Advice Needed

[artisticlicense (imported)]

If you are seeing a physician, ask about using Pregnenolone 10-50 mg (http://www.vitacost.com/productResults. ... egnenolone). It's a 'back-door' to your endocrine system.

Children have ample amounts of naturally occuring pregnenolone production in their systems, but loose it slowy over time; you stop producing it around age 25.

It is the building blocks for human growth hormones (HGH) and DHEA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dehydroepiandrosterone).

It's over-the-counter, order without prescription. It may help level out your hormone biosynthesis, and re-set your brain wiring toward testosterone. Think of it as reprogramming yourself.

I have Hypogonadism, and I use 10 mg daily (a.m., before breakfast) with good results and no problems. There are a few other members here who have tried it also. It kills the sleepless nights, and perks up my interest in daily living, including sexual desire.

I use pregnenolone in 2-4 week cycles during the year. I know I'm deficient when I start getting "depressed feelings" - loose interest in common every-day activities, and sweat at night.

Also, here are a few herbs that help my sexual 'physical disfunction'. I take them daily, in addition to pregnenolone, all with the evening meal.

TribulusTerrestris Extract (Tribulus terrestris) (http://www.vitacost.com/vitacost-tribul ... andardized)

Tongkat Ali(Eurycoma longifolia jack) (http://www.vitacost.com/action-labs-lon ... 0-capsules) or 'Long Jack'

and Ginseng (http://www.vitacost.com/vitacost-ginsen ... ct-complex)

P.S., take a multi-"B" complex vitamin every morning. "B" vitamins, especially B-12 help your nerves, and re-generate nerve pathways.

You might also want to try a ginseng cream (http://www.vitacost.com/earth-science-a ... ng-complex) on the penile tissues, massaged in (yeah, sort-of like masturbation . . . but try to think of it as a back rub!)

See; PSF Foundation.org (http://www.pfsfoundation.org/)

Propecia Lawsuit; http://www.propecia-lawsuit.org/

[jorbie77 (imported)]

At 600 ng/dl you do NOT have low T - the question is, can your body use it?

Yes...I should have stated that different. Most of the Propecia guys do not have low T...but for some reason our body doesn't use most of it. And thank you for the pregnalone tip...I am off to GNC now to get a bottle.

[artisticlicense (imported)]

jorbie77; another supplement that may help your numb penis is L-arginine

(http://www.vitacost.com/productResults. ... =1&ss=1&x=

19&y=15&ntk=products&Ntt=L-arginine).

It is a natural "Viagra", increasing blood-flow to the groin and lower extremities. With more blood-flow, better chance of nerve recovery.

If you look at the ingredients of a lot of those gas station and convenience store counter displayed 'erection helpers', you'll see L-arginine as the main ingredient.

I have taken one (1); 500-mg capsule and was "fired up" for a couple of hours. It does NOT 'make' you horny; but . . . most guys will "brain-benefit" a stiff erection!

If you've ever used Viagra or other 'helpers', you'll not be disappointed in L-arginine. (Viagra - $15-$20/pill; Gas station generics - $5/pill; L-arginine - $.06/capsule)

**Caution**; just like Viagra, and those 'other' helpers, if you have heart problems or bleeding ailments, know that L-arginine does increase heart-rate and dilates blood vessels. So, know thyself, or seek council from your physician.

[Losethem (imported)]

Something I've not seen anyone mention here is that you read that book by Victor Cheney... As far as I know, we eunuchs have pretty much denounced him as a quack. So please take what those of us who are castrated say more seriously than anything he does.

In your case, other than your mentioning that surgical castration will have put the decision in your hands instead of the drug companies, I do not see any value to your doing that unless you're wanting to for reasons other than those you've spoken about. It simply won't change anything, and if your masculinity in your mind is wrapped up in your genitals, then having yourself surgically castrated may do you more harm than good.

Whatever happens, I sincerely wish you the best outcome possible to help you through your situation.

--LT

[jorbie77 (imported)]

Something I've not seen anyone mention here is that you read that book by Victor Cheney... As far as I know, we eunuchs have pretty much denounced him as a quack. So please take what those of us who are castrated say more seriously than anything he does.

In your case, other than your mentioning that surgical castration will have put the decision in your hands instead of the drug companies, I do not see any value to your doing that unless you're wanting to for reasons other than those you've spoken about. It simply won't change anything, and if your masculinity in your mind is wrapped up in your genitals, then having yourself surgically castrated may do you more harm than good.

Whatever happens, I sincerely wish you the best outcome possible to help you through your situation.

