RE: high blood levels of testosterone

[Guest guest]

I attended a talk the other night by Woollams, who wrote the book 'Everything You Need To Know To Help You Beat Cancer' One of his subjects was prostate cancer and why testosterone does not cause prostate cancer. He maintains PCa is driven by oestrogen and not testosterone. Many of these oestrogens are mimics and are in everyday items like bottled water, fumes when filling your car with petrol etc.

He is touring the country and his next talk is in Bournmouth on 1st June at the Hotel Miramar. a full list can be found at www.iconmag.co.uk

Regards

Here's the abstract Sammy, not that it's a great help.

.

HIGHER SERUM FREE TESTOSTERONE IS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASED RISK OF PROSTATE CANCER: RESULTS FROM THE BALTIMORE LONGITUDINAL STUDY ON AGING

J Kellogg Parsons*, H Ballentine , Landis, E , A Platz, E Metter, Baltimore, MD

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Androgens influence prostate carcinogenesis. However, it is unclear if higher levels of serum androgens increase the risk for developing prostate cancer. We prospectively analyzed the association between serum androgen levels and the risk of prostate cancer in a cohort of healthy, aging males. METHODS: We measured testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels in 2,854 stored, sequential serum samples collected over a 40 year period from 759 men in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging of whom 111 were diagnosed with prostate cancer. Time dependent covariates were examined using the -Gill formulation. proportional hazard analysis was utilized to determine the longitudinal contributions of testosterone, SHBG, DHEAS, and free testosterone index (a reliable measure of serum free testosterone, the biologically active form of testosterone) to prostate cancer risk using the survival functions developed by Therneau. RESULTS: For all subjects, total serum testosterone (relative risk 1.00, p=0.31, 95% confidence interval 1.00 to 1.00) and DHEAS (relative risk 1.000, p=0.49, 95% confidence interval 1.000 to 1.000) levels were not associated with prostate cancer risk. Higher levels of serum SHBG were associated with a slightly decreased risk of prostate cancer (relative risk .992, p=0.014, 95% confidence interval .986 to .998), independent of testosterone. In subjects over the age of 55 years, higher free testosterone index was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, such that each 1-unit increase in free testosterone index corresponded to an increase in relative risk of 1.9 (p=.0046, 95% confidence interval 1.228 to 3.092). This association did not significantly alter after adjustments for serum SHBG and DHEAS, height and weight, body mass index, percent body fat, muscle mass, or Gleason sum of tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Higher serum free testosterone is associated with a significantly increased risk of prostate cancer in older men. Since testosterone replacement therapy increases serum free testosterone, older men considering or receiving testosterone replacement should be counseled as to this association until data from long-term prospective trials become available.

-----Original Message-----From: sammy_bates Sent: Friday, May 28, 2004 2:22 PMTo: chb@...; ww@...; natural_prostate_treatments ; ProstateCancerSupport Subject: high blood levels of testosteroneI wonder if there is any chance of scrutinising the data used in this study.What standards were used to determine "high"? What comparisons were madebetween the men in this study and the range of values of testosterone in themale population?My concern is that definitions of "high blood levels of testosterone" arenot adequately made and that range testing is not being applied across thewhole spectrum of actual testosterone levels to be found in men.. Without aproper definition of the scope here this could amount to an example ofconfirmation bias. Confirmation bias occurs where selected data is used toconfirm previously held beliefs. Confirmation bias is a marketing trick, nota scientific method.There is no reference in PubMed of this study and no evidence of peerreview.Sincerely,Sammy BatesBA, BSc, MSc, PGCE. snip

[Guest guest]

Here's the abstract Sammy, not that it's a great help.

.

HIGHER SERUM FREE TESTOSTERONE IS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASED RISK OF PROSTATE CANCER: RESULTS FROM THE BALTIMORE LONGITUDINAL STUDY ON AGING

