Re: Advice needed from new member

[Guest guest]

Try not to be too worried by the TRT thing. Once on TRT, you'll be feeling much

better. The testicular atrophy can be controlled in many cases. Make sure you

have your E2 level checked.

There are men here that you'll be hearing from that are very knowledgable in

HRT. They'll give you way more info than what I can give you.

One of the good things is your doctor seems up on how to test and treat mens

hormones. Many of us here have been through a lot of doctors until we found one

that knew anything about HRT.

Just try to relax. Everything is going to be good.

>

> I am very happy to have found this group!

>

> First off I am 48 years old,.....6 feet tall, and 186 pounds.

> Thought that might help explain my physical condition in terms of being over

weight per se. Maybe 5 pounds around the gut at most.

>

> Anyway,....I noticed a slow change happening about a year ago.

> It has gotten progressively worse by the month. Constant fatigue, moodiness,

no libido, morning erections becoming far less frequent, muscle wasting and

soreness. My physical endurance is very low, and I am a contractor that does

physical work. Not good for my business needless to say.

>

> I had my T levels tested a couple of months ago and the total T was

shockingly low.

> Total T-209

> Free T-65.2 considered normal range

> Free T percent-3.12 and considered high

>

> My doctor is going to test Prolactin, FSH, and LH plus is ordering an MRI of

my head. I assume to look for a pituitary tumour.

> I have been having headaches, and vision disturbances as well recently.

>

>

> He has already said I will surely need HRT, and he suggests Testim. No scrip

until my tests are all done though.

> Needless to say I have spent the last few days reading as much as I can on

this issue.

> I am concerned about excess estrogen, and also testicular atrophy which seem

to be side-effects of the T gels.

>

> Any and all guidance would be very much appreciated, as this whole thing is

making me a bit nervous. I have been a quite healthy guy by and large short of

hypertension. Diagnosed at about 41 and been on Cozaar ever since then. I also

have issues with GERD, and take Nexium from time to time but that is about it

for me problem wise.

>

> I feel horrible,.....almost like I am slowly turning into a woman.

> My body hair is thinning, and the hair on my head grows very slowly.

> My fairly muscular frame is slowly disappearing. I have no energy to work out

after I get home from work, as I feel like all I can do is drag myself into the

house and look forward to going to bed.

> I rarely think about sex anymore, and I have always been VERY active until the

last year. My formerly flat chest seems to be building a small amount of fat

underneath like tiny breasts.

>

> Once again, anything that those with experience can do to guide me through

this will be much appreciated.

>

> Sorry for the novel, and thanks.

>

[Guest guest]

Yea, I agree... you will be fine.  It sounds like you have a wise doc and

that's the biggest hurdle, at least from my experienec.  I found an excellent

doctor (Dr. Crisler) and I am confident my situation, which has imnproved quite

a bit already, will just get better and better.

The HRT really works.  Like you, I was absolutely drained from even a 30 minute

treadmill (not a real hard workout).  I was fatigued a lot and had no

libido.  Now that I have been on TRT things are much, much better.  Get a good

doc, be patient and you'll feel much better.

This board/group has a lot of good information, so stay involved and share your

experience with us.  It helps others with your (our) problems when they come

here and see how others have improved.  It gives them hope and understanding.

Bill

________________________________

From: marc200134470 <cfs38@...>

Sent: Sat, May 1, 2010 1:41:01 PM

Subject: Advice needed from new member

 

I am very happy to have found this group!

First off I am 48 years old,.....6 feet tall, and 186 pounds.

Thought that might help explain my physical condition in terms of being over

weight per se. Maybe 5 pounds around the gut at most.

Anyway,....I noticed a slow change happening about a year ago.

It has gotten progressively worse by the month. Constant fatigue, moodiness, no

libido, morning erections becoming far less frequent, muscle wasting and

soreness. My physical endurance is very low, and I am a contractor that does

physical work. Not good for my business needless to say.

I had my T levels tested a couple of months ago and the total T was shockingly

low.

Total T-209

Free T-65.2 considered normal range

Free T percent-3.12 and considered high

My doctor is going to test Prolactin, FSH, and LH plus is ordering an MRI of my

head. I assume to look for a pituitary tumour.

I have been having headaches, and vision disturbances as well recently.

He has already said I will surely need HRT, and he suggests Testim. No scrip

until my tests are all done though.

Needless to say I have spent the last few days reading as much as I can on this

issue.

I am concerned about excess estrogen, and also testicular atrophy which seem to

be side-effects of the T gels.

Any and all guidance would be very much appreciated, as this whole thing is

making me a bit nervous. I have been a quite healthy guy by and large short of

hypertension. Diagnosed at about 41 and been on Cozaar ever since then. I also

have issues with GERD, and take Nexium from time to time but that is about it

for me problem wise.

I feel horrible,... ..almost like I am slowly turning into a woman.

My body hair is thinning, and the hair on my head grows very slowly.

My fairly muscular frame is slowly disappearing. I have no energy to work out

after I get home from work, as I feel like all I can do is drag myself into the

house and look forward to going to bed.

I rarely think about sex anymore, and I have always been VERY active until the

last year. My formerly flat chest seems to be building a small amount of fat

underneath like tiny breasts.

Once again, anything that those with experience can do to guide me through this

will be much appreciated.

Sorry for the novel, and thanks.

[Guest guest]

Another piece of info that I hope will encourage you.  I'm 5'8 " .  53 years

old.  Since 2006 I had lost 24 pounds, going from 162 to 138.  Since I started

TRT about 3 months ago I have gained back 15 pounds to 153.  Definitely

stronger as well (my mucles don't just kinda " hang " from me anymore).  The

libido will come back big time.

Be well,

Bill

________________________________

From: marc200134470 <cfs38@...>

Sent: Sat, May 1, 2010 1:41:01 PM

Subject: Advice needed from new member

 

I am very happy to have found this group!

