Does Finasteride Increase Estrogen Levels?

[athlete97]

22 year old male, been on the big 3 for 3 years. I am a competitive bodybuilder and was wondering the effect of Finasteride on other hormones. Obviously we all know finasteride depletes DHT levels but does that signal the body to increase estrogen? Would make complete sense as I have had numerous estrogen related sides such as abdominal, neck, and gut bloating, mood swings, and puffy face. Going to get blood work tmw to determine if there is an estro related problem and will update the thread accordingly.

Until then, has anyone experienced this? Being a bodybuilder this is a huge issue. I also feel as if depleting DHT inhibits strength via the CNS. Have seen different opinions of people on either side debating whether or not finasteride use alone has any effect on building muscle. Just seeing if anyone else out there is in the same boat as I am. Most likely going to combat this with a weak AI if my estro levels are out of whack.

 

[bluecyclone]

Not competitive but I train and Ironman. I noticed a big estrodial jump and sides when I had labs pulled 2 months after starting topical Finasteride. Levels went from 22 to 98. I started alchemy.

Nothing is really working so most likely will drop Finasteride after 12 months.

 

[athlete97]

Not competitive but I train and Ironman. I noticed a big estrodial jump and sides when I had labs pulled 2 months after starting topical Finasteride. Levels went from 22 to 98. I started alchemy.

Nothing is really working so most likely will drop Finasteride after 12 months.

If controlling estrogen is the goal why drop finasteride completely? I have never heard of Alchemy before coming to this forum but I would look into aromatise inhibiters such as aromasin or arimidex. If those don't work, Femara will definitely take care of the problem but I have heard of estrogen rebound occuring from the pure strength of Femara so be careful.

 

[Zoro]

If controlling estrogen is the goal why drop finasteride completely? I have never heard of Alchemy before coming to this forum but I would look into aromatise inhibiters such as aromasin or arimidex. If those don't work, Femara will definitely take care of the problem but I have heard of estrogen rebound occuring from the pure strength of Femara so be careful.

The problem is Femera/Letrozole inhibits estrogen way too much. A known side effect of letro is hair shedding, estrogen is good for hair. Let alone all the non-hair related sides like joint pain etc. Aromasin or arimidex at a microdose would probably be the best choice if your estrogen is really that high IMO.

As to the main question, finasteride/dutasteride inhibits the conversion of T to DHT, and testosterone aromatizes to estrogen. Both testosterone and estrogen increase about 15% on finasteride.

 

[bluecyclone]

Yeah I’m not saying I have any answers but did see a valid jump in E after starting. My hair looks like someone set it in fire compared to two years ago. Completely different color and texture.