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How Can I Start Producing Testosterone Again After Stopping Testosterone Cream?
Question: I live in San XXXXXXX CA I am 70 years old with ED. Seeking help, I visited a naturopath doctor in San XXXXXXX He ran a serum hormone lab test and a saliva hormone test, and based on the results, prescribed a compound pharmacy 10 mg testosterone/15 mg prodesterone (combined), topical cream and I started using about Feb 21, 2018.
He also prescribed 25 mg DHEA capsules, once daily, which I started soon after. I have been taking the DHEA capsule and alllying the cream for about 8 weeks. I was alarmed recently when I had a high blood pressure reading this past Thursday, I had been seen by a different doctor and a blood pressure reading was taken (140/90).
In the meantime my naturopath doctor got the results of a follow up serum hormone panel. My serum testosterone went down from 595 ng/dl to about 420 ng/dl. I am currently awaiting the results of a follow-up saliva test. My DHEA was 17 (very low) and free testosterone was at the low end of normal (38), as was my progesterone level (71).
Since then my blood pressure readings have remained high. Alarmed, I started reading on the internet and noticed that testosterone therapy can double heart disease risk for older males.
I never had a high blood pressure reading in my life, regular exercise, no smoking, wine with meals, no stress or depressioin, healthy lifestyle. I am trying to decide whether to stop testosterone therapy, I am not on any prescription drugs and have no health problems I am aware of up until now.
I am seriously considering stopping Testosterone therapy (TRT). My naturopath doctor thought my lower serum Testosterone is because my body stopped making testosterone, he wants to raise the dose. According to my reading, not only fluid retention but also increased production of red blood cells can cause higher blood pressure during testosterone therapy. I also read the risks of TRT are significantly higher in older males. My serum level was mid-range (595) and my free testosterone level was 38. Can my side effect be safely managed (elevated bloode pressure)? If I continue treatment I may need to do so indefinitely, since the body shuts down T production during the therapy. I believe I need to decide now whether to continue therapy for this reason.
Do you agree it would be the best course to stop the treatment, given my age and the higher risks?
How long could it take until I regain my former serum/free testosterone levels after stopping?
Finally, can you please advise on a protocol to follow to help my body to start producing testosterone again after stopping testosterone cream? How can I stop and regain former serum/saliva levels? Should I stop or continue?
He also prescribed 25 mg DHEA capsules, once daily, which I started soon after. I have been taking the DHEA capsule and alllying the cream for about 8 weeks. I was alarmed recently when I had a high blood pressure reading this past Thursday, I had been seen by a different doctor and a blood pressure reading was taken (140/90).
In the meantime my naturopath doctor got the results of a follow up serum hormone panel. My serum testosterone went down from 595 ng/dl to about 420 ng/dl. I am currently awaiting the results of a follow-up saliva test. My DHEA was 17 (very low) and free testosterone was at the low end of normal (38), as was my progesterone level (71).
Since then my blood pressure readings have remained high. Alarmed, I started reading on the internet and noticed that testosterone therapy can double heart disease risk for older males.
I never had a high blood pressure reading in my life, regular exercise, no smoking, wine with meals, no stress or depressioin, healthy lifestyle. I am trying to decide whether to stop testosterone therapy, I am not on any prescription drugs and have no health problems I am aware of up until now.
I am seriously considering stopping Testosterone therapy (TRT). My naturopath doctor thought my lower serum Testosterone is because my body stopped making testosterone, he wants to raise the dose. According to my reading, not only fluid retention but also increased production of red blood cells can cause higher blood pressure during testosterone therapy. I also read the risks of TRT are significantly higher in older males. My serum level was mid-range (595) and my free testosterone level was 38. Can my side effect be safely managed (elevated bloode pressure)? If I continue treatment I may need to do so indefinitely, since the body shuts down T production during the therapy. I believe I need to decide now whether to continue therapy for this reason.
Do you agree it would be the best course to stop the treatment, given my age and the higher risks?
How long could it take until I regain my former serum/free testosterone levels after stopping?
Finally, can you please advise on a protocol to follow to help my body to start producing testosterone again after stopping testosterone cream? How can I stop and regain former serum/saliva levels? Should I stop or continue?
Brief Answer:
Do not stop abruptly. See your PCP. Formulate a strategy.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone carefully through the entire details and have checked the attachments. I would insist you to refrain from further treatment of a naturopath and would insist you to get an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP). If required he would be able to refer to an endocrinologist. If testosterone therapy has not relieved you of your ED, possibly the problem lies elsewhere. Besides, as you are well aware, testosterone therapy has its risks. Your PCP will be able to suggest if you should abruptly stop the testosterone pills. I would not insist you to stop rapidly on your own. Your PCP would be able to formulate the necessary protocol.
The existing side effects like hypertension can be safely managed and your doctor will be able to administer suitable medicines like diuretics, based on his assessment.
Feel free to write back.
Regards
Do not stop abruptly. See your PCP. Formulate a strategy.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone carefully through the entire details and have checked the attachments. I would insist you to refrain from further treatment of a naturopath and would insist you to get an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP). If required he would be able to refer to an endocrinologist. If testosterone therapy has not relieved you of your ED, possibly the problem lies elsewhere. Besides, as you are well aware, testosterone therapy has its risks. Your PCP will be able to suggest if you should abruptly stop the testosterone pills. I would not insist you to stop rapidly on your own. Your PCP would be able to formulate the necessary protocol.
The existing side effects like hypertension can be safely managed and your doctor will be able to administer suitable medicines like diuretics, based on his assessment.
Feel free to write back.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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