Good point. I know a gym rat who was doing just that and went to the doctor for a checkup. His lab results came back and the doctor told him he had good news and bad news regarding the various hormones and steroids my friend was taking. The good news was that he could expect his member to increase 1-2" in length in the next few weeks, about 3/4" in diameter. My gym rat friend was thrilled but asked the doctor what the bad news was. The doctor replied: "Its malignant!" :lol::lol::lol:

Don in Austin

I'm at the low end of normal. I checked with my wife regarding supplements and she recommends saltpeter.

For your sake, I hope so. :)

What are the side effects of testosterone replacement therapy?

In general, hormone replacement therapy is safe. It is associated with some side effects, including:

• acne or oily skin
• mild fluid retention
• stimulation of prostate tissue, with perhaps some increased urination symptoms such as decreased stream or frequency
• breast enlargement
• worsening of sleep apnea (a sleep disorder that results in frequent night time awakenings and daytime sleepiness)
• decreased testicular size

After I broke my back, we were told my T was low. At the time I just didn't think about. But now I am concerned. Hope to get in to see my doc fairly soon and discuss it. My recovery has been good, but if there is any way to improve things, I'm all for it.

What about if you have none?

Don't wish it on anyone!

These symptoms are the result of taking way too much testosterone!

I did not really suspect it, but my numbers were about half of what is needed for the bottom level of normal, FYI.

Correct.

I'm going to take this all to mean that hormone therapy has not been administered for Low-T for a sufficient length of time to establish the relationship between said therapy and one of your nuts turning black or growing as big as a softball (after they shrink a bit).

Correct. Having spent the past 10 years working for a pharma company, I have gotten to know their schtick well. I just wonder how much was spent coining the term "Low-T". It sounds so much cooler than hypogonadism. I am heavily invested in an upstart pharma company whose lead product is an intranasal gel to treat Low-T. This looks very promising in Phase II trials and poses none of the threats, like a wife with a moustache that gels do.

The second product will treat female anorgasmia. I wonder what it will be called to attract the baby boomers to it.

I will agree that "low T" is being pushed today mainly because of new less medically invasive way of administering this hormone such as Testim gels. (no one like to have a shot every week or every other week)

But for the patient who really needs it, there is no substitute to the weekly or by-weekly injection, because the gels or patches are not very efficient.

Again a person with very low or no testosterone is not a pleasant way to live--and the side effects should be next to none unless pre-existing conditions exist.

Similarly not taking hormone replacement for hypothyroidism or any other vital hormones would be dangerous with very poor health and shortened life span!

Call Floyd Landis for some expert advise?

I was just wondering how long it would be before this facet of the topic was discussed .

Thanks for another sensible response in a thread that is spiraling downward to nowhere. And thanks to Phil in Mesa and Blazing Pedals for sharing your experiences. And a few others seem to have been supportive as well... you know who you are!

Regardless of what anyone thinks should be done, I have made my decision in consultation with my doctor and I am moving forward from there. I'm optimistic that this could help me achieve a much better balance between my fairly ambitious bicycling life and my work life, where I cannot afford to be sleepy and tired all the time. The early signs are good so far. I hit the weights and core training yesterday a bit harder than usual and I think I've recovered much better than before. On the odd chance that it may be useful or helpful, I will probably report back on my progress from time to time.

I am not going to pay any attention to a discussion of the excesses of pro bodybuilding or Floyd Landis or doping in pro cycling or anything like that. It is just irrelevant to my situation and a waste of time.

Good deal! It has already had the effect you seek.

I am a diabetic and was also diagnosed with low-T. Doc put me on Androgel a couple of months ago. What a difference! I now have more energy, interested again in hobbies, and just overall feel better. I know there are risks, but I am willing to accept them in light of the changes the gel is making.

I will back up and apologize for any one I offended. But I have VERY strong feeling about supplementing hormones. As VNA points out, if you have no testosterone then hormone supplements will facilitate a more normal life, and that's one of the great things about modern medicine.

I just can't see hormone supplements so I can be "more athletic" at 60+ years of age versus the unknown consequences of long term use. But, as jdon mentions, modern pharma is looking for diseases to name and drugs to push.....restless leg syndrome, low-T, and so on and I'm sure we'll all hear some catchy name for female anorgasmia in the not too distant future.

Last of all, as a full disclaimer, let me mention that in our family we believe by wife's breast cancer was almost certainly brought on by hormone replacement therapy. She would be the first to say that the body changes in menopause are NOTHING compared to the hell of multiple surgeries, chemo, radiation, and subsequent body changes. So transfer all that from the female to the male, and you have my feelings.

There is absolutely no similarities--NONE--between women's hormones replacement due to menopause (estrogen and progestin) and men's testosterone replacement--absolutely none--very well documented.