--LT

Thanks for the advice all. I think the main reason I am thinking of castration is this: if my body is not able to use the T anyways, because of the Propecia problem, yet my T levels are high, I am suffering all the side effects of castration without any of the benefits. At least by getting castrated I could enjoy some benefits - and if/when they figure out how Propecia screwed so many men up, I can go on HRT. LT - you mention Cheney as a quack - but is he spot on in regards to the Pros/Cons of castration? Could you guys answer this question - it might help me process my decision. What are the two worst side effects of castration, and what are the two best things/side effects about it? (From a physical/mental side effects standpoint - I am a male that identifies as male, so I am not trying to change gender - not interested in that self image effects that may come with a castration.) Thanks again all...

[nullorchis (imported)]

Derek, you did not indicate that you have seen an endocrinologist. There are of course many hormones in our bodies. A professional needs to measure them all. Emotions are affected by these hormones, as well as by thoughts and other factors.

Have you seen a specialist regarding impotence. Don't self analyze and get all wound up into a helpless despondency.

If you are still feel that life is not worth living as an impotent man, thoughts which might lead to suicide, by all means seek counseling.

I for one had an overactive libido and since puberty always had deep convictions that are completely opposite to yours.

I felt life with my non-stop sex drive was not worth living, but that castration would relieve me from that burden.

I survived the suicidal thoughts years, but never ever changed my mind about my need for castration.

I am a virtual eunuch now, dead balls that do not produce testosterone, and I love it.

It took decades to achieve my goal.

It may take a long while and many obstacles to achieve yours (resurrection of your sex life).

And medical science is very interested in resurrecting the male libido and genital functioning.

There are a lot of men who have lost their zest and ability and there is a lot of money to be made by helping them.

Next year could bring a new medicine, a new procedure, that will solve your dilemma.

So don't give up looking, trying, don't give up hope.

I would say, hang in there, but under the circumstances, that might be inappropriate.

[Hash (imported)]

Derek, I have the same problem and I'm not sure if adding more testosterone will help, it doesn't help me. The more I add, the worse I am. Maybe you should see a endocrinologist before you do anything. Hash

[jorbie77 (imported)]

Guys - I appreciate your concern for me...but I am not suicidal. I needed comforting words about 6 months ago when I WAS suicidal, but now I am starting to accept what Propecia did to my endocrine system.

I have been to several endos, and a PFS specialist. Basically - no amount of exogenous hormone can bring me or any PFS guy out of their hypogonadal state. This is a different animal than normal hypo....

So...I guess what I am looking for is some....normalcy? Maybe a new understanding? This is such a F***** up condition - one that 99.9999% of men couldn't imagine - yet one I am faced with every day. Again - I am not suicidal - but I am looking to you - the Eunuchs - as the only other human males on this planet that can possibly understand what us PFS guys are going through. I guess what I would like to know is if these symptoms are similar to what happens to a Eunuch when you get nut cut.

Essentially overnight - I had these symptoms:

*Insomnia/extremely poor quality sleep

*Panic attacks

*Numb Penis

*Crazy Eyes(Does this make sense? In social situations - I had trouble with eye contact - and things felt awkward with people I normally had a great rapport with)

*Less Ejaculate

*Loss of ejaculate velocity (It just oozes out - even though I still have that "shooting" feeling during orgasm)

*Decrease in libido

*Fat gain around waist that is EXTREMELY resistant to exercise (I have tried everything - before PFS(2 years ago) I was very fit, 6 pack type of guy with disciplined exercise and diet - now - the same exact, if not more rigorous, routine still leaves me with a gut - in spite of a daily calorie intake of 1500/day )

Are these normal side effects for someone that has been castrated? If so - at least I can feel that I have some connection with another group of people that KNOW what I am going through. In the early stages of PFS - I thought I was the only person in the world that had my issue. My doctors then had no answers. Except anti-depressants. And sleep medicine.

Again - my reasons for thinking about castration are two fold.

1. It will give me the benefits of castration. Right now, I doubt I will enjoy any of the benefits while suffering through many side effects.

The benefits I seek are: a greater likelihood of extended life, no prostrate or testicular cancer, increased calm(from Cheney book), increased intelligence(from Cheney book), more meaningful relationships with women (from Cheney book)

2. It will help me normalize my illness - I wake up every day and realize that while I still have my nuts, they do me no good. If I didn't have my nuts, I think it would help me deal with the symptoms as not only wouldn't I feel normal, but now I wouldn't BE normal - or at least how I was at birth - and it might help in my acceptance of my condition.

I appreciate all you've done/said so far - you guys have been very helpful. Again - I am FAR from suicidal- I mentioned that in my first post - so this isn't a cry for help. Far from it. So any advice non-suicide variety is greatly appreciated.

Derek

[kristoff]

Guys - I appreciate your concern for me...but I am not suicidal. I needed comforting words about 6 months ago when I WAS suicidal, but now I am starting to accept what Propecia did to my endocrine system.

