Thanks Wee2er, I hope it goes well.
When taking NBE or even hrt, the on set of estrogen shutting down the male function etc is slow but sure. Right now I'm feeling the constant dull aches down south, my question is does that ever stop? And when/if it does, how much longer before I start to see obvious changes from nbe/HRT. Obviously it will vary from individual to individual. I was just wonder how many stages there are for the effect of estrogen on the testicles in relation to starting to see physical signs that ones testicles have shut down completely and the body is now responding to estrogen.
Not sure if that makes sense. I've looked and used the search function all over this forum to see if there was anything posted about the stages that men who take estrogen go through but could not find much.
This is what I found on Google:
" When exposed to high levels of estrogen, the testicles go through a series of changes, primarily affecting sperm production by impacting the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules, leading to decreased sperm count and potential infertility; this process can include initial disruption of the blood-testis barrier, decreased testosterone production from Leydig cells, shrinkage in testicular size, and ultimately, if prolonged, atrophy of the seminiferous tubules, impacting the overall structure and function of the testis.
Key stages of estrogen effects on the testicles:
Early Stage:
Estrogen receptor binding: Estrogen binds to estrogen receptors (ERs) present on Sertoli cells and Leydig cells within the testis, initiating a cascade of cellular changes.
Disruption of blood-testis barrier: Estrogen can disrupt the tight junctions between Sertoli cells, compromising the blood-testis barrier which is crucial for proper sperm development.
Reduced testosterone production: By affecting Leydig cell function, estrogen can lead to a decrease in testosterone production.
Intermediate Stage:
Impaired spermatogenesis: The disruption of the blood-testis barrier and altered Sertoli cell function significantly impacts spermatogenesis, causing a decrease in sperm production and abnormalities in sperm morphology.
Decreased seminiferous tubule diameter: The seminiferous tubules, where sperm production occurs, may become smaller in diameter due to reduced germ cell development.
Leydig cell atrophy: Prolonged exposure to estrogen can lead to a decrease in the size and function of Leydig cells, further impacting testosterone production.
Advanced Stage:
Testicular atrophy: With continued high estrogen levels, the testicles may significantly shrink in size due to decreased cell proliferation and degeneration of the seminiferous tubules.
Infertility: Severe disruption of spermatogenesis can lead to significant infertility issues.
Alterations in testicular morphology: Microscopic examination may reveal significant changes in the testicular tissue, including abnormal cellular arrangement and decreased cellular density.
Important considerations:
Individual variability:
The effects of estrogen on the testicles can vary depending on the individual, duration of exposure, and overall hormonal balance.
Estrogen levels in males:
While men naturally produce small amounts of estrogen, abnormally high levels can arise due to medical conditions or medications.
Reversible effects:
In some cases, if the elevated estrogen levels are addressed, testicular function may partially recover."
But it doesn't really describe what the individuals are feeling or going through with each stage. With all that said I was trying to see where I fall in these stages, as I'm sure others often wonder about themselves as well.
When taking NBE or even hrt, the on set of estrogen shutting down the male function etc is slow but sure. Right now I'm feeling the constant dull aches down south, my question is does that ever stop? And when/if it does, how much longer before I start to see obvious changes from nbe/HRT. Obviously it will vary from individual to individual. I was just wonder how many stages there are for the effect of estrogen on the testicles in relation to starting to see physical signs that ones testicles have shut down completely and the body is now responding to estrogen.
Not sure if that makes sense. I've looked and used the search function all over this forum to see if there was anything posted about the stages that men who take estrogen go through but could not find much.
This is what I found on Google:
" When exposed to high levels of estrogen, the testicles go through a series of changes, primarily affecting sperm production by impacting the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules, leading to decreased sperm count and potential infertility; this process can include initial disruption of the blood-testis barrier, decreased testosterone production from Leydig cells, shrinkage in testicular size, and ultimately, if prolonged, atrophy of the seminiferous tubules, impacting the overall structure and function of the testis.
Key stages of estrogen effects on the testicles:
Early Stage:
Estrogen receptor binding: Estrogen binds to estrogen receptors (ERs) present on Sertoli cells and Leydig cells within the testis, initiating a cascade of cellular changes.
Disruption of blood-testis barrier: Estrogen can disrupt the tight junctions between Sertoli cells, compromising the blood-testis barrier which is crucial for proper sperm development.
Reduced testosterone production: By affecting Leydig cell function, estrogen can lead to a decrease in testosterone production.
Intermediate Stage:
Impaired spermatogenesis: The disruption of the blood-testis barrier and altered Sertoli cell function significantly impacts spermatogenesis, causing a decrease in sperm production and abnormalities in sperm morphology.
Decreased seminiferous tubule diameter: The seminiferous tubules, where sperm production occurs, may become smaller in diameter due to reduced germ cell development.
Leydig cell atrophy: Prolonged exposure to estrogen can lead to a decrease in the size and function of Leydig cells, further impacting testosterone production.
Advanced Stage:
Testicular atrophy: With continued high estrogen levels, the testicles may significantly shrink in size due to decreased cell proliferation and degeneration of the seminiferous tubules.
Infertility: Severe disruption of spermatogenesis can lead to significant infertility issues.
Alterations in testicular morphology: Microscopic examination may reveal significant changes in the testicular tissue, including abnormal cellular arrangement and decreased cellular density.
Important considerations:
Individual variability:
The effects of estrogen on the testicles can vary depending on the individual, duration of exposure, and overall hormonal balance.
Estrogen levels in males:
While men naturally produce small amounts of estrogen, abnormally high levels can arise due to medical conditions or medications.
Reversible effects:
In some cases, if the elevated estrogen levels are addressed, testicular function may partially recover."
But it doesn't really describe what the individuals are feeling or going through with each stage. With all that said I was trying to see where I fall in these stages, as I'm sure others often wonder about themselves as well.