Don't take it. Exercise and healthy diet are far more important. Libido has been a factor however if someone is obese, a bad eater and in depression as many who seek treatment are the idea that testosterone will improve life is absurd. There are consequences. They will have increased sex drive but frankly what will they do with that? Seriously. Plus who needs more reactive aging men? Get in shape and increase sex drive with a younger woman.
3
It's against nature. Get in shape and get a younger woman before you decide on the treatment path or viagra. A healthy funny woman is just the right jumpstart for me.
Also your sex drive will diminish regardless.
Do what? Lose that weight and get real
Also your sex drive will diminish regardless.
Do what? Lose that weight and get real
2
Please learn from my husband's experience and work with an endocrinologist. Two different urologists prescribed testosterone but neither moved the needle on his T levels. Second Dr wanted to start him on human growth hormone! That's when I got involved, and we went to reputable endocrinologist, who ordered MRI. He had *two* brain tumors (one small in pituitary gland that was likely cause of Low T). Other was size of baseball and responsible for depression-like symptoms. Best doctors in country (for any cynical readers I mean Mayo, Hopkins, Mass General and MD Anderson) can't tell us if Testosterone is tied to growth of tumors. Much more *independent* research is needed.
7
Excellent cautionary tale. A good clinician should always consider possibility of underlying pituitary condition ( including tumor) before jumping on low T treatment bandwagon. As a physician I can report that demanding patients sometimes influence otherwise knowledgeable and cautious providers.
Testosterone is naturally released during exercise. The added benefit is that you'll look better too. Hit the gym old men.
4
I've never been able to build upper body muscle no matter how much I tried. Then in 2011, I discovered that I have a type of body structure known as "eunuchoid habitus" that is the result of having abnormally low testosterone levels as you go through puberty. I also discovered that there is a large hidden population of people whose mothers were given an artificial estrogen called diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy, as a treatment to reduce the likelihood of miscarrying. While the daughters of those pregnancies are acknowledged to have all sorts of reproductive problems and increased rates of several kinds of cancer, the official line has always been that the sons suffered virtually no ill effects as a result of their exposure. From my own experiences and from chatting online with other people who have a known or suspected history of exposure to it, I know that's a lie. Many of us have varying degrees of physical and psychological feminization, and lowered sperm counts and lowered testosterone production too. For those of us who have the low T problem, it seems to get worse as we get older, and in my case I started developing quite a lot of health problems from it by the time I hit my 40s. I'm feeling a lot better now, but that's only because I'm on testosterone replacement.
However if you don't have anything wrong with your endocrine system and want to increase your T production, hitting the gym, eating lots of red meat, and having as much sex as you can, all help.
However if you don't have anything wrong with your endocrine system and want to increase your T production, hitting the gym, eating lots of red meat, and having as much sex as you can, all help.
1
My Androgel costs $1650 every 80 days. Made my decision easy, since my health care provider decided to not cover it for 2017.
If millions of men are taking testosterone, one concern is excretion of exogenous testosterone and metabolites into the environment. It might be important to determine if this results in a potential threat to other animals, including humans or their fetuses, due to passive exposure via water or food.
5
Low T and too much e.d. So many problems for the male.
4
Not the ones who haven't become whale blubber couch potatoes.
In biz my crazy bosses swore by their testosterone treatment and their Viagra.
Unhealthy path to see and they also became more aggressive.
Unhealthy path to see and they also became more aggressive.
My doctor put me on testosterone gel 15 or so years ago. My marriage was failing and my libido was in the basement. I didn't asked for the medication. Wasn't really aware of it. But he ran a test and said I was on the very low end of the testosterone scale.
The testosterone, nor the counseling, saved my marriage but it did help restore my libido after about a year of use. My running was super. There were no personality changes. But there's a big downside. I had to take a PSA test every six months and my PSA was always in the 4.0 range. Once they did a biopsy. It was a source of worry. A liver function test was also part of the routine.
About two years ago I had to move away from my doctor to take care of a relative. I stopped taking the gel. I was put on other medications to take care of an enlarge prostrate, but my PSA is now down to 1.7.
I can't say that I feel bad being off the gel. I might be feeling my age a little more but I do like the idea of having a lower PSA. If things aren't working right, I'd recommend trying everything else before going the testosterone route. It's not the path to happiness. That I can say.
The testosterone, nor the counseling, saved my marriage but it did help restore my libido after about a year of use. My running was super. There were no personality changes. But there's a big downside. I had to take a PSA test every six months and my PSA was always in the 4.0 range. Once they did a biopsy. It was a source of worry. A liver function test was also part of the routine.
About two years ago I had to move away from my doctor to take care of a relative. I stopped taking the gel. I was put on other medications to take care of an enlarge prostrate, but my PSA is now down to 1.7.
I can't say that I feel bad being off the gel. I might be feeling my age a little more but I do like the idea of having a lower PSA. If things aren't working right, I'd recommend trying everything else before going the testosterone route. It's not the path to happiness. That I can say.
6
The War on Men continues...
