25th^th /August/2007

At long last, the Center for Disease Control in the USA has launched a study into refining the Serum Testosterone assay fiasco. Aware that the existing system is heavily flawed, the Center, together with the Endocrine Society has set out to standardise assays for clinical practise. The Press Release by the Endocrine Society reveals the general disquiet held by the profession over the lack of accuracy and assistance towards diagnosis provided by the current testing methods. This welcome move in the USA is contrasted by its UK equivalent's marked and dogged refusal to acknowledge there is something radically wrong with current practises.

The end of this month marks the beginning of a new chapter for me. I am moving to another part of the world, in the hope that the warmer climate will allow me to regain my health. This year, I've struggled again with my health, so I feel I must do something to halt the decline.
The wonders of the Internet allows me to assure everyone, that I shall continue my work on this site, the campaign for recognition of this problem and free support to those who need it. To date, more than 2000 men have been assisted in their bid to return to good health. However, the persistent failure of the medical world to take Testosterone Deficiency seriously, ensures that number will steadily climb. 19^th /June/2007

Recent research by Willem De Ronde, has investigated the Use of Aromatase inhibitors in adult men. ²²³Although his conclusions are disappointing for all those men who need aromatase inhibition, use in qualifying young patients is recommended. 30^th /May/2007

I was contacted recently by a researcher,who was interested in the European market for Testosterone therapy. It seems somebody,or a group of bodies, in the USA, wants to know why the European market, is running at about 11% of its American counterpart. I was very happy to assist.

Testicular Cancer researchers discover the level at which initial symptoms of Testosterone deficiency appears, varies according to the individual.²²⁴ (Gasp! Ed.)

It seems the new site design is meeting with approval, judging from the sustained increase in hits.

19^th /May/2007

I was honoured recently, to attend a meeting with John Baron MP, Shadow Minister for Health. The invitation came, courtesy of Phil Morris at Checkemlads the well known UK Testicular Cancer resource. At the end of the meeting, Mr Baron appeared to understand the serious nature of the Testosterone Deficiency problem. He requested some information and assured me he would be asking some questions of the Health Minister. Mr Baron is now assimilating the information I gave him. It remains to be seen whether this matter gets be swept under the political carpet, or is grasped head on, as it should be!

18^th /November/2006

I have made changes to the links and Prostate Cancer pages. I have added a link to Gigantism and Pituitary Disorders. It is a very interesting website about a young man who has had his case reported in the British Medical Journal.

I have made a minor change to the Prostate Cancer page, in order to remove a palpable error. My thanks to Paul for pointing this out.

October saw me speak at an Endocrine nurses conference in Nottingham. It was an honour to speak to professionals for the first time. I hope I got the message across!
I was struck by the quality of the other speakers, especially Dr Llahana of UCL. She is showing the way forward to other specialist Endocrine nurses and fully understands the needs of patients.
14^th /September/2006

The TDC has agreed to assist in a research project in the UK. UK residents who are currently taking TRT are invited to take part in the study, for which they will receive a fee of twenty five pounds. The study, conducted by United Biosource involves a forty five minute telephone interview covering the patient's experiences with low Testosterone and the effects of their treatment.

I have been invited to speak at a Symposium in October. The symposium will be attended by Endocrine nurses and marks the first opportunity for this subject to be addressed to professionals by lay advocates. The Klinefelter's Syndrome Assn will also be represented by Pauline Stoodley and Paul Dutton.

28^th /August/2006

Although this site has been quiet for three months, it does not mean nothing is happening in the world of Testosterone research. My time has been absorbed in other areas, resulting in my recently representing the UK at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen. With apologies to those who rely on this site for up to date information, here is the news.

