Testosterone replacement therapy

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Re: Testosterone replacement therapy

Post by hhfarang »

Richard, as I have said everyone is different. My lifestyle is far from perfect but I do eat a fairly healthy diet, and exercise 6 days a week with a mix of strength training and aerobic. I'm still a fair amount overweight and have to take a lot of meds for various conditions.

I believe the majority of my problems are hereditary so cannot be resolved by detox or lifestyle changes (though they may be improved a bit by those things). I was diagnosed with a blood pressure problem at 18 years of age when I joined the Navy which was the first complete physical I ever had. At that time I was the perfect weight for my height (160 pounds at 5'11") and in great physical condition). I was diagnosed with cholesterol problems at 35 which was the first time that was ever checked in my life so that could have been a lifelong problem as well. I had minor breathing problems since I was a child but not serious so never looked into it until in my late 30's I was having so much trouble breathing that I had to go to the ER... diagnosis, asthma. Even though I don't eat any sweets at all on a regular basis (just don't like or crave them) I have been borderline diabetic (in that blood sugar range between 100 and 120 where you are not diabetic but at risk) most of my adult life.

My father, brother and two grandparents were diabetic. My father, mother and at least two of my grandparents had high blood pressure. My mother had asthma and high cholesterol. My father never tested with cholesterol problems but died of a massive stroke because of a clogged carotid artery.

So what I'm saying is that there are some people that will have these conditions no matter what they do as it's down to a case of bad genes or simple heredity. Generally, those are the people that have to take medications to control the condition no matter what shape they are in or what their lifestyle is. I do eat too many calories and I do drink too much wine and I don't get enough exercise as other than my daily 45 minutes of forced exercise, I live a sedentary lifestyle so I could look better and feel better if I correct those things but I don't believe I would ever be able to stop any of my medications.
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Re: Testosterone replacement therapy

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The futility of old age. It's depressing sometimes, for sure. :( ...for all of us.
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Re: Testosterone replacement therapy

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hhfarang wrote:Anyone know of a clinic around that does this? I don't like to go to a hospital for a regular treatment like this condition requires. I had my annual complete blood test , and since I'd been feeling a little less "manly" lately I paid extra for a testosterone level check and even though by the Thai standards I was in the low normal range for someone my age, I checked the U.S. guidelines and am well below normal. :? :? (A little scary that the guidelines for nearly all blood tests, i.e., min/max vary so much around the world)

Since I believe this is an ongoing therapy using injections, I don't want to pay the price or have the hassle of doing it in a hospital so I'm looking for a clinic or private doctor's office to consult. Too bad the Polyclinic is gone as I'm sure they would have suited my needs.

Please help as I'm feeling a little "girly" at the moment... I find myself having longing looks at high heels and handbags in the shop windows at Market Village :D :D :D :shock:

Anyone?... and please hold the laughter and jokes to a minimum as I'm quite sensitive and may start to cry. :oops: :cry: :-D

I have been on HRT for about 4 years now, one in the U.S and 3 years here and I don't mean to offend but most people here really don't know what they are talking about. I am quite well educated in the area and honestly if you want to raise you testosterone level there is NOTHING natural, herbs, spices, zinc, nothing that is going to help you beyond a few points here and there. HRT and using the real product is the only way to raise you levels to a point where you will notice a difference. You will have more energy and your mind will be clearer, plus it does help a little in the sex drive area although the results are different for everyone.

As for levels, obviously they drop of as we age. I have not found a hospital that will do HRT Therapy (But maybe Bangkok Hua Hin Hospital, they will do anything to make a buck and get as much out of you as possible!!) But I would not think they have an Endocrinologist on staff. I purchase testosterone myself here at a pharmacy in Hua Hin and visit a clinic every 7 to 10 days where they administer the injection for me and charge me only 120baht. The entire thing is MUCH cheaper than it would be in the U.S.