First off I am 48 years old,.....6 feet tall, and 186 pounds.

Thought that might help explain my physical condition in terms of being over

weight per se. Maybe 5 pounds around the gut at most.

Anyway,....I noticed a slow change happening about a year ago.

It has gotten progressively worse by the month. Constant fatigue, moodiness, no

libido, morning erections becoming far less frequent, muscle wasting and

soreness. My physical endurance is very low, and I am a contractor that does

physical work. Not good for my business needless to say.

I had my T levels tested a couple of months ago and the total T was shockingly

low.

Total T-209

Free T-65.2 considered normal range

Free T percent-3.12 and considered high

My doctor is going to test Prolactin, FSH, and LH plus is ordering an MRI of my

head. I assume to look for a pituitary tumour.

I have been having headaches, and vision disturbances as well recently.

He has already said I will surely need HRT, and he suggests Testim. No scrip

until my tests are all done though.

Needless to say I have spent the last few days reading as much as I can on this

issue.

I am concerned about excess estrogen, and also testicular atrophy which seem to

be side-effects of the T gels.

Any and all guidance would be very much appreciated, as this whole thing is

making me a bit nervous. I have been a quite healthy guy by and large short of

hypertension. Diagnosed at about 41 and been on Cozaar ever since then. I also

have issues with GERD, and take Nexium from time to time but that is about it

for me problem wise.

I feel horrible,... ..almost like I am slowly turning into a woman.

My body hair is thinning, and the hair on my head grows very slowly.

My fairly muscular frame is slowly disappearing. I have no energy to work out

after I get home from work, as I feel like all I can do is drag myself into the

house and look forward to going to bed.

I rarely think about sex anymore, and I have always been VERY active until the

last year. My formerly flat chest seems to be building a small amount of fat

underneath like tiny breasts.

Once again, anything that those with experience can do to guide me through this

will be much appreciated.

Sorry for the novel, and thanks.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the input.

I am just one of those folks that hates to take meds of any type, but I can't

keep feeling this way all the time.

I have been told that these are the tests I should have done as far as

bloodwork:

Testosterone Free and Total

LH

FSH

DHEA-s*

Estradiol*

T3 Free*

Prolactin

My doc is not ordering the 3 with an asterisk next to them. I wonder why, or if

they are really needed?

These tests came from a phone call I made a few days ago to a 'group' that

claims to specialize in HRT. They also claim to block estrogen, as well as stop

testicular atrophy. Sounds like a franchise setup to me. Their closest

participating doctor is over 80 miles away from me, so that is not practical. It

is also quite expensive as well.

I am trying to get all of the proper tests done without ticking off my current

doc that seems to be quite open to all of this. Some docs and their ego's are a

tricky thing to deal with as you guys surely know.

I had my PSA checked in December 2009, and it was .5 which I presume is quite

good.

I am totally new to this, so any information I can get is much appreciated. Any

side effects to speak of?

I have read about some folks having issues with anxiety after starting HRT. I

hope that is not true, as I was engaged to a woman that had issues with it, and

it was a nightmare for her.

[Guest guest]

Hi Marc and Welcome,

Your in a good place here of them tests I do feel you need to press your Dr. to

test your Estradiol. Here is why if it's to high over 30 pg/ml it can fool your

brain into thinking it is high Testosterone. When this happens your brain will

slow down sending LH and FSH the messages from your Pituitary gland in your

brain that sends this message to your testis to tell it to make Testosterone.

This happens most of the time to older men but I see it in younger men too.

Your brain can't tell the difference between high levels of Estradiol and

Testosterone because Estradiol is made from Testosterone in men. So when

Estradiol E2 is very high the brain will see this as high Testosterone and slow

down sending the LH and FSH message.

So on labs you end up with low Total Testosterone, low LH and low FSH. A Dr.

not testing your E2 levels will think your Pituitary is not working right and

order an MRI to rule out a tumor. But is he checked your E2 levels and found

them high getting your E2 down can bring up your Total T levels some 200 to 300

Points. So push your Dr. to test this do a Quest labs Sensitive Estradiol test

for men #4021 the range for this test is 13 to 54 pg/ml men need to be between

15 to 30 best at about 20 the higher it is over 30 the lower your Total T levels

can be.

Here are some links about all this.

http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/full/89/3/1174

http://www.medibolics.com/ArimidexBoostsTestosterone.htm

http://www.smart-drugs.com/ias-estrogen.htm

if the top link dose not open let me know it's down for service.

In this link it takes about all the Testosterone in your body both active and

not active or bound and unbound. Your Free T levels don't mean much because

your Total T is so low Free T is about 1 to 2% of your Total T so when your

Total T is this low the % of Free is not worth taking about. The link I was

going to send you about this will not load up.

But do read this one it talks about low T in men and is old but one of the best

I have read.

http://www.griffinmedical.com/male_hormone_modulation_therapy.html

In the above link it talks about getting your Total T levels up into the upper

1/3 of your labs range and to keep your Estradiol down to about 20 pg/ml doing

this you should feel like your old self again higher levels of Estradiol will

kill your sex life.

Don't go on TRT until your sure your Dr. did every thing he could do to find out

why your low. There are many things that can lower a mans Testosterone.

In this link are some of them.

http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=450553

It looks like your Dr. is up on this and your lucky but most Dr.'s will not test

to find out why men are low they will just put them on TRT. If you don't find

out why your low and you go on TRT it will be dam hard to figure out why because

TRT shuts down your Testis this is why most of us here use HCG it keeps your

testis working by acting like the message from your brain LH.

If you do start on gels Testim do labs in 2 weeks to be sure it's working. To

many Dr.'s put men on Gels and don't do this you can end up lower then your

started your testis will stop working and if the gel dose is not enough your

levels will go lower. You start out feeling better only to fall back in about

10 days.

As for the group that claims to specialize in HRT some are very good most are

not.

