My experience with Testim gel

[Spudnick]

Man The more I read the more I am so GRRRR. I could of been Happy, Healthy, and crap since 08 instead of just kinda doing blah for almost 4 years. I knew something was wrong as I was the always Hyper, First guy at work last one to leave ( worked in a Fab Shop/Steel Company runing CNC and unloads=ing some heavy items)
I am sure hoping I can get my Doctor to prescribe this and Hope Kaiser covers it if it is like I read Minus the 40 I cannot afford $291 a month even though I know this would answer all my questions and get me back to me again. I thought I was Depressed, or Just that getting old really sucked and I am not 42 yet.

 

[03ACE]

If it is expensive through your healthcare provider, ask you Dr. if he will put you on self administered injections. That is one of the best benefits of them, they are CHEAP!

 

[xtremeandrew]

2 month update: 185lbs, stronger, noticable loss of body fat. 4 days on / 1 day off moderate to heavy (45m-1.5hr) daily work-outs. Diet: minimal carbs, extra protein, no fast foods, no fried foods, minimal bad fats. Testim Application is hassle free with gloves, and plenty of drying time. No noticeable sex drive increase (not lacking thereof either). Smell: no real significant noticeable smell to the opposite sex (maybe slight noticeable odor though).

Feeling healthy, blood pressure seems to be down, probably mostly to huge change in diet; although the past few weeks not much more weight loss, probably due to over-eating (healthy foods). Somehow need to lose about 10-15 more lbs of body fat, but plan on maintaining or growing more muscles, so weight loss probably won't be dramatic. need to eat less (back to counting calories of 1500-2000/day).

Off to the gym now, stay tuned for further progress updates, and upcoming (3 month mark) new test results....

40 yrs. old, 5'7, 200lbs. - Heavy Weightlifter through mid 20's, Wrestler, MMA Trained, Surfer. Fairly healthy but out of shape due to recent back and feet injuries over the past year or so, and just a little thick around the waist. Haven't seriously lifted weights for about 15 years.

Dr. says I have extremely high Triglycerides (1000+), and Low HGL, so I'm taking Fish Oil (for High Tri's). Also says my Test is around 250 (Low), so...wondering if it's all related and,

I currently have no low sex drive - no problems there, no other symptoms mental or otherwise, except maybe a little moody, and angry for no reason sometimes....

On day 3 of Prescribed Testim 1 tube. 1%, and 1500 calories or less with Low Chol/Low Fat focus (using meal replacement and protein shakes), and don't heardly eat sweets (strong willed), and on day 3 of my new work-out plan (I figure taking Testim is a plus to my health condition since I've never taken any anabolic steroids, here's my chance for gains, especially since I know what it takes to build muscles).

So far, no results (and expected since the directions says 2 weeks before noticeable differences), except that my teenage daughter noticed a new smell (smells really, really good, she said). I wear no cologne, and same ole deoderant. Never really had a problem with the ladies (except that I'm married : )).

...off to buy some plastic baggies (for application) since I also have a 3 yr old, and my wife and I are concerned with exposure, and I'm also off to the (24hrs)gym now to work out.

Looking for any tips, guidance, and shared experiences....

 

[muscledsteve]

I'm new here and hope others find my comments helpful. I'm 60 years old and have competed in natural bodybuilding competitions (3 times in my 50s). I placed each time in the Masters Over 50. After the 3rd time I decided that I wasnt growing (yeah, I know in your 50s it's not expected) and needed to do something about it. My sex drive was way low too so I had my test checked and was in the high 200s (3 years ago). My doc prescribed Androgel, the usual dose and it helped for only a short time, then my T dropped to below 200! New doc... prescribed Testim, 1 tube/day, with a definite change. T was in low 500s. When I asked the doc if we could do more to boost it higher, he was fine with it and prescribed 2 tubes per day. Insurance was cool with it. I'm now in month 2 of 2 tubes per day. I'm feeling hugely better. I can definitely see a change in my lean body mass too. I go in for my next test in about a month. And as for the 'smell', I get comments regularly, several times a week, about how good I smell. I get asked equally by men and women what cologn I'm wearing. Thanks to others for the comments about using a baggie to apply the testim and a comment earlier about using a needle nose pliers to get out all of it.

 

[BigFella]

(Duplicate.)

 

[BigFella]

"He started me on one tube of Testim per day. It worked great, the best I'd felt in years, for about two weeks, but then things returned to normal if not worse. A month later, when he checked my levels again, I was at 214, lower than before. He jacked me up to two tubes per day."

I'm 61 and have just realised I'm T-deficient.

This seems to be a common thread with transdermals. It is certainly what I am experiencing with AndroForte: initial excellent results, then it seems to either not to absorb well, or rapidly and efficienly convert to estrogen.

My levels have dropped a lot since I started on AndroForte 5% Go figure. But that's good - prior to Androaforte my levels were above the miserable levels required for approved HRT in Australia. One more test like the last one and I'll be up for it!

I am looking forward to injecting. The feedback from 90%-plus of people on this forum seems to be even if transdermals are ok to start with, they just don't work over a long period (via aromatising) and/or that applying cream is much more of a hassle than injecting.

 

[want2grow]

I already posted my personal experience with Testim (damn, it's been 3 years already???) - but I did want to confirm the smell thing.

To me, it smells like alcohol. However, when I did use it, there was a lady in the office that would walk past me and smell me and ask me over & over what cologne I used.

I thought it was a fluke, but apparently there must be something special about Testim.

I used Androgel for a year or so, and now I'm on Axiron...and no one comments about the smell.

 

[BioTrak]

We are looking for a few people to take a 15-minute online survey about Testim. You must currently be on Testim to take the survey. You will be compensated for completing the survey. For survey information, please contact BioTrak Research at 866-866-5856 or via email at khysong@biotrak.com.

 

[lazybike]

I was on Androderm patches and they did not work. Switched to Testim one month ago and have no idea if it is working. I have been reading your comments and have to say, none of you complain about what most annoys me. This stuff is sticky! And it really does not fry that fast. If I were to put it on in the morning I would never get dressed. As it is I rub in one tube daily and itg is as if I bathed in KY jelly! Is nobody annoyed by this? I have no clue whaat my blood values are, my level of fatigue. I just know I am sticky!

 

[Tmaxster]

3 months on Testim in my 60's and it is working so far

I am 62 going on 63 the last 2-3 years I have gained weight, belly fat, lost energy, libido and just general drive. Did some reading on the internet and when I went into my annual physical I asked for a testosterone scan. My Doc said that the most accurate reading is the free reading. So we did both, my Total T was 300 and my Free was 4 the range on the free is 6.6-18.7 so they sent me to a urologist for further evaluation.

He gave me a prescription of Testim 1% and I have been on it for 3 months and 1 week as of today. Had another follow up test and my Free is now 11.5 so I am right where I should be. I do feel better and more energetic. I also have lost about 1/2 inch around my waste and actually feel like working out again, feel better overall.

My Doctor told me to make sure I take all the precautions as far as making sure I do not get this stuff on anyone BUT he told me that studies have shown that over 90% of absorption is done in the first 15 minutes to 30 minutes. So he told me he suggests putting it on and then showering within 30-45 minutes after application.

That is what I have been doing since the start. I apply it, I only use one hand and try to use my palm as much as possible as that area of the hand usually has skin that will absorb chemical. I let it set for about 45 minutes and I have my shirt off. Then I take a shower and start my day.

Maybe I am more sensitive to this product and that is why it is working for me? Maybe it is my age not sure. I can assure you, I am a real person and not somebody shilling for Testim. Just a 60 something guy trying to get the weight off and be able to feel better. I have worked hard, been though a war and raised 2 kids, my wife and I are looking forward to retirement, we both work. I plan on working until I am 67 so I have about 5 more years give or take. Hopefully the Testim keeps helping as if I had kept feeling so tired and depressed what was the point of all the work and saving? I know it is the journey but damn it would be nice to be able to stop and enjoy for awhile before my time is up.

One more thing I did download the coupon for Testim on the Testim site and i am get $40 a month off for a year. So it is saving me about $480 which is very appreciated.

 

[SolomonGrundy]

I am 62 going on 63 the last 2-3 years I have gained weight, belly fat, lost energy, libido and just general drive. Did some reading on the internet and when I went into my annual physical I asked for a testosterone scan. My Doc said that the most accurate reading is the free reading. So we did both, my Total T was 300 and my Free was 4 the range on the free is 6.6-18.7 so they sent me to a urologist for further evaluation.

He gave me a prescription of Testim 1% and I have been on it for 3 months and 1 week as of today. Had another follow up test and my Free is now 11.5 so I am right where I should be. I do feel better and more energetic. I also have lost about 1/2 inch around my waste and actually feel like working out again, feel better overall.

My Doctor told me to make sure I take all the precautions as far as making sure I do not get this stuff on anyone BUT he told me that studies have shown that over 90% of absorption is done in the first 15 minutes to 30 minutes. So he told me he suggests putting it on and then showering within 30-45 minutes after application.

That is what I have been doing since the start. I apply it, I only use one hand and try to use my palm as much as possible as that area of the hand usually has skin that will absorb chemical. I let it set for about 45 minutes and I have my shirt off. Then I take a shower and start my day.

