[Misty0732]

Seems like the evidence and interpretation of it is controversial. LH stimulation in intact males can be affected at the pituitary or the hypothalmus. If you want to exercise your higher reasoning faculties, check out this study:

http://jcem.endojournals.org/content/93/3/784.full

Then add to that the conclusion of this study showing LH increases E2 production by it's effect on the gene regulating aromatase activity:

http://www.biolreprod.org/content/68/5/1562.full

Then there's this study examining the direct inhibitory effects of E2 on T production with concomitant effects on LH and FSH.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1908485/

And just to be sure you fully understand the negative feedback mechanism of testosterone (apparently it has an indirect, negative effect through the process of being aromatized to E2), there's this study:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1908484

And SHAZAM! My brain hurts and I'm still confused. Your NP could be right, though it sounds more likely to be a bit more complicated than that, especially if you are taking PM which would not show up on ANY of the tests for serum hormone levels. It might go something like this (then again, it might not, this is just my guess): PM mimics E2 and inhibits T production, low T increases LH production which then stimulates aromatase activity, lowering T levels even more. However, high E2 levels also inhibit LH production, so the question remains, does PM also inhibit LH?

Oh bother.

What is it exactly that you need help with here, anyway?

Wow! That's a lot to digest. Thank you! I'll try and read through the different articles this weekend.

So what do I need help with? In a nutshell, I'm unsure whether my low free T is "normal" for me or if it is a direct consequence of taking PM. I honestly suspect both. I'm not really alarmed that it is low, since I've actively stated that I want to feminize my body to some degree (although that urge has lessened since I started PM). I just want to make sure that there isn't something more serious going on that may or may not be related to the PM.

My breasts are *definitely* growing. My nipples are sensitive and my areolas seem to be enlarging as well even though I'm on a lower dose of PM then most others report on this board (about 1500 mg/day). I've also experienced the mental effects that generally requires a much higher dosage in others.

I am curious, though. If the high LH is naturally occurring in me, and if it does cause an increase in aromatase activity, then wouldn't any attempt to raise my free T just result in even more being converted to E? That seems to support Anne Vitale's theory of Testosterone Toxicity (http://avitale.com/TNote15Testosterone.htm). I do know that a few months ago when I was intentionally trying to raise my Testosterone levels by taking D-Aspartic Acid my gender dysphoria went through the roof and desire to cross dress and feminize dramatically increased. In fact, it was during that period that I found this forum.

Anyway, my wife very much supports me taking PM as it calms those urges. She is also against me trying to artificially raise my T with Androgel or any other such product.

Misty