Alternative Medicine Helped Me Recover From Low Testosterone

There is an ongoing debate regarding alternative versus modern medicine. Both of these branches of medicine have evolved due to technological advancements. People are also choosing to educate themselves with more readily available information.

Due to my past struggles with Cushing’s disease and the other issues that resulted from it, I have tried both types of treatment and want to share my thoughts. Before going further, I want to be very clear that I am in no way providing any medical advice.

Using modern medicine

Low testosterone was one of the major issues I dealt with before my Cushing’s diagnosis. As a man, it was the last thing I wanted to hear. At the time, I just wanted to fix it, so my primary physician suggested testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). I agreed and started using a topical cream.

I didn’t notice any changes, so my dosages were increased, but I still didn’t see any results. However, a side effect of the cream landed me in the hospital with fluid buildup around my heart. I didn’t realize then that a tumor on my pituitary gland was causing my hormonal issues, including the extremely low testosterone. This was a bad combination.

Fast-forward to 2017, after having surgery to remove the tumor, and I was still having issues with low testosterone. My endocrinologist prescribed a synthetic form of the hormone that I was to inject every other week. Initially, this worked very well. I felt stronger and more alive — but then the side effects hit again.

My wife noticed my temper was shorter and I was changing in a way that was not healthy. Although the synthetic testosterone was working, the trade-off was not worth it.

The switch to alternative

In July 2018, I completely stopped TRT and decided to take an alternative approach to my treatment. I didn’t know where to start, so I simply began researching foods that can heal the body, herbs, natural supplements, and what people with my condition should avoid.

I’m always honest about the process: There were times when things were great and times when I thought it wouldn’t work. But eventually, I found a regimen that worked for me, and I have continued to build on it. I have noticed improved health, increased energy, decreased inflammation, reduced pain, and an overall better sense of well-being.

Again, I want to be clear that I am not providing medical advice or attempting to convince anyone that one treatment type is better than another. I always encourage others to seek out a licensed medical professional for advice.

My choice to use alternative medicine involved many factors, including thorough research and consultation. I had to weigh the pros and cons of each. Ultimately, it came down to how my body responded. Modern medicine did help me to identify the root cause of my symptoms and remove the issue. But alternative medicine has helped me to heal, recover, and sustain.

Therefore, I am grateful for both, because they have done what they were intended to do.

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Note: Cushing’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cushing’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Cushing’s.