Can Testosterone Cause Retinopathy?

[Gene Devine]

Came across this study:

Central serous chorioretinopathy in patients receiving exogenous testosterone therapy.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24946102

Purpose: To report an association between central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) and
exogenous testosterone therapy.


Methods: This is a retrospective case series from two institutions. Patients who
presented with fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography findings
consistent with CSCR were included. All patients were concurrently being treated with
exogenous testosterone therapy and lacked other known risk factors for CSCR.


Results: Nine patients presented with CSCR after beginning exogenous testosterone
therapy. Two patients stopped therapy with resolution of symptoms and subretinal fluid.


Conclusion: Exogenous testosterone may be an independent risk factor for the
development of CSCR.

Nine patients presented with CSCR and two had to stop...how many patients were tested? If this was a serious enough side effect it would be on the drug package insert...Testosterone has been around for many decades and it appears not to be a concern to the FDA or it would be on the insert as a side effect like all drugs have side effects.

 

[HarryCat]

It is not a serious side effect. The incidence of CSR in the general population of men is about 10 in 100 000, which is small consolation if your one of the people who has it.

What the study suggests is that restoring testosterone to youthful levels restores the risk of developing CSR, since it primarily occurs in young men.

The study doesn't explain why only 2 patients chose to stop TRT, the retinologists that I have seen flip out if they see subretinal fluid in my eyes.

"The patients were followed for an average of 17.3
months (range, 3–59 months). Seven patients contin-
ued with the testosterone treatment for the duration
with poor resolution of subretinal fluid. One patient
was treated with photodynamic therapy without signif-
icant improvement. Two patients discontinued treat-
ment at the time of their initial evaluation. In both of
these patients, their symptoms resolved, subretinal
fluid resorbed, and their vision improved to 20/20
where it remained at the last follow-up (Figure 1)."

 

[crash1270]

It has been almost a year for me since first getting CSR symptoms. I stopped TRT in October of last year. I kept with HCG for about six months. Currently I'm not on any prescribed medications. I have had 4 shots of Avastin in my eye six to ten weeks apart starting March of this year. The fluid behind my retina is almost completely gone. The last visit to the retina specialist I was supposed to get a final shot but he said I have had such good recovery from the condition that I don't need another shot. He set me up to come back in 3 months.

I am considering going back on TRT. But plan on trying a different approach.

I am 44 years old. I have not had labs in a year. Originally I was at a level of 150 when first tested. I'm not sure what form of test they were using but it was at the "Low-T Center". I would get a weekly dose of 120ml i think? When this all happened I was going out of town and they doubled my dose. Shortly after (3 weeks?)that I developed CSR. I've read a few studies where high levels of exogenous testosterone have been linked to CSR.

I am considering getting back on therapy but self injecting 2x a week at smaller doses so my exogenous T levels don't get as high and hopefully avoiding a relapse of CSR. I am about to order labs done through Discount Labs and I am looking for input on which labs to order. Obviously "Male Hormone and Wellness Panel", since I have had CSR and this is linked to high stress levels what about a cortisol test? I don't know about my cholesterol levels or any of that other stuff.

I would really like to know why my T levels are so low. How does one figure that out?

Since I have had the CSR should I consider trying Chlomid to try and kick start my HPTA?

How do I figure out if I am primary or secondary and what does this all mean? Thanks

 

[CoastWatcher]

It has been almost a year for me since first getting CSR symptoms. I stopped TRT in October of last year. I kept with HCG for about six months. Currently I'm not on any prescribed medications. I have had 4 shots of Avastin in my eye six to ten weeks apart starting March of this year. The fluid behind my retina is almost completely gone. The last visit to the retina specialist I was supposed to get a final shot but he said I have had such good recovery from the condition that I don't need another shot. He set me up to come back in 3 months.

I am considering going back on TRT. But plan on trying a different approach.

I am 44 years old. I have not had labs in a year. Originally I was at a level of 150 when first tested. I'm not sure what form of test they were using but it was at the "Low-T Center". I would get a weekly dose of 120ml i think? When this all happened I was going out of town and they doubled my dose. Shortly after (3 weeks?)that I developed CSR. I've read a few studies where high levels of exogenous testosterone have been linked to CSR.

I am considering getting back on therapy but self injecting 2x a week at smaller doses so my exogenous T levels don't get as high and hopefully avoiding a relapse of CSR. I am about to order labs done through Discount Labs and I am looking for input on which labs to order. Obviously "Male Hormone and Wellness Panel", since I have had CSR and this is linked to high stress levels what about a cortisol test? I don't know about my cholesterol levels or any of that other stuff.

I would really like to know why my T levels are so low. How does one figure that out?

Since I have had the CSR should I consider trying Chlomid to try and kick start my HPTA?

How do I figure out if I am primary or secondary and what does this all mean? Thanks

What tests were run prior to your starting TRT? LH, FSH? Was your prolactin measured?

 

[HarryCat]

Given you history I would recommend avoiding clomid if at all possible. It's side effects include vision problems, although not CSR specifically. But your risk tolerance may be different than mine.

This is from the prescribing info:

Visual Symptoms

Patients should be advised that blurring or other visual symptoms such as spots or flashes (scintillating scotomata) may occasionally occur during therapy with clomiPHENE citrate. These visual symptoms increase in incidence with increasing total dose or therapy duration and generally disappear within a few days or weeks after clomiPHENE citrate therapy is discontinued. However, prolonged visual disturbances have been reported after clomiPHENE citrate therapy has been discontinued and these disturbances may be irreversible. Patients should be warned that these visual symptoms may render such activities as driving a car or operating machinery more hazardous than usual, particularly under conditions of variable lighting. These visual symptoms appear to be due to intensification and prolongation of afterimages. Symptoms often first appear or are accentuated with exposure to a brightly lit environment. While measured visual acuity usually has not been affected, a study patient taking 200 mg clomiPHENE citrate daily developed visual blurring on the 7th day of treatment, which progressed to severe diminution of visual acuity by the 10th day. No other abnormality was found, and the visual acuity returned to normal on the 3rd day after treatment was stopped. Ophthalmologically definable scotomata and retinal cell function(electroretinographic) changes have also been reported. A patient treated during clinical studies developed phosphenes and scotomata during prolonged clomiPHENE citrate administration, which disappeared by the 32nd day after stopping therapy. Postmarketing surveillance of adverse events has also revealed other visual signs and symptoms during clomiPHENE citrate therapy (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). While the etiology of these visual symptoms is not yet understood, patients with any visual symptoms should discontinue treatment and have a completeophthalmological evaluation carried out promptly.

 

[crash1270]

LH was 4.0 (1.7-8.5), FSH was 6.7(1.5-12.4) and Prolactin was 8.9(4.0-15.2)

 

[CoastWatcher]

It has been almost a year for me since first getting CSR symptoms. I stopped TRT in October of last year. I kept with HCG for about six months. Currently I'm not on any prescribed medications. I have had 4 shots of Avastin in my eye six to ten weeks apart starting March of this year. The fluid behind my retina is almost completely gone. The last visit to the retina specialist I was supposed to get a final shot but he said I have had such good recovery from the condition that I don't need another shot. He set me up to come back in 3 months.

I am considering going back on TRT. But plan on trying a different approach.

I am 44 years old. I have not had labs in a year. Originally I was at a level of 150 when first tested. I'm not sure what form of test they were using but it was at the "Low-T Center". I would get a weekly dose of 120ml i think? When this all happened I was going out of town and they doubled my dose. Shortly after (3 weeks?)that I developed CSR. I've read a few studies where high levels of exogenous testosterone have been linked to CSR.

I am considering getting back on therapy but self injecting 2x a week at smaller doses so my exogenous T levels don't get as high and hopefully avoiding a relapse of CSR. I am about to order labs done through Discount Labs and I am looking for input on which labs to order. Obviously "Male Hormone and Wellness Panel", since I have had CSR and this is linked to high stress levels what about a cortisol test? I don't know about my cholesterol levels or any of that other stuff.

I would really like to know why my T levels are so low. How does one figure that out?

Since I have had the CSR should I consider trying Chlomid to try and kick start my HPTA?

How do I figure out if I am primary or secondary and what does this all mean? Thanks

Revisiting an older thread; did you decide to resume TRT? Has your vision remained stable?

 

[crash1270]

I have not yet resumed therapy. I guess I am a little apprehensive about a relapse. I did contact Defy medical and have all the lab orders I just haven't had the time to get tested. My plan was to do my tests and do a consult with the doc at Defy and go from there. I want to resume and get back to where I was.

 

[crash1270]

My appointment with Defy is around the corner. My blood tests have come back and I am a bit surprised. Jan 2014 when I tested for the 1st time ever with "Low T Ctr" my level was at 150. My recent test from Labcorp came back with T serum levels of 437. I have been off TRT since October 2014. I did continue the HCG therapy for about 5 months then stopped. Since then I have not done any type of T supplement or medication besides the Avastin shots I was getting in my eye for the Retinopathy which ended in may of 2015 (retinopathy has gone). Would it be uncommon to start with a level of 150 come off of TRT and 17 months later have a level of 437?

I did an intense leg workout the night before and fasted the morning of the test. Test time of day was 10:45 which is inline with the time of day I have always been tested. Could an intense leg workout boost T levels?

 

[JPB]

It is not uncommon although perhaps a little surprising given your baseline

 

[crash1270]

I restarted TRT back in march after being off for almost 18 months due to Central Serous Retinopathy(which has gone away ). I am with defy medical but I don't have a consult for 10 days. Some of my numbers came back out of range. Since I had CSR reaction while on TRT I am looking for some input while I am waiting for my follow up consult. I am 45 yrs old. Very healthy except for smoking if that's possible(trying to quit). 6' 2" 220 lbs. Lift weights regularly and have fairly low body fat. Before I stopped I was being injected by lowTcenter 120mg 1Xwk. Started HCG self inject at a later date of therapy 250 iu 2x wk. Was also taking Anastrozole very small dose 1xwk. FYI the CSR showed itself when my doctor doubled my dose because I was going out of town.

Here is my test from March before starting back on TRT. I don't see SHBG anywhere on the test(am I missing it?). Only thing out of range was low HDL(how does one improve low HDL?).


WBC 7.0 x10E3/uL 3.4 - 10.8 01
RBC 5.34 x10E6/uL 4.14 - 5.80 01
Hemoglobin 15.9 g/dL 12.6 - 17.7 01
Hematocrit 46.1 % 37.5 - 51.0 01
MCV 86 fL 79 - 97 01
MCH 29.8 pg 26.6 - 33.0 01
MCHC 34.5 g/dL 31.5 - 35.7 01
RDW 13.8 % 12.3 - 15.4 01
Platelets 201 x10E3/uL 150 - 379 01
Neutrophils 61 % 01
Lymphs 26 % 01
Monocytes 12 % 01
Eos 1 % 01
Basos 0 % 01
Neutrophils (Absolute) 4.2 x10E3/uL 1.4 - 7.0 01
Lymphs (Absolute) 1.8 x10E3/uL 0.7 - 3.1 01
Monocytes(Absolute) 0.8 x10E3/uL 0.1 - 0.9 01
Eos (Absolute) 0.1 x10E3/uL 0.0 - 0.4 01
Baso (Absolute) 0.0 x10E3/uL 0.0 - 0.2 01
Immature Granulocytes 0 % 01
Immature Grans (Abs) 0.0 x10E3/uL 0.0 - 0.1 01
Comp. Metabolic Panel (14)
Glucose, Serum 88 mg/dL 65 - 99 01
BUN 11 mg/dL 6 - 24 01
Creatinine, Serum 0.98 mg/dL 0.76 - 1.27 01
eGFR If NonAfricn Am 93 mL/min/1.73 >59
eGFR If Africn Am 107 mL/min/1.73 >59
BUN/Creatinine Ratio 11 9 - 20
Sodium, Serum 142 mmol/L 134 - 144 01
Potassium, Serum 4.1 mmol/L 3.5 - 5.2 01
Chloride, Serum 103 mmol/L 97 - 108 01
Carbon Dioxide, Total 21 mmol/L 18 - 29 01
Calcium, Serum 9.2 mg/dL 8.7 - 10.2 01
Protein, Total, Serum 6.5 g/dL 6.0 - 8.5 01
Albumin, Serum 4.5 g/dL 3.5 - 5.5 01
Globulin, Total 2.0 g/dL 1.5 - 4.5
A/G Ratio 2.3 1.1 - 2.5
Bilirubin, Total 0.5 mg/dL 0.0 - 1.2 01
Alkaline Phosphatase, S 61 IU/L 39 - 117 01
AST (SGOT) 22 IU/L 0 - 40 01
ALT (SGPT) 12 IU/L 0 - 44 01
Lipid Panel w/ Chol/HDL Ratio
Cholesterol, Total 154 mg/dL 100 - 199 01
Triglycerides 114 mg/dL 0 - 149 01
HDL Cholesterol 36 Low mg/dL >39 01
VLDL Cholesterol Cal 23 mg/dL 5 - 40
LDL Cholesterol Calc 95 mg/dL 0 - 99
T. Chol/HDL Ratio 4.3 ratio units 0.0 - 5.0
Testosterone, Serum 437 ng/dL 348 - 1197 01
Free Testosterone(Direct) 7.3 pg/mL 6.8 - 21.5 02
DHEA-Sulfate 230.8 ug/dL 71.6 - 375.4 01
TSH 1.450 uIU/mL 0.450 - 4.500 01
Luteinizing Hormone(LH), S
LH 5.7 mIU/mL 1.7 - 8.6 01
Prostate-Specific Ag, Serum
Prostate Specific Ag, Serum 0.7 ng/mL 0.0 - 4.0 01
Estradiol, Sensitive 15.2 pg/mL 8.0 - 35.0 02

I am currently self injecting Test Cyp 60 mg 2Xweek. Every Monday morning and every Thursday night. I am injecting 100 iu of HCG daily. I tested Thursday morning after fasting except for coffee with creamer and sugar. Doctor Crisler wanted to test IGF1 levels, Still dont see SHBG.

Serum Test went from 437 to 1063
Hematocrit went from 46.1 to 49.7(this worries me because of previous CSR condition)
Free test went from 7.3 to 24.7 out of range
Estradial went from 15.2 to 38.3 out of range


Here's my results


WBC 8.3 x10E3/uL 3.4 - 10.8 01
RBC 5.48 x10E6/uL 4.14 - 5.80 01
Hemoglobin 16.8 g/dL 12.6 - 17.7 01
Hematocrit 49.7 % 37.5 - 51.0 01
MCV 91 fL 79 - 97 01
MCH 30.7 pg 26.6 - 33.0 01
MCHC 33.8 g/dL 31.5 - 35.7 01
RDW 13.6 % 12.3 - 15.4 01
Platelets 209 x10E3/uL 150 - 379 01
Neutrophils 68 % 01
Lymphs 21 % 01
Monocytes 10 % 01
Eos 1 % 01
Basos 0 % 01
Neutrophils (Absolute) 5.7 x10E3/uL 1.4 - 7.0 01
Lymphs (Absolute) 1.7 x10E3/uL 0.7 - 3.1 01
Monocytes(Absolute) 0.8 x10E3/uL 0.1 - 0.9 01
Eos (Absolute) 0.1 x10E3/uL 0.0 - 0.4 01
Baso (Absolute) 0.0 x10E3/uL 0.0 - 0.2 01
Immature Granulocytes 0 % 01
Immature Grans (Abs) 0.0 x10E3/uL 0.0 - 0.1 01
Comp. Metabolic Panel (14)
Glucose, Serum 91 mg/dL 65 - 99 01
BUN 13 mg/dL 6 - 24 01
Creatinine, Serum 1.02 mg/dL 0.76 - 1.27 01
eGFR If NonAfricn Am 88 mL/min/1.73 >59
eGFR If Africn Am 102 mL/min/1.73 >59
BUN/Creatinine Ratio 13 9 - 20
Sodium, Serum 141 mmol/L 134 - 144 01
Potassium, Serum 4.5 mmol/L 3.5 - 5.2 01
Chloride, Serum 101 mmol/L 97 - 108 01
Carbon Dioxide, Total 25 mmol/L 18 - 29 01
Calcium, Serum 9.1 mg/dL 8.7 - 10.2 01
Protein, Total, Serum 6.6 g/dL 6.0 - 8.5 01
Albumin, Serum 4.4 g/dL 3.5 - 5.5 01
Globulin, Total 2.2 g/dL 1.5 - 4.5
A/G Ratio 2.0 1.1 - 2.5
Bilirubin, Total 0.4 mg/dL 0.0 - 1.2 01
Alkaline Phosphatase, S 69 IU/L 39 - 117 01
AST (SGOT) 21 IU/L 0 - 40 01
ALT (SGPT) 14 IU/L 0 - 44 01
Lipid Panel w/ Chol/HDL Ratio
Cholesterol, Total 141 mg/dL 100 - 199 01
Triglycerides 61 mg/dL 0 - 149 01
HDL Cholesterol 35 Low mg/dL >39 01
VLDL Cholesterol Cal 12 mg/dL 5 - 40
LDL Cholesterol Calc 94 mg/dL 0 - 99
T. Chol/HDL Ratio 4.0 ratio units 0.0 - 5.0
Testosterone,Free and Total
Testosterone, Serum 1063 ng/dL 348 - 1197 01
Free Testosterone(Direct) 24.7 High pg/mL 6.8 - 21.5 02
DHEA-Sulfate 207.9 ug/dL 71.6 - 375.4 01
TSH 1.210 uIU/mL 0.450 - 4.500 01
Prostate-Specific Ag, Serum
Prostate Specific Ag, Serum 0.9 ng/mL 0.0 - 4.0 01
IGF-1
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I 165 ng/mL 75 - 216 02
Estradiol, Sensitive 38.3 High pg/mL 8.0 - 35.0 02
Progesterone 0.7 ng/mL 0.2 - 1.4 01

 

[Nelson Vergel]

All looks good.

HDL is very difficult to bring up. TRT can decrease it.

You may want to try

Dose-related increase of HDL-cholesterol levels after N-acetylcysteine in man.



How much anastrozole were you on when you had your ocular issue?

Retinal hemorrhages in anastrozole users.


Watch for Ocular Effects of Breast Cancer Drugs

 

[HarryCat]

You don't mention if you are taking and PDE5 inhibitors. If you are, I'd be careful since there are case studies implicating them in CSR

Should central serous chorioretinopathy be added to the list of ocular side effects of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors?

 

[turkish777]

I restarted TRT back in march after being off for almost 18 months due to Central Serous Retinopathy(which has gone away ). I am with defy medical but I don't have a consult for 10 days. Some of my numbers came back out of range. Since I had CSR reaction while on TRT I am looking for some input while I am waiting for my follow up consult. I am 45 yrs old. Very healthy except for smoking if that's possible(trying to quit). 6' 2" 220 lbs. Lift weights regularly and have fairly low body fat. Before I stopped I was being injected by lowTcenter 120mg 1Xwk. Started HCG self inject at a later date of therapy 250 iu 2x wk. Was also taking Anastrozole very small dose 1xwk. FYI the CSR showed itself when my doctor doubled my dose because I was going out of town.

Here is my test from March before starting back on TRT. I don't see SHBG anywhere on the test(am I missing it?). Only thing out of range was low HDL(how does one improve low HDL?).


WBC 7.0 x10E3/uL 3.4 - 10.8 01
RBC 5.34 x10E6/uL 4.14 - 5.80 01
Hemoglobin 15.9 g/dL 12.6 - 17.7 01
Hematocrit 46.1 % 37.5 - 51.0 01
MCV 86 fL 79 - 97 01
MCH 29.8 pg 26.6 - 33.0 01
MCHC 34.5 g/dL 31.5 - 35.7 01
RDW 13.8 % 12.3 - 15.4 01
Platelets 201 x10E3/uL 150 - 379 01
Neutrophils 61 % 01
Lymphs 26 % 01
Monocytes 12 % 01
Eos 1 % 01
Basos 0 % 01
Neutrophils (Absolute) 4.2 x10E3/uL 1.4 - 7.0 01
Lymphs (Absolute) 1.8 x10E3/uL 0.7 - 3.1 01
Monocytes(Absolute) 0.8 x10E3/uL 0.1 - 0.9 01
Eos (Absolute) 0.1 x10E3/uL 0.0 - 0.4 01
Baso (Absolute) 0.0 x10E3/uL 0.0 - 0.2 01
Immature Granulocytes 0 % 01
Immature Grans (Abs) 0.0 x10E3/uL 0.0 - 0.1 01
Comp. Metabolic Panel (14)
Glucose, Serum 88 mg/dL 65 - 99 01
BUN 11 mg/dL 6 - 24 01
Creatinine, Serum 0.98 mg/dL 0.76 - 1.27 01
eGFR If NonAfricn Am 93 mL/min/1.73 >59
eGFR If Africn Am 107 mL/min/1.73 >59
BUN/Creatinine Ratio 11 9 - 20
Sodium, Serum 142 mmol/L 134 - 144 01
Potassium, Serum 4.1 mmol/L 3.5 - 5.2 01
Chloride, Serum 103 mmol/L 97 - 108 01
Carbon Dioxide, Total 21 mmol/L 18 - 29 01
Calcium, Serum 9.2 mg/dL 8.7 - 10.2 01
Protein, Total, Serum 6.5 g/dL 6.0 - 8.5 01
Albumin, Serum 4.5 g/dL 3.5 - 5.5 01
Globulin, Total 2.0 g/dL 1.5 - 4.5
A/G Ratio 2.3 1.1 - 2.5
Bilirubin, Total 0.5 mg/dL 0.0 - 1.2 01
Alkaline Phosphatase, S 61 IU/L 39 - 117 01
AST (SGOT) 22 IU/L 0 - 40 01
ALT (SGPT) 12 IU/L 0 - 44 01
Lipid Panel w/ Chol/HDL Ratio
Cholesterol, Total 154 mg/dL 100 - 199 01
Triglycerides 114 mg/dL 0 - 149 01
HDL Cholesterol 36 Low mg/dL >39 01
VLDL Cholesterol Cal 23 mg/dL 5 - 40
LDL Cholesterol Calc 95 mg/dL 0 - 99
T. Chol/HDL Ratio 4.3 ratio units 0.0 - 5.0
Testosterone, Serum 437 ng/dL 348 - 1197 01
Free Testosterone(Direct) 7.3 pg/mL 6.8 - 21.5 02
DHEA-Sulfate 230.8 ug/dL 71.6 - 375.4 01
TSH 1.450 uIU/mL 0.450 - 4.500 01
Luteinizing Hormone(LH), S
LH 5.7 mIU/mL 1.7 - 8.6 01
Prostate-Specific Ag, Serum
Prostate Specific Ag, Serum 0.7 ng/mL 0.0 - 4.0 01
Estradiol, Sensitive 15.2 pg/mL 8.0 - 35.0 02

I am currently self injecting Test Cyp 60 mg 2Xweek. Every Monday morning and every Thursday night. I am injecting 100 iu of HCG daily. I tested Thursday morning after fasting except for coffee with creamer and sugar. Doctor Crisler wanted to test IGF1 levels, Still dont see SHBG.

Serum Test went from 437 to 1063
Hematocrit went from 46.1 to 49.7(this worries me because of previous CSR condition)
Free test went from 7.3 to 24.7 out of range
Estradial went from 15.2 to 38.3 out of range


Here's my results


WBC 8.3 x10E3/uL 3.4 - 10.8 01
RBC 5.48 x10E6/uL 4.14 - 5.80 01
Hemoglobin 16.8 g/dL 12.6 - 17.7 01
Hematocrit 49.7 % 37.5 - 51.0 01
MCV 91 fL 79 - 97 01
MCH 30.7 pg 26.6 - 33.0 01
MCHC 33.8 g/dL 31.5 - 35.7 01
RDW 13.6 % 12.3 - 15.4 01
Platelets 209 x10E3/uL 150 - 379 01
Neutrophils 68 % 01
Lymphs 21 % 01
Monocytes 10 % 01
Eos 1 % 01
Basos 0 % 01
Neutrophils (Absolute) 5.7 x10E3/uL 1.4 - 7.0 01
Lymphs (Absolute) 1.7 x10E3/uL 0.7 - 3.1 01
Monocytes(Absolute) 0.8 x10E3/uL 0.1 - 0.9 01
Eos (Absolute) 0.1 x10E3/uL 0.0 - 0.4 01
Baso (Absolute) 0.0 x10E3/uL 0.0 - 0.2 01
Immature Granulocytes 0 % 01
Immature Grans (Abs) 0.0 x10E3/uL 0.0 - 0.1 01
Comp. Metabolic Panel (14)
Glucose, Serum 91 mg/dL 65 - 99 01
BUN 13 mg/dL 6 - 24 01
Creatinine, Serum 1.02 mg/dL 0.76 - 1.27 01
eGFR If NonAfricn Am 88 mL/min/1.73 >59
eGFR If Africn Am 102 mL/min/1.73 >59
BUN/Creatinine Ratio 13 9 - 20
Sodium, Serum 141 mmol/L 134 - 144 01
Potassium, Serum 4.5 mmol/L 3.5 - 5.2 01
Chloride, Serum 101 mmol/L 97 - 108 01
Carbon Dioxide, Total 25 mmol/L 18 - 29 01
Calcium, Serum 9.1 mg/dL 8.7 - 10.2 01
Protein, Total, Serum 6.6 g/dL 6.0 - 8.5 01
Albumin, Serum 4.4 g/dL 3.5 - 5.5 01
Globulin, Total 2.2 g/dL 1.5 - 4.5
A/G Ratio 2.0 1.1 - 2.5
Bilirubin, Total 0.4 mg/dL 0.0 - 1.2 01
Alkaline Phosphatase, S 69 IU/L 39 - 117 01
AST (SGOT) 21 IU/L 0 - 40 01
ALT (SGPT) 14 IU/L 0 - 44 01
Lipid Panel w/ Chol/HDL Ratio
Cholesterol, Total 141 mg/dL 100 - 199 01
Triglycerides 61 mg/dL 0 - 149 01
HDL Cholesterol 35 Low mg/dL >39 01
VLDL Cholesterol Cal 12 mg/dL 5 - 40
LDL Cholesterol Calc 94 mg/dL 0 - 99
T. Chol/HDL Ratio 4.0 ratio units 0.0 - 5.0
Testosterone,Free and Total
Testosterone, Serum 1063 ng/dL 348 - 1197 01
Free Testosterone(Direct) 24.7 High pg/mL 6.8 - 21.5 02
DHEA-Sulfate 207.9 ug/dL 71.6 - 375.4 01
TSH 1.210 uIU/mL 0.450 - 4.500 01
Prostate-Specific Ag, Serum
Prostate Specific Ag, Serum 0.9 ng/mL 0.0 - 4.0 01
IGF-1
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I 165 ng/mL 75 - 216 02
Estradiol, Sensitive 38.3 High pg/mL 8.0 - 35.0 02
Progesterone 0.7 ng/mL 0.2 - 1.4 01