The only side effect you might get from being on TRT is higher levels of

Estradiol and this will need to be kept down. Not a big problem here we know

all about it. As for panic feelings and Angizy on TRT it dose not cause it it

helps one to get over it. As long as you keep your Estradiol levels in line.

I would not push your self feeling the way you are low T takes it's toll on your

body and brain don't over do it in the gym listen to our body when it's tired

rest it. Once you get down the what is doing this and it gets fixed your levels

can go back up and you might not need TRT if you do when you get leveled your

will feel your old self again.

=================================

According to the Great Smokies Diagnostic Lab, these are the causes of

hypogonadism:

chronic/systemic illness

surgery

chemotherapy

infections

premature aging

testicular trauma

stress

Kleinfelter's syndrome

autoimmune damage

tobacco and alcohol

sleep apnea

excessive heat

obesity

hypercortisolism

medications

hyperthyroidism

malnutrition

?Subtle clinical signs of hypogonadism may include slight gynecomastia

and soft small testes. However, researchers have noted that " the

findings of physical examination in men with adult-onset hypogonadism

are often normal.?

Secondary hypogonadism can develop as a result of hypothalamic or

pituitary disease, obesity, hypothyroidism or other causes. Some

conditions, such as hypercortisolemia, AIDS and severe systemic

illnesses, can trigger hypogonadism through a combination of both

primary and secondary mechanisms.?

Co-Moderator

Phil

> From: marc200134470 <cfs38@...>

> Subject: Re: Advice needed from new member

>

> Date: Sunday, May 2, 2010, 11:06 AM

>

>

> Thanks for the input.

> I am just one of those folks that hates to take meds of any

> type, but I can't keep feeling this way all the time.

>

> I have been told that these are the tests I should have

> done as far as bloodwork:

> Testosterone Free and Total

> LH

> FSH

> DHEA-s*

> Estradiol*

> T3 Free*

> Prolactin

>

> My doc is not ordering the 3 with an asterisk next to them.

> I wonder why, or if they are really needed?

> These tests came from a phone call I made a few days ago to

> a 'group' that claims to specialize in HRT. They also claim

> to block estrogen, as well as stop testicular atrophy.

> Sounds like a franchise setup to me. Their closest

> participating doctor is over 80 miles away from me, so that

> is not practical. It is also quite expensive as well.

>

> I am trying to get all of the proper tests done without

> ticking off my current doc that seems to be quite open to

> all of this. Some docs and their ego's are a tricky thing to

> deal with as you guys surely know.

>

> I had my PSA checked in December 2009, and it was .5 which

> I presume is quite good.

>

> I am totally new to this, so any information I can get is

> much appreciated. Any side effects to speak of?

> I have read about some folks having issues with anxiety

> after starting HRT. I hope that is not true, as I was

> engaged to a woman that had issues with it, and it was a

> nightmare for her.

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Wow ,......thanks for all that info sincerely.

I will work through all the links later today.

I am glad to hear about the anxiety issue. My ex went through a living nightmare

with the stuff. I had to take her to the ER several times in the wee hours as

she was convinced she was dying. I think she is doing a lot better now, but we

haven't spoke for over a year.

On the list of causes I have a few possibilities.

I have had testicular trauma in the past. That was years ago though so I doubt

it was serious enough to cause this now.

I work in extreme heat as well. I am an HVAC contractor,.....in your terms Air

Conditioning. I was aware that heat could reduce your sperm count but not your T

levels. Not much I can do about that, but I have not been exposed to the extreme

levels for a few years. I only do industrial HVAC now, which took me out of the

attics finally!!!

I probably drink too much beer as well, and I AM aware of that being a potential

issue. Found that in some of my reading last week,....something about beer

mimicking female hormones I believe.

All of us contractor types seem to like beer. Might be time to quit!

I am able to have sex still, it's just that I hardly ever feel in the mood. That

was the big sign to me that something was wrong.

That and the typical daily AM erections only taking place 3 or 4 days instead of

every day. I know this stuff is very personal, but it needs to be said I think.

I have also noticed that my formerly slightly above average size penis seems

much thinner, and almost wrinkled up compared to before in a flacid state.

I also forgot to mention that it seems like the skin on the back of my hands is

getting thinner as well. I get cut a lot easier now if I am not careful.

This is the info that I am looking for BTW. I would hope to not go on TRT unless

it is absolutely needed, and want to rule out everything else first.

My doc is going forward with the MRI mainly because of my headaches and vision

disturbances I believe. That is fine with me, as I could have something totally

unrelated to my hormones going on. I am not a person that typically gets

headaches, and he knows that.

I have very good health insurance, and I have no doubt they will cover whatever

needs to be done. The internet group I referred to was called Renew-Man,......I

didn't mention it because I was afraid someone would think I was promoting them.

I am not,.....I simply called them and those were the tests they require to set

you up. They would not even tell me the name of the doctor I would be seeing,

only where he was located. Too far for me number one, and I have high hopes that

my current doc will work with me on this. If I should not have named the company

feel free to remove the name,.....I just thought you might like to know who I

got the test list from.

I will push for the estradiol test, and the info you gave me is perfect. Quest

is where I have my blood work done!

Thanks again.

[Guest guest]

Glad this forum was a help it's not all about me most of the men here are dam

good at this. All your problems might be your low T levels today I still have

Panic Attacks when my Estradiol levels go to high. I had them for yrs. and

never got better until I found out about high Estradiol in men.

Do go to Dr. 's site and read his TRT: A Recipe for Success in this are labs

you need and why he is the best of the best at this and puts this on his site

free for you and your Dr.

www.allthingsmale.com

Beer has some things in it that can drive up E's on some men not all men. For

myself when I got sick I stopped any kind of drinks. I feel I have enough

problems I don't need to add to them.

Co-Moderator

Phil

> From: marc200134470 <cfs38@...>

> Subject: Re: Advice needed from new member

>

> Date: Sunday, May 2, 2010, 1:08 PM

>

>

> Wow ,......thanks for all that info sincerely.

