[Nightshade]

TL;DR
Can xenoestrogens/phytoestrogens raise estradiol (E2) levels on blood tests?

I just got a blood spot test back and my estradiol levels were super high. It was 460 pg/mL (range is 12-56 pg/mL for male) I doubt aromatase would raise it that much and I'm also taking supplements that are aromatase inhibitors (obviously not for that reason). I'm not taking any Rx hormones and I'm not taking any of the NBE stuff either.

So I'm wondering if phytoestrogens or xenoestrogens can raise estradiol (E2). Some of the foods I'm eating (flax probably the most likely culprit) and supplements I'm taking (I am cutting out a few) have phytoestrogens and xenoestrogens can come from enviromental toxins including plastic fillings (which I have). Phytoestrogens are actually natural xenoestrogens, but xenoestrogen is usually used to reference the synthetic chemicals like BPA, PCBs, and phthalates.

Since most phytoestrogens (except some in PM) have weak estrogenic effects and can blind to receptors, this will actually block endogenous estradiol and the hormones I'll be taking (actually I'm not 100% sure if they block endogenous estradiol). So it's very important I figure this out by my next doctor appointment in the next 3 weeks. I'm not even sure whether I should tell the trans doc about this (the test was ordered by my chronic illness doc).

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens are plant-derived xenoestrogens (see estrogen) not generated within the endocrine system but consumed by eating phytoestrogenic plants. Also called "dietary estrogens", they are a diverse group of naturally occurring nonsteroidal plant compounds that, because of their structural similarity with estradiol (17-β-estradiol), have the ability to cause estrogenic or/and antiestrogenic effects,[1] by sitting in and blocking receptor sites against estrogen.[2]

The other thing I was wondering is if lowering testosterone can be harmful (more about this at the bottom of my post). I've read that lowering T can possibly increase inflammation and also make it harder for your body to fight infections so I was thinking about just starting off with E2 and a DHT blocker like Finasteride.

There is a certain but incompletely defined linkage between sex hormones and autoimmune conditions. Testosterone has been associated with overall immune suppression, and autoimmune conditions are more common in non-transgender women than men.[51] Testosterone deprivation results in an increased Th1:Th2 ratio.[52] However the relationship is more complex, as demonstrated by the paradoxical improvements seen in multiple sclerosis during pregnancy.[51] In transgender women who have undergone orchiectomy or have full androgen blockade, some evidence suggests that supplementation with dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may counteract some of the shift toward autoimmunity.[53] Patients with autoimmune conditions should be informed that their condition could potentially worsen (or improve) once feminizing therapy has begun. Hormone dosing should begin low and advance slowly, monitoring for worsening symptoms, and in collaboration with any specialists who may be managing the autoimmune condition.

However, I'd like to try and get on transdermal E2 because it's safer than oral (so is injected, but I heard there's a shortage of that atm).

Oral estrogens are easier to administer and seem to have favorable effects on lipoprotein profiles. However, oral estrogens are associated with several disadvantages, including unfavorable changes in serum levels of triglycerides, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, factor VII, and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1.379 A meta-analysis of clinical trials suggested a higher risk of venous thromboembolic events among oral HT users compared with transdermal estrogen users.

That alternative modes of estrogen administration might be safer from a cardiovascular standpoint has been suggested by the results of observational studies, though trials with clinical outcomes are lacking. Transdermal estradiol has less effect on hepatic synthesis, and does not increase clotting factors, serum proteins, inflammatory markers, or triglycerides to the same extent as oral therapy.

I've also heard that Dutasteride can be better than Fin in terms of effects and possibly less side effects.

Finasteride blocks 5-alpha reductase type 2 and 3 mediated conversion of testosterone to the potent androgen dihydrotestosterone.[8] Finasteride 1mg daily is FDA-approved for male pattern baldness, while the 5mg dose is approved for management of prostatic hypertrophy.[9] Dutasteride 0.5mg more effectively blocks the type 1 isozyme, which is present in the pilosebaceous unit and therefore may have more dramatic feminizing effects

I don't know if these will be covered by my insurance and I'm not sure what to tell my parents. They might use it as an excuse to deny me going on hormones altogether so I might just be better going on oral E2 and fin and cross my fingers/hope to not die.

I should also add that my total testosterone was 464 ng/dL which is pretty close to what the T reading was when my trans doc tested it with a blood drawn test. I also had the following results for other tests:
Ratio T/SHBG: 0.4 (.7-1.0)
SHBG: 45 nmol/L (15-50)
DHEAS: 219 μg/dL (70-325)
Cortisol 11.8 (3.3-8.5) The test says the range for "eve/night", but I took in the morning (?)
Blood Spot PSA: <0.5 ng/mL (<.05-4 / optimal <.05-2)

One other thing is that I'm taking Prozac which can raise Prolactin. I'm not sure I should discuss this with my doctor and possibly lower the dose as there could be potential risks:

Prolactin elevations and growth of pituitary prolactinomas are theoretical risks associated with estrogen therapy; several cases have been reported.[42] However, with the administration of physiologic doses of estrogen, there is no clear basis for an increased risk of prolactinomas in comparison to the population background rate in non-transgender women. Furthermore, Endocrine Society guidelines for the management of incidental prolactinomas are expectant management only, in the absence of suggestive visual or other symptoms (significant galactorrhea, headaches).[43] Routine screening with serum prolactin levels in asymptomatic transgender women would not have an impact on management, and could result in costs or harm if further workup if pursued. As such it is recommended that prolactin be checked only in cases of visual disturbances, excessive galactorrhea, and be considered in cases of new onset headaches.

[jannet.duff]

My understanding is that plantbased estrogens will not show up on a b17esteodiol test.

Are you taking biotin as a suppliment? Biotin is known to give false pisitive readings in some blood tests, including spiking estrogen tests through the roof.

With an Estrogen reading that high, your testosterone test would have come back very low, not 400+.

[Nightshade]

My understanding is that plantbased estrogens will not show up on a b17esteodiol test.

Are you taking biotin as a suppliment? Biotin is known to give false pisitive readings in some blood tests, including spiking estrogen tests through the roof.

With an Estrogen reading that high, your testosterone test would have come back very low, not 400+.

Wow. Thanks. Yeah, I am taking 5,000 mcg of biotin. I'm not sure if it's even worth telling my doctor about that test (it wasn't the hormone doc who ordered the test). I've already waited so long for the hormones and it takes 2 months to schedule an appointment. I don't know if this would change her mind, but I've been really stressed about this next appointment.

[The First Aria]

My understanding is that plantbased estrogens will not show up on a b17esteodiol test.

Are you taking biotin as a suppliment? Biotin is known to give false pisitive readings in some blood tests, including spiking estrogen tests through the roof.

With an Estrogen reading that high, your testosterone test would have come back very low, not 400+.

Wow. Thanks. Yeah, I am taking 5,000 mcg of biotin. I'm not sure if it's even worth telling my doctor about that test (it wasn't the hormone doc who ordered the test). I've already waited so long for the hormones and it takes 2 months to schedule an appointment. I don't know if this would change her mind, but I've been really stressed about this next appointment.

My GD and MD share labs all the time....  So, ya, you should tell them ALL supplements you use.   My guess is that if your T is coming in at that level....   I wonder if your aromatizing a LOT of T to E??  And I think that could be the Biotin??