Seems pretty high DHT for levels of transdermal gel being used and Total T / Free T levels. But then just might be your particular reaction to transdermals.
Something else to consider:
http://www.alternativehealth.com.au/Articles/nettles.htm
QUOTE:
Some of the more resent research on BPH and Nettles show that Nettles can interfere or block a chemical process in the body that has been linked to prostate disorders. As men age, free-floating testosterone becomes bound to albumin in a process called human sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), removing its bioavailability to the body. This chemical process is now believed to be linked to prostate disorders. In several clinical studies, nettles has demonstrated the ability to block this process which may well explain its documented effectiveness in the treatment of many prostate conditions. Since testosterone is a natural aphrodisiac, and nettles makes more testosterone bioavailable for the body's use by blocking SHBG... Another study using saw palmetto berries and nettle root extracts to treat patients with BPH showed an inhibition of the testosterone metabolites dihydrotestosterone and estrogen, thus proving to be an effective treatment... Nettle extracts also inhibit enzymes such as 5 alpha reductase that cause testosterone to convert to DHT. It is the DHT metabolite of testosterone that is known to cause benign prostate enlargement, excess facial hair and hair loss at the top of the head.
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Also see:
http://www.rain-tree.com/nettles.htm
Further info on a DHT study:
http://herkules.oulu.fi/isbn9514253868/html/x1060.html
QUOTE:
It has been noticed that the administration of estradiol both stimulates prostatic growth (Suzuki et al. 1994) and increases the incidence of prostatic carcinoma in rats (Shirai et al. 1994). Rats treated with DHT plus estradiol did not develop tumors (Shirai et al. 1994). In a 1.8-year open survey of 37 men aged 5570 years treated with daily percutaneus DHT treatment, high plasma levels of DHT (> 8.5 nmol/l) effectively induced clinical benefits in andropausal symptoms, while slighly but significantly reducing prostatic size (de Lignieres 1993). It has been concluded in many studies that estrogens play an important role in the pathogenesis of BPH. Estradiol but not DHT acts in concert with SHBG to produce an 8-fold increase in intracellular cAMP in human BPH tissue, causing growth of the prostate, while DHT, which blocks the binding of estradiol to SHBG, completely negates the effect of estradiol (Nakhla et al. 1994). In our study, the size of the prostate remained the same and serum PSA did not increase, and there was also some relief in the obstructive symptoms in BPH patients with high symptom scores (I-PSS) before the study... In our study, morning erections improved and libido was better in the DHT group, and the maintenance of erections during the intercourse was also better in the actively medicated group. We found DHT to be a safe option for long-term treatment of andropausal symptoms, it may also have a positive effect on urinating problems....
NOTE: In our study, both hemoglobin and hematocrit increased significantly during DHT treatment, however staying in normal value range in all patients.
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I am not aware - offhand - of any studies showing that elevated DHT levels cause symptoms of "sweating, anger, nervousness, irritability, and/or insomnia". (*)
Anyone else out there have any information on "elevated DHT symptoms" which might incorporate those listed symptoms???
Larry
(*)
T administration in and of itself:
QUOTE:
Wang et al. (125) recently reported that T administration to hypogonadal men resulted in a significant decrease in anger, sadness, irritability, and nervousness along with an increased sense of well-being, energy, and friendliness.
(125)Wang C, Alexander G, Berman N, Salehian B, Davidson T, McDonald V, Steiner B, Hull L, Callegari C, Swerdloff RS 1996 Testosterone replacement therapy improves mood in hypogonadal mena clinical research center study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 81:35783583
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