> I will work through all the links later today.

>

> I am glad to hear about the anxiety issue. My ex went

> through a living nightmare with the stuff. I had to take her

> to the ER several times in the wee hours as she was

> convinced she was dying. I think she is doing a lot better

> now, but we haven't spoke for over a year.

>

> On the list of causes I have a few possibilities.

> I have had testicular trauma in the past. That was years

> ago though so I doubt it was serious enough to cause this

> now.

>

> I work in extreme heat as well. I am an HVAC

> contractor,.....in your terms Air Conditioning. I was aware

> that heat could reduce your sperm count but not your T

> levels. Not much I can do about that, but I have not been

> exposed to the extreme levels for a few years. I only do

> industrial HVAC now, which took me out of the attics

> finally!!!

>

> I probably drink too much beer as well, and I AM aware of

> that being a potential issue. Found that in some of my

> reading last week,....something about beer mimicking female

> hormones I believe.

> All of us contractor types seem to like beer. Might be time

> to quit!

>

> I am able to have sex still, it's just that I hardly ever

> feel in the mood. That was the big sign to me that something

> was wrong.

> That and the typical daily AM erections only taking place 3

> or 4 days instead of every day. I know this stuff is very

> personal, but it needs to be said I think. I have also

> noticed that my formerly slightly above average size penis

> seems much thinner, and almost wrinkled up compared to

> before in a flacid state.

> I also forgot to mention that it seems like the skin on the

> back of my hands is getting thinner as well. I get cut a lot

> easier now if I am not careful.

>

> This is the info that I am looking for BTW. I would hope to

> not go on TRT unless it is absolutely needed, and want to

> rule out everything else first.

> My doc is going forward with the MRI mainly because of my

> headaches and vision disturbances I believe. That is fine

> with me, as I could have something totally unrelated to my

> hormones going on. I am not a person that typically gets

> headaches, and he knows that.

>

> I have very good health insurance, and I have no doubt they

> will cover whatever needs to be done. The internet group I

> referred to was called Renew-Man,......I didn't mention it

> because I was afraid someone would think I was promoting

> them. I am not,.....I simply called them and those were the

> tests they require to set you up. They would not even tell

> me the name of the doctor I would be seeing, only where he

> was located. Too far for me number one, and I have high

> hopes that my current doc will work with me on this. If I

> should not have named the company feel free to remove the

> name,.....I just thought you might like to know who I got

> the test list from.

>

> I will push for the estradiol test, and the info you gave

> me is perfect. Quest is where I have my blood work done!

> Thanks again.

>

>

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Phil and your doc are correct in wanting to come to the cause of your low T and

ruling out some things. At 48 and with your symptoms it likely you have late

onset hypogonadism (LOH),or otherwise known as androgen deficiency in the aging

male (ADAM) or andropause.

Once you come to terms with this, I would not consider TRT in the same terms as

other medications. In our case you are simply replacing what your body is not

producing. The benefits for the aging male are priceless.

Your testosterone level of 209 is VERY low. Not downplaying the feedback effect

of E2... it is important but even getting E to an acceptable male level will not

likely bring the T level high enough. IMHO, you will need TRT and will have to

treat E appropriately.

Whether T gel or shots, introducing exogenous testosterone will shut down LH and

FSH signaling which will likely result in testicle atrophy. Not to scare you,

but it is one common side effect of TRT. Thankfully the atrophy as well as

testicle hormone production can be addressed by hCG shots. Once on TRT and hCG,

ask for testing of bioavailable T, which you want in the upper third of range

for a 25yo male, not 50 or 60yo. You then want to monitor and treat estrogen by

testing Sensitive Estradiol.

Also have your doc look at thyroid function as it too can decline as we age. At

the least check TSH, free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies. I would also

research if Cozaar can impact male hormones, look at the causes of your GERD

(anxiety/diet) and consider eliminating high carbs from your diet.

>

> I am very happy to have found this group!

>

> First off I am 48 years old,.....6 feet tall, and 186 pounds.

> Thought that might help explain my physical condition in terms of being over

weight per se. Maybe 5 pounds around the gut at most.

>

> Anyway,....I noticed a slow change happening about a year ago.

> It has gotten progressively worse by the month. Constant fatigue, moodiness,

no libido, morning erections becoming far less frequent, muscle wasting and

soreness. My physical endurance is very low, and I am a contractor that does

physical work. Not good for my business needless to say.

>

> I had my T levels tested a couple of months ago and the total T was

shockingly low.

> Total T-209

> Free T-65.2 considered normal range

> Free T percent-3.12 and considered high

>

> My doctor is going to test Prolactin, FSH, and LH plus is ordering an MRI of

my head. I assume to look for a pituitary tumour.

> I have been having headaches, and vision disturbances as well recently.

>

>

> He has already said I will surely need HRT, and he suggests Testim. No scrip

until my tests are all done though.

> Needless to say I have spent the last few days reading as much as I can on

this issue.

> I am concerned about excess estrogen, and also testicular atrophy which seem

to be side-effects of the T gels.

>

> Any and all guidance would be very much appreciated, as this whole thing is

making me a bit nervous. I have been a quite healthy guy by and large short of

hypertension. Diagnosed at about 41 and been on Cozaar ever since then. I also

have issues with GERD, and take Nexium from time to time but that is about it

for me problem wise.

>

> I feel horrible,.....almost like I am slowly turning into a woman.

> My body hair is thinning, and the hair on my head grows very slowly.

> My fairly muscular frame is slowly disappearing. I have no energy to work out

after I get home from work, as I feel like all I can do is drag myself into the

house and look forward to going to bed.

> I rarely think about sex anymore, and I have always been VERY active until the

last year. My formerly flat chest seems to be building a small amount of fat

underneath like tiny breasts.

