My Intro - edited 1/8/2012

[MattFoley]

Hi guys,

I've posted a few times here and have been reading the invaluable info being posted daily so I thought I would intro myself and my penis.  

Age? 49


Ethnicty? Caucasian


What did your medical doctor conclude? Peyronie's with ED (venous leakage). He says the plaque is not too bad.


How long have you had symptoms? Since 6/2011


What are your symptoms? Curvature, ED


What treatments have you tried and what were the results? Pentox (400 mg, 3x daily), Viagra, Cialis. No real change in curvature that I can tell. Viagra & Cialis are helping with the ED but the leak keeps me from getting a full erection as in the past. I massage my penis all the time, when I'm not masturbating.

Going back to the gym and working out hard lifting weights and eating huge amounts of protein with low amounts of carbs has given me incredible energy and has raised my self-esteem. I look better than I did 10 years ago.

I'm also taking various testosterone supplements. Those supplements have definitely increased my libido.

Here's a list of the supplements I've been taking:

Horny Goat Weed Complex -- 1200 mg
Korean Ginseng Extended Release -- 1000 mg
GPLC Glycine Propionyl L-Carnitine HCl-GlycoCarn 1000 mg PLC per serving
Long Jack PowerMax 200 -- 200 mg
Solaray Damiana Leaves -- 370 mg
Solaray Fenugreek Extract -- 350 mg
Forskolin 50
Maca Extract -- 525 mg
Green Tea Extract - Standardized -- 500 mg
L-Glutamine Powder -- 4,500 mg per serving
ALCAR Acetyl L-Carnitine -- 500-1,000 mg/day
Pycnogenol® -- 100 mg
PABA Caps -- 500 mg
Mega EFA® Omega-3 EPA & DHA Fish Oil -- 2,126 mg per serving
Muira Puama Bark
Grape Seed Extract
Zinc -- 100 mg
Citrulline Malate -- 2000 mg
Vitamin E d-Alpha And Mixed Tocopherols -- 800 IU
Gotu Kola -- 950 mg per serving
Niacinamide (Vitamin B-3) - No Flush Niacin -- 500 mg
Ubiquinol -- 100 mg.
Quercitin
Tribulus Terrestris -- 1,200 mg
D-Aspartic Acid -- 5 g

Adding: Vitamin D2 (check dosage)


I know this stuff can be expensive but I buy almost everything at www.vitacost.com. Great prices and the quality is good.

I buy the D-Aspartic Acid and the Tribulus Terrestris at www.bodybuilding.com and the Ubiquinol at Costco.

I urge everyone to check each one of these supplements and make a determination if it will work into your program and budget.

Also, if you are over 40 years old, I suggest you look into growth hormones and testosterone enhancement. We need the growth hormones for a variety of functions including tissue repair and sexual function. As we age, our bodies produce less GH. Enhancing our GH is essential. And, of course, maintaining an optimal testosterone level is critical. Please look into Axiron. It works in harmony with your natural testosterone so you don't see serious side effects. You can get the first month free and then get a co-payment card from the manufacturer that will make the cost very small. Please check it out.

Have your doctor check the following:

Testosterone Free
Testosterone Total
Thyroid Panels (T3, T4, TSH)
IGF-1
CMP Profile
Lipid Profile
CBC w/Diff profile
PSA
C-Reactive Protein
DHEA-sulfate
LH
Estrogens
Vitamin D


Also, check this out regarding testosterone and Peyronie's:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19473459



Do you have insurance or means to get treatment? Self-pay


Where are you in dealing with the psychological aspects of Peyronie's Disease? Loss of confidence and seriously pissed off. But, I'm hopeful that perhaps Xiaflex may be able to help or a modified Leriche Technique might be an option. I have no loss of desire at all.

I would think that physical therapy in the form of hookers would be a medically-necessary expense and be fully covered by insurance and sanctioned by the medical community. I think an online petition might be a good idea.  


Are you in a relationship? Thank God, nothing serious, just for fun.


History Details:

I have not had any injury to my penis however I can tell everyone EXACTLY what caused my Peyronie's.

At the age of 47 in 11/2010, I decided to become a total moron and started smoking for the first time in my life. I also had a medical issue unrelated to my penis that required I take heavy narcotic medicine. I was not exercising either.

Combine those two & you get a serious drop in testosterone. By the time of my blood test in 4/2012, it had not recovered. You also see your growth hormones drop as well.

In 6/2011, I started having pain at the base of my penis, then came the hourglass at the base. Both of those are now gone. I have not lost any length but the curvature is ridiculous. I'm not sure how you measure curvature, but if I hold my penis so the base is parallel with the ground, the upper shaft and glan are at a bit less than 90 degrees (kinda like an "L" formation). Yes, I can still have sex but it's not great with that curvature. It makes it difficult to maintain a full erection.

In 2/2012, I began Pentox treatment. I've been referred to Dr. Lue so I'm waiting to go see him.

I may be genetically pre-disposed to Peyronie's and the drop in testosterone and/or growth hormones initiated the war against my penis. Well, I'm fighting back with everything I've learned here plus what I picked up along the way.


You've definitely come to the right place. The first step to healing is knowledge and the second is to implement a protocol that will, with God's help, get you free of this burden. I'm going to list some questions below. Please answer as best as you can so we can get an idea where you are and what steps would be recommended for you to consider.

