[Brigitte]

I've read some of the folks here have had blood tests to monitor things like their T and E levels. From what I've seen others post, PM doesn't seem to affect E levels in that it acts like estrogen without being estrogen. Most phyto-estrogens (usually they use soy in the studies) tend to protect the prostate by blocking the effects of the real thing, as I understand it. The hormone imbalance referenced in most such articles is referring mostly to the problems caused by the aromatization of T into E and the health problems associated with low T which include diabetes, prostate issues, loss of libido, loss of strength/muscle mass, ED, and so forth.

Low T can mask prostate cancer with low to normal PSA levels. Once T is restored to normal levels, PSA goes up and indicates cancer. People then think the T supplementation caused the cancer when it really exposed an pre-existent cancer. If a male lives long enough, he will likely develop prostate cancer, but depending on his age when it forms, it will grow so slowly that something else will kill him first.

As for high cholesterol being associated with hormone imbalances, this is correct. Any hormone imbalance will result in high cholesterol because the body uses cholesterol to make hormones. The body is trying to fix the imbalance whether it is too much or too little of any hormone--insulin, thyroid, estrogen, testosterone, prolactin, or whatever other hormone(s). It is easier and more lucrative for the doctor to prescribe a statin and treat the symptom than it is to find and fix the underlying cause.

Thanks MonikaT, a really helpful response! :-)