3
every time i gel up i kick butt in the gym and rock my GFs world for a few days till it wears off. Im 58 btw.
wouldn't cocaine do the same?
4
Yeah, but an hour later you're depressed again 8^(.
That's all ego. You'll have a possible heart attack and possibly speed up cancer. My girlfriend is 43 and she ignites me every time. No testosterone and no viagra thanks
Anyone who buys a product that "is not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any illness", please give me a call. I'm going to mow the lawn and put the clippings in some capsules I bought on E-Bay. They will cure what ails you, hands down. $49.99 a bottle.
4
And the would be perfectly legal.
1
This study is riddled with inconsistencies and opportunities for bias - "The sample size for this trial was initially estimated to be 400 men in the protocol of October 2010 but was later reduced to 140 men when the primary outcome was changed from total to noncalcified plaque volume, because
the latter has a smaller standard deviation." Ex post facto modification of study endpoints. Small observed effect size, small sample size. Subjective radiologic assessment of plaques.
In older men with EXISTING CV disease, TRT improves time to exhaustion on a treadmill test AND time to ST segment depression. METS output on a treadmill is one of the better 10 year indicators of mortality.
And in terms of risk factors, physiological replacement of testosterone IMPROVES insulin resistance, lean mass, and lipid profile.
Furthermore, men with sub-basement T levels tend to have underlying comorbidities that probably lead to both low T and predispose to CV disease progression. I have found that the same processes that cause metabolic syndrome also tend to lead to low T, and have occasionally seen T rebound without meds with the right dietary approach.
the latter has a smaller standard deviation." Ex post facto modification of study endpoints. Small observed effect size, small sample size. Subjective radiologic assessment of plaques.
In older men with EXISTING CV disease, TRT improves time to exhaustion on a treadmill test AND time to ST segment depression. METS output on a treadmill is one of the better 10 year indicators of mortality.
And in terms of risk factors, physiological replacement of testosterone IMPROVES insulin resistance, lean mass, and lipid profile.
Furthermore, men with sub-basement T levels tend to have underlying comorbidities that probably lead to both low T and predispose to CV disease progression. I have found that the same processes that cause metabolic syndrome also tend to lead to low T, and have occasionally seen T rebound without meds with the right dietary approach.
7
Thanks for that very pertinent fact of study size. This is basic report that should have been in the story. All stories on medical/science should show size of the study.
3
And the confidence intervals for any statements of results.
I received testosterone shots from a urologist. Unfortunately, didn't do anything for me.
Drug de jour? Big Pharma losing out on Vioxx profits? Can't sell EpiPens for $800? Need a new billion dollar drug?
No thanks.
No thanks.
3
"Only about 15 percent of men 65 and over have the low testosterone levels studied in the recent trials. <<>>
-This surprises me. I have read a number of articles that say the average testosterone levels of men today are drastically lower than those of the previous generations. I'm curious why this article doesn't assert that.
-This surprises me. I have read a number of articles that say the average testosterone levels of men today are drastically lower than those of the previous generations. I'm curious why this article doesn't assert that.
2
In fact. I saw no mention of this at all. I've seen two excellent documentaries here in Italy, both within the past three weeks, that were very concerning to me, as a mother. Both extensively quoted European research, mostly taking place in Denmark, but also in the rest of Europe about pthtlates and other chemicals that emulate estrogen and are literally changing male DNA in both the Occidental and the Japanese populations. These chemicals are in almost every product that all of us use daily. I'm not referring to something like "chemtrails" or aliens, but scientific research done at prestigious hospitals and institutions. There was even a study done in an alligator population in Florida!! Until this problem is publicized, andmore importantly resolved, I fear for the human species due to the problems regarding low testosterone and it's chemical cause that is changing our species according to this research.
Yes, not only have testosterone levels fallen decade by decade in first world countries since the second half of the 20th century, so have sperm counts. Meanwhile, testicular cancer rates have soared (in some European countries by almost a factor of ten!). Why? It's clearly got something to do with chemicals. However, rather than all the stuff the environmentalists keep crowing about, I think it's actually largely the result of medically prescribed hormones.
For decades, doctors have been in the habit of prescribing high doses of artificial female hormones to pregnant women in an effort to improve fertility and reduce the likelihood of miscarriage. The doses used are generally quite high and would have profound feminizing effects on an adult man, if he were to be given the same. Some of these same drugs have been used as chemical castration agents for prostate cancer patients and sex offenders, and as part of transgender hormone treatment for turning a man into a woman. Doctors often seem to forget that a pregnant woman is actually two people, and 50 percent of the time, that second person is male.
For decades, doctors have been in the habit of prescribing high doses of artificial female hormones to pregnant women in an effort to improve fertility and reduce the likelihood of miscarriage. The doses used are generally quite high and would have profound feminizing effects on an adult man, if he were to be given the same. Some of these same drugs have been used as chemical castration agents for prostate cancer patients and sex offenders, and as part of transgender hormone treatment for turning a man into a woman. Doctors often seem to forget that a pregnant woman is actually two people, and 50 percent of the time, that second person is male.
