Re: Life long TRT?

[Helpmeplz2013]

Re: Life long TRT?

hi all

First time posting, It seems this forum has both genuine testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) users and people who are on Steroid cycles. Having said that I need some help I have been diagnosed with Low T over 6 months ago when I had sore throat occurrence and Doc prescribed me with double dose of penicillin which subsequently healed the sore throat issue. During my 2nd visit my GP(Doc) also asked me to do ultrasound of my throat and during the scan they found nodules in my thyroid.

and this is where My diagnosis of Low T begin, my GP then referred me to Endocrinologist who did all kind of blood tests for thyroid, also biopsied the thyroid to rule out any cancer which I am still very thankful all was normal, except my blood report which was Low T(free T) about 5.1 Ndl I believe. My Low t was consistently and had been low for 6-7 months now. My endo did most of the background check during my 6 months visits with him.

including T levels, prolactin, ACTH levels, full blood report so far everything is normal except low free t. I also had PSA which was normal. MRI was normal too as my FSH and LH was low normal thats why he did MRI to rule out any tumors in brain. and finally also ultrasound my prostate and kidneys which was normal in size.

My physical symptoms are mostly the same as Low T,

Hot flashes followed by perspiration last for 2 mins 1-2 times this happens daily.
Prone to get soft tissue injuries during workouts even with proper warmup and high rep range eg 10-15 reps for upperbody.
High recovery time after every workout.
Low libido. Feelings are there but no desire.

So my question is do I have to be on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for the rest of my life as my T level hasn't improved over 6-7 months of monitoring as we both(endocrinologist and me) were hoping. I gotta do 1 more blood test before I see him at the end of this month. I have been researching this topic for quite sometime now as I am worried about potential risk of prostate cancer that can be fueled by Testosterone

I will ask this question with my Endo. Since I joined this forum someone may know the answer?

Thanks for reading but I am very stressed.

My age : 34 yr Male
physical conditon : fit and love bodybuilding. ( as far as I know I am fit )

Cheers

 

[tiredguy]

hi all

First time posting, It seems this forum has both genuine testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) users and people who are on Steroid cycles. Having said that I need some help I have been diagnosed with Low T over 6 months ago when I had sore throat occurrence and Doc prescribed me with double dose of penicillin which subsequently healed the sore throat issue. During my 2nd visit my GP(Doc) also asked me to do ultrasound of my throat and during the scan they found nodules in my thyroid.

and this is where My diagnosis of Low T begin, my GP then referred me to Endocrinologist who did all kind of blood tests for thyroid, also biopsied the thyroid to rule out any cancer which I am still very thankful all was normal, except my blood report which was Low T(free T) about 5.1 Ndl I believe. My Low t was consistently and had been low for 6-7 months now. My endo did most of the background check during my 6 months visits with him.

including T levels, prolactin, ACTH levels, full blood report so far everything is normal except low free t. I also had PSA which was normal. MRI was normal too as my FSH and LH was low normal thats why he did MRI to rule out any tumors in brain. and finally also ultrasound my prostate and kidneys which was normal in size.

My physical symptoms are mostly the same as Low T,

Hot flashes followed my perspiration last for 2 mins 1-2 times this happens daily.
Prone to get soft tissue injuries during workouts even with proper warmup and high rep range eg 10-15 reps for upperbody.
High recovery time after every workout.
Low libido. Feelings are there but no desire.

So my question is do I have to be on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for the rest of my life as my T level hasn't improved over 6-7 months of monitoring as we both(endocrinologist and me) were hoping. I gotta do 1 more blood test before I see him at the end of this month. I have been researching this topic for quite sometime now as I am worried about potential risk of prostate cancer that can be fueled by Testosterone

I will ask this question with my Endo. Since I joined this forum someone may know the answer?

Thanks for reading but I am very stressed.

My age : 34 yr Male
physical conditon : fit and love bodybuilding. ( as far as I know I am fit )

Cheers

Prostate link overblown to the point of scaring people needlessly. Just have it monitored during treatment.

 

[Helpmeplz2013]

Hope it is overblown as it surely is scary. Thanks for the reply.