1. Beside the Peyronie's, what is your health like?

2. What does your diet look like?

3. Have you had your testosterone and other blood work done yet? If so, what are the numbers of these?

Testosterone Free
Testosterone Total
Thyroid Panels (T3, T4, TSH)
IGF-1
CMP Profile
Lipid Profile
CBC w/Diff profile
PSA
C-Reactive Protein
DHEA-sulfate
LH
Estrogens

4. How much protein in your diet?

5. Do you exercise?

6. Have you talked to a Peyronie's urologist? If so, are you taking Pentox? If so, what daily dosage? Have you talked to your doctor about possibly increasing the Pentox dose to 2,400 mg/day? If not, would you consider talking to him about it?

7. Are you taking any supplements?

8. Are you using a VED? Mechanical stretcher? Are you doing any kind of jelqing? Are you doing things to encourage warmth to your penis?

9. Have you tried topical and/or injectable verapamil? If so, results?

10. What else are you doing right now as per the recommendation of your doctor?

11. Do you have ED? If so, does Cialis and/or Viagra resolve it?

12. Ethnicity?

13. What did your medical doctor conclude? Peyronie's? Venous leakage? ED?

14. How long have you had symptoms? What are your symptoms?

15. What treatments have you tried and what were the results?

16. Do you have insurance or means to get treatment?

17. Where are you in dealing with the psychological aspects of Peyronie's Disease?

18. History Details.

Thank you. The other members here will chime in with their thoughts as well. I know it's not easy right now but please keep a positive frame of mind. The last thing you need is to slip into depression and despair. Hang in there. You're not alone. Don't give up because there is no surrender for us. God bless.


Citrulline is an amino acid. It was first isolated from and named after watermelon (citrullus vulgaris) over 75 years ago. Until just recently, citrulline was ignored in sports nutrition because it was not directly involved in protein synthesis, building muscle, etc. Within the last few years, however, researchers have found that it is actually intimately involved in arginine metabolism. Arginine is directly involved in building protein, but also in the production of nitric oxide, an extremely important molecule in the body for circulation as well as many other important functions. A recent article published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology* shows that when citrulline is administered to humans, it actually produces more nitric oxide than arginine, which was thought to be the sole amino acid involved in nitric oxide production. It turns out that when arginine is used to produce nitric oxide the other product is citrulline. Citrulline can then be reused in a salvage pathway to replenish arginine. But there's more, it was found that you can increase blood levels of arginine more by taking citrulline rather than arginine—an utterly bizarre finding. It was found that when arginine is taken orally it has to be broken down extensively in the intestines before any of it can produce nitric oxide. Only 1% of arginine ever ends up in the production of nitric oxide. Conversely, citrulline is already in the body because it is a byproduct of nitric oxide production. It is simply reconverted in a two-step path back to arginine. If you're serious about body building then take your citrulline! This excerpt is from: http://fitmixer.com/the-arginine-substitute-that-works-even-better/

The study can be found here:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2291275/



1. Start taking the following supplements:

Horny Goat Weed Complex -- 1200 mg
Korean Ginseng Extended Release -- 1000 mg
GPLC Glycine Propionyl L-Carnitine HCl-GlycoCarn 1000 mg PLC per serving
Long Jack PowerMax 200 -- 200 mg
Solaray Damiana Leaves -- 370 mg
Solaray Fenugreek Extract -- 350 mg
Forskolin 50
Maca Extract -- 525 mg
Green Tea Extract - Standardized -- 500 mg
L-Glutamine Powder -- 4,500 mg per serving
ALCAR Acetyl L-Carnitine -- 500-1,000 mg/day
Pycnogenol® -- 100 mg
PABA Caps -- 500 mg
Mega EFA® Omega-3 EPA & DHA Fish Oil -- 2,126 mg per serving
Muira Puama Bark
Grape Seed Extract
Zinc -- 100 mg
Citrulline Malate -- 2000 mg
Vitamin E d-Alpha And Mixed Tocopherols -- 800 IU
Gotu Kola -- 950 mg per serving
Niacinamide (Vitamin B-3) - No Flush Niacin -- 500 mg
Ubiquinol -- 100 mg.
Quercitin
Tribulus Terrestris -- 1,200 mg
D-Aspartic Acid -- 5 g  *** THIS ONE IS CRITICAL TO RAISING TESTOSTERONE ***
Vitamin D3

These supplements are designed to boost testosterone and nitric oxide. They will naturally raise your testosterone. Within 30 to 60 days, you should feel a surge in testosterone that should raise your libido, give you firmer erections and could very reasonably have a positive impact on your Peyronie's.

3. Have full blood panel done. Have them check the following:

Testosterone Free
Testosterone Total
Thyroid Panels (T3, T4, TSH)
IGF-1
CMP Profile
Lipid Profile
CBC w/Diff profile
PSA
C-Reactive Protein
DHEA-sulfate
LH
Estrogens
Vitamin D

Let me know what the results are of this blood work test.

2. Get a doctor to prescribe testosterone. If you can't get a doctor to cooperate, get the testosterone online. There are various websites all over the world that will sell it to you with no prescription. It's not very expensive. But if you have to go this route, there's a learning curve to what you need, how much, etc. so hopefully you will get a doctor to cooperate otherwise, take matters into your own hands.

3. Get at least 8 hours of sleep.

4. Do not smoke at all. Try to moderate your drinking since drinking alcohol decreases zinc levels in your body.

5. Do no eat anything with soy in it. You're going to have to read labels. It will blow your mind how many things contain soy these days.

