Testosterone

[FloppyBanana]

Have you tried testosterone cream? When I tried TRT last year my doctor had a compounding pharmacy make me three months worth cream for about $70

Excellent idea, G-man! My cousin uses it and it was one of 2 options (patches or cream) presented to me by my endocrinologist. Will take it up with my pharmacy, GP, and maybe my endo. Thanks.

Demo,
Why didn't you consider T shots?
FB

[demografx]

Demo,
Why didn't you consider T shots?
FB

FB, I did! It was the very first thing I did after I called a Czech Republic sexology expert, Dr Petr Weiss - weisspetr@volny.cz - recommended by a well known Johns Hopkins Univ. sexologist, Jane Thomas. She was referred after I called a sex expert who was on Larry King Live on CNN. Dr. Petr Weiss, on the phone, insisted that testosterone was the cure for my POIS. But I was skeptical: after decades of searching with zero results, could it be that simple??? But I was desperate (aren't we all?) so I jumped into T shots:

1. T shots stopped working for me after a few sessions, so...

2. ...I consulted a university endocrinologist who advised me that T shots are erratic -- they "spike" in and out of the system. T patches (or gel) provide a more steady, natural rhythm 24/7, which is much more aligned to and successfully mimics the way "real" testosterone courses through your body, according to my new endo friend.

The patches were recommended only after a full battery of hormonal tests and brain MRI of my pituitary gland was done: My low FREE testosterone result stuck out like a sore thumb. I was very lucky. At the time (about 5 years ago) much of the forum consensus was that POIS was a hormonal imbalance. And an old friend who is now a Harvard biophysicist and pioneered some HIV treatment for millions of people suffering worldwide suggested I see a university-related endo -- because universities tend to be more research oriented.

I keep monitoring my T-levels, and adjustments are implemented regularly now with my GP.

[demografx]

Just an update: suddenly, my insurance is arguing with my GP over whether or not they will cover his testosterone-recommended Rx for my POIS.

They want $480 if I pay out of pocket ! Box of 30, pharmacy won't break open a box to just give me a few days' worth. And according to doc, there are no withdrawal symptoms. Meanwhile I'm avoiding POIS

So I'll wait to see who wins the battle. Otherwise I'm stuck with no Rx (no patches - since a week ago Saturday - till 3/28).

Hopefully you will get a suitable solution, that must be a bit of a shock when TRT has been such a solution for you Demo.

All th best

I found the solution: stick to 30 patches/month which is all insurance allows (I still pay a hefty co-pay for insurance-covered Rx. May not be POIS optimum but so far it is ( don't know if my current surgical recovery plays a role, but thanks for reminding me I'm lucky the whole TRT thing is finally reasonably affordable.

Gotta pay mortgage! 

[staypositive]

Does the Total Testosterone say anything about the Free Testosterone? My Total T. looks pretty stable but I havent checked my Free t. yet.

05.05.2015
Total Testosterone: 713 ng/dl
Method: CLIA
Tested 8am in the morning and while in POIS State.

[demografx]

staypositive, I think they're different. "Free T" is the correct measure, according to what I've read and heard from docs. But I'm not an expert, so there may be other points of view re "Total T" vs "Free T".

My most recent results:



Actual readings:

Component                   Value               Range

Testosterone, total           806                 250 - 1100 ng/dL
Testosterone, Free          201.3  *           35.0 - 155.0 pg/mL

*level too high


As you can see, my Total T was "within normal range" but my FREE T was not.

My doctor (GP) reduced my T-patch Rx dosage based on my FREE readings -- not TOTAL.

Best wishes,
Demo

[lith65]

Hey guys.  It's been a while since I've posted.

Two years ago when I joined, I just had an MRI scan of my brain because doctors were afraid that I had a pituitary tumor of some sort thanks to the abnormal level of prolactin in my blood stream, which may also have been causing my low testosterone.   Well, unfortunately, although I had seen an endo, my insurance got messed up and I couldn't see a doctor for two years!  Only just recently have I been able to reestablish contact with the doctor, but since it's been so long I had to "start" over - new blood work to confirm I have a hormone imbalance and any other irregularities.   Not surprisingly, I got a call back that my testosterone levels (which I assume to be total) are around 180, so I've got the a-ok to go back to my endo and start over again.   Interestingly, no mention of prolactin levels this time around. 

