TESTOSTERONE SUPPLEMENTATION AFTER RADIATION AND FIRMAGON

artie
artie Member Posts: 61 Member
edited August 2023 in Prostate Cancer #1

HAD RADIATION AND FIRMAGON 5YEARS AGO .CANCER IS GONE BUT SO IS MY TESTOSTERONE .IT NEVER CAME BACK .DR RECOMMENDED TESTOS

TERONE SUPPLEMENTATION.HAS ANY BODY TRIED THIS?

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Comments

  • VascodaGama
    VascodaGama Member Posts: 3,638 Member
    TRT

    Hi Artie,

    I would like to know details about your present status,  PSA histology, and the reasons that took you to inquire about TRT. This subject of your thread has been discussed here before by some survivors but the experiences in taking testosterone supplements were little shared. I have exchanged opinions with PCa survivor Rakendra, who claimed to take steroids for his body building performance. You can try contacting him via the csn e-mail or follow his story in my link below. 

    Taking steroids goes against the principles of the hormonal treatment which purposes involve deprivation of the testosterone by inducing castration. In fact the majority of PCa survivors also think that taking testosterone supplements may awaken the bandit back into action. In any case, there is no prove that such is true. Some specialists treating the low testosterone (urologists, endocrinologists, or sexologists) argue that low testosterone promote the initiation of the cancer. These guys prescribe testosterone products, such as patches, topical gels, and injections, to their patients in spite of knowing that they have/had PCa.

    From a fewer number of trials researchers found that prostate cancer  reacts differently depending on the type of the testosterone. Cancer promotion seems to be linked more to endogenous testosterone (produced by the testis) than to exogenous testosterone (injected). There are several articles and videos on the matter. 

    In your shoes I would consult a specialist before taking anything but you can try it if that improves your quality of life. 

    https://csn.cancer.org/node/264453 https://csn.cancer.org/node/292304

    https://csn.cancer.org/node/264909 https://csn.cancer.org/node/212885

    Best wishes 

    VGama

     

  • Clevelandguy
    Clevelandguy Member Posts: 980 Member
    edited December 2020 #3
    Bad Idea?

    Hi Artie,

    If it was me I would not risk the cancer return by starting testosterone.  Like Vasco said most people take drugs to get rid of the testosterone and thus weaken the cancer.  Don't know if you took it as a precaution but you surely don't want to awake the bandit.

    just my 2c worth.........

    Dave 3+4

  • artie
    artie Member Posts: 61 Member
    edited December 2020 #4

    TRT

    Hi Artie,

    I would like to know details about your present status,  PSA histology, and the reasons that took you to inquire about TRT. This subject of your thread has been discussed here before by some survivors but the experiences in taking testosterone supplements were little shared. I have exchanged opinions with PCa survivor Rakendra, who claimed to take steroids for his body building performance. You can try contacting him via the csn e-mail or follow his story in my link below. 

    Taking steroids goes against the principles of the hormonal treatment which purposes involve deprivation of the testosterone by inducing castration. In fact the majority of PCa survivors also think that taking testosterone supplements may awaken the bandit back into action. In any case, there is no prove that such is true. Some specialists treating the low testosterone (urologists, endocrinologists, or sexologists) argue that low testosterone promote the initiation of the cancer. These guys prescribe testosterone products, such as patches, topical gels, and injections, to their patients in spite of knowing that they have/had PCa.

    From a fewer number of trials researchers found that prostate cancer  reacts differently depending on the type of the testosterone. Cancer promotion seems to be linked more to endogenous testosterone (produced by the testis) than to exogenous testosterone (injected). There are several articles and videos on the matter. 

    In your shoes I would consult a specialist before taking anything but you can try it if that improves your quality of life. 

    https://csn.cancer.org/node/264453 https://csn.cancer.org/node/292304

    https://csn.cancer.org/node/264909 https://csn.cancer.org/node/212885

    Best wishes 

    VGama

     

    tetosterone

    I had 7 Gleason Had 5 radiation treatments plus 4 shots degarilix(firmagon) 79 ,Cancer is gone 5 yrs now,PSA nondectable.Testoterone 28,feeling tired.Considering Testoterone supplementaton for my health.Send me info on the articles and videos and have your friend contact me on this forum.

  • artie
    artie Member Posts: 61 Member
    edited December 2020 #5

    Bad Idea?

    Hi Artie,

    If it was me I would not risk the cancer return by starting testosterone.  Like Vasco said most people take drugs to get rid of the testosterone and thus weaken the cancer.  Don't know if you took it as a precaution but you surely don't want to awake the bandit.

    just my 2c worth.........