Maybe I am more sensitive to this product and that is why it is working for me? Maybe it is my age not sure. I can assure you, I am a real person and not somebody shilling for Testim. Just a 60 something guy trying to get the weight off and be able to feel better. I have worked hard, been though a war and raised 2 kids, my wife and I are looking forward to retirement, we both work. I plan on working until I am 67 so I have about 5 more years give or take. Hopefully the Testim keeps helping as if I had kept feeling so tired and depressed what was the point of all the work and saving? I know it is the journey but damn it would be nice to be able to stop and enjoy for awhile before my time is up.

One more thing I did download the coupon for Testim on the Testim site and i am get $40 a month off for a year. So it is saving me about $480 which is very appreciated.

the absorption is complete in 2 hours, best to wait longer, then take a shower when you come home. you did not say if you use one or two tubes, but i assume one if you only apply with one hand. get disposable gloves they work great. testim has a great absorption rate compared to androgel and it made me absolutely primal in sexual desire, i was on two tubes for a few years so DHT conversion is good. ladies love the smell, they actually add that in, its the pheromone you produce from your arm pit called Pentadecalactone

 

[halfscott45]

My start

I'll give you guys an answer ina month on all of this and I am glad I found the thread.

I am 45 but used the real stuff for 15 years then stopped for the last 10. Used to be a BB competitor but that life passed me by when real life kicked in sometimes I wonder if I did this to myself.

anyway I am picking mine up today 2 tubes a day my low T is 185 so I'll let you know about smell, BF, mood all that stuff in a few weeks hopefully it will be good.

As far as shots I could do it , used to do a 1000 mgs a week on top of everything else but when you start shooting in your feet like a junkie because of the oil deposits causing abcess's you know it's time to quit. I once had a boil the size of a golf ball come out of my ass, so I been there.

 

[mkbeast]

My brother used this stuff and absolutely hated it. Switched to shots after a while.

 

[Megatron28]

I'll give you guys an answer ina month on all of this and I am glad I found the thread.

I am 45 but used the real stuff for 15 years then stopped for the last 10. Used to be a BB competitor but that life passed me by when real life kicked in sometimes I wonder if I did this to myself.

anyway I am picking mine up today 2 tubes a day my low T is 185 so I'll let you know about smell, BF, mood all that stuff in a few weeks hopefully it will be good.

As far as shots I could do it , used to do a 1000 mgs a week on top of everything else but when you start shooting in your feet like a junkie because of the oil deposits causing abcess's you know it's time to quit. I once had a boil the size of a golf ball come out of my ass, so I been there.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[mcg85]

This is my first time on here, so I'm not sure I'm posting this in the correct place. I'm 27 and after I began to notice extreme mood problems and being overly emotional about things that used to not matter my Dr and I decided to test my test levels for the possibility of medication related level reduction. The test confirmed my levels were extremely low, almost non-existent at 19. I started testim normal does 1-1% tube in the am, which worked wonders for a week, now the symptoms are back and immeasurably worse. I'm surrounded by a sense of doom all day everyday, it has destroyed my relationship, I've been seeing a Dr- not one treating me- who has been extremely patient with my mental state due to understanding the physiological situation at hand, but can't take it anymore, we are basically done until the testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) starts to work better, due to my overly emotional state. Has anyone experienced the instant relief followed be even worse symptom return? If so, should it go away, and typically when?

 

[Megatron28]

This is my first time on here, so I'm not sure I'm posting this in the correct place. I'm 27 and after I began to notice extreme mood problems and being overly emotional about things that used to not matter my Dr and I decided to test my test levels for the possibility of medication related level reduction. The test confirmed my levels were extremely low, almost non-existent at 19. I started testim normal does 1-1% tube in the am, which worked wonders for a week, now the symptoms are back and immeasurably worse. I'm surrounded by a sense of doom all day everyday, it has destroyed my relationship, I've been seeing a Dr- not one treating me- who has been extremely patient with my mental state due to understanding the physiological situation at hand, but can't take it anymore, we are basically done until the testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) starts to work better, due to my overly emotional state. Has anyone experienced the instant relief followed be even worse symptom return? If so, should it go away, and typically when?

It takes longer than one week for your T levels to normalize. Give it about a month -- maybe two. You will have ups and downs in the beginning but each week should get progressively better.

Lots of guys don't respond well to creams and gels. They experience a lot of ups and downs and often can't get their total T up to normal levels. Most guys respond better to self-injecting testosterone once or twice a week. And it is cheaper than gels/creams.

Keep an eye on your estradiol (a bad form of estrogen). Test can convert into estrogren. This is part of what causes the roller coaster ride. And creams/gels are notorious for have high conversion rates -- called aromatisation.

Good luck and hang in there. You need to give it enough time to work.