I know there's research being done on the vagus nerve, and that could be the key to this whole mess.  Unfortunately, life has caught up  to me and I need a solution *now*, rather than later.   I've procrastinated and waited too long for the  research to be done since... well, around since I joined, and I can't any longer.  So hopefully, if not TRT then some sort of hormonal compromise can be given to me for the short-term, so if or when the research provides fruitful results, I can get off TRT and onto whatever cure is produced.   If not, then hopefully TRT can provide a safe net for me to at least function.  It's gotten a lot worse, to the point where I can barely go to school and work is out of the  question, so I'm in a lump - testosterone is my only solace at the moment.   Specialists take a while to see, and so I actually won't be seeing the endo again until late July even though I made the appointment last Monday.  But it's looking up for me.  I'm confident that I can at least find a short-term solution... and if I have to be on TRT for the rest of my life, it's a worthy sacrifice because I *cannot* continue to function the way I am right now, because it simply isn't sustainable for a 23 year old male.   

I'm glad to see you around though demo, you're proof that TRT works.  Hopefully, it can work for me too.    

I'll keep you guys updated in the following months on how my situation progresses.

[staypositive]

staypositive, I think they're different. "Free T" is the correct measure, according to what I've read and heard from docs. But I'm not an expert, so there may be other points of view re "Total T" vs "Free T".

My most recent results:



Actual readings:

Component                   Value               Range

Testosterone, total           806                 250 - 1100 ng/dL
Testosterone, Free          201.3  *           35.0 - 155.0 pg/mL

*level too high


As you can see, my Total T was "within normal range" but my FREE T was not.

My doctor (GP) reduced my T-patch Rx dosage based on my FREE readings -- not TOTAL.

Best wishes,
Demo

If people talk about low testosterone is it about Free T. or Total T.? Or doesnt it matter at all
I thought it too that Free T. matters more than the Total T., but my doc said that my T. is probably okay since the Free T. is 1-2% of the Total T. so it should be in normal  range. but hey im going to check this again this tuesday.

thanks for your response in advance.

[demografx]

staypositive, people do tend to throw the "T-word" around non-specifically. I'm guilty of that as well. But I personally with my doctors re POIS focus exclusively on my Free T.

These 2 sources may be helpful and shed light on Free T vs Total T:

http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=167&ContentID=testosterone_free

http://www.m.webmd.com/men/testosterone-15738

Demo

[demografx]

Hey guys.  It's been a while since I've posted.

Two years ago when I joined, I just had an MRI scan of my brain because doctors were afraid that I had a pituitary tumor of some sort thanks to the abnormal level of prolactin in my blood stream, which may also have been causing my low testosterone.   Well, unfortunately, although I had seen an endo, my insurance got messed up and I couldn't see a doctor for two years!  Only just recently have I been able to reestablish contact with the doctor, but since it's been so long I had to "start" over - new blood work to confirm I have a hormone imbalance and any other irregularities.   Not surprisingly, I got a call back that my testosterone levels (which I assume to be total) are around 180, so I've got the a-ok to go back to my endo and start over again.   Interestingly, no mention of prolactin levels this time around. 

I know there's research being done on the vagus nerve, and that could be the key to this whole mess.  Unfortunately, life has caught up  to me and I need a solution *now*, rather than later.   I've procrastinated and waited too long for the  research to be done since... well, around since I joined, and I can't any longer.  So hopefully, if not TRT then some sort of hormonal compromise can be given to me for the short-term, so if or when the research provides fruitful results, I can get off TRT and onto whatever cure is produced.   If not, then hopefully TRT can provide a safe net for me to at least function.  It's gotten a lot worse, to the point where I can barely go to school and work is out of the  question, so I'm in a lump - testosterone is my only solace at the moment.   Specialists take a while to see, and so I actually won't be seeing the endo again until late July even though I made the appointment last Monday.  But it's looking up for me.  I'm confident that I can at least find a short-term solution... and if I have to be on TRT for the rest of my life, it's a worthy sacrifice because I *cannot* continue to function the way I am right now, because it simply isn't sustainable for a 23 year old male.   