>

> Once again, anything that those with experience can do to guide me through

this will be much appreciated.

>

> Sorry for the novel, and thanks.

>

[Guest guest]

,....thanks for your feedback as well.

First off, I myself do not have an anxiety issue. That was my ex-fiancee' I was

referring to. Just saying that I know how badly it can impact ones life. I read

something on the internet about TRT causing some folks that previously had not

had issues to get it.

I have yet to find anything about Cozaar being an issue. I have been on it for 7

years.

I have no idea what causes my GERD. I am under serious stress from time to time,

but I think that everyone is at some point. I eat a very good diet compared to

most Americans. I rarely if ever eat out,......too much fat and sodium, plus I

used to do a lot of refrigeration/AC work in restaurants. You would quit eating

out much as well if you have seen what I have!

Never been a big morning eater, so I typically have a 'smoothie' made from fresh

fruit. I put a banana, melon, strawberries, blueberries, peaches,

pineapple,....etc. in a blender with enough OJ to mix it up and drink it down.

All of it is with no sugar added, and my glucose levels are fine.

I usually have a nice size sandwich for lunch with about 5 ounces of meat, and

lowfat cheese on whole grain bread.

Lots of fresh vegetables with dinner most days. That is my biggest meal also. I

eat bison instead of beef now. Don't knock it until you try it!

My lipids are fine as well. I eat very few carbs, which is probably why my

weight is still so good.

You think you are doing everything right concerning your health, and get hit

with something like this. Granted, it's far better than being diagnosed with

cancer but it still stinks. I believe it might be time to give up my brewskies

and see if they are having any influence on this.

As I said before,......I am very happy to have found this site. I will attempt

to contribute as well after I find out what is going on with me.

Thanks much.

[Guest guest]

Don't get me wrong but some men's diet that they feel is very healthy is there

problem. I am not talking about you. But we get younger men here with low T

that over do it in the gym and go on them diets to lower there % of body fat and

end up shuting down the HPTA. They stress there body so dam bad they can't make

hormones and going back to eating right in most of them it dose not help.

Men as we age need to eat right but don't over do it eating junk food no and

again is not all that bad for us. Men cut fat out of the diet thinking it's

better for them and cut way down on Salt and make them selfs sick. We need to

eat breakfest until I started eating 2 eggs with some hole grain bread and 2

fruits every morning I felt like crap my sugar levels would fall by the time I

eat lunch. So I would hit the snacks all this did was make things worse.

We need CHOL. to make hormones look in the files section for hormone charts and

see what I am talking about. Here is a link to one Dr. 's Steroid

Pathway.pdf.

http://tinyurl.com/28rg3eq

I hope it works.

Co-Moderator

Phil

> From: marc200134470 <cfs38@...>

> Subject: Re: Advice needed from new member

>

> Date: Sunday, May 2, 2010, 3:20 PM

>

>

> ,....thanks for your feedback as well.

>

> First off, I myself do not have an anxiety issue. That was

> my ex-fiancee' I was referring to. Just saying that I know

> how badly it can impact ones life. I read something on the

> internet about TRT causing some folks that previously had

> not had issues to get it.

>

> I have yet to find anything about Cozaar being an issue. I

> have been on it for 7 years.

> I have no idea what causes my GERD. I am under serious

> stress from time to time, but I think that everyone is at

> some point. I eat a very good diet compared to most

> Americans. I rarely if ever eat out,......too much fat and

> sodium, plus I used to do a lot of refrigeration/AC work in

> restaurants. You would quit eating out much as well if you

> have seen what I have!

>

> Never been a big morning eater, so I typically have a

> 'smoothie' made from fresh fruit. I put a banana, melon,

> strawberries, blueberries, peaches, pineapple,....etc. in a

> blender with enough OJ to mix it up and drink it down. All

> of it is with no sugar added, and my glucose levels are

> fine.

>

> I usually have a nice size sandwich for lunch with about 5

> ounces of meat, and lowfat cheese on whole grain bread.

> Lots of fresh vegetables with dinner most days. That is my

> biggest meal also. I eat bison instead of beef now. Don't

> knock it until you try it!

>

> My lipids are fine as well. I eat very few carbs, which is

> probably why my weight is still so good.

> You think you are doing everything right concerning your

> health, and get hit with something like this. Granted, it's

> far better than being diagnosed with cancer but it still

> stinks. I believe it might be time to give up my brewskies

> and see if they are having any influence on this.

>

> As I said before,......I am very happy to have found this

> site. I will attempt to contribute as well after I find out

> what is going on with me.

> Thanks much.

>

>

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

I neglected to mention my TSH was 1.69 (range .40 to 4.50mIU/L)

T4 Free was 1.3 (range .8 to 1.8 ng/dl)

I was not tested for T3 Free previously.

[Guest guest]

,....while I know you are not talking about me, I wanted to add that I am

far from a health food nut.

I indulge in my favorite about once a month. A large real Ny style pie with

plenty of meat and double cheese. I also eat a lot of mexican type stuff but I

make it myself with bison.

I have never gotten into the vegan type of diet, nor do I eat anything that

contains soy products.

I eat fish, and chicken as well, plus the occasional nice rare 2 " thick filet or

NY Strip from the grill. I do eat very few carbs though,.......never had a sweet

tooth per se.

I don't really take supplements either, but I try to take fish oil on a regular

basis, and I use olive oil for almost all cooking due to the omega 3's. I am

laying it all out there in case someone picks up something I am doing wrong.

[Guest guest]

Consider healthy TSH to be 2 or less.... anything higher is cause for more

investigation. Your numbers seem OK but you might want to look a little deeper

and to have baseline numbers when/if the thyroid begins to misbehave.

I mention anxiety, better would have said stress in relationship to your GERD.

Only take Prilosec as a short term adjustment.... you need to find the cause

instead.

