Testosterone Therapy

I have a Gleason Score of 6 or 7, so low grade cancer of the prostate. As I have aged (I’m 73) I have noticed the onset of ED, so asked my urologist about testosterone therapy. After ordering a blood test to check my testosterone levels (which were at the low end of the “normal” range), he recommended against testosterone therapy, as it promotes the growth of prostate cancer.
Have you had a blood test to check your testosterone levels? My opinion, after talking to my urologist, is that it’s a “risk-reward” issue. If your levels are below normal, or you are experiencing any other issues that you believe might be helped by this therapy, you might be on a different part of the “risk-reward” curve than I am.

I have been on TRT for approximately 1 and a half years after hormone testing showed I had a fairly low T count. About 4 months ago, a bone marrow biopsy revealed I had a rare blood cancer called polycythemia vera. One of the symptoms is high red blood cell counts and high hematocrit. I happened to be watching tv yesterday and a Total T2 testosterone booster commercial came on. During the commercial, they mention how testosterone supplementation can cause thick blood. So I researched it and found it could cause a significant rise in red blood cell counts. I immediately emailed my function medicine Doctor and he advised to stop the supplementation.

I get a cbc panel every 2 weeks and hope to see better RBC and hematocrit levels.

I am 81 years old and have been on trt for approximately 1 1/2 years. My red blood count and hematocrit are elevated and my cardiologist suggested I give blood frequently, which has lowered. I am being followed by a urologist whom I trust who has been monitoring closely. I have had two stents, a pacemaker and have a high calcium score, and take blood pressure medication, metoprolol a Statin and a daily small aspirin. I exercise 2 to 4 times per week, logging approximately 150 minutes cardio and weights. Even though I sound like a physical wreck I'm actually in pretty good shape given all the above. The trt has really helped my libido and muscle tone, however, it is still a little bit of a risk that I am willing to take thus far. My advice is you say urologist that you trust, have frequent blood test to keep an eye on your blood viscosity and enjoy life.

I should have added to the above but the first thing I would do would be read every bit of literature I could to understand trt, benefits and side effects and then make a decision along with your doctor.

@csrb7007 Just my two cents. I seriously doubt you have polycythemia vera cancer. A lot of folks who are on TRT get this. I did as well. I have been sticking myself for over 15 years now and this is what I have found, for me anyway. I started with once a week injections rotating from glute cheek to cheek. I did this for several years and it seemed to me that it was getting harder to put that 25G, 1 inch needle in, maybe scar tissue? Then after a lot of thought, and research, I decided to do injections every day, hence microdosing. I forgot to mention, during those big once a week injections my hct jumped to low 60s and I had to donate blood once a month or so. Along with big peaks and valleys due to the infrequency of injections, I do believe my body was sending alarms out for the big amount of Test Cyp entering my body, hence the high hct. Now, after going to daily sticks, I still get a little high, like upper 50s, but it takes 3 or 4 months to get there.( before starting trt, my hct was always around 50). Up until about a year ago, I was daily, now I am doing M-W-F and using 60MG each. I found long ago that using a insulin pin was much much easier than that big harpoon. I do shallow muscle injections, rotating from side delt, front delt, traps, triceps and thighs, so no scar tissue buildup. And I feel much better all the time! I see my doc every quarter and get my bloodwork done. For years now, all my numbers are within range, well almost all. My total test is usually in the 1100 to 1200 range and my estrogen is usually a bit high as well, as it should be for the correct ration. My free, the most important number, is also above range as well. That is my life experience with testosterone, hope it helps. But remember, we are all different.

@fireman123: I have to say I hope you’re right but a bone marrow biopsy lab results confirmed a JAK2 mutation along with high hematocrit levels. My oncologist seems very convinced that it is cancer. I’m scheduled to visit UVA’s Cancer Clinic Thursday so hopefully I’ll get some confirmation, one way or another.

Appreciate your comments.

@csrb7007 I hope the best for you CSRB. You are in my thoughts. I am just going by what my doc told me when he told me I had polycythemia, then explained it was most likely due to me using testosterone cypionate. I never had any further tests done. Good luck buddy.

I started on Enclomiphene. It induces your Leydig cells in your testicle to produce T. I give blood every 8 weeks routinely so hopefully that will help.

I've made several posts about my TRT experience, the net of which is that it didn't work and I quit. Well over two years after taking a 'mere' 4 months of Orgovyx, I still experience all the crappy symptoms: hot flashes, weakness, visceral fat, moderate ED. My Drs. and other advisors couldn't have been more wrong in their prognosis since my hormones were permanently changed by Orgovyx. I quit TRT for a variety of reasons: it interferes with your natural T production, the troublesome side effects did not subside and who wants to rub nasty gel on their arms every day. I am supposed to see Endocrinology and was referred 10 months ago, however, they are expressing little interest in my condition. My men's health Urologist suggested starting hCG which I am still considering, however, it's not covered by insurance and I'm supposed to inject myself 3 times per week, not with an auto injector, but with actual needles and a drug that needs to be mixed. I have a couple more Drs. to see and will decide if hCG is worth it or not.

ENCLOMIPHENE! does not suppress your testes.