I talked to my doctor about the testosterone theory. He said that the reasons why some of us get relief by testosterone is because of the stress level. He said that if your body is in stress you will not feel smaller pains. For example, if a lion runs after you, you will not feel you have a headache. The testosterone brings the body in a stress level. So if the POIS comes up you will not feel it. He said that it would be good if there were more studies about the use of testosterone on the long term. What are the effects on the lungs and other organs? That was my doctors explanation.
Not really trying to be negative, but if I had so much stress that I couldn't feel POIS, I don't think that I would feel "better off", much less cured.
Hi All,
I'm also not trying to be negative.
NOTHING is known about POIS, so how can anyone here, myself definitely included, know how TRT (or niacin) helps some with POIS?
Van -- it sounds (to me) like your doc was referring to the dangerously high doses of testosterone (and other steroid hormones) taken illegally by athletes to enhance performance. That's what allows them to push their sport to the max without noticing the pain and damage they're doing to themselves.
Demo reports wonderful success with TRT, despite his testosterone levels having been within normal limits when his endocrinologist agreed to try start giving it to him in small but increasing doses. I remember him saying that he had to
really persist until his endocrinologist agreed, and that it was prescribed for him very cautiously. As his dose was increased, his POIS began to diminish to the point of GONE WITH THE WIND.
Van -- re: what your doc said about TRT causing such a high-stress sensation that POIS won't be noticed -- I'm thinking that what he said vs what he meant, and/or how he interpreted what you asked -- might be different things.
Men who need TRT -- for whatever
health reason -- do report eventually feeling
alive and well for the first time in years. They don't feel stressed -- they feel the opposite.
When needed, TRT lifts depression, increases muscular strength (increases it to normal muscular strength), may improve the lipid profile (cholesterol, etc.) and -- maybe not so great for POIS -- increases libido. With respect to POIS, possibly the most significant recent findings re: testosterone is that there is evidence from scientific studies that it may decrease neuro-inflammation, and may even be neuro-protective.
***This is not a suggestion for everyone with POIS to go on TRT!!!! It's got definite side-effects and risks and is not to be thought of as an easy/safe fix. Demo is being carefully monitored by his doc, and his dose has been adjusted over the three years or so that he's been taking it.
Something within Demo told him that TRT might help him -- and he persisted with
good physicians. Happily TRT works wonderfully for him.
VM -- I think there's a high likelihood that you doc was possibly thinking "anabolic steroids" -- like WWE wrestlers and athletes take illegally when they are "doping" to increase their athletic performance,
a la Lance Armstrong.Again -- no criticism is meant here.
Eventually with research, POIS will be understood.
As an aside, I am astonished at the donations this group has given for October!! What amazing good fortune for all of you that a generous sponsor came forward, and that so many of you responded in kind. :-)
Stef