I have been on a testosterone replacement program for 5 years because of a low level readings. My urologist recommend that I do the dosing at the rate of .5 ml every two week. My Dr and I monitor my red blood count twice a year. This thereby has has eased my BHP, but I have not become a "stud". The Injectable which I can buy as a generic cost me less than $150.00 per year, has greatly help with my BHP. My drug plan will cover the cost of the drug, but because it dispensed in 1 ml vials, it is cheaper to purchase the 10 ml vial an go from there. I tried the gel once found it is very expensive and time consuming. The bi weekly injection is much easier and much less cost
2
For me, it was literally a life saver. I'd had a testicle removed as a child due to cancer. The remaining one was damaged by radiation treatment for that cancer.
Decades later my life unraveled rather suddenly. I became deeply depressed and began to stop making sense. SSRIs were prescribed but they only made matters worse. In addition to being depressed and having difficulty holding a thought, my head felt like it was filled with electrified steel wool. I was out of work and broke with little hope.
I had to get cancer again before a proper diagnosis was made. Bladder cancer, secondary to the radiation to treat my original disease, put me in touch with a urologist who noted the remaining atrophied testicle. He ran a testosterone test.
"It's roughly at the castration level," he told me. After asking him what's below THAT, and wondering aloud whether this qualified me to guard harems of beautiful naked women, he put me on the gel. Within months my depression vanished and my often ludicrous observations henceforth were made only when I intended them to be.
I learned two things from this. First, psychiatrists should perform more, and more thorough, physical exams of their patients. Simply prescribing the latest, most fashionable drug is poor reflex and a rather flabby minded practice for MDs. Second, the role of testosterone is far more immense and multifaceted than I'd ever imagined. Too much is bad as the woman noted whose husband went berserk. None, however, is worse.
Decades later my life unraveled rather suddenly. I became deeply depressed and began to stop making sense. SSRIs were prescribed but they only made matters worse. In addition to being depressed and having difficulty holding a thought, my head felt like it was filled with electrified steel wool. I was out of work and broke with little hope.
I had to get cancer again before a proper diagnosis was made. Bladder cancer, secondary to the radiation to treat my original disease, put me in touch with a urologist who noted the remaining atrophied testicle. He ran a testosterone test.
"It's roughly at the castration level," he told me. After asking him what's below THAT, and wondering aloud whether this qualified me to guard harems of beautiful naked women, he put me on the gel. Within months my depression vanished and my often ludicrous observations henceforth were made only when I intended them to be.
I learned two things from this. First, psychiatrists should perform more, and more thorough, physical exams of their patients. Simply prescribing the latest, most fashionable drug is poor reflex and a rather flabby minded practice for MDs. Second, the role of testosterone is far more immense and multifaceted than I'd ever imagined. Too much is bad as the woman noted whose husband went berserk. None, however, is worse.
9
All men over 65 have low testosterone. The mistake most physicians make is they are comparing normal testosterone levels FOR YOUR AGE, not optimum testosterone levels. To tell someone that they have "normal" levels is misleading as well because aromitization is seldom taken into account, in which case you are not only not receiving the testosterone you are producing it is being replaced by estradiol!
1
Three topics that reliably make a certain portion of Times readers go nuts:
1. Drinking alcohol because it’s pleasurable
2. Letting your pets enjoy nature
3. Testosterone replacement because it makes you feel better
Sigh.
1. Drinking alcohol because it’s pleasurable
2. Letting your pets enjoy nature
3. Testosterone replacement because it makes you feel better
Sigh.
1
A remarkable random pairing! Actually for us east-coast liberals (I'm guessing) the NYT facilitates a pet's enjoyment of nature, of course only after the owner is done reading it front to back. Ok, maybe its just the blue bag we suburbanites get with our paper.
1
4. Anything to do with food.
Why link to a womens 2002 hormone study? Surely the NYT has to have written about something more recent
6
No fool like an old fool. SCAM.
4
All hormone replacements require adjustment. An injection every three weeks is likely to be less steady than daily supplementation. Reasonless rage is a symptom of overdose. It could be that the amount wasn't that great but as a person's natural levels go down (even if caused by autoimmune disease) the body and brain adjusts and becomes more effective and sensitized to the hormone. So, it's better to start with a smaller than calculated replacement dose and then increase it. It is to be expected that more and more people will need hormone replacement as they age.
What the Times reporter doesn't seem to realize is that, while hormone replacement can have side effects, not having a reasonable level of hormones can have even more catastrophic side effects.
In women's hormone replacement tstudies the difference between bad effects, from lack of hormones or hormone replacement is 3 deaths per ten thousand women. But the studies do not include economic, social or psychological well being. If a man or woman loses their spouse because they doesn't have enough hormones to sustain sexual interest and ability and they becomes depressed then they is going to come to harm in ways that are not counted by the clinical studies. And sex hormones are responsible for attitudes related to competitiveness and ambition so in both men and women, their jobs and economic interests can suffer.
What the Times reporter doesn't seem to realize is that, while hormone replacement can have side effects, not having a reasonable level of hormones can have even more catastrophic side effects.
