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Urology Community
This patient support community is for discussions relating to urology issues, benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections, and urological cancers.
Shinking Testicals
by oldrangerscott, Jul 17, 2008 08:19PM
I'm a 76 year old who has always had one testical that did not drop. Suddenly it is shrinking ( it's almost gone, no larger than a marble, the other one has lost it's shape and is soft and stringy and is laso shrinking. . I have been on Testosterone Criponate, (2 g every two weeks) for about 18 months. When I don't take it I'a so exhausted that I cannot function.Does this sound like cancer? It is very prevalant in my family and my older brother had prostate cancer.
Post Comment
Testosterone supplementation causes testicles to shrink. This form of testicular atrophy occurs as there is adequate amount of testosterone being provided to the body and the testes are no longer required to produce essential testosterone.
Withdrawal from any steroid will cause weakness and fatigue. Weaning off the testosterone will have to be carried out in a graduated manner in consultation with your prescribing doctor.
"Adverse effects of testosterone supplementation include minor side effects such as acne and oily skin, and more significant complications such as increased hematocrit which can require venipuncture in order to treat, exacerbation of sleep apnea and acceleration of pre-existing prostate cancer growth. Exogenous testosterone also causes suppression of spermatogenesis and can lead to infertility"
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Testosterone
As testosterone supplementation increases chances of prostate cancer, you will need to have your PSA levels evaluated at frequent intervals.
You need to discuss the options open to you further with your doctor.
Do keep us posted on your doubts and progress.
Regards