I'm glad to see you around though demo, you're proof that TRT works.  Hopefully, it can work for me too.    

I'll keep you guys updated in the following months on how my situation progresses.

lith65, Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may well work for you, but at your age, please keep in mind that there are cardiac and other risks. Also: there is a fertility risk -- I lost my sperm not conclusively due to TRT, but a MAJOR suspicion that it's why it happened - but that was ok after fathering 2 sons with no plans for more (including daughters )

According to my endo, infertility is reversible. Sounds complicated to me but others may benefit from this possibility in order to start a family and then afterwards going back on TRT.

[nathan123]

Hi,

It has been a long time writing in this forum. 

I posted in POIS NAKED SCIENTISTS forum of my cure from for my problem from the practice of Yoga for just 3 months.  But there was no reply for my post.  I thought as earlier, I posted pre-maturely saying I was cured. Due to this many people not listen to me.  I agree.  I also shared small exercises (for 5 min) to test what I am saying is right.

Today I would like to inform that from as I posted in other forum, I cured by practicing Yoga for three months and my life fully changed and fully POIS free. I explained reason behind my problem in other forum. Yoga has cured me. Some of you may be remember last July 2014, how my life was in dangeour due to POIS, I was literally mad and suffered psychic problem and unnecessary wrong belief about other people. Due to god grace, I come back that mental problem (it is due to suffering from last 8 years in POIS) and started Yoga.. Finally cured.........


Today, why I posted here is today is FIRST INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY AND IT IS CELEBRATING IN 196 COUNTRIES..  THIS IS ACCEPTED BY UNITED NATIONS COUNCIL THAT YOGA HAS SOME POWERS AND IT WILL CURE MANY ILLNESS AND LEAD TO HEALTHY LIFE. 

INDIA'S PRIME MINISTER IS REQUESTED UNITED NATIONS COUNCIL IN ITS FIRST SPEECH ON YOGA AND TO ADOPT YOGA INTERNATIONAL DAY AND BECAUSE OF HIS REQUEST AND CONSIDERING THE BENEFIT, YOGA INTERNATIONAL DAY WAS ADOPTED.  I WANTED TO TAKE A CURE FROM POIS LAST YEAR AND I WANTED TO CONSULT A REPUTED YOGA PRACTICTIONER TO HELP ME FOR POIS.  AFTER CONTACTING MANY TIMES, FINALLY I GOT APPOINTMENT OF THE YOGA MASTER / THERAPIST OF OUR PRIME MINISTER AND INCURRED LOT OF EXPENSES. I EXPLAINED OUR POIS PROBLEMS, SHOWNED THIS FORUM AND OTHER POSTS, HE TEACHED ME SIMPLE 30 MINUTES YOGA I.E. SIMPLE EXERCISES.  AND BECAUSE OF THIS, I CURED. 

WHY I AM STRETCHING HERE IS I SEEKED OPINION FROM THE YOGA THERAPIST WHO IS A YOGA THERAPIST OF OUR COUNTRY'S PRIME MINISTER AND I CURED FROM POIS. PLS SEE MY POIS NAKED SCIENTISTS FORUM. BUT NO RESPONSE. BUT TODAY THIS THERAPHY IS CELEBRATING IN 196 COUNTRIES AND ALSO TODAY MORNING IT IS PRACTICED BY MEMBERS OF UNITED NATIONS COUNCIL IN NEW YORK. 