In women's hormone replacement tstudies the difference between bad effects, from lack of hormones or hormone replacement is 3 deaths per ten thousand women. But the studies do not include economic, social or psychological well being. If a man or woman loses their spouse because they doesn't have enough hormones to sustain sexual interest and ability and they becomes depressed then they is going to come to harm in ways that are not counted by the clinical studies. And sex hormones are responsible for attitudes related to competitiveness and ambition so in both men and women, their jobs and economic interests can suffer.
4
About year 2000, during a period of three months, I experienced a dramatic fall in libido, major worry about my ability to perform with my wife, low psychic and physical energy, and a devastating feeling that life was no longer worth living at all. I was having a "male menopause", common for many men who experience a gradual decline in T-production over the years but which was much more precipitous for me.
Fortunately for me, my GP immediately suggested that I try testosterone shots when I brought up the matter, even though I had not even made that suggestion. The shots were a miracle that breathed new life into me! I was full of stamina, sex was good, and I had a positive view of the future that energized my professional work anew. Now at age 72, I continue to be happy and very productive in my professional and personal lives. My present GP is circumspect about T-shots, but respects my insistence to continue with them, partly because I exercise very regularly and continue to have excellent physical exams and low PSA levels.
Bottom line: Testosterone supplements can be a true life-saver for many middle-aged men. I feel that they saved my professional life. I trust they can make similar differences in the lives of other men. But a man must find a doctor who will listen to him and truly respect what he relates about the present state of his personal psychological and sexual life. Do it!
Fortunately for me, my GP immediately suggested that I try testosterone shots when I brought up the matter, even though I had not even made that suggestion. The shots were a miracle that breathed new life into me! I was full of stamina, sex was good, and I had a positive view of the future that energized my professional work anew. Now at age 72, I continue to be happy and very productive in my professional and personal lives. My present GP is circumspect about T-shots, but respects my insistence to continue with them, partly because I exercise very regularly and continue to have excellent physical exams and low PSA levels.
Bottom line: Testosterone supplements can be a true life-saver for many middle-aged men. I feel that they saved my professional life. I trust they can make similar differences in the lives of other men. But a man must find a doctor who will listen to him and truly respect what he relates about the present state of his personal psychological and sexual life. Do it!
3
Good for you, BUT.......
Yours is one anecdotal case. Maybe a smidge of placebo effect as well. ALWAYS trust the tried and true double blind studies. People are drawn to individual cases, that's why advertisements always put them front and center.
MDs have known for years the side effects of abusing testosterone. Lets see if the benefits are worth the risks for society as a whole, and not just individual cases. I tend to doubt it......
Yours is one anecdotal case. Maybe a smidge of placebo effect as well. ALWAYS trust the tried and true double blind studies. People are drawn to individual cases, that's why advertisements always put them front and center.
MDs have known for years the side effects of abusing testosterone. Lets see if the benefits are worth the risks for society as a whole, and not just individual cases. I tend to doubt it......
6
Cant agree with your advice to ALWAYS trust double-blind studies or any other studies. Many clinical studies are so badly designed as to be totally uninformative.
It's not just one anecdotal case. There are plenty of studies of men placed on androgen deprivation therapy (medically induced testosterone depletion) as part of prostate cancer treatment, and there's a consistent pattern seen of adverse health effects including heart disease and type 2 diabetes, that starts almost as soon as the treatment is initiated (e.g. see "Androgen deprivation therapy, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular mortality: an inconvenient truth." Basaria S J. Androl 2008). Adequate testosterone levels are essential for good health in adult men (and to be able to function properly as male!).
I regularly see men with serious side effects from taking testosterone including, stroke and abnormally high red blood levels. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
These clinics should be shut down along with the estrogen clinics.
These clinics should be shut down along with the estrogen clinics.
6
Sure, and actually we should all die as soon as we have reproduced, just as Mother Nature intended, right? Wrong. Doctors who treat adult patients should educate themselves about the benefits and risks of hormone replacement, and treat (or not) accordingly. Not make one-size-fits-all pronouncements. (IMHO)
8
Seems like poor studies, or poor reporting.
There was no mention of what, if any, target level of testosterone was aimed for, or achieved, or if metabolites and/or other "sex" hormones were monitored.
Quite important. If one is approaching this from a valid medical/scientific point of view that is.
There was no mention of what, if any, target level of testosterone was aimed for, or achieved, or if metabolites and/or other "sex" hormones were monitored.
Quite important. If one is approaching this from a valid medical/scientific point of view that is.
1
I have had testosterone injections for 30 years.
My doctor has been concerned about thickening of the blood and increase in ferro [iron] For me they can be addressed with Phlebotomy: donating blood
The best part of a good level of testosterone is spontaneous hard-ons like when i was 23.........
My doctor has been concerned about thickening of the blood and increase in ferro [iron] For me they can be addressed with Phlebotomy: donating blood
The best part of a good level of testosterone is spontaneous hard-ons like when i was 23.........
3
You'll die from thesis essay effects
Massive stroke.
Massive stroke.
