Testosterone Injections or Testosterone Gels

[Nate02]

I posted on this site recently. If you have any questions regarding my situation, please consult that thread. I have seen many forums debate whether testosterone injections or testosterone gels are "better", but I have not been satisfied with any readings. So I figured I'd have a crack at it.

I appreciate information you all have on the both, and your preference. I will say I am not concerned about the mode of transfer. I do not have a fear or needles and I also would rather not have to apply cream daily. That being said, neither would persuade me otherwise. My real interest are the effects and side effects. I would appreciate extensive personal testimonies of benefits and negatives of both testosterone gel and testosterone injections.

I know this may seem superficial, but at my age I am concerned with both head and body hair. I do not want to lose hair, and I would love to enhance my facial hair. So any information you have on this would be appreciated as well.

Thank you for reading and I look forward to responses!

ADDITION: I just realized, it may be helpful for viewers to know my test results.

The first test came back as such.

Testosterone, Serum: 265 (348-1197)

This was concerning, so another more extensive test followed.

TSH: 2.360 (0.450-4.500)
LH: 4.2 (1.7-8.6)
FSH: 1.1 (1.5-12.4)
Testosterone, Serum: 330 (348-1197)
Prolactin: 8.5 (4.0-15.2)

The next test was issued by an endocrinologist.

Free Testosterone(Direct): 9.4 (9.3-26.5)
Testosterone, Total, Lc/Ms: 253.9 (348-1197)
Lh: 4.1 (1.7-8.6)
FSH: 1.1 (1.5-12.4)

The next test my current endocrinologist ordered because I had been off Prozac for one week and figured why not.

Cortisol: 20.8 (2.3-19.4)
TSH: 4.2: (0.450-4.500)

The first two tests were taken at 11:30 AM and 10:30 AM respectively, and the last two were taken at 8:00 AM.

I had an MRI done, and the results came back clear.

[bass]

injections hands down! if you search this forum you will find many threads regarding this topic.

[The Deadlifting Dog]

Gels more closely mimic a body's natural testosterone levels .

However supraphysiological levels are more easily attainable with injections.

[Nate02]

injections hands down! if you search this forum you will find many threads regarding this topic.

Right- However, have you used injections?

Gels more closely mimic a body's natural testosterone levels .

However supraphysiological levels are more easily attainable with injections.

I am not interested in receiving supraphysiological levels easier, I would much rather have consistency. As long as the same benefits present themselves.

[kelkel]

Hi Nate. I've done both. Started with androgel 1% then 1.62%. I really didn't have a problem with them other than my DHT level elevated too much for my liking. Transdermals tend to do this. I also got tired of putting it on every day. Summer time, swimming, beach, all the obvious reasons.

I switched to injections and would not go back. Twice a week protocol which keeps me very stable. The level you maintain is between you and your doctor and should be based on how you feel in conjunction with thorough blood work.

Hair loss is up the the individual. Your either prone or your not but DHT obviously plays a role in this. Look at your family history. If they went bald, odds are you may as well. Testosterone turns to dht everywhere in the body except muscle via a particular enzyme (5 alpha hydroxy) which has a preponderence in the scalp.

Welcome to the forum. More will chime in!

kel

[Nate02]

Hi Nate. I've done both. Started with androgel 1% then 1.62%. I really didn't have a problem with them other than my DHT level elevated too much for my liking. Transdermals tend to do this. I also got tired of putting it on every day. Summer time, swimming, beach, all the obvious reasons.

I switched to injections and would not go back. Twice a week protocol which keeps me very stable. The level you maintain is between you and your doctor and should be based on how you feel in conjunction with thorough blood work.

Hair loss is up the the individual. Your either prone or your not but DHT obviously plays a role in this. Look at your family history. If they went bald, odds are you may as well. Testosterone turns to dht everywhere in the body except muscle via a particular enzyme (5 alpha hydroxy) which has a preponderence in the scalp.

Welcome to the forum. More will chime in!

kel

I see, so your DHT levels actually rose to high? I thought that this was more common in injections. Not something I want to see. With everything I have researched, injections appear the "better" choice, but doctors I have visited are strong advocates for gel. I'm very confused here: Patients like the injections, but doctors like the gel. I know there are likely financial reasons concerning pharmaceutical companies that this is the case, but its a lot easier to believe a doctor that I speak with personally.

[JohnnyVegas]

I see, so your DHT levels actually rose to high? I thought that this was more common in injections. Not something I want to see. With everything I have researched, injections appear the "better" choice, but doctors I have visited are strong advocates for gel. I'm very confused here: Patients like the injections, but doctors like the gel. I know there are likely financial reasons concerning pharmaceutical companies that this is the case, but its a lot easier to believe a doctor that I speak with personally.

