Re: Hormones

Posted By HFHS M.D.-MS on March 02, 1998 at 08:11:38:

In Reply to: Hormones posted by KD on February 19, 1998 at 19:04:59:








I have extemely high levels of estradiol, low levels of testosterone, intense moments of spontaneous sweating, weight gain and a slight loss of body hair.  My GP did an exam as well as a MRI of my adrenal gland, but nothing was abnormal.  What sort of tests can be conducted to determine the reasons for this.  I am a 31 yo male and would like to get my hormone levels back to normal.  Thanks




Dear KD
Thanks for your intriguing question.
Thank goodness you did not find a estrogen secreting tumor in the adrenal gland.  These tumors are usually very big and very aggressive. Prognosis is about 20% despite surgery.  There are a couple of other possibilities.  The estrogen secreting tumors of the testes are also rare, only one percent of tumors of the testes.  These tumors are usually benign and only metastasize in 10%.  These tumor can be very small.  An ultrasound of the testes does not detect them all but would be a good place to start.  An MRI is more sensitive but much more expensive.  Another source of estrogens are medications.  Obesity can be associated with an elevated estrogen to testosterone ratio.  An endocrinologist is a physician who specializes in hormonal disease.
If you would like to have a second opinion, Dr. Menon,  our Chairman of Urology at Henry Ford Hospital has a special interest in adrenal tumors an would be glad to see you in consultation.   If interested please call 1-800-653-6865 and the operator will do the rest.   Hope these few recommendations help.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
Sincerely;
HFHS-M.D. MS
*Keyword: Estrogen Secreting Tumors in the male