J Kellogg Parsons*, H Ballentine , Landis, E , A Platz, E Metter, Baltimore, MD

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Androgens influence prostate carcinogenesis. However, it is unclear if higher levels of serum androgens increase the risk for developing prostate cancer. We prospectively analyzed the association between serum androgen levels and the risk of prostate cancer in a cohort of healthy, aging males. METHODS: We measured testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels in 2,854 stored, sequential serum samples collected over a 40 year period from 759 men in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging of whom 111 were diagnosed with prostate cancer. Time dependent covariates were examined using the -Gill formulation. proportional hazard analysis was utilized to determine the longitudinal contributions of testosterone, SHBG, DHEAS, and free testosterone index (a reliable measure of serum free testosterone, the biologically active form of testosterone) to prostate cancer risk using the survival functions developed by Therneau. RESULTS: For all subjects, total serum testosterone (relative risk 1.00, p=0.31, 95% confidence interval 1.00 to 1.00) and DHEAS (relative risk 1.000, p=0.49, 95% confidence interval 1.000 to 1.000) levels were not associated with prostate cancer risk. Higher levels of serum SHBG were associated with a slightly decreased risk of prostate cancer (relative risk .992, p=0.014, 95% confidence interval .986 to .998), independent of testosterone. In subjects over the age of 55 years, higher free testosterone index was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, such that each 1-unit increase in free testosterone index corresponded to an increase in relative risk of 1.9 (p=.0046, 95% confidence interval 1.228 to 3.092). This association did not significantly alter after adjustments for serum SHBG and DHEAS, height and weight, body mass index, percent body fat, muscle mass, or Gleason sum of tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Higher serum free testosterone is associated with a significantly increased risk of prostate cancer in older men. Since testosterone replacement therapy increases serum free testosterone, older men considering or receiving testosterone replacement should be counseled as to this association until data from long-term prospective trials become available.

-----Original Message-----From: sammy_bates Sent: Friday, May 28, 2004 2:22 PMTo: chb@...; ww@...; natural_prostate_treatments ; ProstateCancerSupport Subject: high blood levels of testosteroneI wonder if there is any chance of scrutinising the data used in this study.What standards were used to determine "high"? What comparisons were madebetween the men in this study and the range of values of testosterone in themale population?My concern is that definitions of "high blood levels of testosterone" arenot adequately made and that range testing is not being applied across thewhole spectrum of actual testosterone levels to be found in men.. Without aproper definition of the scope here this could amount to an example ofconfirmation bias. Confirmation bias occurs where selected data is used toconfirm previously held beliefs. Confirmation bias is a marketing trick, nota scientific method.There is no reference in PubMed of this study and no evidence of peerreview.Sincerely,Sammy BatesBA, BSc, MSc, PGCE. snip

[Guest guest]

Never heard of the guy before but it sounds like he is on the right

track. Will certainly check out the web site you gave - tnx.

As for the paper below, my take is .. it is pointless to quote

relative androgen levels. This is because the biphasic relationship

between tumour growth and androgens will make PC more likely at

lower androgen concentrations and less likely at higher

concentrations. Even using a different age corrected 'standard' for

a healthy male can be highly misleading.

Sammy.

> I attended a talk the other night by Woollams, who wrote

the book

> 'Everything You Need To Know To Help You Beat Cancer' One of his

subjects was

> prostate cancer and why testosterone does not cause prostate

cancer. He

> maintains PCa is driven by oestrogen and not testosterone. Many

of these oestrogens

> are mimics and are in everyday items like bottled water, fumes

when filling

> your car with petrol etc.

> He is touring the country and his next talk is in Bournmouth on

1st June at

> the Hotel Miramar. a full list can be found at

_www.iconmag.co.uk_

> (http://www.iconmag.co.uk)

> Regards

>

> In a message dated 31/05/2004 15:17:26 GMT Standard Time,

> john@j... writes:

>

> Here's the abstract Sammy, not that it's a great help.

> .

> HIGHER SERUM FREE TESTOSTERONE IS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASED

RISK OF

> PROSTATE CANCER: RESULTS FROM THE BALTIMORE LONGITUDINAL STUDY ON

AGING

> J Kellogg Parsons*, H Ballentine , Landis, E

,

> A Platz, E Metter, Baltimore, MD

> INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Androgens influence prostate

carcinogenesis.

> However, it is unclear if higher levels of serum androgens

increase the risk for

> developing prostate cancer. We prospectively analyzed the

association

> between serum androgen levels and the risk of prostate cancer in a

cohort of

> healthy, aging males.

> METHODS: We measured testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin

(SHBG), and

> dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels in 2,854 stored,

sequential

> serum samples collected over a 40 year period from 759 men in the

Baltimore

> Longitudinal Study on Aging of whom 111 were diagnosed with

prostate cancer. Time

> dependent covariates were examined using the -Gill

formulation.

> proportional hazard analysis was utilized to determine the

longitudinal

> contributions of testosterone, SHBG, DHEAS, and free testosterone

index (a

> reliable measure of serum free testosterone, the biologically

active form of

> testosterone) to prostate cancer risk using the survival

functions develope by

> Therneau.

> RESULTS: For all subjects, total serum testosterone (relative

risk 1.00,

> p=0.31, 95% confidence interval 1.00 to 1.00) and DHEAS (relative

risk 1.000,

> p=0.49, 95% confidence interval 1.000 to 1.000) levels were not

associated with

> prostate cancer risk. Higher levels of serum SHBG were associated

with a

> slightly decreased risk of prostate cancer (relative risk .992,

p=0.014, 95%

> confidence interval .986 to .998), independent of testosterone.