I also have a blood test lab I go to on Phetchkasem around Soi 45 that I get my Test and Estrogen levels checked, they e mail me the results in about 2 day. As for levels, you can ask 10 different endocrinologists and get 10 different answers as to what levels you should be at, I was around 300 and take just enough Testosterone to bump myself up to 600 to 700 which works for me. If you take too little you won't feel the effects, if you take to much your body will convert the testosterone back to estrogen and you will be right back where you started. I take 160mg every 7 to 10 days and thats my "sweet spot" its different for everyone so you have to find yours through trial and error. I can send you a PM with the information on the clinic if you like and the pharmacy where I purchase it. For HRT you would purchase either Testosterone Cypionate or Ethanate, they have a half life of about 10 to 12 day, you don't want to use any other kind, this is very important, the other stuff is for body builders and only stays in your system for a few days at a time which is not optimal, plus they take estrogen blockers so it does not covert, this is not neccessary for HRT. Hope I have helped you out a little bit, let me know if you need more detailed information!
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Re: Testosterone replacement therapy

Post by VeniceBeach »

What is the problem in going to bangkokhospital once every 10-14 days to get a shot of testosterone?

Maybe they also give you the testosterone to take it home so you can do the shot by your own
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Re: Testosterone replacement therapy

Post by jumusman »

Absolutely correct VeniceBeach. If Bangkok Hospital or any other Hospital here in Hua Hin can give the shot and is willing to do it then I would suggest that for someone who is new to therapy and for convenience reasons. But like I said, HRT is quite unheard of in Thailand and finding a Hospital that has a Endocronologist on staff might be a little difficult. Worth the try though!
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Re: Testosterone replacement therapy

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I have been on HRT for about 4 years now, one in the U.S and 3 years here and I don't mean to offend but most people here really don't know what they are talking about. I am quite well educated in the area and honestly if you want to raise you testosterone level there is NOTHING natural, herbs, spices, zinc, nothing that is going to help you beyond a few points here and there. HRT and using the real product is the only way to raise you levels to a point where you will notice a difference. You will have more energy and your mind will be clearer, plus it does help a little in the sex drive area although the results are different for everyone.

As for levels, obviously they drop of as we age. I have not found a hospital that will do HRT Therapy (But maybe Bangkok Hua Hin Hospital, they will do anything to make a buck and get as much out of you as possible!!) But I would not think they have an Endocrinologist on staff. I purchase testosterone myself here at a pharmacy in Hua Hin and visit a clinic every 7 to 10 days where they administer the injection for me and charge me only 120baht. The entire thing is MUCH cheaper than it would be in the U.S.

I also have a blood test lab I go to on Phetchkasem around Soi 45 that I get my Test and Estrogen levels checked, they e mail me the results in about 2 day. As for levels, you can ask 10 different endocrinologists and get 10 different answers as to what levels you should be at, I was around 300 and take just enough Testosterone to bump myself up to 600 to 700 which works for me. If you take too little you won't feel the effects, if you take to much your body will convert the testosterone back to estrogen and you will be right back where you started. I take 160mg every 7 to 10 days and thats my "sweet spot" its different for everyone so you have to find yours through trial and error. I can send you a PM with the information on the clinic if you like and the pharmacy where I purchase it. For HRT you would purchase either Testosterone Cypionate or Ethanate, they have a half life of about 10 to 12 day, you don't want to use any other kind, this is very important, the other stuff is for body builders and only stays in your system for a few days at a time which is not optimal, plus they take estrogen blockers so it does not covert, this is not neccessary for HRT. Hope I have helped you out a little bit, let me know if you need more detailed information!



Hi. I'm new to this forum and looking to connect with Jumusman since his post above was very clear informative. I'm visiting Hua Hin end of November for a few weeks and like his idea of getting some Ethanate at the pharmacy that he knows is going to give me good quality stuff. Primary purpose is to buy Injectable ethanate. I'm working in China and there hospitals only give oral and don't even carry injectable testosterone, and the under the table illegal stuff is very risky.

Not sure how to PM yet on this site. seems I can't PM him directly for some reason.

Also, I was calling the new Hua Hin bangkok hospital and while they don't speak much English it does seem they now have endocronlogist on staff and can provide some hormones... hard to tell on the phone. I'm just thinking they won't give me a 3 month supply of what I need. Any thoughts?
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Re: Testosterone replacement therapy

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firegold999 wrote:I have been on HRT for about 4 years now, one in the U.S and 3 years here and I don't mean to offend but most people here really don't know what they are talking about. I am quite well educated in the area and honestly if you want to raise you testosterone level there is NOTHING natural, herbs, spices, zinc, nothing that is going to help you beyond a few points here and there. HRT and using the real product is the only way to raise you levels to a point where you will notice a difference. You will have more energy and your mind will be clearer, plus it does help a little in the sex drive area although the results are different for everyone.

