Estrogen Management – Aromatase Inhibitors (AI)

(Arimidex, Aromasin, Letrozole)

Why take an AI:

AI's are meant to be ran concurrently to testosterone. When a man is on testosterone, that testosterone will start to aromatize into estrogen. The amount of excess estrogen your body makes is a reflection of the amount of testosterone you take, the length of time you run that testosterone. Other contributing factors to excess estrogen are: factors genetics, age, amount of cycles ran, high body fat, unhealthy eating, lack of exercise, and too much cardio.  Elevated estrogen is always bad, but easily managed w/ an AI. (too little estrogen is alsdo bad)

When to Start:

Only begin your AI use once estrogen symptoms appear(if you start without symptoms, then you will kill the small correct amount of estrogen off resulting in side effects as well as telling your body to fight back and create more unnecessary estrogen)

3 major symptoms to look for:  

If ANY 1 of the 3 symptoms appear, start your AI. 

• Nipple sensitivity

• Excessive acne (especially on back/shoulders)

• Bloating/water retention

Dosage Amount & Schedule Progression:
    · Suggested starting dose: 1 pill, 3x/week (M/W/F)
    · Take until symptoms are gone and you're stabilized symptom free for ~1 week.
   · Once stabilized, reduce incrementally and monitor response week by week. If you start experiencing any 1 symptom again, then increase dose back to the previous weeks dose, and that should be your sweet spot. 

Additional Notes:
· Your optimal dose is the smallest amount that keeps you symptom-free
· Maintain weekly consistency the entire time on testosterone
· Do not stop, allowing estrogen to build up then restart killing it off.  -Maintenance of stable hormone levels is the constant goal. No peaks and valleys. 

-Everyone is different and must feel their own body out to find their perfect maintenance dose based on the amount of testosterone they are on.  

-Don't be dumb and ignore symptoms