Well according to all my research on the use of AndroGel, it is not estrogen, but rather DHT that needs to be a concern. I had my first 4-5 weeks bloodwork done prior to this dose increase and my estradiol was normal. My pre AndroGel bloodwork had a baseline for estrogen and not estradiol (Dr. is on a learning curve). So even though it is normal it could have increased. I have been suspicous of an increase in estradiol. I do not have a moon face but have put on water/bloat/fat around my lower back/ass/hip/love handles area that is very estrogen like. Being older, prone to insulin resistence I feel like estradiol could be a further contributing factor. My carbohydrate level is 75-100g/day max and all low glycemic consisting of vegetable, oats, and fiber one cereal. I have recently reintroduced taurine and cee as well as started 20g/d of BCAA's. I have never really had water bloat from CEE or taurine in the past.
I have considered experimenting with a SERM but believe that an AI is more appropriate in this case, which I do not possess at this time. I do not want to add any unprescribed medications at this time as I continue to have doctor supervised assessment and bloodwork requisitions that only cost a 30 co-pay. Bloodwork for testosterone,total, free, % free, LH and estradiol is in the $400-500 range without insurance. In the next 3-4 weeks I should find what net weekly dose of testosterone I need to achieves peak levels. I will the transition to injection. Following that I have a plan
Recent and current bloodwork can be found here:
http://anabolicminds.com/forum/hormone-replacement-therapy/46692-somebody-get-me-doctor-6.html#post590723