I started this thread about a year ago and wanted to post current follow up. My testosterone never recovered. The highest it got was 52 in 10/24. But my PSA has remained undetectable for >2 years off treatment.

My MO at Johns Hopkins recommended I begin TRT monitored by an endocrinologist. Long term testosterone deprivation has significant health risks. Of course, if the testosterone fuels prostate cancer that is certainly a health risk as well.

My MO treats each patient individually depending on their response to therapy. In my case, he believed the T would be a benefit and if the cancer did recur it could be managed.

I did not realize how the T deprivation had affected me until I had normal T levels for a month or so. It isn't so much about the return of the libido (although I do like that), but it is more the general over sense of well being. Improved mood. Depression gone. Energy level returning as is my muscle strength after 3 months. Body hair returning. There are physiologic changes to my body of which I am not aware but are documented (improved bone density, CV etc).

TRT isn't for everyone. As has been stated, the ADT effects are very tolerable for some people. I was not one of those. I feel like my old self again. To my complete surprise, I started having nocturnal erections again and haven't experienced those for years!

I very much appreciate reading all of the posts on this website. This is real life experience, not some doctor quickly relating the side effects he/she hasn't experienced. Or reading some dry journal article.

As always, good luck to everyone as they fight this disease.