Morgentaler says there is no reason to withold Testosterone therapy from cured Prostate Cancer patients.²¹⁵

Artherosclerosis linked to Hypogonadism. Possible effect on Bone Marrow.²¹⁴

Radioiodine therapy in Thyroid Cancer a threat to Testicular function.²¹³

Metabolic Syndrome is frequent in Klinefelter's Syndrome²¹²

Low Testosterone exacerbates Epileptic fits?²⁰⁸

Testosterone therapy advocated in qualifying Chronic heart failure patients.²⁰⁹

Low Testosterone causes Anemia in men and women ?²¹⁰

Testosterone replacement therapy in male hypogonadism is not associated with increase of Cardio-Vascular Disease causing endothelin-1 levels.²¹¹
19^th /May/2006

Scientists in Tehran have discovered a correlation between male hormones and the severity of Schizophrenia. According to their conclusions, "The present study indicates that assessment of sex hormones and function of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadotropin axis could be an important biological marker for the severity of negative symptoms in schizophrenia and these findings may change the present pharmacotherapy for negative symptoms based on neuroendocrinology profiles of patients with schizophrenia.".²⁰⁷.

The TDC has now been visited from more than 100 countries. Requests for help have been received from Russia, Georgia, Thailand and even China, to name just a few.

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists have redesigned their site. Therefore the link to the adult male Hypogonadism Guidelines can now be found at http://www.aace.com/pub/pdf/guidelines/hypogonadism.pdf.

19^th /March/2006

I have been invited to speak at a Testicular Cancer conference by the Easington Primary Care Trust on March 22nd.As a part of my presentation, the subject of Testosterone Deficiency in the young will be discussed. Lets hope this marks a step in the right direction. Easington, in DUrham, North East England, is the subject of regeneration, as it has been deprived since coal production ceased some years ago. It is hoped to provide some positive food for thought.

Phil Morris of CHECKEMLADS has sent in his story. Yet another example of how low Testosterone affects lives can be read here. Phil will also be speaking at the conference mentioned above.
1^st /March/2006

Scientists and manufacturers have come up with a coincidental double breakthrough for women. Researchers have conducted a randomised double blind trial using physiologic doses of Testosterone to show benefits to bone density, lean body mass, mood and libido in pre-menaupausal women with no Testosterone..²⁰⁵

Meanwhile Australian company Acrux in conjunction with US company Vivus have stage 2 trialled a metred spray for women. Both companies are working with the FDA on the approval process. Acrux has also reached stage 2 in the trial process of a Testosterone cream for men, which is suggested to have a five-times better absorption rate than a gel used in comparison.

Another spray, this time for men, has been developed and trialled in the UK. Scientists are now proposing stage two trials²⁰⁶This early trial suggests the new delivery system to be the equivalent of a gel.
17^th /February/2006

This past three months has seen exciting developments at the TDC. There is now a board of officers ready to take this website's activities of support and information supply to the streets. The board includes a world-renowned clinical bio-chemist and metabolism specialist, an Insurance actuary, a manager of a leading charity, and the author.An action group will now be established to form a nationwide support structure and develop this website.

The first expert to offer his services as consultant to this site is Dr Duncan Gould, author of several papers on the subject and respected London doctor. Dr Gould's bio will soon appear on our experts page.

Watson Pharma has enetered the gel market by gaining approval in the USA to market a generic 1% gel. Watson has long been at the forefront of Testosterone replacement and is set to take a large stake in the burgeoning $330m a year market as it's generic gel is sure to beat the highly priced alternatives.
12^th /November/2005
A UK man has successfully sued his local medical authority for the return of his Testosterone therapy costs, which he obtained via a private practise. Read the story
25^th /October/2005

Exclusive: An interesting development in Berkshire, has seen the policy for Testicular Cancer patients revised in the county's hospitals. Following a complaint, Testicular Cancer patients should now be tested for Hypogonadism as routine. This according to the Chief executive in her response to the complaint. Berkshire are the first health authority to implement this sensible precaution.

The author of this site has not been well recently, so the upkeep of this site has not been as wished. A diagnosis of Osteopenia has helped clear the mysteries, but it will be some time before good health is returned.

Meantime, the long-awaited bank account for the charity this website will support, has been established. An application for charitable status should be made by the end of 2005.

Talking of bones, there is new evidence regarding the possible beneficial effects on the Trabecular architecture of bones when Testosterone therapy is used. ²⁰³

A programme in Turkey has obtained the same IVF success rate for Hypogonadal women as those who have tubular infertility problems.²⁰¹

Scientists in New York have concluded that Hypogonadism is a fundamental component of Metabolic Syndrome. They stress the need for awareness amongst physicians. ²⁰⁴