DW,
In the old Readers Digest there was a small section called "Laughter is the best medicine." and i couldn't agree more.
On that note: If the surgeries last Wednesday was a ball game, i pitched the first 2 balls, then i got sent to the dugout to sit out the rest of the game. 🙂 🙂 🙂

On a serious note, that's a good question. We could come to some conclusions but i think ultimately it would be counter productive and off topic.

NOTE: i was never "offered" orchiectomy as an option.
Having done my homework, and knowing there are only 2 avenues to achieve "castration", i requested the surgical avenue.

Drastic? Maybe to some, but to me it was less so.

What led me to make the decision?
Many things, but ultimately i am convinced it was the right decision FOR ME. It was based on a ton of research i did, and in consultation with family and friends who are in the medical field, including a recently retired urology oncologist.
My urologist understood and supported my decision. i can't say enough good things about him.
i hadn't even considered the implants until he mentioned it and asked if i wanted them. i said, "sure, why not".

Perhaps you should talk with your urologist and have an in depth discussion on this topic before starting hormones. There is no "one size fits all" solution.

Final thoughts:
- Orchiectomy IS technically and clinically considered hormone therapy.
- The hematology oncologist was not happy with me. Not one bit...
- i will still need to do antiandrogen therapy to deal with the remaining 5% testosterone production that comes from the adrenal glands. While that falls under the hormone therapy umbrella, the synthesized compound is not a hormone.

Anyway, i am up and walking around and i will be attending service tomorrow. That's important medicine too!

Blessings and best wishes for you.