Risks? certainly particularly if pre-existing health conditions are present. Just like any drugs can have side effects and can be abused!

So sorry to read about your wife's health. Wishing her the very best.

I found out last summer that I had virtually no Testosterone or other hormones, it is a long sordid story. I use a topical Testosterone (Axiron) that I apply to my arm pits daily. With Testosterone injections your levels will spike and then drop back quickly until the next shot. There is also another gel like product that I understand has a "sticky mess" issue.

Endocrinologists are the experts when it comes to testosterone and other hormones. I had the unfortunate experience of finding out how little the vast majority of M.D.s know about hormones. If it is a serious issue get a second opinion ideally at the top local teaching hospital.

One Month Report
 

I've been using prescription Testim gel (testosterone) for just over a month now and I am pleased with it. The stuff sure seems to do what they say it is supposed to and man am I glad I got tested. My recovery from exercise sure seems to be quicker and I've been able to do more of my core and upper body exercises. I have more energy for my work. I think that my body composition is improving significantly, which would not be surprising given this data from the clinical trials... and it was from subjects who did not do any physical training.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=237649
I suppose I should mention that I have none of the health issues that make the use of this product contraindicated.

Is adding Testim the only change you have made or have you also modified diet and exercise?

I got mine tested on my own a few years ago out of curiosity. Came back 250 or so I think. I feel fine. Am I supposed to be worried ?

I had decided to see my GP doc for other things and asked about my low T diagnosis. She scheduled me for a physical and blood work. Blood work came back with great numbers overall. Blood sugar, kidney and liver functions were middle of the road. Bad cholesterol is in range but getting to the higher side. Good cholesterol is high, giving me a 206 score. Now the T. A normal male is 241-827. When I left the hospital, I was at THREE! Six months later I'm at 153, and my doc wants to retest in 3 months before considering further options. The blood work she had on me 18 months ago didn't check T.

My body and blood chemistry were completely all over place after my trauma. I'm surprised that as low as my T was, nobody followed up on it. It was my rehab doc that told us that, and I've seen him a few times since. On the other hand, my GP ran down the list of symptoms, and I had none. She did joke that if my T was higher I might have pushed my recovery and would be more likely to hurt myself. But she does want to see it higher, regardless.:innocent:

I see way too many doctors...

25mg of Androgel (alcohol base) topicaly applied(after shower, takes about 5 seconds) daily for the last 6 years. Freaking fountain of youth for me. Doc checks the PSA twice a year and zero issues.
You can also have a compounding pharmacy whip up a simular brew.

USA Cycling view on Hormone Replacement Treatments for Low-T
 

Hello,

Does anyone konw if these various HRTs would disqualify a rider from USA cycling
events such as Masters Nationals.

I read about some Master riders being suspended this year for doping. I wonder if HRT is considered doping by USA cycling.

I am getting back into bike racing after a long layoff and I want to ride in Masters 50+ classes. I am cosidering having my T levels tested and I hope they are normal ....

I would hate to start HRT and then find out I am now in viloation of USA cycling rules

I too have weighed the +'s and -'s I have been using TESTOS 25MG/PT1HRT dispenced as a cream and applied to the inside if the upper arm for well over a year. I have my blood checked every 3 months and the T Level has risen and i can tell you without hesiation that it works. I'm 70 years old and "feel 50" ---- Life has many decisions and the choice to use the T suppliment under doctors monotoring has been WONDERFUL !

Yes, they do disqualify. It might be possible to get a medical necessity waiver however.

I have been taking Androgel for several months. Energy levels have improved, and average bike speed has slightly increased. It is prescription and a controlled substance, so must be taken only with a doctor's supervision. Certainly shouldn't be used simply to enhance one's competitiveness and is definitely illegal for professional athletes, but for old guys like me (76) it is a big help.

Seven Week Update
 

I was in to see my doc for another matter this week but, while there, we drew blood for a testosterone level check. I was at 263 (up from 175 six weeks ago) and this was after about 16 hours without applying any testosterone gel. She decided to up my dosage to the next level and I am going from Testim to Androgel.

The Testim to Androgel switch is being dictated by my insurance company. They sent a letter saying they are going to be fussy approving one but not the other. Guess they have negotiated a discount on the Androgel brand.

Is this treatment effective? It has only been about seven weeks, so I am not going to say "20 years younger" and things like that; but I won't argue with that characterization either. My body composition is definitely changing in good ways. Will I ride my bike faster? It is too soon to tell about that but that was not my primary motive anyway.

So far the effects of testosterone replacement translate into benefits in several aspects of life. But I would probably not have even thought about being tested if I had not been involved in cycling.

any change to your love life?

Love life
 

Believe me it will improve. Took many months after a T reading of 13 but Boy oh Boy what an improvement!!!! :love::thumb: