6 weeks into TRT, labs show Test is lower?

[Lockout888]

I'm just over 6 weeks into testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) via Axiron (2 pumps a day). My total testosterone shows lower than before I started? Can anyone shed some light on this?

Initial Labs:
Total Test = 291 (241-827)
T4 = 7.4 (4.5-12.0)
TSH RFLX = 2.61 (0.40-4.50)
LH = 5.4 (1.5-9)
FSH = 5.2 (2.0-9.2)
Estradiol = 13 (8.0-35)
Progesterone <10 (<10-11)
Prolactin = 4.8 (3-18)
Estrone = 64 (12-72)
SHBG = 17.0 (16.5-55.9)
Albumin = 4.8 (3.6-5.1)

6 weeks later:
Total Test = 234 (348-1197)
LH = <0.2 (1.7-8.6)
FSH = 0.5 (1.5-12.4)
Estradiol = 19.8 (7.6-42.6)
SHBG = 14.8 (16.5-55.9)
Albumin = 4.3 (3.5-5.5)

 

[300winmag]

It happened to me on gel as well. Gel does not work for everybody as much as docs and the commercials like to tell you, one reason is they aromatize or turn test into estrogen more. But gels can still be really effective, often times you just need more pumps 4 instead of 2, and so on. If that doesnt work then you might be inline for some injections.

 

[halfwit]

Ahhh, good ol' transdermals. The only type of testosterone replacement that makes you feel crappier than before you started. 300winmag explained it perfectly imo, although there is also the fact that some men just don't absorb very well through the skin. I would seriously talk your doctor into injections (2x a week is optimal, don't fall for that every other week/monthly crap) as they will have a FAR better result. Chaps my hide that the drug reps keep getting docs to prescribe stuff that I've maybe seen work for one guy that I know. Good luck!

 

[IMT staff]

Yup, too bad but its not the first time this happened to guys.

 

[MOEGREEN]

I was on Androgel and it didnt do anything either...My levels also dropped that is why I went on the injections and came across IMT....

 

[300winmag]

Ahhh, good ol' transdermals. The only type of testosterone replacement that makes you feel crappier than before you started. 300winmag explained it perfectly imo, although there is also the fact that some men just don't absorb very well through the skin. I would seriously talk your doctor into injections (2x a week is optimal, don't fall for that every other week/monthly crap) as they will have a FAR better result. Chaps my hide that the drug reps keep getting docs to prescribe stuff that I've maybe seen work for one guy that I know. Good luck!

Even if you can get injections and they tell you every two weeks, that is battle won. You can always take a 200mg dose that the DOC says to do every 2 weeks and then split it down to every week.

But if that is no go, then ask for more pumps.

 

[Sharkdog]

I would up the dose and have an Aromatase inhibitor (AI) on hand....although, I'm no expert. I'm injecting prop eod, I don't want that gel/cream getting all over the place...especially my Wife.

Respect,

 

[tlow2013]

Same thing happened to me, go on injections!

 

[jagbc]

Inject!