Cheers

 

[Sedg1]

I began Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) approximately four months ago, at age 56. I did my due diligence realizing that I would probably be on it for the rest of my life. It has made such a difference in the quality of my life that I would tolerate the oft touted increased cancer risk, but I do not think I will have to. Recent studies suggest that the long-held belief that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) facilitates the growth of cancerous tissue are being dispelled to the point that docs are even prescribing the therapy for those that have a history of it. Your biggest risk factors for CA are genetic, and others are behavioral, and those can be addressed with a commitment to a more healthy lifestyle.
Perhaps the following statement from the Journal of Urology will provide some insight from the pros:

Refraining from testosterone therapy due to unmerited prostate cancer fears may have adverse lifestyle and health consequences, since testosterone therapy in testosterone deficient men has been shown to improve symptoms of fatigue, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction. Testosterone therapy may also improve mood, blood sugar control, increase muscle, decrease fat, and improve bone density. Four recent studies have shown that men with high testosterone levels appear to live longer than men with low levels, although it has not yet been shown that treating men with testosterone increases longevity. Study suggests another look at testosterone-prostate cancer link

My friend, we are all bombarded by bogus claims from purveyors of snake oil who promise life-changing benefits. Mostly, the only benefit goes to those fleecing us. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), on the other hand, is the real thing. It replaces an essential hormone that your body can no longer produce. It is the ultimate oil change and tune up for the male body. Clearly, low T carries its ownhealth risks above and beyond the quality of life issues that you well appreciate. Each of us has to make the cost-benefit judgment. For me, the benefits have greatly outweighed the reported enhanced risk of CA, one which seems to be increasing discredited.
Happy trails

 

[Megatron28]

Can you post your lab results?

 

[halfwit]

Just to clarify: Your total test is normal, but free testosterone is low? Elevated prostate levels as well as many of the other nasty side effects attributed to testosterone replacement/supplementation are actually caused by the inevitable increase in estradiol and are EASILY managed with the use of an aromatase inhibitor. I hope your doctors are monitoring your estradiol as this hormone is just as important to your well-being as testosterone.

Yes, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is for life with the exception of a small segment of secondary hypogonadal males as primary means your testes have given up the good fight and for some reason or another will not produce the vital hormone any longer. Keep in mind that many doctors are woefully undereducated in this area, so I would strongly recommend continuing your education as much as you can via online sources including pubmed and forums such as this one. Armed with a proper education, you may be able to assist your doctors in providing you with the appropriate care you deserve. The end result is DEFINITELY worth the work you put in, I promise you this.

My .02c

Note: I am 37 and have been on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for just over three and a half years. Initial Total Test: 120ng/dL, Most recent: 908ng/dL.

 

[Helpmeplz2013]

Just to clarify: Your total test is normal, but free testosterone is low? Elevated prostate levels as well as many of the other nasty side effects attributed to testosterone replacement/supplementation are actually caused by the inevitable increase in estradiol and are EASILY managed with the use of an aromatase inhibitor. I hope your doctors are monitoring your estradiol as this hormone is just as important to your well-being as testosterone.

Yes, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is for life with the exception of a small segment of secondary hypogonadal males as primary means your testes have given up the good fight and for some reason or another will not produce the vital hormone any longer. Keep in mind that many doctors are woefully undereducated in this area, so I would strongly recommend continuing your education as much as you can via online sources including pubmed and forums such as this one. Armed with a proper education, you may be able to assist your doctors in providing you with the appropriate care you deserve. The end result is DEFINITELY worth the work you put in, I promise you this.

My .02c

Note: I am 37 and have been on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for just over three and a half years. Initial Total Test: 120ng/dL, Most recent: 908ng/dL.

Ok my lab results are,

03/12/2012 total testosterone 8.0 nmol/L [ref range 8.3 - 30.2]
02/01/2013 Androgen studies 5.6 [ref range 8.0 - 30.0]

Also had 3rd test which I don't have the copy as my endo didn't give me it showed as Low t as well, due my 4th test before I see him. what estrogen to test for in blood work? is that E2 *estrodal? check spelling please as I need to write it before I goto lab.

All other blood results are within normal range including kidney functions, liver, thyroid, cholesterol, diabetes etc also Please Note IGF-1, GH were in normal range in the third test which i don't have the copy of it.

Cheers for all your help. I like body building as this is the only thing keeping me healthy but now I am plagued with soft tissue injuries and long recovery times.

Bye for now

P.S I am in Australia and I can't order anything from online pharmacy etc which I really don't care as I DO have genuine reason to justify and my endo will prescribe me sooner or later Testosterone.

