Testosterone replacement therapy

[DeadFish]

So a buddy of mine who is going to be 45 this year is going on TRT.
He mentioned this therapy is much like Thyroid replacement, where your body does not produce as much testosterone as it use to when you were in your 20's.
My question is, is anyone on this thread on TRT? how is this different from the juice heads you see at the gym?
For those that are going through this,
1) How has this therapy helped you?
2) Does it improve Cognitive ability? if yes, what was your experience?
3) He mentioned, this is much better than being on Viagra, is that true?

I'm not there yet, however, I wouldn't mind considering this therapy once I hit my late 40's.

 

[SkyRider]

"It is associated with some side effects, including:

• Acne or oily skin.
• Mild fluid retention.
• Stimulation of prostate tissue, with perhaps some increased urination symptoms such as a decreased stream or frequency.
• Increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
• Breast enlargement.
• Increased risk of blood clots."

 

[daboy]

A md will NOT prescribe unless a blood test shows one is low in T. To give you a friggin dangerous medication
without justification would be malpractice.
DB

 

[Yoga Face]

I am on it

blood tests before and continual monitoring to ensure absorption

lose fat as fat turns testosterone into estrogen

I am just starting to feel effects after 1 month

As far as cognitive ability and the other beneficial side effect claims such more energy and weight loss, I saw my MD last week for a review of my latest blood test and he asked me those questions. I said I have no way of stating definitively yes or no because of the placebo effect but if I had to say I would say yes to more energy and cognitive ability

I have also done this

My insurance pays for testosterone but the shock wave will cost you but it is a tax write off

 

[Yoga Face]

"It is associated with some side effects, including:

• Acne or oily skin.
• Mild fluid retention.
• Stimulation of prostate tissue, with perhaps some increased urination symptoms such as a decreased stream or frequency.
• Increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
• Breast enlargement.
• Increased risk of blood clots."

That is why you need to be under the care of a competent MD who specializes in male sexuality

 

[nottyboi]

Well there is a lot of contradictory information out there, but some articles I have read say that all the risk factors are based on very anecdotal information. There is a TON of testosterone being prescribed and used, and has been for several years, and it has not caused an epidemic of health issues. I use it and think it is great, but I go on and off it as natural T production can be suppressed by supplements.

 

[Yoga Face]

I use it and think it is great, but I go on and off it as natural T production can be suppressed by supplements.

Correct. I explained this rationale to my MD and he said not to worry as you are taking it as a supplement.

BTW, I am on Androgel 1.0 5g packs twice in the morning as that is when you body is naturally highest in testosterone.

Results should be felt after 3 weeks. It was 6 weeks and I felt nothing and was starting to wonder. So, we had a blood analysis done and he told me testosterone had risen and he did not want to increase the supplement as that would increase stated risks. I am just starting to "feel" the effect a week later, but, I find the " How are you feeling?" assessment is too vague and unscientific. How can you accurately access how you "felt" a month ago compared a how you "feel" today unless the difference is truly significant? Even if I do "feel" it is working it could be the placebo effect.

What is your experience?


www.androgel.com

 

[SkyRider]

Let's hope low-T therapy doesn't turn out to be another HRT debacle.

Question: Can someone with low-T still get a woody?

 

[nottyboi]

Correct. I explained this rationale to my MD and he said not to worry as you are taking it as a supplement.

BTW, I am on Androgel 1.0 5mg packs twice in the morning as that is when you body is naturally highest in testosterone.

Results should be felt after 3 weeks. It was 5 weeks and I felt nothing and was starting to wonder. So, we had a blood analysis done and he told me testosterone had risen and he did not want to increase the supplement as that would increase stated risks. I am just starting to feel the effect a week later.



I find the " How are you feeling?" assessment is too vague as I cannot be sure and, even if I do feel it is working it could be the placebo effect.

What is your experience?


www.androgel.com

Do you use the whole pack? :Eek: I use androgel as well, but a gel pak might last me a week or 2.

 

[Yoga Face]

Do you use the whole pack? :Eek: I use androgel as well, but a gel pak might last me a week or 2.

?????????????????????????????

Two 5 g packs in the morning means 10 grams of gel per day at 1.0 percent

You rub the gel on your biceps, shoulders and stomach. Do not apply to breasts or crotch

WTF are you using ???????????

I think it also comes in a squirt bottle as well as once a month injections

 

[DeadFish]

Let's hope low-T therapy doesn't turn out to be another HRT debacle.

Question: Can someone with low-T still get a woody?

From the research I have done, Yes you can still get a woody.

 

[DeadFish]

Correct. I explained this rationale to my MD and he said not to worry as you are taking it as a supplement.

BTW, I am on Androgel 1.0 5g packs twice in the morning as that is when you body is naturally highest in testosterone.

Results should be felt after 3 weeks. It was 5 weeks and I felt nothing and was starting to wonder. So, we had a blood analysis done and he told me testosterone had risen and he did not want to increase the supplement as that would increase stated risks. I am just starting to feel the effect a week later.



I find the " How are you feeling?" assessment is too vague as I cannot be sure and, even if I do feel it is working it could be the placebo effect.

What is your experience?


www.androgel.com

any reason why you did not choose injectables? is there a cost difference between gel, pill and injectables?

