Low Testosterone Treatment after PC

That agrees with the opinion of my urologist.  My GP suggested mine was a little low, but said it was not a good idea in a PCa patient to try to boost it. My Uro just said never.

Hi Florence..........I'm almost 3 years post prostatectomy, and have been on testosterone replacement since January of this year; first with compounded cream, and now via shots. ----self-administered every 5 days. Low dosage/frequent interval has resulted in even delivery and my T levels remain pretty consistently in the @800 level, and have for 6 months or so. 2 Psa checks within that time frame with <0.1 as a result. Just had another blood draw this AM...........what I found out through my research, and my surgeon and local uro have concurred with me, is that the "T replacment is akin to pouring gasoline on a fire" is old school thinking. There's really no concrete evidence beyond one case by Huggins back in 1941 that the science is based on. More recent studies indicate that it can be protective and that estrogen may be the culprit. That said, it's an individual decision for the patient and his doctor to come to. I don't know if I would have received a green light on this if my pathology stats were not as favorable as they are. I can tell you that it has helped me regain stamina, strength, clear thinking and libido to a certain degree. The libido part is still lacking, but it will require more in-depth work through an endocrinologist. But I can say unequivocally that it has given me back quality of life..........I would suggest you do some research, ask a few more opinions (both medically and here on the forum) and see where you come down on this.

Arnie in DE

Arnie, Steve and Dallas, thank you for your responses.  I will pass all information onto my husband.  Not ruling out going the therapy route, just want to be informed.  Glad I came here and received responses such as yours.  Keep me posted on your progress.  Glad to hear things are going well, God Bless and continued good health to all of you.

Regards,

Florence

 

Arnie - that's a darn good question. The prescription says:

AndroGel Pump 20.25 MG/ACT (1.62%) Transdermal Gel (**1**X75 GM Pump Blt)

Apply 2 pumps daily

Although you may, or may not be using the gel, did you smell it? I heard it could be a bit funky smelling. My endo DR also told me I need to stay away from people if I go that route. Contact with other people after applying gel is strictly verbotten; kind of like kemo, or is that radiation Im thinking of?

Recent t level of 211ng/dl and surgeon and uro gave me script to start t injections 200mg/ml once every two weeks. I am 8 mos post rrp and have had four PSA check since March all have been zero. I was on injections prior to surgery for Gleason 3+4=7 PCA and one of 12 cores positive. RRP at Indiana University Health at Indianapolis healing and making good progress essentially dry one month after surgery and started trimix injections two months ago. Feeling better now with the t injections as I was feeling weak little stamina and difficult to concentrate on tasks at work.  The Baylor penile rehab protocal allows men to have t replacement if cancer was contained and PSA have been zero for few months. I am hoping the increased testostrone will also help with the ED as the pills do little for erections.

Glabers - I'm happy to report that there basically isn't a "smell" except when you first apply it... When you first apply you can smell the "alcohol" untill it dries.. AND stay away from open flames while you're appling it.

"Women and children should avoid contact with the unwashed or unclothed area where AndroGel 1.62% has been applied. If a woman or child makes contact with the AndroGel 1.62% application area, the contact area on the woman or child should be washed well with soap and water right away.

 

If you expect another person to have skin-to-skin contact with your shoulders or upper arms, first wash the application area well with soap and water."