'The F.D.A. has told drug manufacturers that sell testosterone that any larger studies must be carried out at their own expense. A spokeswoman for AbbVie, which makes AndroGel and provided the testosterone gel for the latest trials, said manufacturers are working with the agency to design such a trial.'
And we all know what that means.
The only way to get all the recorded and collected raw data published into the public realm, warts and all, and to ensure that results are not skewed in any way, at any stage of the study, is if those who have any commercial interest in the outcomes are not allowed anywhere near the study.
This means also excluding all those medical researchers who have been getting cosy little perks from the drug industry over the years.
And we all know what that means.
The only way to get all the recorded and collected raw data published into the public realm, warts and all, and to ensure that results are not skewed in any way, at any stage of the study, is if those who have any commercial interest in the outcomes are not allowed anywhere near the study.
This means also excluding all those medical researchers who have been getting cosy little perks from the drug industry over the years.
5
It is obvious that DJT is taking this for his hair and other things. It is obviously not safe. Look what is going on.
11
I have used gel testosterone replacement for the past four years after diagnosis with primary hypogonadism. It changed me from depressed, listless, and physically wasting away to an active 70 year old man with energy and the stamina to live actively again (and I'm not talking about sexual function, although my interest in that returned too).
My levels were 120 before treatment. I aim for 300 level in treatment. If you have hypogonadism at the level I did, life is not worth living without treatment.
I also had myasthenia gravis that disappeared when I began testosterone treatment. My endocrinologist and neurologist don't think that is cause effect, but MG is a disease of young women and old men, so as they said, "it is possible."
My bone density has improved each year; my muscle mass has increased so I notice I again can lift things and twist the lid off the pickle jar, and my interest in life and physical activity has increased greatly.
I wish my family doctor had listened to my complaints and tested my years ago, as I am sure I had this problem for about 10 years prior to beginning treatment; 10 years that were lived at 50%.
My levels were 120 before treatment. I aim for 300 level in treatment. If you have hypogonadism at the level I did, life is not worth living without treatment.
I also had myasthenia gravis that disappeared when I began testosterone treatment. My endocrinologist and neurologist don't think that is cause effect, but MG is a disease of young women and old men, so as they said, "it is possible."
My bone density has improved each year; my muscle mass has increased so I notice I again can lift things and twist the lid off the pickle jar, and my interest in life and physical activity has increased greatly.
I wish my family doctor had listened to my complaints and tested my years ago, as I am sure I had this problem for about 10 years prior to beginning treatment; 10 years that were lived at 50%.
10
As Sagafemina correctly notes, those CV studies were flawed to begin with.
Also worth noting, transgender man get higher than normal doses of testosterone, often throughout their adult lives, into their 80s and 90s, with a lower incidence of both heart disease and breast cancer.
And why didn't this article consider the effects of testosterone pellet implants, widely considered optimal, as they bypass liver metabolism (a problem with pills) and avoid too-rapid absorption (a problem with patches)?
Also worth noting, transgender man get higher than normal doses of testosterone, often throughout their adult lives, into their 80s and 90s, with a lower incidence of both heart disease and breast cancer.
And why didn't this article consider the effects of testosterone pellet implants, widely considered optimal, as they bypass liver metabolism (a problem with pills) and avoid too-rapid absorption (a problem with patches)?
1
I bet it's covered by insurance.
12
Pharma & HealthInsCo ad and lobbyist $ hard at work
1
As we age, men begin to look more like women and women turn more into men. Take a closer look, it's true.
6
More T is good unless it negatively affects other people. We should all be around 700 - the young guy levels. But studies show that almost no supplements actually work. They often increase libido, but that's different from raising T.
Try Stinging Nettle, an aromatase inhibitor that stops the conversion to estrogen. If you use Dr. Google, you won't need doctors for anything except a broken bone.
Try Stinging Nettle, an aromatase inhibitor that stops the conversion to estrogen. If you use Dr. Google, you won't need doctors for anything except a broken bone.
1
I have been on testosterone replacement for 15 years. From sublingual to creams etc.
My endocrinologist now prefers injectables even for women. I use a tiny amount -- about 10% of a male dose. I love it. Very cheap. No problems. Great muscle definition, energy, flat tummy. Good bone density. Of course I also eat right, maintain a healthy weight and high activity level.
Oh yeah -- I'm 67.
And I can sure tell the men who have issues. Although my guy friends in the best shape aren't on supplements. Instead they work out, eat right, slender, and fit. That's really the best way to go. Most men with their fat tummies and skinny legs and butts do have lower T levels. You can tell by the body shift. They also have sexual issues, prostate issues, etc. But in my experience, you can supplement all you want -- but if you don't do the other work --
My endocrinologist now prefers injectables even for women. I use a tiny amount -- about 10% of a male dose. I love it. Very cheap. No problems. Great muscle definition, energy, flat tummy. Good bone density. Of course I also eat right, maintain a healthy weight and high activity level.
Oh yeah -- I'm 67.