 

[Yoga Face]

any reason why you did not choose injectables? is there a cost difference between gel, pill and injectables?

I can stop this way if want to - it gives me control over how much I use

Also, the gel may not get absorbed as well by some so you try one method then get a blood test

My blood test shows it is being absorbed to the degree that it is minimizing any risks, so I stick with gel.

There is no pill

I have no idea what the cost is as my insurance covers it and OHIP pays the MD and for the blood tests although he did throw a $100 surcharge at me simply because he could

 

[Yoga Face]

let's hope low-t therapy doesn't turn out to be another hrt debacle.

Question: Can someone with low-t still get a woody?

"hrt" ? human growth hormone replacement?


As far as woody goes testosterone increases desire but if there is no blood flow to the penis no woody. Shock wave therapy (post 4 ) destroys penile tissue but when it regrows the blood vessels are bigger so there is more blood to the shaft so stronger wood. Think of it as building muscle when weight lifting. It can also add mildly to penis size, but I have not noticed this but then I am untrained in measuring my own dick. I get woody then place ruler on top of shaft then press ruler through the fat against sternum bone. If dick has grown the difference is not worth bragging about, but penis tissue regrows for six months and I have just got last, of six, treatments, so the full result of testosterone and shock wave will not be known for a few months.

The shock wave treatment is measured by blood flow through a Doppler (sound wave) device and additional treatments can be done. Effect of testosterone gel is measured through blood analysis.

 

[SkyRider]

"hrt" ? human growth hormone replacement?

Sorry, I meant "hormone replacement therapy" for post-menopausal women. Apparently, it causes other medical problems.

Another example, doctors use to prescribe "Oxycontin" but that also created more problems than it solved.

 

[Hardtofind]

I'm a TRT person. Low T diagnosed when I was 40. Been on TRT for 5 years.
I use Test injections, plus arimidex to control Estrogen, plus HcG to keep testicles producing Test (and no atrophy).

I would say for me it's excellent. Depression is gone. Brain fog is gone. I actually want to engage with the world.

I did a ton of research and reading along with finding a doctor that would work with me. My experience of Endocrinologists is that they have a specific agenda. But GP doctors can usually be shown new data. And doctors seem more open.

Do your research. There are new developments in this field all the time. TNation has a T replacement forum and some good stickies about TRT.

Edited to add - I told my doctor to run a blood panel for low T because SSRIs were not working on my depression. At first my doctor said he wanted me to use gel. After 2 weeks of Andro Gel and no real change I told my doctor I wanted injections. My first injection was 200mg every month. And after three days there was immediately improvement. I can't stress the immediate enough. Night and day. But as the month wore on I could feel the depression slide back. So I told my doctor after 6 months (notice a trend here) I was going to inject weekly and at home.
Now I inject 2x weekly. And take Arimidex to control E. And take HcG so my nuts won't shrink.
All of this I had to fight for. If I didn't I would still be taking 200mg per month and my standard of living would not be nearly as good.

 

[Marla]

I take it to improve my libido because I take SSRI's which diminish it. It has worked like night and day. I also have a lot more energy. I take injections every month and have my blood tested not really sure for what. i seem to peak sexually about 10 days after my injections and get hornier than hell. This lasts for about 10 days of bliss. The other days are also good but not so crazy horny. I don't get acne but have oily skin on my forehead so have fewer wrinkles which is a bonus. The downside is i have to have my tits waxed because of a few little tiny blonde hairs that get too long.
Several years ago they recanted on the HRT scare but they have never come out with adequate supplements for women combining all three hormones in a proper ratio, so i resort to this and it has been a lifesaver in more ways than one.

 

[DeadFish]

I take it to improve my libido because I take SSRI's which diminish it. It has worked like night and day. I also have a lot more energy. I take injections every month and have my blood tested not really sure for what. i seem to peak sexually about 10 days after my injections and get hornier than hell. This lasts for about 10 days of bliss. The other days are also good but not so crazy horny. I don't get acne but have oily skin on my forehead so have fewer wrinkles which is a bonus. The downside is i have to have my tits waxed because of a few little tiny blonde hairs that get too long.
Several years ago they recanted on the HRT scare but they have never come out with adequate supplements for women combining all three hormones in a proper ratio, so i resort to this and it has been a lifesaver in more ways than one.

I read that Jane Fonda did the same in the 70's to up her sex life.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Sylvester Stallone has been using testosterone and human growth hormone for 20 years or so.

Stallone Quote: "Testosterone for me is so important for a sense of well being when you get older. Everyone over 40 would be wise to investigate it because it increases the quality of your life. .... HGH is nothing. Anyone who calls it a steroid is grossly misinformed."

 

[Yoga Face]

I use Test injections, plus arimidex to control Estrogen, plus HcG to keep testicles producing Test (and no atrophy).

After 2 weeks of Andro Gel and no real change I told my doctor I wanted injections. .

1 Jel takes longer than two weeks for you to feel its' effect

2 My blood tests show high estrogen. MD said fat turns testosterone into Estrogen and I am over weight so he said lose fat. I did not know arimidex existed. I shall mention it to him.

3. MD never mentioned HcG , but he must be aware of it because he works in a clinic that specializes in men's sexuality. I shall mention it to him.