I think doctors are concerned that injections are something that shouldn't be done my non-medical personnel. Injections are probably more likely to result in abuse.

I use injections, but my father-in-law uses the cream. We are both very happy. I enjoy having higher, consistant levels. He enjoys the ease of putting on a cream and just wants to feel normal. Neither of us have run into serious sides. I need to give blood on occasion because of increased red blood cell count.

I don't require an AI, but I do take hCG to avoid testicular atrophy.

[TennTarheel]

I see, so your DHT levels actually rose to high? I thought that this was more common in injections. Not something I want to see. With everything I have researched, injections appear the "better" choice, but doctors I have visited are strong advocates for gel. I'm very confused here: Patients like the injections, but doctors like the gel. I know there are likely financial reasons concerning pharmaceutical companies that this is the case, but its a lot easier to believe a doctor that I speak with personally.

If hair loss is of great concern to you, I would definitely go with injections. From what I've gathered, Transdermals definitely seem to raise DHT levels more so than injections.

Oh, and I don't think it's superficial at all to want to keep your hair man!

[kelkel]

I see, so your DHT levels actually rose to high? I thought that this was more common in injections. Not something I want to see. With everything I have researched, injections appear the "better" choice, but doctors I have visited are strong advocates for gel. I'm very confused here: Patients like the injections, but doctors like the gel. I know there are likely financial reasons concerning pharmaceutical companies that this is the case, but its a lot easier to believe a doctor that I speak with personally.

Nope. More common with gels. Within one month of switching it dropped right back to a normal level. Method of treatment is a personal choice and both can work. Nothing wrong with starting on gels and switching to injections if you don't like the result. Main thing is to have complete blood work done ahead of time so all levels can be monitored. Include DHT as most docs dont. Examples of blood work is in the Finding a Doc sticky.

[kelkel]

Ok, just saw you added your blood work.

LH is lower and FSH is in the toilet which goes along with your low T levels. It's an indicator of possible secondary hypogonadism. Also your cortisol is high which can impact Test levels. TSH is also high and a more modern range is .3 - 3.0. TSH is a weak indicator but further thyroid testing should be done as hypothyroid will cause hypogonadism. All options should be examined before beginning a TRT regimen.

[sparverius]

All options should be examined before beginning a TRT regimen.

+1

Don't start until you know you have to.


I did gel for 6 years, then switched to injections when the gel lost effectiveness. If it works for you gel is better. When you apply it in the morning it mimics the natural daily cycle of hormone levels. You get a consistent level every day. You feel the DHT more so you need less T to feel normal. I didn't need any AI with gel.

With injections the level changes. I seem to metabolize T fast. Even at 2x/week I have distinct ups and downs. The high is higher than I'd like in order to not be too low before the next shot. It makes more E2. To avoid symptoms of excess E2 (depression, libido and ED problems) I need AI, even at moderate physiologic levels. If gel still worked for me I'd go back.

[Nate02]

Ok, just saw you added your blood work.

LH is lower and FSH is in the toilet which goes along with your low T levels. It's an indicator of possible secondary hypogonadism. Also your cortisol is high which can impact Test levels. TSH is also high and a more modern range is .3 - 3.0. TSH is a weak indicator but further thyroid testing should be done as hypothyroid will cause hypogonadism. All options should be examined before beginning a TRT regimen.

Thank you all so far for your advice. I just hear of so much more success with the injections, but the gels seem theoretically the best course of action. Right now I am leaning towards gels to start, as they are more consistent, and I like that your body has more time to adapt. However, I am considered about my DHT levels, can I take an inhibitor to help hair loss? And if I take the inhibitor will it hurt my body hair? Also, do people commonly take hCG injections with testosterone gel? I assumed my cortisol level was high as well, but my doctor assured my that at 8:00AM a cortisol level of 21 was normal and that would gradually decline throughout the day. I am on Synthroid right now for my hypothyroidism, but after a few weeks I have not felt relief from my symptoms.

[Nate02]

+1

Don't start until you know you have to.


I did gel for 6 years, then switched to injections when the gel lost effectiveness. If it works for you gel is better. When you apply it in the morning it mimics the natural daily cycle of hormone levels. You get a consistent level every day. You feel the DHT more so you need less T to feel normal. I didn't need any AI with gel.

With injections the level changes. I seem to metabolize T fast. Even at 2x/week I have distinct ups and downs. The high is higher than I'd like in order to not be too low before the next shot. It makes more E2. To avoid symptoms of excess E2 (depression, libido and ED problems) I need AI, even at moderate physiologic levels. If gel still worked for me I'd go back.

\

Thank you for the advice. Is gel losing its effectiveness common?

