Hypogonadism for Dummies!!

[Guest guest]

....We've enjoyed reading hundreds (probably thousands) of posts since joining

this board several months ago, but so many of them have been at the 'detail'

level that we want to be sure of our understanding of the basics.

....I have been diagnosed with very low T (~100), but still feel great with no

sexual dysfunction yet - at age 59. I am already being treated for several other

chronic conditions (heart, vascular, blood - MGUS, thyroid, etc.), which makes

my primary physician fearful of drug interactions and side-effects, so I won't

begin TRT until later this year. My Estradiol level is 'okay' per the Doc.

....He will likely refer me to an Endo or Uro, but as we read the warnings from

this group, there doesn't seem to be any classification of practicing physicians

or specialists that ARE recommended. D.O.s are scarce in NY, so that really

isn't a choice. E.g., is Dr an MD, or more like a homeopathic, holistic

practitioner?? Who the heck do we even call to ask the 'questions' of (none in

the database are nearby)?? Most Family or General Practitioners or even

Internists recognize the complexity and don't want the responsibility - they'll

almost always refer us to a specialist who works with dozens of men

continuously.

.............................................................

....Please let us know if the statements below are not on track:

.... For low T, most men of age 60+ that seek treatment are given Testosterone in

one of many forms - gel, pellets, patches, injections, buccal, or oral.

(Occasionally, supplements of Zinc, HCG or Indolplex/DIM may suffice). The

concensus among this board's members is that a weekly shot of T-cypionate is

most effective - no matter what the Doc is pushing.

.... If Estradiol is high or goes high after beginning TRT, Arimidex is most

effective for reducing it. Since its availability is iffy in the US (or

insurance may squawk), Indolplex/DIM may serve as a substitute.

.... If Estradiol goes low, stop the Arim temporarily until the 'wood-gage'

returns to normal. In extreme cases, DHEA may help.

.... If LH and/or FSH are low (indicating secondary hypo-g), testicular shrinkage

can be negated by introducing HCG.

.... Side-effects of TRT, or its related therapies can include liver damage,

gynecomastia (or even breast cancer), ankle swelling, prostatitis (or BHP or

cancer), nausea, vomiting, low HDL, etc.

...Overly-simplified, and intentionally ignoring your discussions of DHT, SHBG,

Cortisol, GH, which we don't understand yet at all, these talking points seem to

be 'the basics'.

...When we read what some of you are going through - trying to stay within range

in every way, it sometimes isn't clear that beginning TRT is even 'worth it' -

especially since we still have something to lose.

................... & V.....................