As for levels, obviously they drop of as we age. I have not found a hospital that will do HRT Therapy (But maybe Bangkok Hua Hin Hospital, they will do anything to make a buck and get as much out of you as possible!!) But I would not think they have an Endocrinologist on staff. I purchase testosterone myself here at a pharmacy in Hua Hin and visit a clinic every 7 to 10 days where they administer the injection for me and charge me only 120baht. The entire thing is MUCH cheaper than it would be in the U.S.

I also have a blood test lab I go to on Phetchkasem around Soi 45 that I get my Test and Estrogen levels checked, they e mail me the results in about 2 day. As for levels, you can ask 10 different endocrinologists and get 10 different answers as to what levels you should be at, I was around 300 and take just enough Testosterone to bump myself up to 600 to 700 which works for me. If you take too little you won't feel the effects, if you take to much your body will convert the testosterone back to estrogen and you will be right back where you started. I take 160mg every 7 to 10 days and thats my "sweet spot" its different for everyone so you have to find yours through trial and error. I can send you a PM with the information on the clinic if you like and the pharmacy where I purchase it. For HRT you would purchase either Testosterone Cypionate or Ethanate, they have a half life of about 10 to 12 day, you don't want to use any other kind, this is very important, the other stuff is for body builders and only stays in your system for a few days at a time which is not optimal, plus they take estrogen blockers so it does not covert, this is not neccessary for HRT. Hope I have helped you out a little bit, let me know if you need more detailed information!



Hi. I'm new to this forum and looking to connect with Jumusman since his post above was very clear informative. I'm visiting Hua Hin end of November for a few weeks and like his idea of getting some Ethanate at the pharmacy that he knows is going to give me good quality stuff. Primary purpose is to buy Injectable ethanate. I'm working in China and there hospitals only give oral and don't even carry injectable testosterone, and the under the table illegal stuff is very risky.

Not sure how to PM yet on this site. seems I can't PM him directly for some reason.

Also, I was calling the new Hua Hin bangkok hospital and while they don't speak much English it does seem they now have endocronlogist on staff and can provide some hormones... hard to tell on the phone. I'm just thinking they won't give me a 3 month supply of what I need. Any thoughts?
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Re: Testosterone replacement therapy

Post by heartofmidlothian »

I firmly believe that high intensity exercise and weight lifting is very important for people, especially as you get older. Do that alongside a healthy diet and I am sure many ailments will decrease or disappear. You are never too old to start but many older people feel scared to try. Go to a gym and find a trainer to get you started. Start easy and gradually step it up. You will be amazed how much more energy you will have and how much stronger you will get in just a few weeks. Sore joints will become less of a problem if you build muscle around them. I am sure testosterone levels will increase too.
I spend a lot of time staying in hotels and you always see the fatter people in the gym jogging slowly or cycling slowly. High intensity training and resistance training is what speeds up your metabolism and burns calories.
Rather than giving in to medications, first try a serious fitness regime and healthy diet. Yes it is hard work and the first few weeks will give you sore, tight muscles, but you will feel so much better once your body gets used to it. You must also learn proper nutrition before your workout and after your workout.
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Re: Testosterone replacement therapy

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hhfarang wrote:Ok, this has turned into a how to lose weight forum, and I agree with Sarge and his results as well as most of what sand_dancer says. The only point I would like to make to that is that I believe some people cannot, for some reason, acclimate to this oppressive heat and humidity.

Yes, now I live in air conditioning pretty much all the time, but when I first arrived here ten years ago and realized how miserable it was after a couple of months, my builder told me to stop using air conditioning and my body would get used to it, i.e., acclimatize. I lived with fans only except for sleeping (thermostat set to 25) and was outdoors most of the time during the day for two years after that and at the end of those two years I was sweating just as much and was just as miserable so I decided it was not possible for me to acclimatize.