I think doctors are concerned that injections are something that shouldn't be done my non-medical personnel. Injections are probably more likely to result in abuse.

I use injections, but my father-in-law uses the cream. We are both very happy. I enjoy having higher, consistant levels. He enjoys the ease of putting on a cream and just wants to feel normal. Neither of us have run into serious sides. I need to give blood on occasion because of increased red blood cell count.

I don't require an AI, but I do take hCG to avoid testicular atrophy.

What is your injection regime like? Dosing?

[JohnnyVegas]

What is your injection regime like? Dosing?

I am on 200mg/wk Test Cyp split into two 100mg injections. I take a higher dose than many here, but it doesn't result in sky high levels. Everyone needs to find their sweet spot.

I also take 400iu hCG twice a week.

I don't need an AI.

I have been on TRT for two years and always have good, consistent blood work results. My RBC count does slowly rise and I give blood once or twice a year.

The only sides have been slight acne and some hair growth on back and shoulders.

[bass]

Right- However, have you used injections?

I am not interested in receiving supraphysiological levels easier, I would much rather have consistency. As long as the same benefits present themselves.

Yes, I only used injections, i have no experience with gels but know about them from people who used them.

[kelkel]

Op do not jump on any inhibitors for your hair right away. Bad stuff and not to be taken lightly. Just google Finesteride or Propecia and read up. Just monitor your dht levels and keep an eye out for issues. Gels should not sky-rocket your test levels, just get you back to normal.

When it comes to HCG , many doc's struggle with it as they don't understand it and think it's an off label usage. It's not and you can usually find hypogonadic hypogonadism on the HCG package insert. Test will shut your own production down whether its a gel or injection. It's all still testosterone . Read GD's sticky on HCG.

kel

[Nate02]

I am on 200mg/wk Test Cyp split into two 100mg injections. I take a higher dose than many here, but it doesn't result in sky high levels. Everyone needs to find their sweet spot.

I also take 400iu hCG twice a week.

I don't need an AI.

I have been on TRT for two years and always have good, consistent blood work results. My RBC count does slowly rise and I give blood once or twice a year.

The only sides have been slight acne and some hair growth on back and shoulders.

Thank you for sharing. That's good to know. I really am going to push for injections.

Op do not jump on any inhibitors for your hair right away. Bad stuff and not to be taken lightly. Just google Finesteride or Propecia and read up. Just monitor your dht levels and keep an eye out for issues. Gels should not sky-rocket your test levels, just get you back to normal.

When it comes to HCG, many doc's struggle with it as they don't understand it and think it's an off label usage. It's not and you can usually find hypogonadic hypogonadism on the HCG package insert. Test will shut your own production down whether its a gel or injection. It's all still testosterone . Read GD's sticky on HCG.

kel

I didn't know there was much harm to DHT inhibitors? I have seen that, that many doctors struggle with prescribing HCG. Okay, well then either way I will push for HCG because I will do what it takes to maintain my testicular function.

How should testosterone supplement dosage progress? As in should I begin by taking the absolute minimal dosage to not "shock" my body, or should I be taking the dosage that I am projected to feel better on?

[kelkel]

Always best to start lower and titrate up based on blood work. Smaller dosage = smaller sides plus hopefully less ancillaries needed as well. It takes time to dial things in based on how you feel and blood work. Don't let a doc tell you your good just because he likes a number on your chart. You're not a number.

[Nate02]

Always best to start lower and titrate up based on blood work. Smaller dosage = smaller sides plus hopefully less ancillaries needed as well. It takes time to dial things in based on how you feel and blood work. Don't let a doc tell you your good just because he likes a number on your chart. You're not a number.

Okay I see, that is what I figured. I want to take HCG as well. I'm just still not convinced if I should take the injection or gel first. My fear is that I will begin treatment on one and accept the results, when I could just feel so much better on the other. Also, with what I told you about my thyroid and cortisol levels. Do I need to get these remedied before starting TRY? In addition, I've seen that TRT can lead to hypothyroidism a lot more than vise versa.

[kelkel]

Tell your doc you which one you decide on but want the option to change after a period of time based on how you feel. Optimizing thyroid and cortisol levels will help with your T levels as they both can impact (lower) it. Hypothyroid is far more a causative factor for hypogonadism than the opposite.

[gbrice75]

Informative thread with excellent Q&A - thank you all for your articulation. Great responses from Kel as always. Sub'd.

[sirupate]

I've done gels, injections and the Testopel pellet implants. The injections worked least well for me, in terms of how I felt day to day. The injections were, however, least expensive. Gels worked very well for me from the gitgo, and I have a "supplemental" prescription for Androgel 1.62% at the current time. For the past 10 months I have been on the Testopel implants. I like how I feel on the implants through month 3, then I begin to feel like I need a boost of some sort...that is why the doctor gave me the Androgel scrip. I am currently waiting to see if my doctor (a urologist) wants to do another implant set, or switch me over to injections or more gel.

