate estrogen, it would be impossible. However, another common myth is that elevated levels of estrogen make us more emotional, often people jokingly say more emotional like women - however, it simply doesn't work this way. Could higher E2 levels cause this? Perhaps of there was a massive imbalance between testosterone and estradiol and estradiol was through the roof, high 3 digit numbers.
Side note - medications that are used to treat depression and anxiety often lower natural testosterone production. It's a strange situation - testosterone levels are low, depression sets in, antidepressants are prescribed, testosterone levels go lower, more antidepressants are needed....on and on the circle goes. Just something to keep in mind.