 

[medvetz63]

I know very well about a nearly identical situation and Testim Gel cannot do what you claim it did for you. Impossible. Please don't put misinformation on the boards as many people will look to this as sound advice. There is more to your story or is is patently false. I am not trying to pick a fight with you buddy, I just want to be clear that TESTIM DOES NOT WORK THAT DRAMATICALLY, especially at the doses indicated.

I wish you continued success. Please help us understand what truly brought about your success.

You know s**t.
I used Testim for a year and had steady levels that varied between 900 to 1100 ng/ml.

 

[AGtrain]

Hello everyone,

I love this post, there is so much to learn when you read between the lines of how people think gels work.

I was diagnosed with low T at age 22. My conversion of pro-hormones into test stopped because I played around with some heavy anabolics and did not post cycle correctly.

I was prescribed 1 injection every 2 weeks of test cyp. 200mg/ml.
THE PROBLEM for ME, with injection is the half life. I would feel it come on and wear away. It was a rollercoaster every week of happiness, sluggishness, grandiose thoughts and some depression. Great love making to my gal for awhile, then my libido wears away. I started pinning once per week test cyp. and it helped but still now I had to different sites on my body where test cyp was releasing and no real steady amount of test.

THE BENEFITS OF GEL:
I switched to androgel 1.62%, 4 pumps per day, total of 81mg of test between the pumps.
I apply it after I get back from the gym, after a hot shower where my pores are opened the most. I exfoliate my skin while showering, at all the sites of application (shoulders, upper arms) where I am going to apply the gel as to take away any dead skin or dried sweat buildup. and allow the gel to seep into my skin.

If you have low T, or are doing injections, and want to have a steady amount of TEST EVERYDAY, without levels going up and down try the gel. Everyday since I have used it almost feels better than the last. My bloodwork cam back with a measurement of 967 on T and my estradiol was within range.

There are videos on youtube of guys applying the gel on their forearms if they are not going to be around women and children because it is a site where you have much vascularity without fat to block gel absorption. I apply one pump to each shoulder, then two pumps on my forearms. It absorbs over the course of 12 hours, your skin acts like a spongy reservoir.

I cannot express how much the quality of my life has improved. Everyday/week there are no abnormal ups and downs. You CAN TELL the DIFFERENCE after it has been applied to how you feel within one hour of application.

As for the smell, it is beginning by many to be described as a real sex cologne, kinda like, from anchorman where one of the guys has the panther cologne lol. My girlfriend loves the smell of it. I think it just smells like alcohol!

If you have only done injections I recommend trying it for your T, it is a change and cant hurt to try, I am only months into using the gel so I cant tell whats going to happen in the future but so far I am keeping my injections locked far back in my closet.

If anyone has had the same experience as I have had, please PM to discuss it. I want to look into this closer and talk about best application sites, to apply after AND before the gym, to separate your dosage into two halves throughout the day, and also using AAS with test gels.

 

[joem67]

the testim cream makes woman get horny. raises their sex drive... look it up.. my brother was on it.his test was 80.after a month on 1 tube a day. had his test checked & was 1150. Doctor cut back to 1/2 a tube a day. test was 580.stayed on it for 8 months. his test stayed in the 500's. now he's on axiron, 30 mg. per pump @ 3 pumps a day. he said he felt better on Testim 1%.

 

[Anastasia]

Testim and women

It takes longer than one week for your T levels to normalize. Give it about a month -- maybe two. You will have ups and downs in the beginning but each week should get progressively better.

Lots of guys don't respond well to creams and gels. They experience a lot of ups and downs and often can't get their total T up to normal levels. Most guys respond better to self-injecting testosterone once or twice a week. And it is cheaper than gels/creams.

Keep an eye on your estradiol (a bad form of estrogen). Test can convert into estrogren. This is part of what causes the roller coaster ride. And creams/gels are notorious for have high conversion rates -- called aromatisation.

Good luck and hang in there. You need to give it enough time to work.

I started on Testim almost 2 weeks ago...yes, I am a woman. Given that there aren't currently any women's specific TRT out there on the market, I've been told to use approximately one eighth of a tube per day. I've been applying to my upper arms, alternating every couple of days. The smell works well with me, I've experienced much worse in the gym. The first week was awesome...more focused, thought about sex most of the day and during the night. Libido was increased massively and had some rather great side effects from this, several times a day (possibly slightly greedy) and then week 2. It was as if someone pulled the rug from under my feet and said, f..k you. Libido went through the floor, stupidly lethargic, completely flat and feeling like shit. Hitting the weights was nigh on impossible. I'm just at the end of week 2 and am assuming that the small amount of test that my body was making, is now mostly null and void and therefore, I may need to up the dosage to counteract this fall. My GP is away for the next two weeks. I'm tempted to stop the treatment altogether if this is what it is going to be like. Anyone have any ideas?