And I can sure tell the men who have issues. Although my guy friends in the best shape aren't on supplements. Instead they work out, eat right, slender, and fit. That's really the best way to go. Most men with their fat tummies and skinny legs and butts do have lower T levels. You can tell by the body shift. They also have sexual issues, prostate issues, etc. But in my experience, you can supplement all you want -- but if you don't do the other work --
8
Fat tummies and skinny legs in men is a sign of excess cortisol often caused by low testosterone levels. The pituitary tries to drive the testicles but also simulates the adrenals. The increased cortisol increases appetites and weakens muscles, including stomach muscles.
1
Yea, I hate those advertisements and the seemingly casual use of testosterone therapy they seem to encourage. I hate them because they do such a disservice to those people who genuinely do need and benefit from this therapy. I suffer from a chronic illness that, among other things, typically results in low T levels. Testosterone therapy has been an important element in maintaining my quality of life. I'm talking about my ability to deal with things like fatigue and depression and general physical weakness. It makes me angry every time one of these articles appear and I have to read ignorant comments from people who blithely comment it's all about sex or disappearing youth.
But it is important for anyone considering this therapy to consider what they are signing up for. Once you start therapy your body is likely to reduce it's natural production of testosterone and there is no guarantee that your natural production will ever return even if you stop the therapy. In other words, you may be signing up for life. So don't start this therapy casually.
But it is important for anyone considering this therapy to consider what they are signing up for. Once you start therapy your body is likely to reduce it's natural production of testosterone and there is no guarantee that your natural production will ever return even if you stop the therapy. In other words, you may be signing up for life. So don't start this therapy casually.
32
I've been a chronic pain patient for about 10 years since I was 56. Five years ago my doctor informed me that my testosterone tested at 19 Ng/dl. At that age it should have been at least 300 to 600 ng/dl.
The opioids I take were stopping testosterone production a normal process. I was put on a much advertised gel. It was difficult to get the amount right. One indication was as I was being prepared for another surgery the nurse noted that my hemoglobin was 20. At that level I was prime for a stroke or heart attack.
The major problem was that it was very expensive, about $600 a month. When I went on Medicare it was causing me to enter the "donut hole" by April and I had a large out of pocket cost until I reached the catastrophic level.
I found that I could get the testosterone from a compounding laboratory for about $50 a month at that time. It was difficult to get a doctor to prescribe it though but I finally convinced my Endocrinologist to do it and it worked very well. The problem though is that the insurance wouldn't pay for compounded medicines citing Medicare rules. So I paid out of pocket which was still much cheaper than paying the "donut hole" cost.
There was a good outcome. I felt stronger, had an improved attitude and was less tired.
I tire of the TV and radio commercials which tout it as a way to have improved erections and more of them. It's a necessary component of men's health not just a way to have more sex.
The opioids I take were stopping testosterone production a normal process. I was put on a much advertised gel. It was difficult to get the amount right. One indication was as I was being prepared for another surgery the nurse noted that my hemoglobin was 20. At that level I was prime for a stroke or heart attack.
The major problem was that it was very expensive, about $600 a month. When I went on Medicare it was causing me to enter the "donut hole" by April and I had a large out of pocket cost until I reached the catastrophic level.
I found that I could get the testosterone from a compounding laboratory for about $50 a month at that time. It was difficult to get a doctor to prescribe it though but I finally convinced my Endocrinologist to do it and it worked very well. The problem though is that the insurance wouldn't pay for compounded medicines citing Medicare rules. So I paid out of pocket which was still much cheaper than paying the "donut hole" cost.
There was a good outcome. I felt stronger, had an improved attitude and was less tired.
I tire of the TV and radio commercials which tout it as a way to have improved erections and more of them. It's a necessary component of men's health not just a way to have more sex.
16
Best solution? Stop taking chronic opiates
1
Very easily said when YOU are not in pain.
Be careful what you wish for.
18 years ago, my then husband was told he had low T. So his endocrinologist gave him T shots every 3 weeks. Yes, his sex drive & the quality of his erections increased. However I lost my kind, loving amiable husband. He became a maniac, speeding driver who cursed ALL the time. Previously, he rarely used profanity. He went from someone who had a sunny disposition to a very angry man. Our marriage suffered as I lost my best friend. I think he had a few one-night stands.
I tried to talk with his doctor about the dramatic personality change, but he blew me off. " Something must wrong with your marriage"
Sadly, what had been a great relationship & marriage ended.
18 years ago, my then husband was told he had low T. So his endocrinologist gave him T shots every 3 weeks. Yes, his sex drive & the quality of his erections increased. However I lost my kind, loving amiable husband. He became a maniac, speeding driver who cursed ALL the time. Previously, he rarely used profanity. He went from someone who had a sunny disposition to a very angry man. Our marriage suffered as I lost my best friend. I think he had a few one-night stands.
I tried to talk with his doctor about the dramatic personality change, but he blew me off. " Something must wrong with your marriage"
Sadly, what had been a great relationship & marriage ended.
57
This is very sad. Most unfortunate is that the doctor did not recheck his levels and make sure they were normalized and not excessive when his behavior changed.
Always try to find a doctor who will listen to his patient, AND to the patient's best friend/spouse.
Always try to find a doctor who will listen to his patient, AND to the patient's best friend/spouse.