Even then when I was in a group of people, even in a mildly air conditioned environment, perspiration was pouring down my face burning my eyes and I was constantly wiping my face with a handkerchief, while nobody else was sweating at all. I've been walking down Phetkasem road before completely soaked like I had walked out of the ocean and had Thai people sympathetically say to me, "mister sooo hot!". I sweat like a pig while shopping in Tesco. They probably keep their thermostat at 25 or 26 and even that is not tolerable for me.

So, before this goes further into that direction, I've tried all that before. The fact is that I don't belong in the tropics and have been looking (financially) for a way out that will keep both me and my wife happy.

At any rate, symptoms being shared by many ailments and confusing, I started doing research and had my blood tested because of other symptoms and then found among low testosterone symptoms "weight gain". My exercise and eating/drinking habits have been pretty much the same for the last 7 years but I suddenly gained 15 pounds (between 6 and 7 kilos) in a two to three month period.

That, along with the blood test and at least 3 other symptoms that fit made me start to think about trying the therapy. If I have to go to a hospital, then I may have to but I was hoping that I could get the advice of a specialist (endocrinologist) in an office or clinic environment. I've never liked hospitals and have only ever been to one (before moving here) for major surgery or emergency room visits. I have been used to seeing doctors (both primary care and specialists) in their private offices or small clinics all my life. I even had several minor surgeries in an office environment. However, Thailand and Hua Hin being what they are, I'm doubting that possibility here. In fact, to see an endocrinologist I will probably have to go to Bangkok as I doubt that even the hospitals here have one on staff.

Until I started looking into my testosterone levels because of the other symptoms, I didn't even know weight gain was one of them, but as I said that's a two headed snake as being overweight can cause the problem and the problem can cause weight gain. Chicken or egg? :? :? :? ...and excessive sweating can also be a hormonal problem. :|

Hi. I'm wondering how you made out with your testing and treatments. Give us an update as this is over one year ago.
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Re: Testosterone replacement therapy

Post by Brian Arthur »

Nothing 'wrong' with feeling 'girlie'. Own your femininity as a man. :D
Whilst, I cannot advise on where to go for the conventional therapy you are looking for, I personally recommend that you take a closer look at your current diet and general lifestyle as well, if you have not done so already. You can grow your testosterone levels considerably through certain natural foods (nuts, avocados, dark green leafy vegetables, etc.), sufficient sleep, reducing/stopping consumption of alcohol and tobacco/cigarettes, and simply being physically active. Certain foods, like soy products consumed regularly and in high amounts, have been observed to have a counter effect: these products and derivatives can drastically reduce the levels of testosterone in the blood and weaken the male sex drive. Success with your journey back to wellness!
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Re: Testosterone replacement therapy

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Brian Arthur wrote:Nothing 'wrong' with feeling 'girlie'. Own your femininity as a man. :D
Whilst, I cannot advise on where to go for the conventional therapy you are looking for, I personally recommend that you take a closer look at your current diet and general lifestyle as well, if you have not done so already. You can grow your testosterone levels considerably through certain natural foods (nuts, avocados, dark green leafy vegetables, etc.), sufficient sleep, reducing/stopping consumption of alcohol and tobacco/cigarettes, and simply being physically active. Certain foods, like soy products consumed regularly and in high amounts, have been observed to have a counter effect: these products and derivatives can drastically reduce the levels of testosterone in the blood and weaken the male sex drive. Success with your journey back to wellness!

Hi. thanks for writing. Actually, I have been doing these things like good diet and exercise all my life. My problem is that I have only one working testicle, have poor muscle tone and flexibilty from birth, which together with sports caused my muscles to injure. Now that I'm older and over 50 I can't seem to recover from the constant injured muscles... Tests now show that my testosterone level is very low at about 300ng/dl, which means I'm half dead... I started andriol testosterone tablets a few weeks ago and feel better. But in China they can't prescribe injections since the Beijing olympics...

So, I'm hoping that the injectable testosterone will help me. So, I'm here on this site looking for help. Since I've only two weeks in Hua Hin during vacation to find the things I need I'm hoping the locals can help with some good advice.

from what I've seen so far from my research, its possible to buy it at the pharmacies but there is a lot of fake stuff out there. Hospitals like Bangkok Hospital like to cheat the patient like crazy. So, perhaps there is a good pharmacy that people trust, or maybe a doctor in a clinic can help, or perhaps that Hua Hin government hospital is a good choice.