MY HUMBLE REQUEST TO PLS CONSIDER THIS, I CURED NOT ONLY FROM POIS, BUT ALSO FROM MENTAL IMBALANCE DUE TO SUFFERING FROM POIS IN LAST YEARS.   TODAY LEADING A HELATH LIFE AND POIS FREE LIFE.  CAN WE DISCUSS IN DETAIL ON THIS?

 

[demografx]

Let us all keep in mind that aggressive-promotion-of-a-cure is not compatible with the spirit and nature of our discussions here.

Thank you.
Demo

[staypositive]

Testosterone, total                     4,910 ?g/l          (reference 2.490 - 8.360)
Testosterone, free                      8,80 ng/l            (reference 8.90 - 42.50)
Sex hormone-binding globulin      14 noml/l           (reference 18.3 - 54.1)
Free androgen index                   121,78               (reference 35 - 93)

Just got the result back. Looks like my free T. and Sex hormone-binding globulin are both low. But is it too low?

[demografx]

I think that's between you and your doctor to discuss. I chose an endocrinologist for myself.

[demografx]

That's terrible, demografx. Is this the longest you've been without your Rx? In some sense, it's great that you're still avoiding your symptoms, even without the patches. Maybe you've been permanently cured! That's probably wishful thinking (but who knows). Let us know how everything goes, and hopefully you'll be able to get them back ASAP. (TRT is my favorite known POIS cure so far, even though I haven't tried it yet, but still thinking about it.)

Belated reply, Prancer!

Yes, this is the longest. Maybe I have been cured but I'm too chicken to find out! (I'm back on TRT).

[b_jim]

Jim (after 3 ejaculations in the last 24 h before bloodtest) :

Total Testo : 4.7   [2.4   8.2]  => NORMAL
Free Testo : 9.4   [8.2  42.5] => NORMAL, CLOSE TO LOW LIMIT
DHEA : 4770   [889    4270] => HIGH

[b_jim]

So, what I think about these numbers.

First, my fats absorbtion is maybe not so bad.  My total cholesterol is just under the low limit but my DHEA is high and my total testosterone is normal.

The bad point is the free testosterone which is the active form. With such low number, it's not surprising I can't get weight and muscles. If we except bio-avialable testosterone (showing tesosterone linked to albumin), the free testosterone must prove my SHBG is too high.
It's not surprising because I have magnesium deficiency .
When my Pois started, I didn't have muscle tremors, carbs problems.

Now, I think more and more Testosterone is not the culprit of Pois symptoms but a major factor because of its link with dopamine.

[staypositive]

So, what I think about these numbers.

First, my fats absorbtion is maybe not so bad.  My total cholesterol is just under the low limit but my DHEA is high and my total testosterone is normal.

The bad point is the free testosterone which is the active form. With such low number, it's not surprising I can't get weight and muscles. If we except bio-avialable testosterone (showing tesosterone linked to albumin), the free testosterone must prove my SHBG is too high.
It's not surprising because I have magnesium deficiency .
When my Pois started, I didn't have muscle tremors, carbs problems.

Now, I think more and more Testosterone is not the culprit of Pois symptoms but a major factor because of its link with dopamine.

My free testosterone is quite low and I still somehow managed to gain lots of muscles in a short amount of time. Took me 1-2 months to adjust to my new lifestyle(eat more and work out harder) but since then I can gain muscles quite easily.


The only thing I noticed is that I feel and look more ripped when in POIS-state, have hardly any fat on my body. But I think that also might be just subjective. I'm not sure if I could look even bigger or gain even faster when I would have normal testosterone. Will discuss that with my doc.

Can provide more informations if you're interested.

[b_jim]

Thank you Staypositive.
I'm ok if you have suggestions to gain weight.
If not testosterone, dopamine is the key of Pois and its relation with intestine, I will concentrate myself on this point.
(my celiac exam is negative too, dispite i suspect gluten for digestive problems. Intestine = 50% dopa production)

[demografx]

I took a chance today and I upped my dosage of TRT.

It worked!


After 5+ years, I am simply grateful....not promoting my personal cure to anyone else! I am simply lucky!

[Starsky]

Wait? Was your POIS coming back?