Testosterone in MS

[deern61]

Hi! I had come across an article that basically stated that men with MS may benefit from testosterone therapy. Have you heard much about this and in what ways could it be of benefit?

[PastorDan]

Can't believe I'm sort of agreeing with the autodoc, but in this case, get him checked.  Testosterone levels could easily be more of a problem than the MS with respect to those issues.  A good endocrinologist will check a relatively broad range of hormones.

I understand that the testosterone gel and drugs like Cialis, etc., are all very expensive, and some insurance plans either won't cover them, or limit the quantity for which they will pay.

Best wishes.

[deern61]

Thanks for the info. I think that was the study I had come across. I was just wondering since ED was often a symptom of MS I was wondering is the testosterone gel would help. We haven't had his levels checked but the gel would have less side effects than drugs like cialis etc.

And thanks to everyone else who responded. I appreciate all the info and support. :)

[Audrey_M]

Here's a link regarding the study, which was done in 2007:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070514174232.htm

I can't find anything more current as a follow up

[Audrey_M]

Sent you a private message.

Audrey

[Lulu54]

Audrey - can you give me the link to the Amy824?  I can't find it and want to see if it should be reported to MH for deletion.  thanks.

[Audrey_M]

This is OT to your question, but I have to thank PastorDan for his closing lines.

Here's another reaction to the "professional" advice being given from another forum:

To Dr Srivastava:

Did you read the post by amy824? Your response dose not answer ANY of Amy's concerns. You have given information that is not relevant and in fact could add to a patients worry. You need to re read this post and respond appropriately.  


Ray

[PastorDan]

I'd heard of some overlap in symptomology, but was unaware that therapy normally prescribed for low testosterone levels was shown to help with MS symptoms.  If you have information that might help folks here, though, can you post it?

Thanks also to Dr. Automaton.  Help just doesn't do justice.

[Dr. A. Srivastava]

Hi, Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure although symptomatic relief could be provided with steroids, plasmapheresis, interferons and neuro-rehabilitation. Since Multiple sclerosis arises due to inflammation of myelin sheath (Brain & Spinal Cord) after injury or inflammation (infection/trauma) that leads to demyelination. Common symptoms related to MS are fatigue, cognitive impairment, visual (nystagmus, diplopia), impaired sensation (parasthesia), muscular weakness, bowel & urinary incontinence. However, your treating doctor will be best judge to provide the appropriate treatment guidelines after examining you. Hope this helps.