RU / "Mifepristone Challenge" Log

[jinstewart]

First day post-cycle today, definitely don't want to jinx it but feeling still a little better today. The 'sour headache' is trying to creep in as usual, but nowhere near as bad as it was before all this. Mood is brighter, sleep was VERY good and refreshing (5 hours, toilet, 2 hours.) Gym was predictably less than amazing but not a washout. Lethargy isn't as bad. Appetite seems to be bouncing back.

I might not update every day now, but I'll let you all know when "on cycle" bloods arrive and how this pans out and if any of it sticks. As I mentioned, might be up for running 1g/day for 7 days next time if I do run it again, but that'll be a little way ahead.

 

[TubZy]

First day post-cycle today, definitely don't want to jinx it but feeling still a little better today. The 'sour headache' is trying to creep in as usual, but nowhere near as bad as it was before all this. Mood is brighter, sleep was VERY good and refreshing (5 hours, toilet, 2 hours.) Gym was predictably less than amazing but not a washout. Lethargy isn't as bad. Appetite seems to be bouncing back.

I might not update every day now, but I'll let you all know when "on cycle" bloods arrive and how this pans out and if any of it sticks. As I mentioned, might be up for running 1g/day for 7 days next time if I do run it again, but that'll be a little way ahead.

Cool, cortisol is probably starting to slowly drop now since it can bind again hence your sleep improvements

 

[jinstewart]

Cool, cortisol is probably starting to slowly drop now since it can bind again hence your sleep improvements

Thanks for that Boris. Let's hope it holds and/or even carries on improving. Us PFS folks are due a bit of luck.

I am NOT going to jinx this, I swear I'm not, but I've felt just a little better as the day's gone on. Though it has been a good day at work.

Let's hope we got a piece of the puzzle at the very least. And thank you everybody.

 

[shivgeorge]

Hey Jin, May I ask what made you prefer to try RU instead of Clomifene?

 

[jinstewart]

Hey Jin, May I ask what made you prefer to try RU instead of Clomifene?

Tbh it just wasn't a protocol I had on the radar yet. What got me interested was a very recent study Boris found (previous topic linked in the OP) and I had the chance to run something totally new (in dosage terms ofc,) which didn't require much "sticking to" anything to do successfully, and also to take bloods so we could see what something did in more evidence-based terms.

I like guinea-pigging things tbh. Protocols and bloods pre/mid/post seems like a reasonable way to help the effort. I don't have the brain power to join the dots on the research but I've got some money and certainly willing to try things that might get us better.

Sorry, very long-winded answer there!

 

[jinstewart]

I didn't want to spam the updates from this point, but I have some. The good news is I seem to everso slightly get better and better each day. I respond to stress differently too as (sadly) I had to talk an ex of mine out of suicide all Saturday night. Didn't really sleep much into Sunday BUT the stress of it was incredible, and I didn't crash from it either. Most importantly she's ok now - and it gave the stress system a fierce old test!

Weekend was nice and at points I genuinely forgot about PFS. I took a nap Saturday, and sleep is now refreshing and how it always used to be. Mood is DEFINITELY more positive and the 'sour headache' of mine is, although still "there" kinda being kept at bay. Large mental improvements in short. In fact, if I got my boners and muscle back I'd say I'd be pretty much cured.

Sexually not really any better, libido not much better (if at all) - can't really count that as 'bad' news but hey ho.

The only 'bad' news is I got "the rash" as happened to a few in the studies! It was noticeable today, like a "low-yield acne" on the body - but doesn't matter and I'd happily go a couple months with it for the improvements I've had.

Bloods taken on-cycle are due any time now, though DHT maybe into next week. Might try it again in August. I'm looking into RU powder for the next time, have a few leads on it.

I think at this stage if the only issue you have is sleep and a little emotional flatness this has the capacity to knock that RIGHT out.

 

[TubZy]

I didn't want to spam the updates from this point, but I have some. The good news is I seem to everso slightly get better and better each day. I respond to stress differently too as (sadly) I had to talk an ex of mine out of suicide all Saturday night. Didn't really sleep much into Sunday BUT the stress of it was incredible, and I didn't crash from it either. Most importantly she's ok now - and it gave the stress system a fierce old test!

Weekend was nice and at points I genuinely forgot about PFS. I took a nap Saturday, and sleep is now refreshing and how it always used to be. Mood is DEFINITELY more positive and the 'sour headache' of mine is, although still "there" kinda being kept at bay. Large mental improvements in short. In fact, if I got my boners and muscle back I'd say I'd be pretty much cured.

Sexually not really any better, libido not much better (if at all) - can't really count that as 'bad' news but hey ho.

The only 'bad' news is I got "the rash" as happened to a few in the studies! It was noticeable today, like a "low-yield acne" on the body - but doesn't matter and I'd happily go a couple months with it for the improvements I've had.

Bloods taken on-cycle are due any time now, though DHT maybe into next week. Might try it again in August. I'm looking into RU powder for the next time, have a few leads on it.

I think at this stage if the only issue you have is sleep and a little emotional flatness this has the capacity to knock that RIGHT out.

