Urination issues when older..

[Karen_A]

I have had an issue with frequent urination that is causing sleep issues (as in not enough!).  My GP said that it is consistent with prostate issues for a male my age (I'm 70) and suggested I take Black Cohosh ... But I started HRT in Jan 1997 and had SRS in the summer of 1998... And  the PSA tests are coming up non-detectable.

From what I can find on-line and I know that one can have an enlarged prostate with PSA levels in a range that normally would not normally be a concern when one is on estrogen... but the level would be detectable from the literature I've seen...

I saw my endocrinologist yesterday and was telling her about it... she reminded me I have a prostate but I said with non detectable PSA level (never mind starting HRT at 42) I think that was very unlikely to be the cause...

She referred me to a specific Urologist ... one also does SRS. The idea being that she could better judge if I have a blockage of some sort due to my surgery decades ago perhaps due to some scar tissue, or if it could be a prostate issue.

Anyone have any similar experiences?

BTW when I called for an appointment with the urologist, because I was referred by this endo, I think they assumed I was referred for SRS and did not want to schedule me normally... They wanted me to go through the a different process for "transgender" patients...

 As the medical records they can pull up say I am transgender but don't say post-op, I had to go into detail that I am a long term post-op trying to schedule for a urinary issue, NOT SRS, that MIGHT be related my having had SRS. That discussion was with the office staff NOT the doctor!!!

Having had SRS almost 28 years ago I really don't like having to explain all that just to get an appointment!

- Karen

[Lori Dee ✅]

That is ridiculous. You should be able to schedule and appointment for any reason without explanation. I did encounter and embarrassing situation where I had a boil down there, and scheduled an appointment to see my Primary. No questions asked. When I got to my appointment, the nurse wanted to ask a bunch of screening questions about my visit and I just said "It's personal." She accepted that.

I personally, would avoid Black Cohosh for several reasons. It is known for side effects. It is an unregulated herbal supplement, which means purity, quality, and concentrations are not monitored or regulated. People have had dangerous reactions to it. Fire your GP for making such a recommendation.

I was told that the key indicator with the PSA test is not what level it is at. It is the rate of change in levels over time. A rapid increase is the warning sign. Mine has been undetectable too for many years and I am 68. I think seeing the Urologist, especially one well-versed in SRS is the smartest move.

Hopefully, it will be an easy fix. Good luck.

[Stottie Girl]

I have had an issue with frequent urination that is causing sleep issues (as in not enough!).  My GP said that it is consistent with prostate issues for a male my age (I'm 70) and suggested I take Black Cohosh ... But I started HRT in Jan 1997 and had SRS in the summer of 1998... And  the PSA tests are coming up non-detectable.

From what I can find on-line and I know that one can have an enlarged prostate with PSA levels in a range that normally would not normally be a concern when one is on estrogen... but the level would be detectable from the literature I've seen...

I saw my endocrinologist yesterday and was telling her about it... she reminded me I have a prostate but I said with non detectable PSA level (never mind starting HRT at 42) I think that was very unlikely to be the cause...

She referred me to a specific Urologist ... one also does SRS. The idea being that she could better judge if I have a blockage of some sort due to my surgery decades ago perhaps due to some scar tissue, or if it could be a prostate issue.

Anyone have any similar experiences?

BTW when I called for an appointment with the urologist, because I was referred by this endo, I think they assumed I was referred for SRS and did not want to schedule me normally... They wanted me to go through the a different process for "transgender" patients...

 As the medical records they can pull up say I am transgender but don't say post-op, I had to go into detail that I am a long term post-op trying to schedule for a urinary issue, NOT SRS, that MIGHT be related my having had SRS. That discussion was with the office staff NOT the doctor!!!

Having had SRS almost 28 years ago I really don't like having to explain all that just to get an appointment!

- Karen

I occasionally get an iritated bladder and the constant urge for urination. It's rare (and usually linked to constipation!) but when I do, taking paracetemol relieves the urges. It absolutly works on both my Dad and myself. might be worth a try maybe? Of course it isn't something you want to be doing longer than a few days or so.

My GP surgery is a nightmare. If you want an appointment you have to go into full detail with the office staff over everthing, no matter how embarrassing. I'm not sure they are bound by the hypocratic oath or not? They used to question you at the reception desk in front of a whole waiting room which you then had to sit in for the next 10 minutes with everyone glancing at you and smirking! I'm so glad they brought in online boooking and video appointments!