Testosterone booster?

[alkemyst]

alky, the only drawback I was told about for the 2 week cycle is that you get peaks and valleys (i.e. you are probably at max level in first 72 hours, in the middle at the end of the week, and low again approaching before getting the second shot on day 14. DO you know of any other negative effects?

My doc said I can cut my dose in half and get the injections once a week but it is really an inconvenience for me (the whole process takes a solid 2 hours for me w/ my drive so it's quite an hassle to do it every week).

With any hormones you want consistancy. Same time of day, same number of days between, etc.

You have to look at the half life of whatever you are taking, ideally getting your next dose at that is where you want to be which is why Test. Cyp is recommended every 7 days.

I'd personally learn to self-inject...if that is impossible I'd see if another closer facility can at least handle the injections for your doctor's prescription.

 

[Megatomic]

I just got lab work back on Wednesday showing that I have low testosterone also. I have an appt. next week to discuss treatment options. I have heard that there is a subdermal option, much like subdermal birth control implants for women. Anyone heard of or used this?

 

[classy]

We've talked about this. Being at the low end of the 'normal' range is not really what's proper.

If your doctor doesn't get that, you will need to find another one. Also your test ranges are not standard, what test/labs is he doing?

I agree 100%. At the age of 32, that is just way too.

 

[alkemyst]

I just got lab work back on Wednesday showing that I have low testosterone also. I have an appt. next week to discuss treatment options. I have heard that there is a subdermal option, much like subdermal birth control implants for women. Anyone heard of or used this?

They basically place hormone pellets into your glute (I believe) area. It's better than gels for many people, and helpful for those that are afraid of needles.

The drawback is regulation is harder and if you have a reaction, you are sort of all in.

Personally a shot to my upper thigh once a week isn't bad. It's sore a bit right after, but I usually workout those days so that takes care of it. Some locations in the same muscle are MUCH more sensitive. I find the higher the better for me.

Also IMHO just taking test. isn't the total solution. If you want to keep your nuts I recommended HCG. It's a simple subcutaneous inject usually given on either side of the navel. The needles are very very small and I find a non-issue. I take this 2x a week

Then you will want an 'anti-estrogen' in the program. I take a single amitrix once a week with one of my HCG injections.

My sex drive was fine more or less prior, but I was gaining weight and I had no motivation. I'd also get into the classic brain fog usually mid/late afternoon.

The problem many will have is most insurance will only cover the test, which is also the cheapest part (you can usually pay out of pocket about $30 a month for it).

All in all I am looking at about $30/week and I just self-pay everything.

 

[Rudee]

A hefty set of nuts is a mark of a man. Don't lose them because you went on Testosterone therapy when you really didn't need to. No woman likes a man with tiny nuts. If it's an issue with lack of libido, its likely that your symptoms are a result of carrying too much fat around your middle.

 

[Lazarus52980]

I have been on the 1.62% androgel for a few months now. I had new labs done to see if we have any progress and here are the results:

Total testosterone: 528 ng/dL
Sex hormone binding globulin: 18 nmol/L
Lutropin: 2.4 iU/L
Hemoglobin: 15.9 g/dL
Free testosterone: 15 ng/dL or 2.84%
Bioavailable testosterone: 352 ng/dL or 66.7%


I understand how to look at total testosterone, but can anyone help me understand the other readings?

I know I FEEL a lot better, and have lost a fair amount of weight, but beyond that, I don't know how to look at the rest of the numbers...

As always, advice/imput is greatly apprecaited.

 

[deadken]

I'm trying to get an idea of the changes from your last (listed) test results. It seems that the first number (total) over doubled, while everything else seems to have stayed the same.

Am I missing something?

Can I ask how you are feeling? As you said, it has been a few weeks and I'm wondering how significant the change has been. I'm also wondering if your total has over doubled, but the protein that carries is hasn't really changed, does the higher number make a difference? IOW: your total was low, but so what the protein that 'delivers' it. So, with the total now much higher, is it possible that it larger amount still can't get 'delivered'?

Also, someone has suggested that this is a lifelong treatment. Is that the case with the gel? Or, does it just pertain to injections / subdermal implants?

Lastly, if you do feel better, was it worth all of the hassles? A big enough improvement that all of the appointments, time, money, effort, etc... was well spent?

Just wondering...

 

[alkemyst]

I have been on the 1.62% androgel for a few months now. I had new labs done to see if we have any progress and here are the results:

Total testosterone: 528 ng/dL
Sex hormone binding globulin: 18 nmol/L
Lutropin: 2.4 iU/L
Hemoglobin: 15.9 g/dL
Free testosterone: 15 ng/dL or 2.84%
Bioavailable testosterone: 352 ng/dL or 66.7%


I understand how to look at total testosterone, but can anyone help me understand the other readings?

I know I FEEL a lot better, and have lost a fair amount of weight, but beyond that, I don't know how to look at the rest of the numbers...

As always, advice/imput is greatly apprecaited.

T-nation.com has a good sticky in the HRT sub-forum.