In subjects over

> the age of 55 years, higher free testosterone index was

associated with an

> increased risk of prostate cancer, such that each 1-unit increase

in free

> testosterone index corresponded to an increase in relative risk

of 1.9 (p=.0046,

> 95% confidence interval 1.228 to 3.092). This association did not

> significantly alter after adjustments for serum SHBG and DHEAS,

height and weight, body

> mass index, percent body fat, muscle mass, or Gleason sum of

tumor.

> CONCLUSIONS: Higher serum free testosterone is associated with a

> significantly increased risk f prostate cancer in older men.

Since testosterone

> replacement therapy increases serum free testosterone, older men

considering or

> receiving testosterone replacement should be counseled as to this

association

> until data from long-term prospective trials become available.

>

> high blood levels of

testosterone

>

>

> I wonder if there is any chance of scrutinising the data used in

this study.

> What standards were used to determine " high " ? What comparisons

were made

> between the men in this study and the range of values of

testosterone in the

> male population?

>

> My concern is that definitions of " high blood levels of

testosterone " are

> not adequately made and that range testing is not being applied

across the

> whole spectrum of actual testosterone levels to be found in men..

Without a

> proper definition of the scope here this could amount to an

example of

> confirmation bias. Confirmation bias occurs where selected data

is used to

> confirm previously held beliefs. Confirmation bias is a marketing

trick, not

> a scientific method.

>

> There is no reference in PubMed of this study and no evidence of

peer

> review.

>

> Sincerely,

>

> Sammy Bates

> BA, BSc, MSc, PGCE.

>

> snip

[Guest guest]

I find it difficult to draw any strong conclusions from the evidence as it

stands at the present time. Not only are there the issues pointed out in

recent discussion on this site but also the possible impact of androgen ( &

oestrogen & progestogen) metabolites, & of course the individual general

tissue response to all hormones which must vary in individuals. signed

Confused from Mid-Wales

high blood levels of

> testosterone

> >

> >

> > I wonder if there is any chance of scrutinising the data used in

> this study.

> > What standards were used to determine " high " ? What comparisons

> were made

> > between the men in this study and the range of values of

> testosterone in the

> > male population?

> >

> > My concern is that definitions of " high blood levels of

> testosterone " are

> > not adequately made and that range testing is not being applied

> across the

> > whole spectrum of actual testosterone levels to be found in men..

> Without a

> > proper definition of the scope here this could amount to an

> example of

> > confirmation bias. Confirmation bias occurs where selected data

> is used to

> > confirm previously held beliefs. Confirmation bias is a marketing

> trick, not

> > a scientific method.

> >

> > There is no reference in PubMed of this study and no evidence of

> peer

> > review.

> >

> > Sincerely,

> >

> > Sammy Bates

> > BA, BSc, MSc, PGCE.

> >

> > snip

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Unfortunately I think we all are confused. My concern is that so many

things are yet to be known. The issue is very different when you are

fighting a disease like PCa and when you are taking hormones just to

improve your QOL. The hormone controversy surrounding drug hormone

therapy for women in menopause points out some of the difficulties that

are experienced when we do not have conclusive trials.

Since you are fighting a disease, hormone have a track record of being a

big help in the battle. I worry most about men who are taking hormones

for other reasons.

Kathy

Re: Re: high blood levels of

testosterone

I find it difficult to draw any strong conclusions from the evidence as

it stands at the present time. Not only are there the issues pointed out

in recent discussion on this site but also the possible impact of

androgen ( & oestrogen & progestogen) metabolites, & of course the

individual general

tissue response to all hormones which must vary in individuals. signed

Confused from Mid-Wales

high blood levels of

> testosterone

> >

> >

> > I wonder if there is any chance of scrutinising the data used in

> this study.

> > What standards were used to determine " high " ? What comparisons

> were made

> > between the men in this study and the range of values of

> testosterone in the

> > male population?

> >

> > My concern is that definitions of " high blood levels of

> testosterone " are

> > not adequately made and that range testing is not being applied

> across the

> > whole spectrum of actual testosterone levels to be found in men..

> Without a

> > proper definition of the scope here this could amount to an

> example of

> > confirmation bias. Confirmation bias occurs where selected data

> is used to

> > confirm previously held beliefs. Confirmation bias is a marketing

> trick, not

> > a scientific method.

> >

> > There is no reference in PubMed of this study and no evidence of

> peer

> > review.

> >

> > Sincerely,

> >

> > Sammy Bates

> > BA, BSc, MSc, PGCE.

> >

> > snip

>

>

>

>

>

>