I suffer from hypogonadism. As such I have little if any T produced naturally. I do HRT via shots having had reactions to patches. What I'm curious about is why do chemical castration and then do HRT to return T to the system. It would seem like if castration is a choice made, HRT seems to go against that. What am I missing (no pun intended).

iBorg317

I think that you may be confusing a number of issues: chemical castration; surgical castration and HRT. But it is dangerous for me (or anyone else) to state anything too emphatically, because there will always be someone who does it differently.

First, why HRT. Humans appear to need a certain amount of either Oestrogen or Testosterone. Without it they tend to suffer from a range of problems of which Osteoporosis seems to be the most common. Consequently, those people whose bodies produce little or no hormone naturally will often take HRT. Menopausal women will often be prescibed HRT as will men castrated for medical reasons, such as testicular or prostate cancer. Trans-sexual people are also frequently prescribed HRT, but in this case a M-F will tend to be give Oestrogen and a F-M Testosterone.

Why chemical castration? There seem to be two main reasons why someone may seek chemical castration: Gender Dysphoria and the desire to lower libido. These same people may be considering permanent castration, but, on this board, it is always recommended that they should experience chemical castration first.

Those that seek to lower their libido by chemical means will tend to adjust their dosage to produce a comfortable level of hormone. Those with Gender Dysphoria are usually waiting for surgical castration and will often take Oestrogen to promote a more feminine shape.

This is a very rough and ready explanation, but I hope it gives you some idea of the reasons.

iBorg317 (imported) wrote: Wed Mar 26, 2008 10:29 pm I suffer from hypogonadism. As such I have little if any T produced naturally. I do HRT via shots having had reactions to patches. What I'm curious about is why do chemical castration and then do HRT to return T to the system. It would seem like if castration is a choice made, HRT seems to go against that. What am I missing (no pun intended).

iBorg317

One need also consider the notion of BIID, Body Integrity Identification Disorder (formerly called apotemnophilia), wherein a part of the anatomy (testicles, penis, whatever) may feel as though it is alien, needs to be removed, in order to bring one's body in line with self-image. Do a bit of reading on topic and you will quickly learn what about one-third of members experience here, and a ready explanation for their use of HRT.

I appreciate your responses. I had not considered the chemical regiment reduced the hormones rather than eliminated the production.

Thanks,

iBorg

Iborg's question was "why use HRT AND chemical castration?" I know there are many who are physically castrated and using HRT but is there anyone here using HRT with chemical castration? That would seem a bit odd...

iBorg317 (imported) wrote: Wed Mar 26, 2008 10:29 pm I suffer from hypogonadism. As such I have little if any T produced naturally. I do HRT via shots having had reactions to patches. What I'm curious about is why do chemical castration and then do HRT to return T to the system. It would seem like if castration is a choice made, HRT seems to go against that. What am I missing (no pun intended).

iBorg317

I'm not sure if this is 'on-topic', but I thought others might like the info.

There is more to 'desire' than sex or abilities to have sex. The body needs certain hormones to function normally, and in men, most are governed 1st by "T" produced in the testicles, secondly by other glands all over the body system. Most $-conscious physicians go the Pharmaceutical route with shots and patches due to kick-backs from the manufacturer. (Yes, I'm a cynic,..mostly due to what I've learned in the last couple of years since meeting my present physician.)

I too suffer from hypogonadism. Mine was caused probably from undescended testicles, chicken pox and mumps. I had the testicle-drop op in the 1st grade. I lost sexual desire and abilities (impotence) in my 30's. Most men experience this much later in life.

I suffered for years before getting the courage to ask about it.

My physician is also a Naturopath and suggested Pregnenolone 10mg / day. I don't have an employer paying health insurance for me, and I assumed expensive Testosterone 'therapy' was my only recourse. He said, no, he'd suggest it to anyone experiencing the aging process (and also in addition to "T" therapy, if waranted). Pregnenolone is a neurosteroid that's produced by the younger body. It converts to Progesterones that are used to produce various natural hormones. (The body has a lot of 'back-up' factories that'll take over if given the right boost.)

The nice thing about Pregnenolone is that it is an OTC (over-the-counter) item and cheap comparable to "T".

I get mine from Wonder Labs on-line for $5.40 US. One bottle lasts for 4 months. Bargain compared to "T" shots. http://www.wonderlabs.com/itemleft.php?itemnum=0901

It took about 2 weeks to notice any real difference in life-desire, moods etc., but now I feel like going about the day like I did when I was in my 20's (I'm 50). I want to do yard work and activities I love, like my horses. Before, all I felt like doing was sleeping all the time, and grudgingly went about the day, hating everything, even eating, because it meant I'd have to wash dishes, or wait for it to cook. I was a mess. I was loosing body-mass and tone, and that made the moods worse (I'm quite narcissistic). I do not have extreme sexual urges, but some of 'that' desire is back. It doesn't 'rule me', like when I was 20-something. I don't mind being touched now. I can relate physically when I want to, and respond to someone when needed.

I have studied a lot since first taking Pregnenolone, and there is a lot of things one can do without taking shots. A few examples are;

Horny Goat Weed, herb, (Epimedium sagittatum) = desire, not just sex, daily outlook too.

L-Arginine (amino acid) = natural Viagra taken 1-3 times a day.

Long Jack, herb, (Eurycoma longifolia root) = puts lead back in your pencil, and can cause hot-flashes and night-sweats when you quit taking it. I can testify, it WORKS!!! (I get it from Vitamin World in a formulation called "Natural V for Men") I can get 'morning-wood' now. http://vitaminworld.com search for 'Natural V'.

Tribulus terrestris, herb (fruit) = aphrodisiac, sexual desire, BAM!!

I know everyone is built differently and not everything works the same for everyone else, AND not everyone has the same goals, etc., just thought I'd share my experiences.

The Pregnenolone has been wonderful. I feel like having company again. Before, I was a grumpy hermit.