6. Meditate for at least 10 minutes. This will help you de-stress.

7. Do resistance training. Lift some weights and do compound exercises like squats, dead-lifts, dips, rows, and pull-ups. They'll boost your T more than bicep curls. You also need to use heavy weights and short sets.

8. Eat a serving of good fat. As your fat intake goes up, so do your T levels. Aim to get at least 30% of your calories from fat and spread your consumption of it throughout the day. Mono-saturated fats, the kind found in nuts, fish, olives, olive oil, seeds, and avocados-are particularly beneficial to your testosterone level (and your health). ((http://jap.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/82/1/49)) Also, don't be afraid of saturated fat; that whole business about it raising your cholesterol and causing heart disease is a bunch of rubbish. ((http://www.menshealth.com/cda/article.do?site=MensHealth&channel=health&category=heart.disease&conitem=a03ddd2eaab85110VgnVCM10000013281eac____))

9.  Eat a serving of animal protein. Vegetarian diets have been proven to lower your T levels. ((http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/159772))

10. Eat a serving of cruciferous vegetables. Veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, turnips, cabbage and brussel sprouts contain Diindolylmethane which helps balance your estrogen and testosterone levels and increases the amount of free circulating T in your body. Avoid grapefruit since it makes it harder for your body to break down estrogen.

11. Have morning sex (if you partner is willing, of course). Just having an erection increases your testosterone. And you already get a surge of T when you wake up, so this will bump it up even further. If you need it, take Cialis or Viagra. I prefer Cialis because it lasts 36 hours. I try and take a low dose of 5 mg. everyday.



These studies are regarding the new understanding and elimination of the previous conclusions regarding the prostate, prostate cancer, and testosterone. Please take a look at the articles and share your thoughts:

Testosterone May Be Safe for Prostate

Destroying the Myth about Testosterone Replacement and Prostate Cancer - Life Extension

Prostate cancer risk in testoster... [J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2006] - PubMed - NCBI

Drop in testosterone tied to prostate cancer recurrence


Welcome to the forums.

You'll find a vast resource of information here. It may seem overwhelming at first but as you sift through it, you'll find a great deal of info that applies to your situation and the possible solutions which may very well impact your Peyronie's disorder in a positive manner.

The first thing I would recommend is to go see a Peyronie's oriented urologist since only a few urologists know anything about treatment and options.

Second, Pentox is the first-line medication that the vast majority of us here use to fight back against Peyronie's. You need to consider getting on it right away. Adding 5 mg/day of Cialis, Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR), and L-Arginine or Citrulline Malate (my preference) is also a good idea to ensure proper blood flow.

Third, get a full panel blood test done that checks not just your lipids but your testosterone level as well. My emphasis since I started my counter-attack against Peyronie's has been to raise and maintain a high testosterone level. The results of the blood panel test will tell you a great deal about your health, including testosterone and HGH levels. Let me know if you want a list of the things that should be checked.

This forum is a great place for info and the other guys here are awesome and will help you as well. Feel free to ask as many questions as you need.

Don't freak out. I started with a 90% bend but now it's closer to 45%.

There's hope.

God bless.


Here's what I did:

1. Supplements

I started taking the following supplements. These supplements are designed to boost testosterone and nitric oxide. They will naturally raise your testosterone. Within a short period of time, you should feel a surge in testosterone that should raise your libido, give you firmer erections and could very reasonably have a positive impact on your Peyronie's:

D-Aspartic Acid

Produced in the pituitary gland and the testicles, this amino acid (also known as D-aspartate) stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone, which boosts testosterone production and acts on Leydig cells (special cells in the testicles) to increase testosterone production as well as the production of sperm. One study, published in a 2009 issue of the journal Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, found that subjects who had taken a D-aspartate supplement daily for 12 days increased their testosterone levels by more than 40 percent.

Suggested use: Take 3 grams in the morning


Tribulus Terrestris

This herb, also known as puncturevine, grows in North America and Asia and has been used for centuries to treat sexual dysfunction. The active compound in Tribulus is a saponin called protodioscin, which increases the release of luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland, thereby boosting testosterone production by the testicles. But protodioscin has also been found to boost immune function, which is important because higher testosterone levels often suppress the immune system. By taking Tribulus, you can boost testosterone levels without increasing your risk of getting sick and missing gym time.

Suggested use: 500 to 1,000 milligrams 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity and/or workouts. Use for 6-8 weeks, then go off it for 4 weeks before cycling back on again.


Fenugreek

Native to southern Europe, this herb is often used in cooking. It boosts testosterone levels because it contains high amounts of furostanolic saponins, similar to those found in Tribulus terrestris. These phytochemicals boost test production by increasing luteinizing-hormone secretion. One study, published in February 2011 in the journal Phytotherapy Research, showed that healthy young men taking a fenugreek
supplement for six weeks experienced a boost in their sex drive, sexual performance and energy levels. The researchers concluded that this was because of a positive effect on the guys' testosterone levels. Another study, published in the October 2010 issue of the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, reported that trained men taking fenugreek for eight weeks almost doubled their increase in bench-press and leg-press strength, as compared to those taking a placebo, and they also lost a significant amount of body fat, while those taking the placebo did not.

Suggested use: 500 to 1,000 milligrams an hour before sexual activity and/or 30 to 60 minutes before workouts. I use Solaray Fenugreek Extract -- 350 mg.