Any advice from anyone would be appreciated.
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Re: Testosterone replacement therapy

Post by hhfarang »

firegold999 wrote:
hhfarang wrote:Ok, this has turned into a how to lose weight forum, and I agree with Sarge and his results as well as most of what sand_dancer says. The only point I would like to make to that is that I believe some people cannot, for some reason, acclimate to this oppressive heat and humidity.

Yes, now I live in air conditioning pretty much all the time, but when I first arrived here ten years ago and realized how miserable it was after a couple of months, my builder told me to stop using air conditioning and my body would get used to it, i.e., acclimatize. I lived with fans only except for sleeping (thermostat set to 25) and was outdoors most of the time during the day for two years after that and at the end of those two years I was sweating just as much and was just as miserable so I decided it was not possible for me to acclimatize.

Even then when I was in a group of people, even in a mildly air conditioned environment, perspiration was pouring down my face burning my eyes and I was constantly wiping my face with a handkerchief, while nobody else was sweating at all. I've been walking down Phetkasem road before completely soaked like I had walked out of the ocean and had Thai people sympathetically say to me, "mister sooo hot!". I sweat like a pig while shopping in Tesco. They probably keep their thermostat at 25 or 26 and even that is not tolerable for me.

So, before this goes further into that direction, I've tried all that before. The fact is that I don't belong in the tropics and have been looking (financially) for a way out that will keep both me and my wife happy.

At any rate, symptoms being shared by many ailments and confusing, I started doing research and had my blood tested because of other symptoms and then found among low testosterone symptoms "weight gain". My exercise and eating/drinking habits have been pretty much the same for the last 7 years but I suddenly gained 15 pounds (between 6 and 7 kilos) in a two to three month period.

That, along with the blood test and at least 3 other symptoms that fit made me start to think about trying the therapy. If I have to go to a hospital, then I may have to but I was hoping that I could get the advice of a specialist (endocrinologist) in an office or clinic environment. I've never liked hospitals and have only ever been to one (before moving here) for major surgery or emergency room visits. I have been used to seeing doctors (both primary care and specialists) in their private offices or small clinics all my life. I even had several minor surgeries in an office environment. However, Thailand and Hua Hin being what they are, I'm doubting that possibility here. In fact, to see an endocrinologist I will probably have to go to Bangkok as I doubt that even the hospitals here have one on staff.

Until I started looking into my testosterone levels because of the other symptoms, I didn't even know weight gain was one of them, but as I said that's a two headed snake as being overweight can cause the problem and the problem can cause weight gain. Chicken or egg? :? :? :? ...and excessive sweating can also be a hormonal problem. :|

Hi. I'm wondering how you made out with your testing and treatments. Give us an update as this is over one year ago.
Didn't do anything... just gave up sex as I don't need it any longer... :P
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Re: Testosterone replacement therapy

Post by Dr Mike »

When the human body and its hormonal controls were designed it was never planed that we live so long. The bible talks about three score years and ten (70) but up until 100 years ago few lived beyond 60.
Hormone replacement therapy in the female has been practiced for years. The ovaries usually shut down in the late forties or early fifties(Its getting later all the time in Caucasian women) it is easy to test either Direct estrogen (Oestrogen in UK) or better still FSH the pituitary hormone that is the driver of the ovaries. This loss of estrogen can be quite sudden and causes the menopausal symptoms. Estrogen therapy reverses many but not all of these symptoms.
In the male it is not as easy. The decline is gradual (thats the good news) with few symptoms.
Replacement can lead to a feeling of good health and is protective against osteoporosis.
It not help much in weight loss. As for sexuality it may have little affect or even worse, heightening the desire but not the performance.
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Re: Testosterone replacement therapy

Post by Dr Mike »

One more thing. If you are contemplating treatment first go to the lab and have a PSA test, for prostatic cancer. If it is HIGH do not have testerone treatment as it fuels prostatic cancer. And beware this can be a racket, twice monthly shots (!!!!!!!!!!)
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Re: Testosterone replacement therapy

Post by Three »

Has anyone discovered a pharmacy at which to buy testosterone for injection?
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