Aromatase Inhibitors vs DHT Compounds — Which Should You Really Use?
When estrogen becomes a concern, should you:
Lower estrogen directly → Aromatase inhibitor (Arimidex, Aromasin, Letro)
ORIndirectly control it → DHT compounds (Masteron, Primobolan, etc.)
Modern lifting culture trends toward option #2 — but that doesn’t mean it’s always the smarter decision.
The Growing Trend
Many lifters now prefer:
Test + Primo
Test + Mast
Instead of:
Test + AI
Reasoning:
“More anabolic”
“Healthier than an AI”
“More stable”
“Keeps a cosmetic look”
Reality:
This often comes from a fear of estrogen rather than a response to estrogen problems.
Important Principle
You should not add another anabolic compound solely to manage a side-effect of testosterone unless you actually need that compound.
Otherwise you are:
Adding more variables to solve a single variable.
AIs affect one pathway
Additional anabolics affect the entire hormonal environment
What Each Tool Actually Does
Aromatase Inhibitors
Primary effect:
Reduce conversion of testosterone → estradiol
They directly solve the problem you’re trying to solve.
Pros
Targeted mechanism
Adjustable dose
Predictable response
Does not add androgen load
Cons
Can worsen lipids if abused
Easy to overtitrate
Chronic year-round use is not ideal
Key takeaway:
A small dose when needed ≠ harmful
Chronic suppression ≠ ideal
DHT Compounds (Masteron, Primobolan, etc.)
Primary effect:
Provide androgen signaling and indirectly shift estrogen balance
They do NOT directly control aromatase.
Pros
Cosmetic hardness
Can improve look during phases
May reduce perceived estrogenic effects
Cons
Adds total androgen burden
Hair loss risk
Lipid impact still exists
Not dose-precise estrogen control
Key takeaway:
They are anabolic drugs first, estrogen tools second.
The Psychological Trap
People feel:
Using an AI = admitting estrogen is a problem
Using Primo/Mast = advanced optimization
But physiologically:
Using a low dose AI for a confirmed issue is often LESS intrusive than adding 400mg of another steroid.
The modern bias:
Indirect control feels safer than direct control.
When AIs Make More Sense
Use when:
Clear high E2 symptoms
Confirmed labs
Moderate testosterone dosing
No need for additional anabolic load
Especially logical if:
You don’t otherwise want or need more androgens
When DHT Compounds Make More Sense
Use when:
They are already part of the plan
Cosmetic phase
Advanced physique refinement
You actually want the anabolic effect
NOT simply because:
You want to avoid touching estrogen directly
Important Distinction
AIs manage a reaction
DHT compounds alter the environment
One is correction
One is system redesign
Using redesign to fix a minor reaction often complicates the system unnecessarily.
Relationship to Testosterone Dosing
Ideal approach:
Use as much testosterone as possible without consistent negative estrogen effects.
Some people:
300–400mg threshold
Others:
500–600mg threshold
Only after observing response should intervention occur.
Elevated Estrogen Does Not Automatically Mean Intervention
Estradiol benefits:
Libido
Muscle growth
Joint comfort
Performance
Correct when problematic
Not when visible on paper
Practical Hierarchy (Conceptual)
Observation → Adjust dose → Short-term AI → Change compound strategy
NOT
Add compounds → Add more compounds → Add more compounds → Add AI last
Big Picture Takeaway
The decision is not:
AI vs Primo/Mast
The real question is:
Are you correcting a problem
or redesigning a cycle to avoid acknowledging one?
Most people choose the second without realizing it.