Damiana

Also known as Turnera diffusa, damiana is native to Mexico and Central and South America, where, for centuries, it has been used as an aphrodisiac. Recent research from the University of Mississippi reported that damiana contains the active ingredients pinocembrin and acacetin, which are potent inhibitors of the aromatase enzyme. Aromatase converts testosterone into estrogen, so by blunting it, damiana keeps testosterone levels higher.

Suggested use: 50 to 500 milligrams 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity and/or workouts. I use Solaray Damiana Leaves -- 370 mg


Long Jack (Tongkat Ali)

Raises testosterone by stimulating Leydig cells. Second, it frees up testosterone in the bloodstream. Third, reduces levels of the catabolic hormone cortisol.

Suggested use: 100-300 mg of eurycoma per dose and take it in the morning, 30 minutes before workouts and before bed. I use Long Jack PowerMax 200 -- 200 mg


Forskolin

Directly stimulates Leydig cells. Activates the enzyme, adenylate cycclase, which stimulates testosterone production and fat loss. In a study by the University of Kansas (Lawrence), subjects taking forskolin for 12 weeks experienced higher testosterone levels and greater fat loss than those taking a placebo.

Suggest use: Look for products that supply 20-50 mg of forskolin and take it 2-3 times per day before meals. I use Forskolin 50.


Vitamin D3

Vitamin D is produced in the body from cholesterol, as is testosterone, it follows that higher vitamin D levels can encourage higher testosterone levels in men. In fact, Austrian scientists from the Medical University of Graz reported that men with higher blood levels of vitamin D had significantly higher levels of testosterone.

Suggested use: 5,000 IU per day, taken with meals, to maximize all D's benefits.


Zinc

Zinc is very important for the production of natural testosterone because Zinc prevents testosterone from being converted into estrogen (the female hormone) by making the enzyme aromatase not work plus Zinc itself turns estrogen into testosterone and Zinc helps produce healthier sperm and higher sperm counts so actually low levels of zinc can cause low testosterone levels. Foods high in Zinc include oysters (a natural aphrodisiac), liver, seafood, poultry, nuts & seeds.

Suggested use: 100mg of Zinc daily.


Omega-3 Fish Oil

Fish oil has been shown to lower SHBG and increase production of Luteinizing Hormone (the hormone responsible for triggering the testes to produce T).

Suggested use: I use Mega EFA® Omega-3 EPA & DHA Fish Oil -- 2,126 mg per serving


Citrulline

This amino acid is so closely related to arginine that in the body, it is actually converted into arginine. However, citrulline may boost Nitric Oxide (NO) levels even better than its cousin because cells in the digestive tract are always starving for arginine, and they tend to grab it before it can get into the bloodstream and be converted into NO. The intestines are not interested in citrulline in the slightest, however, which means that it passes straight through them and into the bloodstream. One study, published in 2008 in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, found that when subjects took equal amounts of citrulline and arginine, the citrulline increased levels of arginine and
NO in the blood more than taking arginine did. Check this out: Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of oral L-citrulline and L-arginine: impact on nitric oxide metabolism

Suggested use: 3 to 5 grams 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity and workouts.


Glycine ProPionyl-l-carnitine

GPLC is a patented compound that combines the amino acid glycine with a form of carnitine, which has been modified to provide the body an extra source of energy and to assist with uptake by muscle tissue. Glycine and carnitine are known to boost levels of nitric oxide in the body, most likely by increasing the activity of nitric-oxide synthase, the enzyme that creates NO. In fact, a study published in December 2007 in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition reported that trained male weightlifters supplementing with GPLC for four weeks had 30 percent higher NO levels than when they were given a placebo.

Suggested use: 3 to 4.5 grams 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity and workouts. I use GPLC Glycine Propionyl L-Carnitine HCl-GlycoCarn 1000 mg PLC per serving


PycnoGenol

Extracted from the French maritime pine tree, this patented flavonoid is a potent antioxidant. That means that one way that it can boost NO levels is by neutralizing the free radicals that break down NO. But research shows that Pycnogenol also boosts NO levels by increasing the activity of nitric-oxide synthase, allowing for more arginine to be converted into NO and keeping levels of NO higher for longer.

Suggested use: 50 to 100 milligrams 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity and workouts. I use Pycnogenol® -- 100 mg


Horny Goat Weed

Yes, yes, get your chortles out. Those of a scientific bent know this herb as Epimedium, but its common name is pretty fitting — horny goat weed has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac. But it was only in the last decade that scientists figured out exactly how it works. Researchers from the University of Milan discovered that horny goat weed contains a phytochemical called icariin that inhibits phosphodiesterase-5, an enzyme that normally breaks down NO. By inhibiting this enzyme, horny goat weed helps the body maintain higher NO levels for longer. Because this is the precise mechanism by which drugs like Viagra and Cialis work to boost erections, horny goat weed can truly be called herbal Viagra.

