Testosterone and MS

[Quixotic1]

Hi, guys.  This is just a teaser.  I'm getting tired.

There have been a number of studies looking at testosterone levels in men AND women with MS.

First, the men.  A recent study has shown that men with MS have low-normal or low testosterone levels compared to men without MS.  It is also noted that men have an older average age of onset of MS (in general) and at about the time when testosterone levels begin to drop naturally.

A study at UCLA is just finishing looking at this looked at 10 men with RRMS who were not on Disease Modifying Drugs.  In the first stage they examined brain function and did MRI's to evaluate total brain volume (looking for atrophy).  6 months later, with no treatment, they repeated the mental function testing and the MRI and compared results, including any loss of brain volume.  Then they had the men apply a  testosterone gel to their upper arm once daily for a year.  At the end of the year they again repeated the entire testing.

After a year of testosterone treatment, the men's average blood testosterone level was on the high end of the normal range.

Testosterone treatment was associated with better scores on the mental skills test and a 67% slowdown in loss of brain volume. The men's lean muscle mass also rose with testosterone treatment.

Larger studies are now underway.

Women - Yes, we have testosterone, too, but in much lower levels.  Studies have shown that women with MS have significantly lower testosterone levels than women without MS.  No, speical info here - just a factoid.  (Interesting to me, because when I was evaluated 15 years ago for decreased sex drive my testosterone was neglible - way too low for my age.  Hmmm.)

That last musing reminds me of the people on the board who have complained of decreased sex drive and decreased pleasure.  In women, one of the hormones most repsonsible for libido is testosterone.  I was told back then (so this is unconfirmed) that a man's estrogen level plays a large role in the male libido - as contrary as all that seems.

Zilla - ask this new endocrinologist that you'll be seeing if he will check you testosterone level.

Fun and Games on the forum, Quix

[monotreme]

OK Quix, now you are really onto something.  My testosterone plummeted to 170 at age 47 (should be at least 500 I was told).  That was in November 2004.  By June 2006 I was having the beginning of my leg problems and by August 2006 my legs started going numb.   I have been wondering if testosterone dropping and my neurological problem were related.  Thank you.....Craig

[Siddy1]

Quix - I  don't feel it is coincidence. I felt so strongly about this that I almost went back on my Premarin just to see if it made a difference.  I know it would be a risk, but  I was taking Premarin/progesterone for 13 years and to be taken off so abruptly is really not a good thing.

Marcie

[Quixotic1]

Why is it that the Testosterone thread has women flocking to it?  Guys?  Input, Please!

[Quixotic1]

I wasn't going to mention this, because I always thought it was just coincidental, BUT.  In February, 2004 I stopped my fairly high dose Premarin (had surgical menopause in 1993) to help me lose weight.  My first clearly MS symptom was the next November.   Hmmm....could it be?  Q

[Siddy1]

Just more fun and games:)

This is interesting because  several years ago  I was researching bioidentical hormones in connection with hot flashes and night sweats in menopause.  I bought Suzanne Somers book on that subject and learned quite a bit.  My gynaecologist told me that hot flashes etc. can go on well into the 70's and I know someone who is 78 years old and still takes pemarin.  

I have always been of the belief  that when I had to stop taking my estrogen and progesterone mixture  abruptly because of a blood clot, that most of my symptoms and problems followed.  I was perfectly fine before that.

Although you shouldn't probably take this website as gospel, there is a sort of do-it-yourself test at:

http://www.hormoneprofile.com/progesteronetest.htm

You can also buy all the creams there - don't all rush at once!


Look at all the symptoms they list for estrogen deficiency!!   I'm probably deficient in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and everything else in the book.   In fact I am just "deficient".

No comments, please!

Marcie

[Momzilla]

I will ask the endo to check.  I'm sure he's planning to.  It sounds like my neuro is expecting my testosterone level to be far lower than normal range if I indeed have........ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  He asked me about my sex drive, in fact.  I asked him how HIS was.  

'Twas a fun visit!

Zilla*