When I was saying low carb I was considering that wheat and other grains may

cause or contribute to GERD. Easy on the beer too, for the GERD and with your

hormone issues. Best of luck but don't get to fearful of treatment. You must

also consider that many who frequent these forums may be out of the norm. If

" simple " TRT, hCG, and E2 care helps - that person may not be represented on a

help forum because they already have their solution and have gone on with life.

A few of us (like Phil) stick around to help others get through the TRT maze

>

> I neglected to mention my TSH was 1.69 (range .40 to 4.50mIU/L)

> T4 Free was 1.3 (range .8 to 1.8 ng/dl)

>

> I was not tested for T3 Free previously.

>

[Guest guest]

It is hard to tell without Free T3 and Total T3 and T4.

Co-Moderator

Phil

> From: marc200134470 <cfs38@...>

> Subject: Re: Advice needed from new member

>

> Date: Sunday, May 2, 2010, 3:46 PM

> I neglected to mention my TSH was

> 1.69 (range .40 to 4.50mIU/L)

> T4 Free was 1.3 (range .8 to 1.8 ng/dl)

>

> I was not tested for T3 Free previously.

>

>

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

So fat it all looks great.

Co-Moderator

Phil

> From: marc200134470 <cfs38@...>

> Subject: Re: Advice needed from new member

>

> Date: Sunday, May 2, 2010, 3:57 PM

>

>

> ,....while I know you are not talking about me, I

> wanted to add that I am far from a health food nut.

>

> I indulge in my favorite about once a month. A large real

> Ny style pie with plenty of meat and double cheese. I also

> eat a lot of mexican type stuff but I make it myself with

> bison.

>

> I have never gotten into the vegan type of diet, nor do I

> eat anything that contains soy products.

>

> I eat fish, and chicken as well, plus the occasional nice

> rare 2 " thick filet or NY Strip from the grill. I do eat

> very few carbs though,.......never had a sweet tooth per

> se.

>

> I don't really take supplements either, but I try to take

> fish oil on a regular basis, and I use olive oil for almost

> all cooking due to the omega 3's. I am laying it all out

> there in case someone picks up something I am doing wrong.

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

>

>

>

> ,....while I know you are not talking about me, I wanted to add that I

am far from a health food nut.

>

> I indulge in my favorite about once a month. A large real Ny style pie with

plenty of meat and double cheese. I also eat a lot of mexican type stuff but I

make it myself with bison.

>

> I have never gotten into the vegan type of diet, nor do I eat anything that

contains soy products.

>

> I eat fish, and chicken as well, plus the occasional nice rare 2 " thick filet

or NY Strip from the grill. I do eat very few carbs though,.......never had a

sweet tooth per se.

>

> I don't really take supplements either, but I try to take fish oil on a

regular basis, and I use olive oil for almost all cooking due to the omega 3's.

I am laying it all out there in case someone picks up something I am doing

wrong.

>

Olive oil is a poor source of omega 3.

[Guest guest]

My experience with GERD - hopefully it may help...

I had it for about 2 years. What worked for me was not the Prilosec and other

meds, but changing my diet. I stopped the soda (made a big difference) and cut

way back on acidic foods. For a while, about 2-3 months, I slept propped up (I

used some big, fluffy pillows) so that the stomach acid wouldn't come back up me

esophagus - that helped a lot as well. You need to let your esophagus heal.

Believe it or not I think the carbonation in the soda may have been the biggest

single contributor to the problem. Alo, stop drinking regular coffee or find

the low acid stuff. The low acid stuff even tastes better - its smoother.

Bill

________________________________

From: marc200134470 <cfs38@...>

Sent: Sun, May 2, 2010 3:20:37 PM

Subject: Re: Advice needed from new member

,....thanks for your feedback as well.

First off, I myself do not have an anxiety issue. That was my ex-fiancee' I was

referring to. Just saying that I know how badly it can impact ones life. I read

something on the internet about TRT causing some folks that previously had not

had issues to get it.

I have yet to find anything about Cozaar being an issue. I have been on it for 7

years.

I have no idea what causes my GERD. I am under serious stress from time to time,

but I think that everyone is at some point. I eat a very good diet compared to

most Americans. I rarely if ever eat out,......too much fat and sodium, plus I

used to do a lot of refrigeration/ AC work in restaurants. You would quit eating

out much as well if you have seen what I have!

Never been a big morning eater, so I typically have a 'smoothie' made from fresh

fruit. I put a banana, melon, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, pineapple,..

...etc. in a blender with enough OJ to mix it up and drink it down. All of it is

with no sugar added, and my glucose levels are fine.

I usually have a nice size sandwich for lunch with about 5 ounces of meat, and

lowfat cheese on whole grain bread.

Lots of fresh vegetables with dinner most days. That is my biggest meal also. I

eat bison instead of beef now. Don't knock it until you try it!

My lipids are fine as well. I eat very few carbs, which is probably why my

weight is still so good.

You think you are doing everything right concerning your health, and get hit

with something like this. Granted, it's far better than being diagnosed with

cancer but it still stinks. I believe it might be time to give up my brewskies

and see if they are having any influence on this.

As I said before,..... .I am very happy to have found this site. I will attempt

to contribute as well after I find out what is going on with me.

Thanks much.

[Guest guest]

A low-carb diet does wonders for heartburn (as well as flatulence!)...

In a message dated 5/2/2010 4:19:30 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,

bill_totten@... writes:

My experience with GERD - hopefully it may help...

I had it for about 2 years. What worked for me was not the Prilosec and

other meds, but changing my diet. I stopped the soda (made a big difference)

and cut way back on acidic foods. For a while, about 2-3 months, I slept

propped up (I used some big, fluffy pillows) so that the stomach acid

wouldn't come back up me esophagus - that helped a lot as well. You need to let

your esophagus heal. Believe it or not I think the carbonation in the soda

may have been the biggest single contributor to the problem. Alo, stop

drinking regular coffee or find the low acid stuff. The low acid stuff even

tastes better - its smoother.