    Dave 3+4

    tetosterone

    I would agree but there is also a danger to your health with low testoterone.So I am in a quandry as to what to do.

  • artie
    artie Member Posts: 61 Member

    TRT

    Hi Artie,

    I would like to know details about your present status,  PSA histology, and the reasons that took you to inquire about TRT. This subject of your thread has been discussed here before by some survivors but the experiences in taking testosterone supplements were little shared. I have exchanged opinions with PCa survivor Rakendra, who claimed to take steroids for his body building performance. You can try contacting him via the csn e-mail or follow his story in my link below. 

    Taking steroids goes against the principles of the hormonal treatment which purposes involve deprivation of the testosterone by inducing castration. In fact the majority of PCa survivors also think that taking testosterone supplements may awaken the bandit back into action. In any case, there is no prove that such is true. Some specialists treating the low testosterone (urologists, endocrinologists, or sexologists) argue that low testosterone promote the initiation of the cancer. These guys prescribe testosterone products, such as patches, topical gels, and injections, to their patients in spite of knowing that they have/had PCa.

    From a fewer number of trials researchers found that prostate cancer  reacts differently depending on the type of the testosterone. Cancer promotion seems to be linked more to endogenous testosterone (produced by the testis) than to exogenous testosterone (injected). There are several articles and videos on the matter. 

    In your shoes I would consult a specialist before taking anything but you can try it if that improves your quality of life. 

    https://csn.cancer.org/node/264453 https://csn.cancer.org/node/292304

    https://csn.cancer.org/node/264909 https://csn.cancer.org/node/212885

    Best wishes 

    VGama

     

    tetosterone

    Are you at increased risk to your health of having extrely low testosterone(28)?Are you at greater risk of the prostate cancer coming back?You would thnk you would be at lower risk since as part of the treatment to get rid of the cancer they give you drugs (androgens)such as lupron and firmagon to to lower the testoterone.

  • artie
    artie Member Posts: 61 Member
    edited January 2021 #7

    TRT

    Hi Artie,

    I would like to know details about your present status,  PSA histology, and the reasons that took you to inquire about TRT. This subject of your thread has been discussed here before by some survivors but the experiences in taking testosterone supplements were little shared. I have exchanged opinions with PCa survivor Rakendra, who claimed to take steroids for his body building performance. You can try contacting him via the csn e-mail or follow his story in my link below. 

    Taking steroids goes against the principles of the hormonal treatment which purposes involve deprivation of the testosterone by inducing castration. In fact the majority of PCa survivors also think that taking testosterone supplements may awaken the bandit back into action. In any case, there is no prove that such is true. Some specialists treating the low testosterone (urologists, endocrinologists, or sexologists) argue that low testosterone promote the initiation of the cancer. These guys prescribe testosterone products, such as patches, topical gels, and injections, to their patients in spite of knowing that they have/had PCa.

    From a fewer number of trials researchers found that prostate cancer  reacts differently depending on the type of the testosterone. Cancer promotion seems to be linked more to endogenous testosterone (produced by the testis) than to exogenous testosterone (injected). There are several articles and videos on the matter. 

    In your shoes I would consult a specialist before taking anything but you can try it if that improves your quality of life. 

    https://csn.cancer.org/node/264453 https://csn.cancer.org/node/292304

    https://csn.cancer.org/node/264909 https://csn.cancer.org/node/212885

    Best wishes 

    VGama

     

    tetosterone

    Do you know anybody who was treated for prostate cancer and they took TRT to raise their tstosterone?

     

  • lighterwood67
    lighterwood67 Member Posts: 374 Member
    edited January 2021 #8
    More studies needed

    Whether testosterone therapy is safe for men with a history of prostate cancer is still an open question. More studies are needed to understand the connection. Would be nice if you could find some folks similar to your case and find out how they did with testosterone supplements. Good luck on your journey.

     

  • artie
    artie Member Posts: 61 Member
    edited January 2021 #9

    More studies needed

    Whether testosterone therapy is safe for men with a history of prostate cancer is still an open question. More studies are needed to understand the connection. Would be nice if you could find some folks similar to your case and find out how they did with testosterone supplements. Good luck on your journey.

     

    tetosterone

    You r right on the pointSome docs say ok and even recommend taking the testoterone and other docs say its ike pouing gasoline on a fire.