I have been to several endos, and a PFS specialist. Basically - no amount of exogenous hormone can bring me or any PFS guy out of their hypogonadal state. This is a different animal than normal hypo....

So...I guess what I am looking for is some....normalcy? Maybe a new understanding? This is such a F***** up condition - one that 99.9999% of men couldn't imagine - yet one I am faced with every day. Again - I am not suicidal - but I am looking to you - the Eunuchs - as the only other human males on this planet that can possibly understand what us PFS guys are going through. I guess what I would like to know is if these symptoms are similar to what happens to a Eunuch when you get nut cut.

Essentially overnight - I had these symptoms:

*Insomnia/extremely poor quality sleep

Not common with castration

*Panic attacks

Varies. Are you disposed toward depression and panic, uptight, tense?

*Numb Penis

I've never experienced this, castrated 12.5 years. Not heard of it from others.

*Crazy Eyes(Does this make sense? In social situations - I had trouble with eye contact - and things felt awkward with people I normally had a great rapport with)

I was always self-conscious (still am), fearful of others finding out, etc., tend to become more afraid of folks.

*Less Ejaculate

Definitely

*Loss of ejaculate velocity (It just oozes out - even though I still have that "shooting" feeling during orgasm)

Total agreement.

*Decrease in libido

Big time, event with HRT

*Fat gain around waist that is EXTREMELY resistant to exercise (I have tried everything - before PFS(2 years ago) I was very fit, 6 pack type of guy with disciplined exercise and diet - now - the same exact, if not more rigorous, routine still leaves me with a gut - in spite of a daily calorie intake of 1500/day )

Yes, continuous problem - classic eunuch problem

Are these normal side effects for someone that has been castrated? If so - at least I can feel that I have some connection with another group of people that KNOW what I am going through. In the early stages of PFS - I thought I was the only person in the world that had my issue. My doctors then had no answers. Except anti-depressants. And sleep medicine.

Again - my reasons for thinking about castration are two fold.

1. It will give me the benefits of castration. Right now, I doubt I will enjoy any of the benefits while suffering through many side effects.

The benefits I seek are: a greater likelihood of extended life, no prostrate or testicular cancer, increased calm(from Cheney book), increased intelligence(from Cheney book), more meaningful relationships with women (from Cheney book)

2. It will help me normalize my illness - I wake up every day and realize that while I still have my nuts, they do me no good. If I didn't have my nuts, I think it would help me deal with the symptoms as not only wouldn't I feel normal, but now I wouldn't BE normal - or at least how I was at birth - and it might help in my acceptance of my condition.

I appreciate all you've done/said so far - you guys have been very helpful. Again - I am FAR from suicidal- I mentioned that in my first post - so this isn't a cry for help. Far from it. So any advice non-suicide variety is greatly appreciated.

Derek

Again, I would recommend talking it through with a counselor/psychologist. Unprepared, this can be devestating, even though you think you are ready. Very insistent, strong advice - throw away Cheney's book, it is garbage, ill-researched (he never read his citations), perpetuates the myth of eunuch calm, doesn't discuss the changes in thinking patterns (not increase in intelligence) - become less spatial, more emotional, relationships often constrained by self-consciousness of how you feel about yourself and castration. Suggest you read my Castration Primer in non-fiction section, and Jesus' "consequences of Castration" in the same section.

[nullorchis (imported)]

The need to be ball free was not something I ever thought about in an analytical way. After experiencing the effects of puberty I K N E W that I needed to be ball free. But decades ago there was really no one to turn to to help me get what I needed.

It is good that you are asking questions. From my lifelong journey my observation is to not expect castration to be a cure all.

In fact, look at castration as not solving your problems but maybe adding to them.

What if that happens?

Take each issue, one at a time. Work it through with the aid of experienced learned one on one specialized assistance.

Castration is merely a cure for testosterone.

And elimination of testosterone does cause non-beneficial side effects.

And while you can add in testosterone with drugs, they are not the same, and they are very expensive.

And getting a safe medical castration is not easy, not inexpensive.

Getting a hack job is very unsafe.

Now it may be frustrating coming to the realization that castration is not going to be the ultimate solution to all your problems.

But it is true.

How about putting the castration concept on the shelf for awhile, give it a rest, and give yourself a rest.

For one hour, do things you enjoy doing and put problems on hold.

Kind of like exercise.

Exercise for your intelligence and emotions. A respite.

Do an hour a day, then maybe 2, then a half a day, then a whole day.

And work towards turning your problems over to a qualified person who can help pick away at them one by one.

Think of problems like a front yard full of overgrown weeds.

You can't eliminate them on one fell swoop.

They need to be pulled (or even sprayed), one by one.

And eventually they are gone.

And they grow back.

And you deal with them one by one again.

Life is a process and never done once and for all.