I was on Propecia for seven years. Was diagnosed with hypothyroidism a year and a half ago. My TSH was 13, and we’ve brought that down to 3ish, taking my Total T from 209 to 383. I’ve had the dose increased, and we’ll see my new levels. I didn’t know that weed can suppress T, though the literature suggests that chronic abuse doesn’t affect it all that much, as homeostasis comes into play. I’ve since quit permanently, and will never touch it again. I eat very clean, steel cut oats in the morning, grilled chicken, no red meat, no alcohol ever, etc.
My doctors don’t know much about anything. After being on .50 of thyroxine, taking it my T from 209 to 383, my doctor said it should increase from there. I don’t know if that means 10 points or 100, but I’m glad it’s increased at all. I can’t get hard, but I have had morning wood a few days. No spontaneous erections, need Viagra, the whole nine.
I’m going to the urologist soon. The endo didn’t know much, and they didn’t want to give me what I need in term of tests. I’m going to tell the urologist that estrogen dominance probably caused my issues, as my stomach is so fat, while I’m generally so skinny.
Chinese bitters – do they help or hurt. I see that they can act as an 5-AR inhibitor or anti-androgen, but they also seem to clear out estrogen. I’ve seen so many posts on the subject that lead to conflicting information. I’ve read basically every “estrogen” and “hypothyroidism” post on the board over the past month.
At this point, I don’t know what to do. I don’t think I need to go on T therapy, since my hypothyroidism is raising levels. Since I’m 40, mean/median T seems to be about 600, and I’ve seen people jump 150 to 200% from what I’ve read online. Since my T started out at 209, 150% would take me to about 500, which I would be thrilled with.
The main question is, aside from whether or not I should take Chinese bitters, is this:
Should I ask to take Tamoxifen? Nolvadex? Assuming my estrogen is high, which it is because I have gyno and can’t get hard, I don’t think restoring my natural T levels via thyroxine reduces estrogen, does it? I assume I’m stuck with the elevated estrogen. I’ve probably had it elevated for years, as I’m 40, and started at 26. I’m scared about all the damage its done, since my stomach has been big the whole time. I couldn’t go to the doctor because my dad is a doctor, and, well, it’s complicated. He’s dying of dementia now, and I’m glad I’ve been seeing someone for the past 18 months or so, but I’m so scared.
I just don’t know what to do, between whether I should risk anti-androgen sides with the Bitters, whether I should ask for Tamox/Novla, as I don’t want my estrogen lowered TOO much, as that’s not good either. DIM has some issues, too, even if it’s mild, and I don’t know if the reduction would be permanent.
I’m trying to start a family soon, my wife is going to Harvard Business School, and she doesn’t need this stress. I’m hoping some of you kind folks can help. Thanks so much.