If you are on HRT you should have PSA tests no more than six months apart. --FLO--

Uncle Flo (imported) wrote: Sun Dec 16, 2007 12:12 pm If you are on HRT you should have PSA tests no more than six months apart. --FLO--

Can you cite a source? I'm not against doing it twice a year but ??

Thanks!

Recommendation from both my GP and my Endocrinologist. They are of the opinion that HRT is more risky than self-made T. --FLO--

Ok, I'm 34, have been on HRT for a number of years, and have yet to have a doc even mention the possibility of having a PSA test done. Wonder if age plays a role?

BossTamsin (imported) wrote: Sun Dec 16, 2007 11:48 pm Ok, I'm 34, have been on HRT for a number of years, and have yet to have a doc even mention the possibility of having a PSA test done. Wonder if age plays a role?

yes it does. Prostate cancer tend to be the province of older males. From what I understand, standard practice starts requiring a PSA every year from about age 50; before that only digital exam annually (more if you like it).

Age definitely plays a role. At 22 I have never had a PSA and have never had a doctor mention the need for one. Real T or TRT, I'd make the medical literature if I developed prostate cancer in my early 20s, and likely so would someone in his 30s.

The age to start PSA tests can vary a bit - traditionally it has been 50, but more doctors are now starting at 45, and most of the "anti-aging" doctors require all men over 40 to get them. Just in case it is true that TRT is worse than real T for prostate cancer, which would not surprise me because it is different from real T, it probably does not hurt to start at around 40 if you are on TRT.

If I ever develop prostate cancer, or even other prostate problems depending on severity, I'd have no issues with immediately stopping T, and in the case of cancer I would be required to. That is a disadvantage of being a eunuch that I don't necessarily think is fair - for intact men with prostate cancer, castration or androgen deprivation is rarely considered anymore, but a eunuch would be required to immediately stop all T upon a cancer diagnosis or even suspicion.

BossTamsin (imported) wrote: Sun Dec 16, 2007 11:48 pm Ok, I'm 34, have been on HRT for a number of years, and have yet to have a doc even mention the possibility of having a PSA test done. Wonder if age plays a role?

IE PLEASE as a friend get it on the schedual. At LEAST a yearly DRE and a PSA test. Your taking HRT is for sure an indication that you must have a close eye on these two things. Ok?

I know DREs are not a thrill but its important to have your prostate under the "microscope" so that if you get cancer you can treat it before it gets out of hand. Everything I've read says HRT does not cause it but it sure as hell grows it faster.

PROMISE! ok?

Yes your right. The surgeon who did my Orchiectomy told me that if I got Prostate Cancer I would not be allowed to stay on Testosterone <shudder> I try to do what I can to keep my prostate healthy. Saw Palmeto, Selinium, regular sex and moving around working out.

Ok - From some web page "surveillance for prostate cancer should be consistent with current practices for eugonadal men."

&

"Following the initial 3-month PSA and DRE evaluation, men should be followed in accordance with updated prostate cancer detection guidelines based on age and race."

&

"I recommend biopsy for a PSA greater than 3.0 ng/mL prior to administration of testosterone. If the patient has a negative biopsy, or has a normal PSA and DRE, I believe there is no risk of a trial of testosterone supplementation in a man with symptoms of andropause. However, careful monitoring for change in PSA and DRE is warranted. An additional prostate assessment 3 months after initiation of therapy and every 6 months thereafter is recommended. If the PSA level rises above 3.0 ng/mL, a biopsy is warranted."

&

"The first follow-up visit is usually at 3 months, where the doctor will assess response to therapy and adjust testosterone dose if required. The doctor will also order other tests, such as PSA, liver function, and hematocrit.

Next, a follow-up visit is usually done at 6 months. The doctor will check response to therapy and may order other tests such as PSA, complete blood count (CBC), liver function, and PSA. The doctor will also perform a digital rectal exam (DRE).

There will likely be another follow-up visit at 12 months, and every 12 months thereafter. At these visits, the doctor will probably do a complete physical exam, including a genital exam. The doctor will also likely order a number of tests, including PSA, CBC, liver function, cholesterol, and repeat the DRE.

It appears that my GP is following the last guidelines and perhapes my age & health are a factor in not going to 6 months intervals. As much as I like my GP I'm not all that fond of her telling me to relax and bend over any more often then once a year...

one word about PSA levels, sex involving contact (also your perennial area it seems) with the prostate within 48 hours of the tests can artificially raise the PSA several points, depending on the amount of stimulation.

Warning from my urologist since she knew i could only get off with P orgasms before my dorsal nerve repair, just didn't want to say the it directly.. lol.

mrt (imported) wrote: Sun Dec 16, 2007 6:53 pm Can you cite a source? I'm not against doing it twice a year but ??

Thanks!

Thats part of the Dr Crissler protocall.