 

[Spudstr]

hi all

First time posting, It seems this forum has both genuine testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) users and people who are on Steroid cycles. Having said that I need some help I have been diagnosed with Low T over 6 months ago when I had sore throat occurrence and Doc prescribed me with double dose of penicillin which subsequently healed the sore throat issue. During my 2nd visit my GP(Doc) also asked me to do ultrasound of my throat and during the scan they found nodules in my thyroid.

and this is where My diagnosis of Low T begin, my GP then referred me to Endocrinologist who did all kind of blood tests for thyroid, also biopsied the thyroid to rule out any cancer which I am still very thankful all was normal, except my blood report which was Low T(free T) about 5.1 Ndl I believe. My Low t was consistently and had been low for 6-7 months now. My endo did most of the background check during my 6 months visits with him.

including T levels, prolactin, ACTH levels, full blood report so far everything is normal except low free t. I also had PSA which was normal. MRI was normal too as my FSH and LH was low normal thats why he did MRI to rule out any tumors in brain. and finally also ultrasound my prostate and kidneys which was normal in size.

My physical symptoms are mostly the same as Low T,

Hot flashes followed by perspiration last for 2 mins 1-2 times this happens daily.
Prone to get soft tissue injuries during workouts even with proper warmup and high rep range eg 10-15 reps for upperbody.
High recovery time after every workout.
Low libido. Feelings are there but no desire.

So my question is do I have to be on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for the rest of my life as my T level hasn't improved over 6-7 months of monitoring as we both(endocrinologist and me) were hoping. I gotta do 1 more blood test before I see him at the end of this month. I have been researching this topic for quite sometime now as I am worried about potential risk of prostate cancer that can be fueled by Testosterone

I will ask this question with my Endo. Since I joined this forum someone may know the answer?

Thanks for reading but I am very stressed.

My age : 34 yr Male
physical conditon : fit and love bodybuilding. ( as far as I know I am fit )

Cheers

the link with prostate cancer and testosterone is a myth. The mayo clinic put out a paper on how its no way related..

 

[halfwit]

Ok my lab results are,

03/12/2012 total testosterone 8.0 nmol/L [ref range 8.3 - 30.2]
02/01/2013 Androgen studies 5.6 [ref range 8.0 - 30.0]

Also had 3rd test which I don't have the copy as my endo didn't give me it showed as Low t as well, due my 4th test before I see him. what estrogen to test for in blood work? is that E2 *estrodal? check spelling please as I need to write it before I goto lab.

All other blood results are within normal range including kidney functions, liver, thyroid, cholesterol, diabetes etc also Please Note IGF-1, GH were in normal range in the third test which i don't have the copy of it.

Cheers for all your help. I like body building as this is the only thing keeping me healthy but now I am plagued with soft tissue injuries and long recovery times.

Bye for now

P.S I am in Australia and I can't order anything from online pharmacy etc which I really don't care as I DO have genuine reason to justify and my endo will prescribe me sooner or later Testosterone.

Sorry for the late reply - these forums move fast some days!

Yep, you are definitely hypogonadal with those ranges. Yes, E2 is estradiol which is just as important as testosterone in your treatment. Make sure they keep an eye on this as it can make your own body your worst enemy as it "guesses" what is best and will try to keep a ratio of what it thinks is best of estradiol to testosterone - which can cause some problems for you. testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) will most certainly help you with recovery time and a TON of other aspects you may have given up on thinking they were able to be fixed.

Stick to your guns and jump through whatever hoops are required. The end result is more than worth it, as it is undoubtedly a life-saver! Good luck man, let us know how it goes!

 

[Helpmeplz2013]

Sorry for the late reply - these forums move fast some days!

Yep, you are definitely hypogonadal with those ranges. Yes, E2 is estradiol which is just as important as testosterone in your treatment. Make sure they keep an eye on this as it can make your own body your worst enemy as it "guesses" what is best and will try to keep a ratio of what it thinks is best of estradiol to testosterone - which can cause some problems for you. testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) will most certainly help you with recovery time and a TON of other aspects you may have given up on thinking they were able to be fixed.

Stick to your guns and jump through whatever hoops are required. The end result is more than worth it, as it is undoubtedly a life-saver! Good luck man, let us know how it goes!

Ok here is my latest results Testo 15.2 ref range nmol/L [9.9 - 27.8] taken on 31/5/2013
FreeTesto 460.81 pmol/L ref range [170-670]
Oestradiol 103 pmol/L ref range [<160]

This range has improved significantly on its own old result were,
9.8 and free testo was 290.40 on 28/3/2013.

No idea what caused my low testosterone I am no longer Hypo it seems. however endo wants me to see him again in 4 months just in case

Cheers