Low Testosterone Question
Hey guys
I wanted to get your opinion of my low testosterone situation. I went to see a doctor for a low sex drive/low energy problem I've been having. My testosterone level was 99 (lowest my doctor, a urologist, has seen). He prescribed Androgel and I've been taking it for two weeks. To date, I haven't noticed any improvement in my sex drive or energy levels (as the doctor had anticipated). I'd like to change to the test injections but my doctor seemed hesitant when I initially suggested it. Someone on the board recently suggested complaining about the Adrogel causing a rash in order to change to injections. My questions are: 1) Are the injections much more effective than the Androgel; 2) What is the best way to convince the doctor to switch to injections; 3) Do the injections have to be performed at the doctor's office or can a patient be prescribed the test and take the shots at home?
Thanks for any help
Jim
Forget Mayo, Go with AACE...
Quote:
Originally posted by ja993
I found this quote from the Mayo Clinic . . . "Intramuscular testosterone injections are safe and effective. Injections are given approximately every 2 weeks . . ."
The norm is actually to iject every week these days - injecting every two weeks creates too much of a peak-and-valley effect for injectable testosterone. This effect creates a rush for the first couple of days after a test injection, then symptoms of fatigue, lethargia, and/or loss of libido before the next shot.
For documentation, download the Adobe/PDF file on Hypogonadism from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists - this is the same set of guidelines used by physicians for treating low test levels, and they suggest weekly injections to avoid the peak-and-valley effect. Most endocrinologists will start you on two-week injections, see how your levels fare, then move toward weekly injections.
The Mayo guidelines are good, but they are written for lay people. The AACE guidelines are what doctors use, and will provide a better background than almost anything else out there.
Jim, you had me beat...lol My T score was 36..lol
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ja993
Hey guys
I wanted to get your opinion of my low testosterone situation. I went to see a doctor for a low sex drive/low energy problem I've been having. My testosterone level was 99 (lowest my doctor, a urologist, has seen). He prescribed Androgel and I've been taking it for two weeks. To date, I haven't noticed any improvement in my sex drive or energy levels (as the doctor had anticipated). I'd like to change to the test injections but my doctor seemed hesitant when I initially suggested it. Someone on the board recently suggested complaining about the Adrogel causing a rash in order to change to injections. My questions are: 1) Are the injections much more effective than the Androgel; 2) What is the best way to convince the doctor to switch to injections; 3) Do the injections have to be performed at the doctor's office or can a patient be prescribed the test and take the shots at home?
Thanks for any help
Jim
Jim my doctor was hesitant about injection as well. But I have a toddler who I hold all the time so the Gel wasn't really an option. Its been about 8mo now, I'm at 1ml every 10 days of Test Cyp. And from the first week I noticed the difference. Today I'm feeling like my old self....almost.. But the then to now is such a huge difference. I can't tell you how thankful I am for these treatments!! I'd tell your doctor you and your old lady are trying to have a baby! The way it was explained to me was the injections are suppose to be more effective in this area. Also you can express the difference in dosing schedules. Daily applications to weekly. And heck I'd rub some posin ivy on my application areas.....lol and say its making you break out...lol
Sorry if this was already asked just pressed for time and wanted to comment, Have you had a recent blood test. Maybe the dosage he has you on isn't enough. Years ago I was put on Testin or something like that, but it was a gel i had to rub on my arms and shoulders and legs. I did 1 tube a day for about two months but couldn't afford it anymore. I'm not sure if I didn't take it long enough or what, but the injections are far better IMO.... Good luck!
PS. All those side effects you mentioned plus lack of memory.... a sexually frustrated wife...lol All gone!! Well the wifes still here, just smiling a lot more... as I...:0ae86hump