Suggested use: 500 milligrams 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity and workouts

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Progression of Peyronies Disease / Re: My Peyronie's - Dorsal Vein & Artery
« on: February 05, 2013, 01:46:44 AM »

2. Lifestyle

a. Get at least 8 hours of sleep.

b. Do not smoke at all. Smoking murders testosterone (see Testosterone and cortisol in relationship to dietary nutrients and resistance exercise]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2154652?dopt=Abstract).Try to moderate your drinking since drinking alcohol decreases zinc levels in your body.

c. Have morning sex (if you partner is willing, of course). Just having an erection increases your testosterone. And you already get a surge of T when you wake up, so this will bump it up even further. If you need it, take Cialis or Viagra. I prefer Cialis because it lasts 36 hours. I try and take a low dose of 5 mg. everyday.

d. Try to avoid Xenoestrogens. Xenoestrogens are man-made estrogens that are found in things like pesticides, artificial growth hormones & steroids, air fresheners and plastic containers and these xenoestrogens will increase your levels of the female hormone estrogen while lowering testosterone so eat more organic fruits & vegetables that are free of pesticides and if you do buy your fruits & vegetables at a regular grocery store make sure you wash them to lower your chances of consuming any xenoestrogens and eat more naturally raised meats instead of eating beef, chicken, pork and even milk that was raised using artificial growth hormones and steroids and use glass products to store food & water instead of plastic since plastic products tend to produce xenoestrogens that'll get into your water & food especially when heated and even some canned foods contain plastic coatings that contain xenoestrogens and don't use any perfumes, colognes, or air fresheners that have parabens listed as one of the ingredients. Parabens are xenoestrogens.

Please note: It'll be fairly hard for you to 100% completely avoid all xenoestrogens but if you follow the other tips you'll still be able to naturally increase your testosterone while getting rid of excess estrogen without having to worry so much about trying to avoid xenoestrogens. Also note: Since most xenoestrogens accumulate in your body fat - your best defense against xenoestrogens is to lose body fat.


3. Diet

a. Eat a serving of good fat. As your fat intake goes up, so do your T levels. Aim to get at least 30% of your calories from fat and spread your consumption of it throughout the day. Mono-saturated fats, the kind found in nuts, fish, olives, olive oil, seeds, and avocados-are particularly beneficial to your testosterone level (and your health). (([url=http://jap.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/82/1/49]Testosterone and cortisol in relationship to dietary nutrients and resistance exercise)) Also, don't be afraid of saturated fat; that whole business about it raising your cholesterol and causing heart disease is a bunch of rubbish. ((http://www.menshealth.com/cda/article.do?site=MensHealth&channel=health&category=heart.disease&conitem=a03ddd2eaab85110VgnVCM10000013281eac____))

b. Eat a serving of animal protein. Vegetarian diets have been proven to lower your T levels. ((Effect of a vegetarian diet and dexamethasone on... [Cancer Lett. 1979] - PubMed - NCBI))

c. Eat a serving of cruciferous vegetables. Veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, turnips, cabbage and brussel sprouts contain Diindolylmethane which helps balance your estrogen and testosterone levels and increases the amount of free circulating T in your body. Avoid grapefruit since it makes it harder for your body to break down estrogen.

Here's an example of something I do:

Spinach/Spring Salad Mix. This is the base of my salad. Spinach and other leafy green vegetables contain minerals like magnesium and zinc, which have been shown to aid in testosterone production (study on magnesium, and another; study on zinc)

Meat. Meat, particularly beef, provides our bodies with the protein it needs to create muscle (more muscle = more T) and the fats and cholesterol to make testosterone.

Nuts. Usually a handful of Brazil nuts or walnuts or almonds. Nuts are little fat bombs that provide the cholesterol that Leydig cells need for T production. One study suggest that the selenium in Brazil nuts boosts testosterone. Just don't go crazy with them.

Avocado/Olives. Avocados and olives are a great source of the good fats we need for healthy testosterone production.
 
Broccoli. Every now and then I'd throw some broccoli into the salad. Broccoli contains high levels of indoles, a food compound that has been shown to reduce the bad estrogen in our bodies that sap testosterone levels.
 
Olive Oil. I topped my salad off with lots of olive oil. Research suggests that olive oil helps your Leydig cells (which produce testosterone) absorb cholesterol better. And as I've mentioned a few times, our Leydig cells need cholesterol to make T. More cholesterol absorption = more testosterone.

Balsamic Vinegar. Mostly for taste. It's also supposed to help keep your insulin in check.[/li][/list]

d. Do no eat anything with soy in it. You're going to have to read labels. It will blow your mind how many things contain soy these days.



4. Exercise

Do resistance training. Lift some weights and do compound exercises like squats, dead-lifts, dips, rows, and pull-ups. They'll boost your testosterone more than bicep curls. You also need to use heavy weights and short sets.


Conclusion: The end result of all this was my testosterone increased by 60%, my mood changed to positive, I'm in better physical condition than I have been in almost 15 years, and my libido is great.

I suggest everyone get their testosterone levels checked and use these ideas to boost their testosterone naturally. If you have Hypogonadism, these may not work so the alternative is testosterone replacement therapy. Also, HGH replacement therapy should be considered as well. That's my next focus in March.


Additional References:

How to Increase Your Testosterone | The Art of Manliness

How to increase testosterone naturally

How to Increase Testosterone Naturally | The Art of Manliness






Hey guys, here's my main testosterone info for everyone that's looking to enhance their testosterone levels naturally.

I highly recommend that as a first step that you have a full blood panel done in order to get a clear idea of where you are health-wise but not just with testosterone. A full blood panel will tell you a great deal about your health in general and is a great way to figure out why you are having testosterone deficiency and what might be causing the problem. There might be a situation where your estrogen level is excessively high and as such, following the "testosterone enhancing lifestyle" described below is great but depending on your results, the doctor might order testosterone replacement therapy and estrogen blockers. You're only gonna learn that from a full blood panel.

Have your doctor check the following:

Testosterone Free
Testosterone Total
Thyroid Panels (T3, T4, TSH)
IGF-1
CMP Profile
Lipid Profile
CBC w/Diff profile
PSA
C-Reactive Protein
DHEA-sulfate
LH
Estrogens
Vitamin D

The results will help act as road map to how the problem should be approached.