Bill

[Guest guest]

Hi Phil, I couldn't get that link to work! Brett

Re: Advice needed from new member

>

> Date: Sunday, May 2, 2010, 3:20 PM

>

>

> ,....thanks for your feedback as well.

>

> First off, I myself do not have an anxiety issue. That was

> my ex-fiancee' I was referring to. Just saying that I know

> how badly it can impact ones life. I read something on the

> internet about TRT causing some folks that previously had

> not had issues to get it.

>

> I have yet to find anything about Cozaar being an issue. I

> have been on it for 7 years.

> I have no idea what causes my GERD. I am under serious

> stress from time to time, but I think that everyone is at

> some point. I eat a very good diet compared to most

> Americans. I rarely if ever eat out,......too much fat and

> sodium, plus I used to do a lot of refrigeration/AC work in

> restaurants. You would quit eating out much as well if you

> have seen what I have!

>

> Never been a big morning eater, so I typically have a

> 'smoothie' made from fresh fruit. I put a banana, melon,

> strawberries, blueberries, peaches, pineapple,....etc. in a

> blender with enough OJ to mix it up and drink it down. All

> of it is with no sugar added, and my glucose levels are

> fine.

>

> I usually have a nice size sandwich for lunch with about 5

> ounces of meat, and lowfat cheese on whole grain bread.

> Lots of fresh vegetables with dinner most days. That is my

> biggest meal also. I eat bison instead of beef now. Don't

> knock it until you try it!

>

> My lipids are fine as well. I eat very few carbs, which is

> probably why my weight is still so good.

> You think you are doing everything right concerning your

> health, and get hit with something like this. Granted, it's

> far better than being diagnosed with cancer but it still

> stinks. I believe it might be time to give up my brewskies

> and see if they are having any influence on this.

>

> As I said before,......I am very happy to have found this

> site. I will attempt to contribute as well after I find out

> what is going on with me.

> Thanks much.

[Guest guest]

I get a script from my Dr. for Lovaza 1gm. 1x/day Fish Oil. This is the best and

safest Fish Oil you can get for omega 3. The dose is 3x's a day I can't take it

3 x's a day it comes out of my skin on my face. It makes my face very oily and

it even gets into my eyes and makes the burn and water like mad. It even stains

my pillow a light yellow.

Co-Moderator

Phil

> From: brennholiday <brennholiday@...>

> Subject: Re: Advice needed from new member

>

> Date: Sunday, May 2, 2010, 6:56 PM

>

>

>

> >

> >

> >

> > ,....while I know you are not talking about me,

> I wanted to add that I am far from a health food nut.

> >

> > I indulge in my favorite about once a month. A large

> real Ny style pie with plenty of meat and double cheese. I

> also eat a lot of mexican type stuff but I make it myself

> with bison.

> >

> > I have never gotten into the vegan type of diet, nor

> do I eat anything that contains soy products.

> >

> > I eat fish, and chicken as well, plus the occasional

> nice rare 2 " thick filet or NY Strip from the grill. I do

> eat very few carbs though,.......never had a sweet tooth per

> se.

> >

> > I don't really take supplements either, but I try to

> take fish oil on a regular basis, and I use olive oil for

> almost all cooking due to the omega 3's. I am laying it all

> out there in case someone picks up something I am doing

> wrong.

> >

>

>

> Olive oil is a poor source of omega 3.

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

I had this for about 2 yrs. and I tried everything nothing worked I am on Iron

pills even changed them.

Not to scare anyone but as it turned out it was my Heart doing this I ended up

having Heart By-Pass Sugary.

Co-Moderator

Phil

> From: Bill Totten <bill_totten@...>

> Subject: Re: Re: Advice needed from new member

>

> Date: Sunday, May 2, 2010, 7:19 PM

> My experience with GERD - hopefully

> it may help...

> I had it for about 2 years.  What worked for me was

> not the Prilosec and other meds, but changing my diet. 

> I stopped the soda (made a big difference) and cut way back

> on acidic foods.  For a while, about 2-3 months, I

> slept propped up (I used some big, fluffy pillows) so that

> the stomach acid wouldn't come back up me esophagus - that

> helped a lot as well.  You need to let your esophagus

> heal.  Believe it or not I think the carbonation in the

> soda may have been the biggest single contributor to the

> problem.  Alo, stop drinking regular coffee or find the

> low acid stuff.  The low acid stuff even tastes better

> - its smoother.

>

> Bill

>

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: marc200134470 <cfs38@...>

>

> Sent: Sun, May 2, 2010 3:20:37 PM

> Subject: Re: Advice needed from new member

>

>  

>

>

> ,....thanks for your feedback as well.

>

> First off, I myself do not have an anxiety issue. That was

> my ex-fiancee' I was referring to. Just saying that I know

> how badly it can impact ones life. I read something on the

> internet about TRT causing some folks that previously had

> not had issues to get it.

>

> I have yet to find anything about Cozaar being an issue. I

> have been on it for 7 years.

> I have no idea what causes my GERD. I am under serious

> stress from time to time, but I think that everyone is at

> some point. I eat a very good diet compared to most

> Americans. I rarely if ever eat out,......too much fat and

> sodium, plus I used to do a lot of refrigeration/ AC work in

> restaurants. You would quit eating out much as well if you

> have seen what I have!

>

> Never been a big morning eater, so I typically have a

> 'smoothie' made from fresh fruit. I put a banana, melon,

> strawberries, blueberries, peaches, pineapple,.. ..etc. in a

> blender with enough OJ to mix it up and drink it down. All

> of it is with no sugar added, and my glucose levels are

> fine.

>

> I usually have a nice size sandwich for lunch with about 5

> ounces of meat, and lowfat cheese on whole grain bread.

> Lots of fresh vegetables with dinner most days. That is my

> biggest meal also. I eat bison instead of beef now. Don't

> knock it until you try it!

