I was chemically castrated using Depo Provera and Spironolactone for 2 1/2 years which brought my testosterone level down to 95. After I had a biopsy done on my testicles, my urologist said he would castrate me if, in three months, my testosterone level stayed the same or was lower. The last month before my testosterone test, I added 150 mg daily of Androcur (Siterone) to make sure my T level would be lower. I started the dose at 150 and ended it when my supply was exhausted. I had no problem with an abrupt start and finish but will concede the duration was only 33 days.

And, yes, my testosterone dropped to 44 with the additional Androcur and my urologist agreed to do the bi-lateral orchiectomy.

craisler (imported) wrote: Sun Jul 26, 2009 2:29 am The recommendation I've seen is that you shouldn't change Androcur levels more than 50 mg per week.

My question is why?

fhunters theory seems quite rational - abrupt changes could cause uncontrollable oscillations. But if it does not? We do not know.

It would be good to understand why it is needed. Perhaps the reasons lie somewhere else that are not applicable in castration test runs?

Again, the descriptions I've read indicate that Androcur blocks the T receptors in the body. So, your body no longer needs as much T as is being produced. As a consequence, the T circulating in the blood stream suddenly goes much higher until the testes and adrenal glands compensate by reducing production. What the consequences of high circulating testosterone are you'd have to ask an endrinologist. But since T affects blood pressure, metabolism, and emotions, I'd guess that all of them would be affected.

If you suddenly quit Androcur, the reverse would happen. Suddenly your body is demanding more T than is being produced. So, the circulating level in the bloodstream suddenly goes very low until the testes and adrenal glands can resume production.

What happens and are the consequences dangerous? I don't know. However, I'm willing to believe the medical advice that recommends not changing the Androcur doseage more than 50 mg/week.

When the information sheet for the drug talks about the possibility of liver toxicity and other problems. I'd use the drug with a great deal of care and follow the doseage recommendations.

Craisler,

Just FYI: I think you read about the working mechanisms of the LHRH a(nta)gonists. Taking androcur will not heighten plasma levels of testosterone.

Right now I do not have much time, but quick links to these may help:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyproterone

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LHRH

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GnRH_agonist ("Agonists do not quickly dissociate from the GnRH receptor. As a result initially there is an increase in FSH and LH secretion (so-called "flare effect"). However after about ten days a profound hypogonadal effect (i.e. decrease in FSH and LH) is achieved through receptor downregulation by internalization of receptors. Generally this induced and reversible hypogonadism is the therapeutic goal.)

Take care.

Vesal.

vesal_mas (imported) wrote: Tue Jul 28, 2009 1:13 am Right now I do not have much time, but quick links to these may help:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyproterone

Thanks Vesal, it seems like wiki has evolved again

The problem lies in abrupt withrawal rather than kickstart.

Explanation from wiki:

---------

Abrupt withdrawal of cyproterone acetate can be harmful, and the package insert from Schering AG recommends that the daily dose be reduced by no more than 50 mg, at intervals of several weeks. The primary concern is the manner in which cyproterone acetate affects the adrenal gland. Due to its glucocorticoid activity, high levels of cyproterone acetate may reduce ACTH, resulting in adrenal insufficiency if discontinued suddenly. In addition, although cyproterone acetate reduces androgen production in the gonads, it can increase adrenal androgen production, in some cases resulting in an overall rise in testosterone levels.[20] Thus the sudden withdrawal of cyproterone acetate may result in undesirable androgenic effects. This is a particular concern because androgens, especially DHT, suppress adrenal function, further reducing cortisol production.[21] In theory, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors such as finasteride and dutasteride may be able to mitigate this effect somewhat by preventing the conversion of testosterone to the more potent DHT.

Last two weeks felt like a rollercoaster. Do not know, how much of this is physiological and how much - psychological.

From feeling like I have entered a puberty again (think 15 years old), to feeling close to what I felt when on androcur and back (at lower levels).

At least as perceived.

I am grateful, that I haven't had much free time to dwell on this.

fhunter wrote: Sat Aug 08, 2009 2:15 pm Last two weeks felt like a rollercoaster. Do not know, how much of this is physiological and how much - psychological.

From feeling like I have entered a puberty again (think 15 years old), to feeling close to what I felt when on androcur and back (at lower levels).

At least as perceived.

I am grateful, that I haven't had much free time to dwell on this.

Did you ever have orgasm or wet dream during this time?

Vpapor81 (imported) wrote: Fri Aug 14, 2009 12:28 pm Did you ever have orgasm or wet dream during this time?

Except the one, which I had, while I was on androcur - I haven't had a wet dreams for a long time (a year? half a year? about so...). It is a rare thing for me.

Orgasm - yes.

About wet dreams and being able to cum are questions that can not be answered for everyone. What happens to one person may not happen to another. Castration effects are different form one person to another. The dose is different from one to another. I was on androcur at 100mg. My T levels were about half of what they were before I started. I increased to 150mg and dropped to below 50 dl/ml if I remember right. Was well into the castration levels. I did have blood tests taken with my doctor so I do know the levels.

The amount of the drug is not a linear measurement. A small change in dose can have a large effect. Going from 100mg to 200mg maybe too large of a step. 150mg may be all that you need. Over time (many months) you may want to try to even lower your dose and see if you can achieve the same results at a lower level. No need to take more of the drug then you really need. Taking more of the drug then needed will not castrate you more. Castrated is castrated. Taking more then needed is hard on the body and can cause needless stress on the organs. No harm in trying 125mg or 75mg.

I have first hand knowledge of an eunuch. Yes he was castrated for over a year. He did get hard often. He still could ejaculate some what regularly. So he may be the exception but you never know. I know of another that has morning woodies at least 5 times a week. Not during the day. Not with stimulation but just in the morning.

Ya I know its different for everyone but thats why I want as many opinions as possible before I start. i was even thinking taking 25mg 2x daily to see if that would do it what do you think?