Here's what I did:

1. Supplements

I started taking the following supplements. These supplements are designed to boost testosterone and nitric oxide. They will naturally raise your testosterone. Within a short period of time, you should feel a surge in testosterone that should raise your libido, give you firmer erections and could very reasonably have a positive impact on your Peyronie's:

D-Aspartic Acid

Produced in the pituitary gland and the testicles, this amino acid (also known as D-aspartate) stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone, which boosts testosterone production and acts on Leydig cells (special cells in the testicles) to increase testosterone production as well as the production of sperm. One study, published in a 2009 issue of the journal Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, found that subjects who had taken a D-aspartate supplement daily for 12 days increased their testosterone levels by more than 40 percent.

Suggested use: Take 3 grams in the morning


Tribulus Terrestris

This herb, also known as puncturevine, grows in North America and Asia and has been used for centuries to treat sexual dysfunction. The active compound in Tribulus is a saponin called protodioscin, which increases the release of luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland, thereby boosting testosterone production by the testicles. But protodioscin has also been found to boost immune function, which is important because higher testosterone levels often suppress the immune system. By taking Tribulus, you can boost testosterone levels without increasing your risk of getting sick and missing gym time.

Suggested use: 500 to 1,000 milligrams 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity and/or workouts. Use for 6-8 weeks, then go off it for 4 weeks before cycling back on again.


Fenugreek

Native to southern Europe, this herb is often used in cooking. It boosts testosterone levels because it contains high amounts of furostanolic saponins, similar to those found in Tribulus terrestris. These phytochemicals boost test production by increasing luteinizing-hormone secretion. One study, published in February 2011 in the journal Phytotherapy Research, showed that healthy young men taking a fenugreek
supplement for six weeks experienced a boost in their sex drive, sexual performance and energy levels. The researchers concluded that this was because of a positive effect on the guys' testosterone levels. Another study, published in the October 2010 issue of the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, reported that trained men taking fenugreek for eight weeks almost doubled their increase in bench-press and leg-press strength, as compared to those taking a placebo, and they also lost a significant amount of body fat, while those taking the placebo did not.

Suggested use: 500 to 1,000 milligrams an hour before sexual activity and/or 30 to 60 minutes before workouts. I use Solaray Fenugreek Extract -- 350 mg.


Damiana

Also known as Turnera diffusa, damiana is native to Mexico and Central and South America, where, for centuries, it has been used as an aphrodisiac. Recent research from the University of Mississippi reported that damiana contains the active ingredients pinocembrin and acacetin, which are potent inhibitors of the aromatase enzyme. Aromatase converts testosterone into estrogen, so by blunting it, damiana keeps testosterone levels higher.

Suggested use: 50 to 500 milligrams 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity and/or workouts. I use Solaray Damiana Leaves -- 370 mg


Long Jack (Tongkat Ali)

Raises testosterone by stimulating Leydig cells. Second, it frees up testosterone in the bloodstream. Third, reduces levels of the catabolic hormone cortisol.

Suggested use: 100-300 mg of eurycoma per dose and take it in the morning, 30 minutes before workouts and before bed. I use Long Jack PowerMax 200 -- 200 mg


Forskolin

Directly stimulates Leydig cells. Activates the enzyme, adenylate cycclase, which stimulates testosterone production and fat loss. In a study by the University of Kansas (Lawrence), subjects taking forskolin for 12 weeks experienced higher testosterone levels and greater fat loss than those taking a placebo.

Suggest use: Look for products that supply 20-50 mg of forskolin and take it 2-3 times per day before meals. I use Forskolin 50.


Vitamin D3

Vitamin D is produced in the body from cholesterol, as is testosterone, it follows that higher vitamin D levels can encourage higher testosterone levels in men. In fact, Austrian scientists from the Medical University of Graz reported that men with higher blood levels of vitamin D had significantly higher levels of testosterone.

Suggested use: 5,000 IU per day, taken with meals, to maximize all D's benefits.


Zinc

Zinc is very important for the production of natural testosterone because Zinc prevents testosterone from being converted into estrogen (the female hormone) by making the enzyme aromatase not work plus Zinc itself turns estrogen into testosterone and Zinc helps produce healthier sperm and higher sperm counts so actually low levels of zinc can cause low testosterone levels. Foods high in Zinc include oysters (a natural aphrodisiac), liver, seafood, poultry, nuts & seeds.

Suggested use: 100mg of Zinc daily.


Omega-3 Fish Oil

Fish oil has been shown to lower SHBG and increase production of Luteinizing Hormone (the hormone responsible for triggering the testes to produce T).

Suggested use: I use Mega EFA® Omega-3 EPA & DHA Fish Oil -- 2,126 mg per serving


Citrulline

This amino acid is so closely related to arginine that in the body, it is actually converted into arginine. However, citrulline may boost Nitric Oxide (NO) levels even better than its cousin because cells in the digestive tract are always starving for arginine, and they tend to grab it before it can get into the bloodstream and be converted into NO. The intestines are not interested in citrulline in the slightest, however, which means that it passes straight through them and into the bloodstream. One study, published in 2008 in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, found that when subjects took equal amounts of citrulline and arginine, the citrulline increased levels of arginine and
NO in the blood more than taking arginine did. Check this out: Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of oral L-citrulline and L-arginine: impact on nitric oxide metabolism

Suggested use: 3 to 5 grams 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity and workouts.


