My doctor gave me the choice of either testosterone injections or the skin gel. which should i go with and why? btw, im 36 with low t (110).
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My doctor gave me the choice of either testosterone injections or the skin gel. which should i go with and why? btw, im 36 with low t (110).
[QUOTE=jbird66;940372813]My doctor gave me the choice of either testosterone injections or the skin gel. which should i go with and why? btw, im 36 with low t (110).[/QUOTE]
There is benefits to both, look up both methods and decide what's best for you.
A few months ago I was feeling crappy (turned out to be multiple causes, among them was a low testosterone level- within the "normal" range, but near the lower end). My GP gave me a few shots of testosterone prior to precribing the gel. While it's not magic, I simply feel better all around, for the most part. Just don't let your wife or kids touch the gel or they'll get hairy knucles.
In before the lock. While I think testosterone usage should be a point of discussion here, the powers that be will not allow it. I would suggest the OP check out other forums which allow free and open talk about this topic.
[QUOTE=nightsoiler;940564673]A few months ago I was feeling crappy (turned out to be multiple causes, among them was a low testosterone level- within the "normal" range, but near the lower end). My GP gave me a few shots of testosterone prior to precribing the gel. While it's not magic, I simply feel better all around, for the most part. Just don't let your wife or kids touch the gel or they'll get hairy knucles.[/QUOTE]
I've had hairy knuckes/palms since puberty...
Are T-levels checked as part of a standard blood work, or does it have to be requested additionally?
They are not part of any standard blood work.
[QUOTE=GuyJin;940570593]In before the lock. While I think testosterone usage should be a point of discussion here, the powers that be will not allow it. I would suggest the OP check out other forums which allow free and open talk about this topic.[/QUOTE]
I've seen plenty of T talk in these forums, and threads have been allowed to run. I think as long as talk is restricted to doctor-supervised administration to raise levels into normal ranges only, then the subject appears to be OK.
I would ask your doctor about the merits of both along with the pellet too.
The skin gel is interesting if you are married or have a girl friend, my wife had a reaction to the skin gel by us sleeping in the same bed.
What's the feedback on the gel? I was told it doesn't work??? I refuse to be a slave to a needle for the rest of my life.
[QUOTE=Jibbo;941237353]The skin gel is interesting if you are married or have a girl friend, my wife had a reaction to the skin gel by us sleeping in the same bed.[/QUOTE]
You're not supposed to use it as lube.
[QUOTE=HairyScandinavian;941239103]What's the feedback on the gel? I was told it doesn't work??? I refuse to be a slave to a needle for the rest of my life.
You're not supposed to use it as lube.[/QUOTE]
That's funny stuff HS !!! :)
You're not supposed to use it as lube.[/QUOTE]
That explains the vagina goatee my wife grew!!!
Dang I feel stupid now...
Dude love those last couple comments.
[url]http://www.pediatricsdigest.mobi/content/114/1/282.full[/url]
Some scary things to think about if you have kids. Also....might not be too good for the wife either. One case were transfer happened off bed sheets.
Saw another study that showed transfer THROUGH a t-shirt even after 4 hours. T-shirt only cut down on transference by 40%. Some scarry sh!t to say the least.
The gel is ok. It's tedious and you have to do some planning at times. For instance, if you are going swimming, you don't want to put it on right before you do or it'll just wash off before you absorb it. You do have to be careful to stay covered especially when it's fresh. I've used the gel for a bit.
Haven't used the shots, but have discussed them with my endo. The problem with the shot is that the levels are high right after the shot and fade over time. You go from a raging sex lunatic to almost nothing at the end of the month.
My endo did say that he prefers to prescribe the monthly patch. It is a steadier dose and easier than the gel.
Just remember that if you go on, it's a choice for life. Once your body stops producing test, it's all over and you're dependent on the supplements.
Check into the Androderm patch. With it you do not have to worry about it trasferring onto someone else or just washing off. In my opinion pellets or shots would be my next choice with the gel being the last option.
