Well Hell...
I went to the endocrinologist last Monday to see how the pituitary tumor's doing.
I guess my endocrinologist works on Sundays, 'cause he just sent the report.
Testosterone is still low. It's not even in the low end of the range, and I should at least be in the middle of the range. This one shocked me. I was sure I was going to see it within range. There have been plenty of indicators that it really improved.
I guess testosterone has improved. It was so low, that it was almost not even there at times.
But lately, I've been shaving more (I used to shave weekly). I have hair in places I've never had hair before. And libido...well, I feel like I'm 20 again. I've pulled double encores with Cynthia, lately, and every little move she makes is noticed and exciting.
I've retained muscle mass better, and I have more endurance when doing physical things.
So I really thought this number would be better.
Prolactin...that's the hormone I hate.
It's the hormone the tumor churns out.
It is the enemy.
It needs to go down.
And it increased!!!
Not an increase that is like, "Oh, the tumor is rapidly growing again," but enough of an increase to mean that something that should be getting better isn't improving.
I've felt crappy and a little bummed, lately, and low testosterone and high prolactin explains the depression, dizziness, and headaches.
When I know what's up, it's easier for me to get pissed about it and fight it, though.
Still...I really thought those levels would be better...
My other levels are good, though. Things like protein and calcium--things some people say vegetarians/vegans can't get--are in a perfect range. Good cholesterol ratios and everything else.
Thyroid levels are back into a solid healthy range. In the past, they've been low, so that's good to see the pituitary and thyroid are communicating well.
The other thing that was good: PSA levels (that protein that's an indicator for potential prostate issues).
Taking testosterone increases my risk for prostate problems.
The goal is a PSA reading below 4.0 NG/ML, with some more hardcore doctors saying it should be below 2.0 - 2.5.
I'm at 0.2 NG/ML, so that's way low risk, even with taking testosterone.
I was really concerned about that.
I really thought all my levels would have been better. I've felt better, so I figured levels would have shown significant improvement.
But it's something to look forward to.
If I feel this good with things still a mess, I can't even imagine how good I'll feel when I'm truly where I need to be! :)
I guess my endocrinologist works on Sundays, 'cause he just sent the report.
Testosterone is still low. It's not even in the low end of the range, and I should at least be in the middle of the range. This one shocked me. I was sure I was going to see it within range. There have been plenty of indicators that it really improved.
I guess testosterone has improved. It was so low, that it was almost not even there at times.
But lately, I've been shaving more (I used to shave weekly). I have hair in places I've never had hair before. And libido...well, I feel like I'm 20 again. I've pulled double encores with Cynthia, lately, and every little move she makes is noticed and exciting.
I've retained muscle mass better, and I have more endurance when doing physical things.
So I really thought this number would be better.
Prolactin...that's the hormone I hate.
It's the hormone the tumor churns out.
It is the enemy.
It needs to go down.
And it increased!!!
Not an increase that is like, "Oh, the tumor is rapidly growing again," but enough of an increase to mean that something that should be getting better isn't improving.
I've felt crappy and a little bummed, lately, and low testosterone and high prolactin explains the depression, dizziness, and headaches.
When I know what's up, it's easier for me to get pissed about it and fight it, though.
Still...I really thought those levels would be better...
My other levels are good, though. Things like protein and calcium--things some people say vegetarians/vegans can't get--are in a perfect range. Good cholesterol ratios and everything else.
Thyroid levels are back into a solid healthy range. In the past, they've been low, so that's good to see the pituitary and thyroid are communicating well.
The other thing that was good: PSA levels (that protein that's an indicator for potential prostate issues).
Taking testosterone increases my risk for prostate problems.
The goal is a PSA reading below 4.0 NG/ML, with some more hardcore doctors saying it should be below 2.0 - 2.5.
I'm at 0.2 NG/ML, so that's way low risk, even with taking testosterone.
I was really concerned about that.
I really thought all my levels would have been better. I've felt better, so I figured levels would have shown significant improvement.
But it's something to look forward to.
If I feel this good with things still a mess, I can't even imagine how good I'll feel when I'm truly where I need to be! :)