Eisenmench - I gotta tell ya! You have me reading your posts and scratching my head. I wont say I dont understand your questions, I wont say that I dont have all the right answers, but what I feel is that you dont have a real doctor helping you.
Your basic questions should be answered by your DR.
At 58 yrs old you need a full blood profile.
I could go on and on but I wont. I think you get my drift.
Trust me, I am not trying to give you a bad time here. At 58 you could be in a for a bad day. (prostate cancer, gyno, and end up with "grape nuts" forever) :blink:
If I am right about you, see a qualified DR. If I am wrong, I apologize in advance.
I do hope some of our best minds on this board will jump in here. I am sure they will back me up.
Take care and good luck, bro.