Glycine ProPionyl-l-carnitine

GPLC is a patented compound that combines the amino acid glycine with a form of carnitine, which has been modified to provide the body an extra source of energy and to assist with uptake by muscle tissue. Glycine and carnitine are known to boost levels of nitric oxide in the body, most likely by increasing the activity of nitric-oxide synthase, the enzyme that creates NO. In fact, a study published in December 2007 in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition reported that trained male weightlifters supplementing with GPLC for four weeks had 30 percent higher NO levels than when they were given a placebo.

Suggested use: 3 to 4.5 grams 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity and workouts. I use GPLC Glycine Propionyl L-Carnitine HCl-GlycoCarn 1000 mg PLC per serving


PycnoGenol

Extracted from the French maritime pine tree, this patented flavonoid is a potent antioxidant. That means that one way that it can boost NO levels is by neutralizing the free radicals that break down NO. But research shows that Pycnogenol also boosts NO levels by increasing the activity of nitric-oxide synthase, allowing for more arginine to be converted into NO and keeping levels of NO higher for longer.

Suggested use: 50 to 100 milligrams 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity and workouts. I use Pycnogenol® -- 100 mg


Horny Goat Weed

Also known as "Epimedium", but its common name is pretty fitting — horny goat weed has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac. But it was only in the last decade that scientists figured out exactly how it works. Researchers from the University of Milan discovered that horny goat weed contains a phytochemical called icariin that inhibits phosphodiesterase-5, an enzyme that normally breaks down NO. By inhibiting this enzyme, horny goat weed helps the body maintain higher NO levels for longer. Because this is the precise mechanism by which drugs like Viagra and Cialis work to boost erections, horny goat weed can truly be called herbal Viagra.

Suggested use: 500 milligrams 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity and workouts

   

2. Lifestyle

a. Get at least 8 hours of sleep.

b. Do not smoke at all. Smoking murders testosterone (see Testosterone and cortisol in relationship to dietary nutrients and resistance exercise]http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2154652?dopt=Abstract).Try to moderate your drinking since drinking alcohol decreases zinc levels in your body.

c. Have morning sex (if you partner is willing, of course). Just having an erection increases your testosterone. And you already get a surge of T when you wake up, so this will bump it up even further. If you need it, take Cialis or Viagra. I prefer Cialis because it lasts 36 hours. I try and take a low dose of 5 mg. everyday.

d. Try to avoid Xenoestrogens. Xenoestrogens are man-made estrogens that are found in things like pesticides, artificial growth hormones & steroids, air fresheners and plastic containers and these xenoestrogens will increase your levels of the female hormone estrogen while lowering testosterone so eat more organic fruits & vegetables that are free of pesticides and if you do buy your fruits & vegetables at a regular grocery store make sure you wash them to lower your chances of consuming any xenoestrogens and eat more naturally raised meats instead of eating beef, chicken, pork and even milk that was raised using artificial growth hormones and steroids and use glass products to store food & water instead of plastic since plastic products tend to produce xenoestrogens that'll get into your water & food especially when heated and even some canned foods contain plastic coatings that contain xenoestrogens and don't use any perfumes, colognes, or air fresheners that have parabens listed as one of the ingredients. Parabens are xenoestrogens.

Please note: It'll be fairly hard for you to 100% completely avoid all xenoestrogens but if you follow the other tips you'll still be able to naturally increase your testosterone while getting rid of excess estrogen without having to worry so much about trying to avoid xenoestrogens. Also note: Since most xenoestrogens accumulate in your body fat - your best defense against xenoestrogens is to lose body fat.



3. Diet

a. Eat a serving of good fat. As your fat intake goes up, so do your T levels. Aim to get at least 30% of your calories from fat and spread your consumption of it throughout the day. Mono-saturated fats, the kind found in nuts, fish, olives, olive oil, seeds, and avocados-are particularly beneficial to your testosterone level (and your health). http://jap.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/82/1/49 Testosterone and cortisol in relationship to dietary nutrients and resistance exercise)) Also, don't be afraid of saturated fat; that whole business about it raising your cholesterol and causing heart disease is a bunch of rubbish. http://www.menshealth.com/cda/article.do?site=MensHealth&channel=health&category=heart.disease&conitem=a03ddd2eaab85110VgnVCM10000013281eac____

b. Eat a serving of animal protein. Vegetarian diets have been proven to lower your T levels. Effect of a vegetarian diet and dexamethasone on... [Cancer Lett. 1979] - PubMed - NCBI))

c. Eat a serving of cruciferous vegetables. Veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, turnips, cabbage and brussel sprouts contain Diindolylmethane which helps balance your estrogen and testosterone levels and increases the amount of free circulating T in your body. Avoid grapefruit since it makes it harder for your body to break down estrogen.

Here's an example of something I do:

Spinach/Spring Salad Mix. This is the base of my salad. Spinach and other leafy green vegetables contain minerals like magnesium and zinc, which have been shown to aid in testosterone production (study on magnesium, and another; study on zinc)

Meat. Meat, particularly beef, provides our bodies with the protein it needs to create muscle (more muscle = more T) and the fats and cholesterol to make testosterone.

Nuts. Usually a handful of Brazil nuts or walnuts or almonds. Nuts are little fat bombs that provide the cholesterol that Leydig cells need for T production. One study suggest that the selenium in Brazil nuts boosts testosterone. Just don't go crazy with them.

