Recently, some of us have been discussing "test-flu" symptoms. It is clear to me that there is some cloudiness regarding the definition of this secondary to the multiple variations vs. similarities in symptoms (and possible compounded problem of superficial injection related infections)
Interestingly enough, in the January '06 issue of MD; William Llewellyn reviews:
Steroid Fatigue: a proposed explanationWithout going into a verbatum review of this; I am wondering if in fact; we who describe what is commonly called "test-flu" are actually also describing steroid fatigue.
Briefly; by using high levels of AI's; and subsequent suppresion of estrogen completely; we are inducing what is commonly known as "menopause", and to a degree, PMS
. Thus, the fevers, sweats and fatigue which are also the symptoms of a "flu".
He then goes onto explain the commonly known biochem of serotoinin which is also somewhat regulated/effected by estrogen levels amongst other neurotransmitters and also can hinder reuptake of serotonin.
He summarizes that although our primary male androgen may offer positive benefits in regard to mental energy and fatigue resistance, these efects may actually be mediated by its conversion to estrogen and not the andrgen itself.
He then goes on to state that altering/regulating one's AI intake so that estrogen suppression is not that marked may be a possible "workaround".
Personally, I had recently trimmed my arimidex dose down to 0.25 mg/day
and felt great but worried about "sides" that did not manifest. I am now considering going on an alternate schedule of 0.5mg eod and 0.25mg on the alternate days.
Then maybe I will get rid of the hot flashes and fatigue that I thought was "flu".
Thoughts, anyone?