  • SV
    SV Member Posts: 181 Member
    edited January 2021 #10
    I went back on TRT five years

    I went back on TRT five years after RP with no detectable PSA. Then, five years being back on TRT my PSA came roaring back to life going from .01 to 2.0 in eighteen months. A year ago I started two 90 shots of Lurpon with two months of Proton. Getting back to normal now but I don't know about risking TRT again.

  • artie
    artie Member Posts: 61 Member
    edited January 2021 #11
    SV said:

    I went back on TRT five years

    I went back on TRT five years after RP with no detectable PSA. Then, five years being back on TRT my PSA came roaring back to life going from .01 to 2.0 in eighteen months. A year ago I started two 90 shots of Lurpon with two months of Proton. Getting back to normal now but I don't know about risking TRT again.

    Why did u go start TRT.I My

    Why did u go start TRT.I My testoterone is only 28 and I am tired.hoping TRT would give me better quality of life but do't want to risk cancer coming back.You said PSA came roaring back but did cancer come back.How long did it take Lupron and Proton to get your PSA to normal?Did the cancer come back and what did u do to treat it?How low was your testoterone?Where did u get the TRT?Thanks for your help.

  • Old Salt
    Old Salt Member Posts: 1,284 Member
    Not SV

    but he explained in his (January 6) post that his prostate was removed. Hence, if his PSA came 'roaring back', it means that the cancer had metastasized.

  • artie
    artie Member Posts: 61 Member
    edited January 2021 #13
    Old Salt said:

    Not SV

    but he explained in his (January 6) post that his prostate was removed. Hence, if his PSA came 'roaring back', it means that the cancer had metastasized.

    Thanks Old Salt So what is

    Thanks Old Salt So what is one to do with Testoterone level 28?Cancer is gone but quality of life is also gone.Tired al the time.

  • Old Salt
    Old Salt Member Posts: 1,284 Member
    artie said:

    Thanks Old Salt So what is

    Thanks Old Salt So what is one to do with Testoterone level 28?Cancer is gone but quality of life is also gone.Tired al the time.

    I can't answer that

    It's really up to you. The pros and cons are summarized in earlier posts in this thread and you are well aware of them.

    Did you try to exercise to improve your quality of life?

    My thoughts are that if you do decide on TRT, you will need to watch your PSA frequently and stop the testosterone supplement once your PSA rises above your current/baseline level. Is this what your doctor recommended (see your first post)?

  • Old Salt
    Old Salt Member Posts: 1,284 Member
    Artie

    A  (very) relevant review was cited on another prostate cancer site:

    Testosterone Therapy After Prostate Cancer Treatment: A Review of Literature - ScienceDirect

  • artie
    artie Member Posts: 61 Member
    edited February 2021 #16
    tetosterone

    I I don't do it what r my Consequences?

  • artie
    artie Member Posts: 61 Member
    Old Salt said:

    Artie

    A  (very) relevant review was cited on another prostate cancer site:

    Testosterone Therapy After Prostate Cancer Treatment: A Review of Literature - ScienceDirect

    tetosterone

    Do you know of others that took TRT?

  • amdenver
    amdenver Member Posts: 18
    Post treatment Testosterone Supplementing

    Here is some information, one recent others a bit dated but still appear valid:

    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0090429519300895

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17183557/

    (Credit to Tall_Allen for the following)

    https://bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1464-410X.2011.10193.x

     

  • artie
    artie Member Posts: 61 Member
    edited February 2021 #19
    tetosterone

    SPOKE TO DR  FROM SYLVESTOR AND HE WAS AGAINST ME TAKING TESTOTERONE.HE SAID IT COULD REACTIVATE CANCER.HE SAID U COULD LEAD NORMAL LIFE WITH LOW TSTOTERONE.HE AGRRED WITH MY UROLOGIST FROM NORTHSHORE.IT APPEARS THIS IS HOTLY DEBATED ISSUE.DR FROM HARVARD CLAIMS ITS OK TO TAKE BUT ACKNOWLEDGES ITS DEBATABLE AND THERE R RISKS.I WILL LIVE WITH IT AS IT IS NOT WORTH TAKIING THE RISK OF THE CANCER COMING BACK.

  • hewhositsoncushions
    hewhositsoncushions Member Posts: 411 Member
    Diet and exercise wont cure

    Diet and exercise wont cure theT shortfall but will help close the gap in terms of energy levels

  • Old Salt
    Old Salt Member Posts: 1,284 Member
    edited February 2021 #21
    You made a decision

    Good for you!