The way my GD explained things to me was that Estrogen is like Testosterone, but the Female version. A man needs an amount to keep up metabolism, bone density and it effects blood chemistry in many different ways. In Females, you need at least a certain amount for the same reason..
On non Pharma, I was not getting enough AA's to suppress T, nor was I getting enough estrogen from PM to be able to replace my T even if I did drive it down... What was happening was T and E combo that I had was creating a situation like acid that was slowly causing bone damage and metabolism problems. So, really, for me it was best to get on HRT. I tried Male HRT for about a month... But between FSH, and LH it was putting more stress on my heart than the doctor's wanted. Besides, it started my boobs to jump start anyways.
My thought was " what the hell ", I mean, I will get my boobs, but die from another heart attack??? Great, I may end up with double D's, but be laid out in a casket?? So, when my "normal" doctor said she didn't know where to go from there, I came out to her that I wasn't that upset for having boobs, I was more worried about my body trying to kill itself in the process.
Hence, her understanding of my needs and her referrals.
I personally think that it was meant to be for me.... I am loving it all, except the low dosage is taking way too long.
I hope at least the first 2 paragraphs went with the theme of this thread, my friend. Sorry if this turned out to be more of a hijacking....