25
Unless the doctor was a total quack the amount of testosterone given in therapeutic shots, particularly at three week intervals are highly unlikely on their own to cause those kind of side effects. We are not talking about the kind of massive doses of testosterone used illegally by, for example, body builders. Maybe the testosterone therapy played a part in what happened to your marriage or maybe it's just a convenient scapegoat to avoid the real problems you were having.
10
So what you really wanted was a wife, was it?
"Ask your doctor if a prescription for whatever Big Pharma wants to push today because 'profits' is for you."
22
It is interesting that NY Times writes about male hormone. Anna Cabeca, woman's health expert, pays more attention to the high levels of (1) insulin and (2) cortisol, two blood-sugar related hormones that cause negative impact on after-menopause women as they usually don't adjust their life style after menopause even though their bodies become (1) more-energy efficient (don't require same level of blood sugar before) and at the same time less-energy efficient because of the deteriorated cell membranes that become leaky.
I think this make sense for men too as we tend to gain weight at certain age that cause numerous negative conditions such as atherosclerosis, high blood-pressure, high blood-sugar and insulin resistance. Dr. Dale Bredesen, Alzheimer's researcher, uses hormone rebalancing therapy as one of his 26 interventions for Alzheimer's patients. (www.apoe4.info/wiki/Bredesen_Protocol)
I think this make sense for men too as we tend to gain weight at certain age that cause numerous negative conditions such as atherosclerosis, high blood-pressure, high blood-sugar and insulin resistance. Dr. Dale Bredesen, Alzheimer's researcher, uses hormone rebalancing therapy as one of his 26 interventions for Alzheimer's patients. (www.apoe4.info/wiki/Bredesen_Protocol)
1
As with all hormones, there is an inherent feed-back system. If oneExe takes a hormone--Testosterone is no exception; the body turns down and sometimes off its own production of the hormone-- generally making it a no gain process at best, with other negative consequences. This study is therefore no surprise. Hormones should only be prescribed and taken with careful supervision; and only when absolutely necessary! Exercise and eating right is the only real panacea to most ills.
13
After having my knee replaced I had difficulty increasing my leg strength. My testosterone lab results showed that my testosterone levels were low at 259. I inject 1/2 ml once a week, trying to keep my testosterone levels within normal range for a 70-year-old male, which is roughly between 400 and 600 ng/ml. The testosterone has increased my strength markedly and my biking endurance and strength has gone up as well. I am not becoming a body builder, but I have regained some of the physical strength that I had lost.
I should note that I had prostate cancer and had a radical prostatectomy performed about 8 years ago with no recurrence.
I should note that I had prostate cancer and had a radical prostatectomy performed about 8 years ago with no recurrence.
8
"
I should note that I had prostate cancer and had a radical prostatectomy performed about 8 years ago with no recurrence"
That interests me. I am having chemo and radiation therapy now for prostate cancer and I now have no testosterone. I'd had low testosterone before (19 ng/dl) and was using a gel to keep levels at 300 ng/dl. Now I'm back to low energy and tiredness.
I fear taking anything again because of the cancer.
I should note that I had prostate cancer and had a radical prostatectomy performed about 8 years ago with no recurrence"
That interests me. I am having chemo and radiation therapy now for prostate cancer and I now have no testosterone. I'd had low testosterone before (19 ng/dl) and was using a gel to keep levels at 300 ng/dl. Now I'm back to low energy and tiredness.
I fear taking anything again because of the cancer.
1
I should have mentioned that I'm 66 y/o.
Read Dr. Abraham Morgenthaler. He investigated and determined that the study which convinced most urologists that testosterone therapy in prostate cancer is like "throwing fuel on a fire"...was based on ONE (1!) patient!!!
I watched my own father's brilliant brain turn to soup and ultimately suffer a stroke when he was put on ADT for his very low grade prostate cancer. I wish it had been testosterone instead. He might still be with us.
I watched my own father's brilliant brain turn to soup and ultimately suffer a stroke when he was put on ADT for his very low grade prostate cancer. I wish it had been testosterone instead. He might still be with us.
1
Reason enough that we should, again, ban drug advertising.
52
This. Direct-to-consumer drug advertising does not benefit consumers, it just markets to them. Plus we all hate all those ads, don't we?
Ask your doctor...
Ask your doctor...
Pharmaceutical companies bombard us with ads designed to make us ask our doctors for the drug being advertised -- and it works! Drug sales increase substantially. I am sure public awareness from advertising has resulted in doctors prescribing drugs to patients whom otherwise would not have received and benefited if not for advertising. I wonder how advertising and subsequent patient pressure on doctors has resulted in prescriptions for drugs that do not help patients but cause harmful side effects.
9
I had a kidney disease that caused diminished testosterone levels. I tried the gel but it is so heavily perfumed that the entire house is filled with an aroma immediately sensed by anyone who walks in. Not wishing to explain to visitors why the house smelled so sweet, I gave up on the therapy.
