Testosterone Treatment - Up the Finasteride?

[Johnny_B]

I've been diagnosed as having low testosterone levels and have had several repeat tests. The levels are still low and average around 10. My endo has indicated that he will give me treatment if it is still low in my latest test. A scan has also revealed low bone density so this may further increase the likelihood of TRT.

On the assumption that I am given some form of testosterone treatment, I'll assume the knock on effect may be increase my DHT levels. I currently take 2.5mg Finasteride M/W/F.

Wouid a very slight increase in my finasteride dosage be a good idea to counter the increased test/DHT conversion in order to maintain my native hair or will 7.5mg a week suffice?

I'm 6 months post op - I'll assume exogenous test doesn't interfere with the growth of my HT negatively...if it does,I'll delay him until 12 months.

I will e-mail Dr Hasson but grateful if you guys could give me your thoughts?

[Dr. Glenn Charles]

Did your doctor check your testoerone levels using blood or saliva diagnostic testing? If you start Testosterone treatment you may want to consider going to the Finasteride daily and also taking some kind of Estrogen blocker (Ex. Arimidex).

[Johnny_B]

Thanks for the response

The Doctor tested via blood.

I have low test and low GH levels (prior to fin!).

Shall I assume that you recommend arimidex because testosterone aromatizes, the lower DHT levels from the fin would produce higher free test which would normally convert to oestrogen 'and' DHT...so without the arimidex, my oestrogen levels would rocket due to fin and TRT? I'm confusing myself but does that sound right?

The daily administration though?

One last question, could it affect the growth of my HT if I start TRT before 12 months? I would assume not but I would stall on the treatment rather than take a chance

Thanks again for your time

[Dr. Glenn Charles]

Because steroids can effecrt wound healing I usually suggest patients stop testosterone treatment prior to the surgery. They can resume 3 monts after the procedure. There is no exact rule for this, but that is what I recommend. Yes there can be an aromatizing effect which can lead to increased estrogen levels and conversion to DHT. I have recommended Arimidex every other or every third day for patients in your situation once they resume the testosterone therapy.

[Johnny_B]

Many Thanks.

I'm 6.5 months post op so I should be fine but I'll delay it as long as I can.

Thanks again

[Dr. Glenn Charles]

Many doctors who practice anti-aging medicine or hormone replacement therapy prefer testing hormone levels using saliva. It has been shown to be very accurate. There is a difference between total testosterone and available testosterone. I often get patients who had blood testing for testosterone levels that came back normal, but they had all the classic signs of low testosterone. Sure enough after testing using saliva samples the testosterone was actually very low.

[thechamp]

Did your doctor check your testoerone levels using blood or saliva diagnostic testing? If you start Testosterone treatment you may want to consider going to the Finasteride daily and also taking some kind of Estrogen blocker (Ex. Arimidex).

Sorry to bother doctor glen but I want your opinion on armidex my gp said side effects for males on armidex can be thyroid cancer , what's your opinion , I really want to keep my hair but I get weight gain on propecia??

[Dr. Glenn Charles]

Are you using Arimidex to control the weight gain?

[thechamp]

Are you using Arimidex to control the weight gain?

I want to use armidex to control the weight gain but my doctor scared me saying the male side effects of armidex can be thyroid cancer what's your view on this?

[thechamp]

Dr glen I want to know of armidex is safe or it's to dangerous like my doctor said about thyroid cancer sides?

[thechamp]

Are you using Arimidex to control the weight gain?

I just want to know if armidex is safe, and why my gp told me side effects for males is thyroid cancer ?