Every year, at the start of the new year, I schedule my annual physical.  This year, since I now have reached the age of fifty (okay fifty plus one or two) I have decided to ask my doctor to check my testosterone level.  Two days ago I knew very little about the hormone testosterone, except what I remembered from my high school and college physiology classes.  Now, after putting my trusty search engine to work, I am on testosterone knowledge overload.  Obviously, if my testosterone level proves to be low (and I have no reason to believe it will be) I will consider testosterone replacement therapy…something I’ve read about.  I know it’s somewhat controversial because of a suspected link to prostate cancer, but it’s still an alternative.  It amazes me that hormone replacement therapy is accepted as standard procedure for a woman, but only a remote consideration for a man given that the level of testosterone decreases as a man ages and the effect it has on a man’s maleness and well being.  This brings me to my questions: Has anyone gone through testosterone replacement therapy and if so what have been the results?

As I said, I am currently on extreme testosterone information overload and its importance (Should Congress declare a national holiday (T-Day) to celebrate it and its magic?...just kidding).   If the subject interests you let me save you some time with some references to the better links on the subject.  One site is included below.  If you want others send me a private mail.  The sites also include other information on subjects that are dear and close to a man.  Just one more thought for the providers reading this: Ladies you should be extremely thankful there is no general shortage of testosterone in the male population.  Without it you would be in another line of business (perhaps psychologists treating men for the mental aspects caused by its shortage) and for those of you who truly enjoy providing the service you provide, this would be a very dull world to live in.

By the way, Happy Holidays to Everyone (Staff Included)!


-- Modified on 12/22/2002 12:30:19 AM

Most of the information a search engine on the internet for any subject is going to find sites similar to your link, selling products or further information.  They are not selling anything directly but those links are more than likely paying more than their bandwidth.

Be wary of what you find.  There is some great information out there but it is mixed in with an astounding amount of hype.  Seek the help of someone who specializes with this type of information; in person is the best way, find a professional who you knows your physical conditions and test results, discuss how you want to feel and try to find a method to achieve it.  There are some of us here on the boards that can help but, unfortunately, there are many more with no knowledge that are extremely vocal and I have no reason to argue a point with someone I don't know without compensation.

As with all diseminated information, take with a large dose of salt.

DrX

Is NOT an accepted practice anymore. Alot of physicians are taking women off of their hormone replacement doses. Recent studies have shown an increase in cancer rates with HRT.



Rocket

There is jsut so much crap to wade through and it's not really that easy for a health care provider to sort it all out let alone a non-medical type.

I would appear that we can give mother nature a helping hand from time to time and when it comes to disease, nobody wants to just let nature take it's course (well there are some religions).
But in many ways natural evolutionary development has sort of wired us for the best course.  Good foods and diet are natures way an breating smog and eating junk isn't.  But we like to live with todays conveniences.

We see things like hormone replacement therapy for women looking good for a while then we start to see the down side.  It seems to help osteoporosis only to cause cancer.  

What to do?  I support evidence based therapy every time.  It is the end product of investigation and not (as likely) based on emotions and voodoo.  And yet even the evidence seems to change.  I think that it is better than just winging it as many of the herbal zelots do.  There MAY be nothing wrong with them, but until you know...you just don't know.  Look for double blind studies to back up calims of effective therapies.

I have been taking testosterone shots for over ten years with no negative effects. They started because of low energy and fighting depression. A pleasant side effect has been an increased libido.
I suggest you visit a urologist and ask for advice. There is no doubt that prostate cancer feeds on testosterone, so that can be a serious problem if it is already present. And, all men sooner or later will get prostate cancer if they live long enough. My PSA has remained low, even with the shots.
Good luck

There is a saying that all men have it, just that most will die with it rather than of it.

-- Modified on 12/23/2002 11:15:17 AM

Thanks to all for the comments I received both here and through the TER private mail system.  I very much appreciate the information offered, the suggestions given and the cautionary comments.  I will see my doctor in a couple of weeks and as a minor part of the physical I will ask him to check my testosterone level.  As I said above, I don't expect it to be low, but there is no harm in determining its level at this time in my life.  At the very least it gives my doctor and I a benchmark from which to measure going forward.

Happy Holidays and My Wishes for Your Good Health!