2
What were you using? I have used Androgel and a generic equivalent and they just have an alcohol smell which disappears as soon as it dries. You can also get a compounded product which wouldn't have any fragrance and is usually cheaper depending on your insurance. There are also patches which have no smell and injections (not a good choice) which obviously have no smell. Get you doctor to prescribe another form.
3
Medicare won't pay for compounded medicines so I paid about $50 a month out of pocket. Much cheaper than the $600 a month for Androgel and the "donut hole" out of pocket costs.
1
it sounds like you were using Testim, which is less expensive than Androgel. My insurance company tried to switch me and I fought them on it. I won the fight, but every year they try to switch me again.
4
The effect of testosterone supplements on sex drive are significant. If that increases mood as well, then the supplements have earned a place, even if caution is indicated. Then again, are there many prescription drugs whose use does not require caution?
10
MEN!!! (and women!) So interesting how talented and very intelligent people can be super dumb. I want to/will send out this essay to a friend convinced that testosterone is the way to go. They will get mad and ignore the info here. Right to medical care decided between MD and patient ?? paid for by Medicare! enough already. (The pride expressed by the person who MADE the MD prescribe the meds... need for psychological intervention or a spanking? (whoops, no corporal punishment..;-D)
3
Will Medicare Part D pay for "off-label use" of testosterone? What is the cost per patient for typical therapy?
It is very high if you go with the pharmaceutical company versions such as the heavily scented product mentioned by Michael. However, the compounded or pure versions (either pellets or injected) are relatively cheap (as low as $25/mo). Doctors who know how to appropriately test for deficiency and use testosterone therapy are not in it for the money. They are in it to improve the health and lives of their patients.
Anyone who believes a newspaper reporter's interpretation of scientific studies as the final word on any therapy might as well be consulting Dr. Google. If you think you may have testosterone deficiency symptoms, (here's one test https://www.counseling-office.com/surveys/test_testosterone_deficiency.p... don't decide from a newspaper. Please consult a holistic physician.
Anyone who believes a newspaper reporter's interpretation of scientific studies as the final word on any therapy might as well be consulting Dr. Google. If you think you may have testosterone deficiency symptoms, (here's one test https://www.counseling-office.com/surveys/test_testosterone_deficiency.p... don't decide from a newspaper. Please consult a holistic physician.
5
Depends on your drug plan. Most require prior approval. Good luck there. Cost is variable. If you can get approval for a generic, it might be about ten dollars a month. Brand name drugs are usually upper tier and very expensive and the copays can run a few hundred dollars a month. The rules can be pretty bizarre. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota requires that you try a brand name drug first before they will allow you to go to the generic. They are really doing a good job of keeping drug costs down. NOT.
2
Androgel was costing about $600 a month and I was in the "donut hole" by April. ( I take another expensive drug) Medicare will not pay for compounded drugs which are much less expensive. Compounded testosterone was about $50 a month but you'll have to pay out of pocket. Balance that against the "donut hole" costs.
3
The testosterone studies are is an example of why we need to keep an independent NIH and not just rely on medical research financed by industry.
46
The studies which have purported to show adverse CV effects in men on testosterone were poorly controlled and study subjects had pre-existing CV risk factors and events. Nor were they even routinely tested for testosterone levels before therapy was initiated. Thus, we have no rational way to interpret these studies which were poorly designed and executed.
In the latest study, which was very large, it was demonstrated that in testosterone DEFICIENT men ever treated with testosterone, both CV events AND all cause mortality were significantly reduced. Several well designed previous studies had demonstrated the same benefits. The obvious lesson is that before initiating testosterone therapy, testosterone levels MUST be checked (you should be treating something!), and caution is indicated if there are pre-existing cardiac risk factors or events. Establish the rationale for treatment and potential risks of treatment BEFORE initiating treatment. In other words, First Do No Harm. Then try to do some good. (And don't publish just for the sake of publishing) DUH!
In the latest study, which was very large, it was demonstrated that in testosterone DEFICIENT men ever treated with testosterone, both CV events AND all cause mortality were significantly reduced. Several well designed previous studies had demonstrated the same benefits. The obvious lesson is that before initiating testosterone therapy, testosterone levels MUST be checked (you should be treating something!), and caution is indicated if there are pre-existing cardiac risk factors or events. Establish the rationale for treatment and potential risks of treatment BEFORE initiating treatment. In other words, First Do No Harm. Then try to do some good. (And don't publish just for the sake of publishing) DUH!
16
You see something quite similar in women who are put through surgical menopause too (in women, the key sex hormone is estradiol rather than testosterone, but both hormones perform fairly similar roles). Adult human beings need to have adequate sex hormone levels in order to remain healthy and to retain their masculinity/femininity. Without them, you lose all your vitality and zest for life, you become a sexless neuter, and you start to develop many of the chronic ailments of old age at an accelerated rate.
Hormone replacement has a checkered history, but that's largely down to the incompetence of doctors, who are often remarkably clueless when it comes to administering HRT. With women's HRT in particular, a big part of the problem is also that, until recently, it's almost exclusively consisted of synthetic progesterone mimics and horse estrogens, both of which have turned out to be much more harmful than the hormones that occur naturally in the human body.