Trying to revive this thread. What happened after re-starting TRT? Did the CSR come back? I started my TRT about 2 months ago and have had vision issues for 3 weeks now. My optometrist says that it is most likely due to stress,I am a small business owner and going through serious marital problems, but also recommends that I quit taking test cyp because he says it could be exasperating it. I feel that TRT helps me but I would rather have my vision if I had to pick between the two. I don't think that they will be able to conclude that the TRT is contributing to CSR but I'm sure that my retina specialist that I see in 2 weeks will tell me to quit taking it, which is why I'm curious if yours came back after restarting TRT?

 

[crash1270]

No mine did not come back. I have stuck with the 2x weekly doses since March of 2016 and I have stayed away from Anastrozole. I am not convinced it was from TRT. I am more inclined to believe it was from the anastrozole.

 

[turkish777]

No mine did not come back. I have stuck with the 2x weekly doses since March of 2016 and I have stayed away from Anastrozole. I am not convinced it was from TRT. I am more inclined to believe it was from the anastrozole.

How long did it take for the CSR to go away after quitting TRT? Also, I take .375mg x2/week. How do you recommend coming off of TRT if the retina specialist tells me to do so?

 

[crash1270]

I'm not sure it was coming off of trt that relieved the csr. I took about 4 shots of a drug avastin in my eyeball. It was not really that pleasant but it worked. My vision was back to normal after about a year.

 

[turkish777]

I'm not sure it was coming off of trt that relieved the csr. I took about 4 shots of a drug avastin in my eyeball. It was not really that pleasant but it worked. My vision was back to normal after about a year.

So you quit TRT took shots of Avastin and 1 year later your vision was better. How long did you wait to start TRT again after your vision was normal? Did you taper off of TRT or just go cold turkey?

 

[crash1270]

It's all in the thread above. I stayed on HCG for a while, after completely stopping trt and then stopped everything a few months later. I was off trt for 18 months. Started back trt about 6 months after csr subsided.

 

[DragonBits]

It's all in the thread above. I stayed on HCG for a while, after completely stopping trt and then stopped everything a few months later. I was off trt for 18 months. Started back trt about 6 months after csr subsided.

nice to see such a long history.

Would it be uncommon to start with a level of 150 come off of TRT and 17 months later have a level of 437?

I would have to guess that when you staying on HCG for 5 months after stopping testosterone, that not only restarted your HPT axis but permanently increased the amount of testosterone you were producing.

If so, then you could have gone on to HCG monotherapy. That would be the only way to know for sure what was going on.

But you are already on TRT and it seems to be working for you, so all's well.