DEAR READER:
The male body produces a hormone known as testosterone. This hormone helps maintain bone density, muscle mass and strength, sex drive, the production of red blood cells, and sperm. Levels generally peak during adolescence and early adulthood. Then at the age of 40 or so, production is lessened. As a general rule, the decline is gradual.

A higher than normal testosterone level has been linked with an increased risk of prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate. Lower than normal levels have been associated with memory loss, mood changes, erectile dysfunction, and depression.

Synthetic testosterone is available by prescription. While studies reveal the supplemental form can bring levels back to normal in those with low counts, there is no evidence to document any benefits. Therapy can cause sleep apnea, fluid retention, enlarged breasts, baldness, and a decrease in the production of sperm. It can also lead the body to produce too many red blood cells that can increase the risk of heart disease.

If you are exhibiting symptoms and feel you have a testosterone deficiency, speak with your urologist to determine if a simple lab test is in order to rule out the condition.

Because I mentioned prostate problems and ED I am sending you copies of my Health Report “The Prostate Gland” and “Erectile Dysfunction”. Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 per report to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

In October, my local paper had an article that wrote there was an increased risk of prostate cancer in men who ate flax seeds. It recommended that men eat fish or omega oils instead. It also said that we could completely stay away from flaxseed oil and flaxseed oil pills.

For the past seven years I have been using flaxseed oil and flaxseed oil pills. I consume 2000 mg daily. My doctors have never told me there was a problem with my usage of the supplement. My PSA has varied from 4.9 to 6.9. I would like to know your opinion of this.

DEAR READER:
This is a complex issue. Not many studies have been done to determine the benefits of flaxseed.

The article you read may have been reporting on the results of several medical studies that showed a possible link between prostate cancer and alpha-linolenic acid (which is present in flaxseed). More studies are needed before an answer can be given because another study involving men with prostate cancer showed that flaxseed supplements did not increase PSA levels.

The Mayo Clinic recommends that men with or at risk for prostate cancer avoid flaxseed and alpha-linolenic acid supplements.

That being said, there are other reasons you may want to discontinue your flaxseed oil regimen. Flaxseed is omega-3 fatty acid which can be beneficial for most patients. But you have diabetes. Some studies have shown that omega-3’s can actually increase blood sugar levels. You also mention a high triglyceride level. While I often recommend flaxseed oil and omega-3 to aid cholesterol reduction, this may not be appropriate for individuals with elevated triglyceride levels as it may actually increase the level.

Flaxseed is not without side effects. Some individuals may develop allergic reactions. It can also have laxative effects and in overdose can lead to a build-up of blood levels of the toxic chemical cyanide. Rarely, if whole flaxseeds are not taken correctly or too much is taken, it can lead to bowel obstruction or even a total stoppage of intestinal movement. Flaxseed oil is only the alpha-linolenic acid of the flaxseed and may not have all the potential benefits and side effects of the whole seed.

I suggest you speak to your physician about your consumption of flaxseed oil. He or she can give you information more specific to your situation. While flaxseed and its derivatives may have health benefits, more research needs to be done.

For readers who would like to learn more about flaxseed, I recommend you go check out the article on the Mayo Clinic’s website. It can be found at http://www.MayoClinic.com/health/flaxseed/NS_patient-flaxseed.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “The Prostate Gland”, “Living with Diabetes”, “Hypertension”, and “Understanding Cholesterol”. Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 per report to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

This has affected me greatly and I would appreciate your opinion of my next course of action. The treatment took 45 minutes and was VERY uncomfortable. My next doctor visit is coming up and I would like very much to have your help.

DEAR READER:
Prolieve is a relatively new procedure. It uses microwave therapy to compress and heat prostatic tissue. The procedure claims to reduce the amount of tissue and relieve the primary symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH; prostate swelling). These symptoms include incomplete bladder emptying, frequency, urgency, straining, nocturia (nighttime urination), and a weak stream.

Prolieve is indicated for men with BPH who have a prostate volume of 20-80 grams and in whom drug therapy is indicated. The procedure takes 45 minutes and is done through the urethra (tube leading from the bladder to outside the body). If you would like more information about the procedure, I recommend you visit www.fda.gov/cdrh/MDA/DOCS/p030006.html or www.prolieve.com.

As for your next step, I believe an appropriate choice would be medication to shrink the size of your prostate, such as Proscar and others. I also suggest you tell your urologist about the return of your symptoms and ask his or her recommendations about further treatment options.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my newly updated Health Report “The Prostate Gland”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am so pleased with your column and always pass it on to others.

Vicks has to be one of the most important items in my medicine cabinet. A few months ago, I had a really bad sinus infection and relied on Vicks to help me breathe. I rubbed it onto my chest, neck and under my nose. After a few weeks, I noticed that I had some black spots under the folds of my neck. I easily wiped them away with a wash cloth and then discovered that about five small skin tags had disappeared. The smallest went first and now I am working on a few of the larger ones which are shrinking every day.

I was so inspired that I decided to try Vicks on the dry skin splits on my fingers. It healed them too! I then decided to try it on a small sore on my ear. Again, success. I have started to think that Vicks may be as close to a cure-all as ever will be, although I should probably be cautious about on what and where I use it!

DEAR READER:
Your experience with Vicks in not a rare phenomenon. Many folks use it, successfully, for a variety of ailments. Better still is the fact that I have not heard of any bad reactions to Vicks or its store-brand counterparts.

Continue to use it and let me know of any further success stories. If others have similar reactions, perhaps I will have to make a second or more comprehensive “Compelling Home Remedies” Health Report to include all the new alternative uses for Vicks and similiar products. Thanks for writing.