Deciding what to do next

[vpi]

I'm 40yo 200 still needing to lose a bit more fat. I have always thought my T was low, even as a teen. Got tested my late 20s and was at very bottom of "normal" range so doctor blew me off and said he can't do anything because it's in normal range... Barely. In my 30's tried again with a few docs but couldn't even get a blood test out of them.

Finally found a doctor that is willing to d something but I'm starting to think It isn't enough. Doctor put me on Androgel 1.625. First at 2 pumps then gradually up to 3 and now 4. I've been on 4 for a several months (started at 2 pumps back in about November).

I took tried taking more than 4 for a week to see how I would feel if I could get a higher dosage and finally felt more like what I would think would be normal. However, m blood work came back at about 900 T and doctor said he won't let me stay that high as it is out of "normal" range. He wants me at 800 max.

I think Androgel is causing ups and downs for me like others have commented. Probably due to the conversion to estrogen issue I've read about that is common with transdermals. So, plan to as doctor if I can d test cypo but even if he gives it he still won't let me go over like 800 which doesn't seem to be enough. Not to sound greedy about getting T I just don't feel that great at that low or lower. The depression and all the other junk starts coming back then but you all know what I'm talking about I'm sure.

I have looked into IncreaseMyT and MaximusHRT some. The down side is my insurance covers a lot of Androgel but the programs from IncreaseMyT and Maximus see willing to allow higher T levels and will treat potential issues of estrogen with Aromatase and helping me keep some of m natural T production with HCG both of which my doctor isn't looking at.

So, I'm trying to decide what my next steps are. I'm trying to learn as much I can by reading a lot here but would really appreciate feedback from anyone willing to share some thoughts out of their knowledge and experience.

Below is what m bloodworm was before I started Adrogel. I'm tring to get my doctor to send me my blood work s far for while on Androgel but don't have yet.

Any thoughts on IncreaseMyT or Maximus or what to do with m doctor are all very welcome.

Thanks for making it through my long post.

Pre-TRT Blood Work:
T Free: 40.7
T Bioavail: 70.5
shbg: 40

 

[mlitt12345]

I believe injections will give you more stable blood levels of T. I had to go with a clinic myself to get proper treatment my GP was lacking knowledge of proper dosing and did not do all the proper blood tests that were needed. Hcg will keep your nuts from shrinking as well as help back fill all the pathways of hormones like pregnenolone. Good luck man

 

[BigFella]

Having had four months on cream and now two months on Test E injections: there is no comparison. Seems much more stable, less aromatizing, and a bloody lot easier. Honestly: creams suck, injections are so easy, much more comfortable and effective. It really sounds like you're doing your homework, though. But if you want to drive your T levels down before you get re-tested it is very easy (particularly as you have cream), and worth it if that will get you qualified for better support.

Oh, and regardless of what people say: I'm losing fat and putting on muscle doing exactly the same exercise as I've been doing for years. First two side-effects of TRT: shirt shrinkage and belt stretch.

 

[vpi]

Hey BigFella,
Thanks for the response, I appreciate the support. I really want to correct this issue I've been dealing with for so many years. I still want to learn lots more so I know what is best to do. The more I learn the more I am wanting to try a clinic as that will get me on injections and a higher T level.

My GP may be willing to switch me to pins next time I see him but he has made it clear he won't let my T be over like 800. Honestly, I tried using more of the gel than recommended for a week or so as I wanted to see what a higher T level feels like and it felt so much better higher (I'm guessing 900 to 1200 area). Not better like I'm trying to get too much but better like, wow this is what a normal guy probably feels like.

I am also a little concerned about what my estrogen level is doing right now as my GP doesn't seem too worried about monitoring it. I'm trying to get copies of my blood work from him to see what E is at now but I'm not sure if he is testing for it or not. Would it show up as "estrogen" on the lab report or another name do you know?

Thanks buddy!

 

[BigFella]

"estrogen" or "oestradiol" or similar. It's probable he didn't get it checked. When you do get it checked specifically point out that you're a guy and need the sensitive assay, otherwise the reading will be too coarse at your bloke's levels.

Aromatization varies a lot between people, and between methods of delivery. Transdermal seems to be more prone to aromatization, but T levels get higher with injectable, making aromatization more likely to get noticed. In any case you need to get it checked.

900 certainly isn't too high! on 90mg E3D I last checked in at 1400. My guess is a healthy 20 year old would average where I am. T levels will fluctuate more on creams so you don't really know what the average is.

Would your insurance kick in if your T levels were lower? With Angrogel in your kitbag you have the ability to drive it as low as you like for a low result on a test. You just have to plan it for a week or three.

 

[vpi]

1400 sue sounds good. I'm sure I'd feel much better. Androgel was pretty good at first but now it feels like a roller coaster up and down but lately not up all that far feels like.

I see GP I August and plan to try and get on injection but my ultimate goal is a clinic as he will still keep me under 900 I'm certain.


You guys have any suggestions about how to tell my GP I'm gong with a clinic instead? I mean, he is a good GP and I plan to keep him but just not for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) once Incan afford a clinic.

 

[LittleJohnny]

Your SHBG at 40 is a little too high. You want it in the low 20s or even the teens. Secondly, 800 Total T isn't too high, but it's not necessarily too low. Your estrogen might be too high since the symptoms are basically the same as low T. You could have 1200 total T and still feel like crap because your estrogen is too high.

Every person is different so it's a bit of a crap shoot in figuring out what your issue is. However, I would definitely switch to an Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) specialist. If your doc has no intention of ever giving you an Aromatase inhibitor (AI), you're simply wasting your time. Just the fact that he has you on Androgel should be enough to scare you away.

Just tell your doc you decided to go off testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) completely if you're worried about his feelings. Or suck it up and tell him you're going to an Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) specialist and he'll have to get over it.