Avocado/Olives. Avocados and olives are a great source of the good fats we need for healthy testosterone production.
 
Broccoli. Every now and then I'd throw some broccoli into the salad. Broccoli contains high levels of indoles, a food compound that has been shown to reduce the bad estrogen in our bodies that sap testosterone levels.
 
Olive Oil. I topped my salad off with lots of olive oil. Research suggests that olive oil helps your Leydig cells (which produce testosterone) absorb cholesterol better. And as I've mentioned a few times, our Leydig cells need cholesterol to make T. More cholesterol absorption = more testosterone.

Balsamic Vinegar. Mostly for taste. It's also supposed to help keep your insulin in check.[/li][/list]

d. Do no eat anything with soy in it. You're going to have to read labels. It will blow your mind how many things contain soy these days.



4. Exercise

Do resistance training. Lift some weights and do compound exercises like squats, dead-lifts, dips, rows, and pull-ups. They'll boost your testosterone more than bicep curls. You also need to use heavy weights and short sets.


Conclusion: The end result of all this was my testosterone increased by 60%, my mood changed to positive, I'm in better physical condition than I have been in almost 15 years, and my libido is great.


Taking it to the next level...

In some situations, your doctor might suggest testosterone replacement therapy. If that's the case, don't waste you time and money on things like Androgel and Axiron. Either get the pellets implanted or get shots done at least once a week.

If your estrogen is too high, the doctor may suggest an estrogen blocker like Clomid, Tamoxifen, Aromasin, or Anastrazole. Interestingly enough, Tamoxifen was studied early on as treatment for Peyronie's because of it's incredible ability to block estrogen receptors. The study of it did not go very far because in my opinion, it was only a partial solution whereas I believe that Peyronie's needs to be attacked from multiple directions.

I'm planning on off-label use of Human Growth Hormone (Somatropin) as my budget allows in the next month or so. I believe that HGH will help heal from Peyronie's because of its' amazing ability to speed up healing and its' anti-aging properties, which include increased libido, greater lean muscle growth, and fat loss.


Please feel free to ask if you have any questions. Thank you and God bless.







Additional References:

How to Increase Your Testosterone | The Art of Manliness http://www.artofmanliness.com/2009/06/03/30-days-to-a-better-man-day-4-increase-your-testosterone/

How to increase testosterone naturally http://www.nowloss.com/ways-to-increase-testosterone-levels-naturally-without-using-steroids.htm

How to Increase Testosterone Naturally | The Art of Manliness http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/01/18/how-to-increase-testosterone-naturally/



edit: 6/13/2013

** If some of this post seems incoherent, it's because I'm using this post as a place to organize my formatting to respond to the health concerns of other members. **

God bless me, and yeah sure, you too, if He has a chance. :p

[Jonbinspain]

I'm older at 63. I'm also a great believer in gym work for all aspects of general health, which I believe can only help with the Peyronies.
I also take many of the same supplements. Re the post gym, I use 100% Whey Isolate protein mixed with 2 teaspoons of pure organic Maca powder ( about 5g ) about 30 minutes later I most definitely feel up and ready, if you get me!  And I have a lady friend 20 years younger to try and keep happy, too.

[james1947]

MattFoley

A very serious and detailed report. We can learn from it also  
I wander if the quantity of the supplements you are taking are OK for your health.
Very good advices also Can't stop the booze   He is the only friend still with me after so many years  

I wish you successful appointment with Dr. Lue. He is one of the bests, this is the forum opinion.
Let us know what he said.

James

[MattFoley]

Thanks guys.  

james1947, I edited my post a few times because I thought it might sound a bit obnoxious. I'm known for that.  

I don't know what all the supplements will do to me long-term but for now they are making me crazy aggressive, both sexually and in my working relationships. I honestly love the feeling of the fire it creates in me. When I add the Viagra & Cialis, it gets worse!!  

I've also got more energy now than anytime in the past 15 years. The low carb high protein diet is phenomenal. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to drop weight and add muscle.

I'm trying to budget the growth hormones and when I do, I'll trim down more, add more muscle and increase my libido.

For now, I'm hoping my doctor will go for testosterone treatment.

Frankly, at 49 years old, we can use all the assistance we can get to maintain ourselves.

Thank you for your kind words and thoughts.  


Jonbinspain, thank you for the advice. I'm going to add the maca powder to my list of testing supplements. That's basically 10 tens the amount I'm currently taking but I'm "up" for it.  

[skunkworks]

You might find this post interesting - How to Increase Testosterone Naturally | The Art of Manliness

[MattFoley]

skunkworks, that is an excellent article. I'm aware of most of the things on this list but it always helps to refresh my notes and add to my list. I'm gonna take some time tomorrow and go over this in greater detail.

Thanks again for the heads up.

[skunkworks]

Yeah I figured not much of it would be new to you, but there might have been a few nuggets in there.

[Hawk]

An interesting article.  As the author said, No real secrets to those familiar with the topic, but it was put together well.  It was honestly written without any BS and hype.

[Skjaldborg]

I read articles from the The Art of Manliness now and again. Useful and fun stuff. In this one, I like how he mentions that following these steps will "increase your overall health and well-being at the same time."

This is something we need to remind ourselves of as we seek to ease Peyronie's symptoms through the various treatments we use; a lot of the stuff we do makes us leaner, happier, healthier and maybe better lovers. Peyronie's sucks, but taking care of ourselves and making our bodies stronger is an interesting "side effect" of dealing with this disease.

Skjaldborg