Interesting thanks for the update. I wonder if you went higher dose for a shorter time frame to see if it would fluctuate improvements even more lowering the risk of the rash. Would be interesting to see the bloods too. The sleep thing is exactly what RU did to me, it normalized my sleep again whether it be naps or overnight etc waking up and sleeping normal again.

What kind of rash are you talking about like its a whole body rash? Is it noticeable?

 

[jinstewart]

Interesting thanks for the update. I wonder if you went higher dose for a shorter time frame to see if it would fluctuate improvements even more lowering the risk of the rash. Would be interesting to see the bloods too. The sleep thing is exactly what RU did to me, it normalized my sleep again whether it be naps or overnight etc waking up and sleeping normal again.

What kind of rash are you talking about like its a whole body rash? Is it noticeable?

Hey there - I saw the rash pictured on a study once in fact. It's like a low-level acne on the trunk of the body, upper arms and neck and that's it (so far! Lol.) It's totally not that bad, much like acne. Here's an equivalent, but not actually "it":

Also coincides with skin feeling warmer and a little oilier than it's been during PFS. Which I'm feeling kinda good about. Iirc in the same study I read, everybody got over the rash within a couple months.

I was thinking tbh next time I'll run 1g/day for 7 days. But I'm not sure really. If the outcome of this is resetting the HPA axis, I don't think it's possible to 'reset it more' - although it might be doing any amount of magic.

Either way I'll give it AT LEAST 6 weeks before another stab, and I'll find suppliers of powder instead, way cheaper.

Any ideas or thoughts on anything? And yes good lord isn't sleep just BEAUTIFUL again now? Gone is the perpetual "tired but wired" thing and when you wake up, the world just blends back into you during those waking seconds, rather than being dropped back into ANOTHER day of PFS agony.

 

[Walker]

Hey there - I saw the rash pictured on a study once in fact. It's like a low-level acne on the trunk of the body, upper arms and neck and that's it (so far! Lol.) It's totally not that bad, much like acne. Here's an equivalent, but not actually "it":

Also coincides with skin feeling warmer and a little oilier than it's been during PFS. Which I'm feeling kinda good about. Iirc in the same study I read, everybody got over the rash within a couple months.

I was thinking tbh next time I'll run 1g/day for 7 days. But I'm not sure really. If the outcome of this is resetting the HPA axis, I don't think it's possible to 'reset it more' - although it might be doing any amount of magic.

Either way I'll give it AT LEAST 6 weeks before another stab, and I'll find suppliers of powder instead, way cheaper.

Any ideas or thoughts on anything? And yes good lord isn't sleep just BEAUTIFUL again now? Gone is the perpetual "tired but wired" thing and when you wake up, the world just blends back into you during those waking seconds, rather than being dropped back into ANOTHER day of PFS agony.

If it was anything like my experiences with R Andro and cortisol related symptoms, it took a week or two off of the cycle to actually notice big improvements. You’re far from being at the good part yet in that timeline, so this is all good news for a quick fix.

 

[jinstewart]

If it was anything like my experiences with R Andro and cortisol related symptoms, it took a week or two off of the cycle to actually notice big improvements. You’re far from being at the good part yet in that timeline, so this is all good news for a quick fix.

I like these words very much. Already this has dealt a significant, sledgehammer blow to PFS but if more improvement could come if this I'll definitely like it!

 

[snowball]

I didn't want to spam the updates from this point, but I have some. The good news is I seem to everso slightly get better and better each day.

That’s a good sign!
In case you had shrinkage from PFS, have you experienced any improvements with RU cycle? Also, is your skin more oily now?

 

[Minime]

Hey there - I saw the rash pictured on a study once in fact. It's like a low-level acne on the trunk of the body, upper arms and neck and that's it (so far! Lol.) It's totally not that bad, much like acne. Here's an equivalent, but not actually "it":

Also coincides with skin feeling warmer and a little oilier than it's been during PFS. Which I'm feeling kinda good about. Iirc in the same study I read, everybody got over the rash within a couple months.

I was thinking tbh next time I'll run 1g/day for 7 days. But I'm not sure really. If the outcome of this is resetting the HPA axis, I don't think it's possible to 'reset it more' - although it might be doing any amount of magic.

Either way I'll give it AT LEAST 6 weeks before another stab, and I'll find suppliers of powder instead, way cheaper.

Any ideas or thoughts on anything? And yes good lord isn't sleep just BEAUTIFUL again now? Gone is the perpetual "tired but wired" thing and when you wake up, the world just blends back into you during those waking seconds, rather than being dropped back into ANOTHER day of PFS agony.

I hope this is the extent of your rash. RU ruined my skin on my scalp and face. It’s been a year almost since I took RU and things have gotten progressively worse. And I only took about 5 mg of RU for 3 days.

 

[TubZy]

I hope this is the extent of your rash. RU ruined my skin on my scalp and face. It’s been a year almost since I took RU and things have gotten progressively worse. And I only took about 5 mg of RU for 3 days.