I receive a shot in my hip once a week of 180mg. I've had good results from it and over time levels build up in tissue. When I'm not on TRT my levels are right about 400 and when on TRT they are around 950 which is a significant difference and I feel noticeably better. It's also much easier to stay lean and build muscle. This isn't to say its the equivalent of a steroid cycle, but basically I feel the same as
I did at 21 meaning if I train hard and eat clean I can stay lean, where as before it was almost impossible to get good results. I could get lean, but I'd get skinny in the process.
[QUOTE=azstrengthcoach;941780503]I receive a shot in my hip once a week of 180mg. I've had good results from it and over time levels build up in tissue. When I'm not on TRT my levels are right about 400 and when on TRT they are around 950 which is a significant difference and I feel noticeably better. It's also much easier to stay lean and build muscle. This isn't to say its the equivalent of a steroid cycle, but basically I feel the same as
I did at 21 meaning if I train hard and eat clean I can stay lean, where as before it was almost impossible to get good results. I could get lean, but I'd get skinny in the process.[/QUOTE]
What do you mean, when you're off? As in you can stop treatment and it levels off? I was under the impression once you started you were stuck with it.
[QUOTE=HairyScandinavian;941811163]What do you mean, when you're off? As in you can stop treatment and it levels off? I was under the impression once you started you were stuck with it.[/QUOTE]
I started off on the patch, down side, you need to change locations each application, which leaves read round red patchs everywhere, they fade afte a couple days. not so bad if you where a shirt all the time, they also tend to come off with excersise, once you start sweating and your shirt is rubbing on it it will come off. Im now on Androgel, it dries quickly, works well, but you need to keep it covered, sucks to have to take a shower every time you want to have sex, kinda of a mood killer, I also do alot of hunting where Im out in the bush for a week or more, taking washing and applying it in the field sucks. I have my next 6th month appointment with my doc next week, will do blood work as always, but Im going to ask for the injections, think its a little more suited to my life style
Depending on how low your T was(is) you can come off, the problem in the beginning is your natural test is shut down, meaning your body is NOT producing it any longer. Say your normal test is somewhere between 250 to 400 and your willing to deal with the problems you had before you started TRT, you can come off, it will take a few weeks say 4 to 8 for your nuts to start producing again, your doc can prescribe some things to help restart your test production and bring it back faster.
[QUOTE=akhunter02;941838523]I started off on the patch, down side, you need to change locations each application, which leaves read round red patchs everywhere, they fade afte a couple days. not so bad if you where a shirt all the time, they also tend to come off with excersise, once you start sweating and your shirt is rubbing on it it will come off. Im now on Androgel, it dries quickly, works well, but you need to keep it covered, sucks to have to take a shower every time you want to have sex, kinda of a mood killer, I also do alot of hunting where Im out in the bush for a week or more, taking washing and applying it in the field sucks. I have my next 6th month appointment with my doc next week, will do blood work as always, but Im going to ask for the injections, think its a little more suited to my life style
Depending on how low your T was(is) you can come off, the problem in the beginning is your natural test is shut down, meaning your body is NOT producing it any longer. Say your normal test is somewhere between 250 to 400 and your willing to deal with the problems you had before you started TRT, you can come off, it will take a few weeks say 4 to 8 for your nuts to start producing again, your doc can prescribe some things to help restart your test production and bring it back faster.[/QUOTE]
According to my endocrinologist, what you are describing is completely wrong. If you are only on T for a short time, you can quit and your body will restart. Once you're on it for a significant time, your body stops and will never restart.
gel is straight up garbage imo. Axiron if slathered on 4 x a day will only give you the T-levels of an 80 year old and the others aren't much better if you're looking for the highest end of 'normal' range (and why on earth wouldn't you?). I'm also impressed this hasn't been locked since they usually dont last a day.