>

> My lipids are fine as well. I eat very few carbs, which is

> probably why my weight is still so good.

> You think you are doing everything right concerning your

> health, and get hit with something like this. Granted, it's

> far better than being diagnosed with cancer but it still

> stinks. I believe it might be time to give up my brewskies

> and see if they are having any influence on this.

>

> As I said before,..... .I am very happy to have found this

> site. I will attempt to contribute as well after I find out

> what is going on with me.

> Thanks much.

>

>

>

>

>

>      

>

>

[Guest guest]

Ok go to the home page at

/

On the left side click on Files go down to.

Dr. 's Steroid Pathway pdf.

and open it.

Co-Moderator

Phil

>

> > From: marc200134470 <cfs38@...>

> > Subject: Re: Advice needed from new

> member

> >

> > Date: Sunday, May 2, 2010, 3:20 PM

> >

> >

> > ,....thanks for your feedback as well.

> >

> > First off, I myself do not have an anxiety issue. That

> was

> > my ex-fiancee' I was referring to. Just saying that I

> know

> > how badly it can impact ones life. I read something on

> the

> > internet about TRT causing some folks that previously

> had

> > not had issues to get it.

> >

> > I have yet to find anything about Cozaar being an

> issue. I

> > have been on it for 7 years.

> > I have no idea what causes my GERD. I am under

> serious

> > stress from time to time, but I think that everyone is

> at

> > some point. I eat a very good diet compared to most

> > Americans. I rarely if ever eat out,......too much fat

> and

> > sodium, plus I used to do a lot of refrigeration/AC

> work in

> > restaurants. You would quit eating out much as well if

> you

> > have seen what I have!

> >

> > Never been a big morning eater, so I typically have a

> > 'smoothie' made from fresh fruit. I put a banana,

> melon,

> > strawberries, blueberries, peaches, pineapple,....etc.

> in a

> > blender with enough OJ to mix it up and drink it down.

> All

> > of it is with no sugar added, and my glucose levels

> are

> > fine.

> >

> > I usually have a nice size sandwich for lunch with

> about 5

> > ounces of meat, and lowfat cheese on whole grain

> bread.

> > Lots of fresh vegetables with dinner most days. That

> is my

> > biggest meal also. I eat bison instead of beef now.

> Don't

> > knock it until you try it!

> >

> > My lipids are fine as well. I eat very few carbs,

> which is

> > probably why my weight is still so good.

> > You think you are doing everything right concerning

> your

> > health, and get hit with something like this. Granted,

> it's

> > far better than being diagnosed with cancer but it

> still

> > stinks. I believe it might be time to give up my

> brewskies

> > and see if they are having any influence on this.

> >

> > As I said before,......I am very happy to have found

> this

> > site. I will attempt to contribute as well after I

> find out

> > what is going on with me.

> > Thanks much.

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

To clarify about the diet and gerd concerning me:

I don't drink soda at all,.....well I may go through a 12 pack of Vernor's

ginger ale in a year, but short of that none.

Used to be a coffee drinker but gave it up thinking it would help with the gerd,

now I just don't care for it enough to drink it again.

I drink a lot of water, and as I said too much light beer for my own good I am

sure.

I get low acid OJ for my fruit smoothies BTW.

The only carbs I eat in terms of whole grains are the 2 slices of bread I make

my lunch out of. I don't eat bread with meals on any regular basis. Usually eat

sweet potatoes baked instead of white ones, but not often. I mainly eat fresh

fruit and vegetables with a lot of protein.

I do eat the bad stuff as well, I just make it infrequent.

One item I neglected to mention is the fact that I use Skoal a bit each day. It

is snuff style chewing tobacco for those that don't know. Never been a smoker.

I quit the stuff 3 different times for up to a year, but ended back up on it

again when the stress level got too high.

I am sure the beer and tobacco are my worst enemies when it comes to

gerd,.......plus might not be helping my T levels either.

[Guest guest]

Both alcohol and carbonation are bad for GERD, so... the beer may not be your

friend!

________________________________

From: marc200134470 <cfs38@...>

Sent: Mon, May 3, 2010 11:30:04 AM

Subject: Re: Advice needed from new member

To clarify about the diet and gerd concerning me:

I don't drink soda at all,.....well I may go through a 12 pack of Vernor's

ginger ale in a year, but short of that none.

Used to be a coffee drinker but gave it up thinking it would help with the gerd,

now I just don't care for it enough to drink it again.

I drink a lot of water, and as I said too much light beer for my own good I am

sure.

I get low acid OJ for my fruit smoothies BTW.

The only carbs I eat in terms of whole grains are the 2 slices of bread I make

my lunch out of. I don't eat bread with meals on any regular basis. Usually eat

sweet potatoes baked instead of white ones, but not often. I mainly eat fresh

fruit and vegetables with a lot of protein.

I do eat the bad stuff as well, I just make it infrequent.

One item I neglected to mention is the fact that I use Skoal a bit each day. It

is snuff style chewing tobacco for those that don't know. Never been a smoker.

I quit the stuff 3 different times for up to a year, but ended back up on it

again when the stress level got too high.

I am sure the beer and tobacco are my worst enemies when it comes to

gerd,....... plus might not be helping my T levels either.

[Guest guest]

I know I am most likely getting annoying with the questions at this

point,....I'm sorry.

I just got back in, and the testing facility had left a message about setting up

my head scan.

I could have sworn that he said an MRI, but they are saying I am scheduled for a

CAT scan with/without contrast.

I can't get in touch with my doc right now as he is out for the rest of the day.

I did a quick search, and what I seem to find is that an MRI is better at

detecting a pituitary tumor which is what he is largely searching for.

Curious if any of you have had either done, and what your feelings are on this.

Contrary to what you may be thinking at this point,.....I am not panicking over

this. I just want to have the correct test done the first time around, and not

throw away money that isn't needed.

Thanks again!