Re: pros / cons of testosterone treatment

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Gather lots of info from many sources.

A good book by Dr. Eugene Shippen, $14.95 @ & Noble, " The

Testosterone Syndrome "

Been receiving TRT via hormone pellets since 1991 with no adverse side

effects, now 72. Sterility is a strong possibility if you continue TRT

for a few years. Testicles will shrink to about large grape size.

Benefits are very significant in more ways than one. Primary benefit

to me is in the brain and keeping me interested in sex. Could not

believe the almost electric shock I got below the belt when a dress

blew up in the wind. Feelings of well being also happen with more

mental agility. Skin thickens and looks more youthful. Nocturnal

erections may come back.

Does not cure ED unless you are very young or lucky. Erections happen

easy when you start TRT but ED comes back after the T level stabilizes

at the new higher level. I was really ticked off but found my ED

solution with trimix about 1992 which still works great.

ernestnolan

> can someone post the pro's and cons of getting testosterone

> replacements? i'm seriously considering this as an option, and want

> to get some opinions from actual patients.

>

> thanks!

[Guest guest]

thadon,

Reading your prior posts I see you're 19 years old, T is 370, you

have fatigue, low motivation, low sex drive, and you want to be

more assertive.

There's no question that your T is low, and you'd be better off with

more. IMO, the question is how to get there.

Cons of testosterone REPLACEMENT therapy are that it shuts

down your natural T production so you'll probably be on TRT

forever; you'll become infertile; you'll have to regularly see a

specialist (if you can find a good one); you'll need blood tests

every 3 to 6 months; need to apply a cream, gel, patch or take

injections; may need to control estrogen buildup; and spend a lot

of money. Pros are you will see more energy and libido.

I'm on TRT because my doc put me on it 6 years ago without

knowing much about what he was doing. I'm 55 and don't want

more kids. Without TRT my T drops as low as 65. My symptoms

include extreme fatigue and lack of mental focus. TRT seems

right for me.

There are alternative ways to stimulate natural T production, like

HCG. Those might be excessive at your stage.

If I were in your shoes I'd find a good D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy)

and develop a good regime of diet and supplements, aimed at

increasing energy and natural T production. Supplements can

include things like DHEA, a testosterone precursor. An

osteopath is a licenced physician who focuses more on the

human body's ability to heal itself. IMO you should give that a

determined try first.

Best,

Bruce

> can someone post the pro's and cons of getting testosterone

> replacements? i'm seriously considering this as an option,

and want

> to get some opinions from actual patients.

>

> thanks!

[Guest guest]

My story:

Began to feel ill in July/August of 2003.

1st low normal T test (372 ng/dl) in November 2003.

Diagnosed iron overload in February 2004.

Begain TRT January 2004 with clomiphene stimulation test

Began T injections in February 2004.

Constant upping of doses and mixing in of HCG.

Felt good for 8 days in May 2004.

Switched to HCG only in June 2004.

Felt terrible on HCG and switched back to T in July 2004.

Pro: it is the only thing that can make you feel better.

Con: like all things in life it takes time to make it work

Pro: gives you an appreciation that your illness could be a lot worse and you

got off lucky

In a message dated 7/5/2004 7:49:29 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

no_reply writes:

can someone post the pro's and cons of getting testosterone

replacements? i'm seriously considering this as an option, and want

to get some opinions from actual patients.

thanks!

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Endocrinologists that provide hormone therapy are very scarce. I have

one that has been treating men for decades for andropause (male

menopause) Dr. Gambrell, Augusta GA.

Hormone therapy is new to most doctors and they get their information

(not training) from pharmaceutical reps who sell the patches, gels,

creams and injection materials. Too many urologists will give you any

form of therapy you want except hormone pellets which IMHO is the best

form of therapy.

They are usually very conservative and when your normal supply from

your testicles shuts down do to adding additional T, you will need a

higher amount to make up for that loss.

It is very very rare for any GP or DO to have received formal training

in endocrinology, so ask for the doctors credentials in this field

when you call for an appointment. Too many urologists will give you

any form of therapy you want except they do not provide hormone

pellets usually. They frequently read about dosage off the provided

materials from pharmaceutical houses that are well below a beneficial

level. You probably need to get into the 700-900 range as a young teen.

ernestnolan

> can someone post the pro's and cons of getting testosterone

> replacements? i'm seriously considering this as an option, and want

> to get some opinions from actual patients.

>

> thanks!

[Guest guest]

On Mon, 05 Jul 2004 18:27:53 -0000, you wrote:

>can someone post the pro's and cons of getting testosterone

>replacements? i'm seriously considering this as an option, and want

>to get some opinions from actual patients.

First -

As an option for what?

- - - -

Just another albino black sheep