Another idea you might look at that is asking the doctor to test your vitamin D3 levels. If you work indoors most of the day, as most of us do, chances are your D3 levels are low which in turn is associated with low testosterone levels.
It takes a membership to see all of the article, but the write up is on a study showing taking vitamin D3 helped raise testosterone.
"Association of hypogonadism with vitamin D status"
[url]http://blog.vitamindcouncil.org/2011/12/26/association-of-hypogonadism-with-vitamin-d-status/[/url]
From Dr. Cannell's sight:
"...Finally, vitamin D boosts testosterone levels! In a randomized controlled trial, 3,300 IU/day of vitamin D increased testosterone levels by 30-40%. In men, testosterone is important for reproduction tissues like the testis and prostate, and it's also important for key masculine features like increased muscle, bone mass, and the growth of body hair."
Ive been on hrt for 9 years. I have used both gel and injections. I like injections better only once a week application instead of everyday thing. Its a great deal cheaper too.
For once an on-track T conversation and I don't want to turn it sideways.. Is there such a thing as being too low for an over the counter supplement to help? Seems like the gel, patch and shots all have pretty big hazards or draw backs. has anyone tried the OC stuff with positive blood test results not just the "seat of the pants" feeling?
BTW.. D3 supplements have had a huge impact on me. very positive and now taken evey day. (not a milk drinker and work in-doors)
[QUOTE=Halfway;941992283] I'm also impressed this hasn't been locked since they usually dont last a day.[/QUOTE]
And why should it be? Low T levels is a huge concern for the over 35 male. This isn't about building muscle, it's about living a healthy, productive life.
[QUOTE=HairyScandinavian;941811163]What do you mean, when you're off? As in you can stop treatment and it levels off? I was under the impression once you started you were stuck with it.[/QUOTE]
It's not like cancer treatment. If you stop taking it your levels just get low again and you have the same symptoms. Most people never stop TRT because they like the way they feel, but going off won't kill you.
[QUOTE=ParsleyTea;942120623]Another idea you might look at that is asking the doctor to test your vitamin D3 levels. If you work indoors most of the day, as most of us do, chances are your D3 levels are low which in turn is associated with low testosterone levels.
It takes a membership to see all of the article, but the write up is on a study showing taking vitamin D3 helped raise testosterone.
"Association of hypogonadism with vitamin D status"
[url]http://blog.vitamindcouncil.org/2011/12/26/association-of-hypogonadism-with-vitamin-d-status/[/url]
From Dr. Cannell's sight:
"...Finally, vitamin D boosts testosterone levels! In a randomized controlled trial, 3,300 IU/day of vitamin D increased testosterone levels by 30-40%. In men, testosterone is important for reproduction tissues like the testis and prostate, and it's also important for key masculine features like increased muscle, bone mass, and the growth of body hair."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=MUDRFR;942177503]For once an on-track T conversation and I don't want to turn it sideways.. Is there such a thing as being too low for an over the counter supplement to help? Seems like the gel, patch and shots all have pretty big hazards or draw backs. has anyone tried the OC stuff with positive blood test results not just the "seat of the pants" feeling?
BTW.. [B]D3 supplements have had a huge impact on me. very positive and now taken evey day. (not a milk drinker and work in-doors)[/B][/QUOTE]
Interesting stuff there.... something I never considered.
[QUOTE=Halfway;941992283]gel is straight up garbage imo. Axiron if slathered on 4 x a day will only give you the T-levels of an 80 year old and the others aren't much better if you're looking for the highest end of 'normal' range (and why on earth wouldn't you?).[/QUOTE]
This member here uses the gel:
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/6initl.jpg[/IMG]
maybe it has a placebo effect or something :rolleyes:
I was on the gel. My t levels were in the low 900's when i was up to 8 pumps a day.It was the 1% not the new 1.62. Then my insurance stoped covering it. Went on the patch. They didnt work. Im now on test cyp.So far its working.