You have hashimotos though most of us don't here, although I'm not saying there is no risk at all but that is a big difference in reference to many people here. There has also been human trials for RU (taking hundreds of milligrams) with the only side effect of a rash reported that went away once the RU was ceased.

 

[jinstewart]

That’s a good sign!
In case you had shrinkage from PFS, have you experienced any improvements with RU cycle? Also, is your skin more oily now?

Hi there - didn't have much in the way of shrinkage, and when full erections were/are achieved it was as near as makes no difference the same size. Maybe a touch less girth. Skin is I think getting more oily yes.

I hope this is the extent of your rash. RU ruined my skin on my scalp and face. It’s been a year almost since I took RU and things have gotten progressively worse. And I only took about 5 mg of RU for 3 days.

Yes let's hope so. I read your thread as a cautionary tale and risk to take. It does look for all the world like the photo I saw in the study that a few people got. I'll have to dig that out again, don't remember which one I saw it in. Although in the previously linked thread, an article states 1-2 months for the rash. I can certainly live with that.

It wasn't as bad yesterday, but has spread to neck and have a red face now too! Lol, oh well. Here's me, but you can't really see it great:


Sleep just seems to keep on getting better - like I'm paying back a massive sleep-debt from the last 8 months. Deep sleep and dream last night, was hard getting up this morning! I think I might take a few days holiday and just rest if I can get it!

 

[Minime]

You have hashimotos though most of us don't here, although I'm not saying there is no risk at all but that is a big difference in reference to many people here. There has also been human trials for RU (taking hundreds of milligrams) with the only side effect of a rash reported that went away once the RU was ceased.

100% agree. I am definitely unique, especially in how my body reacts to supplements and pharmaceuticals. My Naturopath is having a fit trying to figure me out.
Plus, the rash that @jinstewart has is nothing like what I have. Mine never looked that mild. Not even close. Mine is similar to severe acne with giant white head postules all over, though it has progressed worsened over the months.

 

[jinstewart]

Couple of little updates. Sleep still normal/pre-fin, mood still pretty good! Still unchanged sexually, maybe even a tiny tiny little bit worse. That "sour headache" doesn't come and go really anymore, rather TRIES to come on and off, but never fully get set in. I was certainly hoping that'd fully go. It feels like a little vitality and connection to the world increase when it diminishes.

On the whole I'm super happy with what's gone on. Life is ALMOST livable and enjoyable now. I could definitely at least survive the rest of my days like this.

Rash got worse yesterday, but is most CERTAINLY improving today after a nice long sleep.

MOST IMPORTANTLY THOUGH, aside from DHT (which takes a fair few days) the on-cycle bloods are in. And BOY are they nuts! Have a read:

Test - 29.8 nmol/L (8.64-29) Over-range. Very high, got higher
Cortisol - 1339 nmol/L (166-507) Yes, you read it right. INSANE
Test/Cort ratio 0.02

Albumin - 42.6g/L (35-50) perfectly mid-range, got lower
SHBG - 43.7 nmol/L (18.3-54.1) slightly high, got a touch higher
FSH - 3.52 IU/L (1.5-12.4) low, got a little lower
LH - 4.2 IU/L (1.7-8.6) low ish, got lower
Oestradiol - 205 pmol/L (41-159) VERY high, over range. Was below-range before.
Test - 29.8 nmol/L (8.64-29) Over-range. Very high. Same as above so happy results taken at the same time are consistent with the lab
Free Test calc 0.592 nmol/L (0.2-0.62) At the very top of the range, super high-normal. Got higher
FAI 68.19 ratio (24-104) Mid-range, got higher
Prolactin - 259 mU/L (86-324) Slightly high, got lower
DHEA Sulphate - 11.3 umol/L (2.41-11.6) Almost top of the scale, got higher
Progesterone - 6.89 nmol/L ( < 0.474) This is so over-range they all probably had seizures. INSANE high
DHT - 1.93nmol/L (1.14-4.13) Low/mid, got higher

 

[joekool]

Omg that’s amazing info! So test is super high and cortisol is crazy off the charts high. Even though some have said Mifepristone blocks cortisol, seems like opposite.

 

[Helen]

Omg that’s amazing info! So test is super high and cortisol is crazy off the charts high. Even though some have said Mifepristone blocks cortisol, seems like opposite.

RU blocks cortisol receptor, of course cortisol is high

 

[jinstewart]

Yes, not sure on that. I also wondered if the RU rash is some sort of stress hives from the elevated cortisol, but idk myself.

@Helen these were taken during the cycle, morning of day 4 of 5. I thought the same, it blocks the receptor so cortisol goes mental-high to compensate then settles.

 

[Helen]

Yes, not sure on that. I also wondered if the RU rash is some sort of stress hives from the elevated cortisol, but idk myself.

@Helen these were taken during the cycle, morning of day 4 of 5. I thought the same, it blocks the receptor so cortisol goes mental-high to compensate then settles.

RU486 is a cortisol receptor antagonist, so blocks cortisol, this causes - raises cortisol like crazy. this is why it is used in addisons to stimulate adrenal glands.