Most here prefer injections. You will need to decide what works best for you.

[Nate02]

I've done gels, injections and the Testopel pellet implants. The injections worked least well for me, in terms of how I felt day to day. The injections were, however, least expensive. Gels worked very well for me from the gitgo, and I have a "supplemental" prescription for Androgel 1.62% at the current time. For the past 10 months I have been on the Testopel implants. I like how I feel on the implants through month 3, then I begin to feel like I need a boost of some sort...that is why the doctor gave me the Androgel scrip. I am currently waiting to see if my doctor (a urologist) wants to do another implant set, or switch me over to injections or more gel.

Most here prefer injections. You will need to decide what works best for you.

Thank you for your testimony. If treatment really is as individually specific as this forum is showing me, I will most likely start on a gel as my doctor recommends.

Tell your doc you which one you decide on but want the option to change after a period of time based on how you feel. Optimizing thyroid and cortisol levels will help with your T levels as they both can impact (lower) it. Hypothyroid is far more a causative factor for hypogonadism than the opposite.

I'm not worried that one treatment won't work. I'm worried that I may feel good on a treatment and stick with it, when the other treatment could do wonders. And although I know you can switch treatments, it seems a hassle. If I'm feeling good on a treatment even if it is not optimal, I know it will be difficult to switch.

Through research, I see more of cause/effect between hypogonadism/hypothyroidism respectively; however, I will take your word for it as you seem very knowledgable. I also wanted to thank you for such informative responses. I really appreciate the advice. I definitely note that any possible, contributing factor of my hypogonadism should be addresses before it is itself. What do you think about my doctor telling me that a slightly higher cortisol level in the morning is normal? Also, I notice that if hypothyroidism generally does cause hypogonadism, it is accompanied by adrenal fatigue. I obviously don't have adrenal fatigue. Any input on that? To be honest though, I am just impatient with this. I want to address these other issues fully before proceeding, but with the massive toll this has taken on my life I want it fixed. I don't want to waste time.

[Nate02]

If anyone else I has anything to add I would love to hear it. With as much information as has been shared, I am still undecided between the two applications. I believe I want to try injections; although, if you read my past posts that decision seems to change constantly. People seem to have more success with injections; yet doctors prescribe testosterone gels, and this is difficult to understand why. What it comes down to with my decision to for injections is it seems to have minimal side effects. It also seems constant if prescribed correctly and with the appropriate additions; also, it seems to keep DHT at a more appropriate level. As for as the gel goes, I do not like the idea of not having to apply gel everyday. It seems more constant (mimics daily testosterone levels better), but people don't seem to respond as well to it! So what is the use if that was to happen? I would have lost valuable time on a wrong path. I have a girlfriend as well, and do not want to worry about her coming into contact with my skin.

So, if anyone would like to comment on this, please do! I do not decide for another month or so. And if anyone would like to message me personally about what I have learned or my decision, or even just to give me advice; that would fantastic as well.

Thank you.

[61er]

I love the pellets, but sirupate and I appear to be part of a very tiny minority in this forum. Why the under representation? My hunch is pellet users are content with their treatment and forget they are low on T for months at a time. There is less reason to engage in forums like this. The main reason I'm on this forum is bodybuilding, which may not be of interest to a typical pellet user.

[Nate02]

I have seen that testosterone pellets can have more side effects, and they can cause a less consistent testosterone levels as the months pass. That is why I haven't entertained the idea. You are saying you don't have testosterone deficiency? If that's the case, then I think it would be difficult to determine the benefits; as I am sure people whom do not have low testosterone symptoms and those who do have different experiences. I am glad it is working for you though.

[Nate02]

Yes, I only used injections, i have no experience with gels but know about them from people who used them.

I am on 200mg/wk Test Cyp split into two 100mg injections. I take a higher dose than many here, but it doesn't result in sky high levels. Everyone needs to find their sweet spot.

I also take 400iu hCG twice a week.

I don't need an AI.

I have been on TRT for two years and always have good, consistent blood work results. My RBC count does slowly rise and I give blood once or twice a year.

The only sides have been slight acne and some hair growth on back and shoulders.

Are you taking testosterone injections for testosterone deficiency, or are you taking them for body building?

[61er]

I have seen that testosterone pellets can have more side effects, and they can cause a less consistent testosterone levels as the months pass. That is why I haven't entertained the idea. You are saying you don't have testosterone deficiency? If that's the case, then I think it would be difficult to determine the benefits; as I am sure people whom do not have low testosterone symptoms and those who do have different experiences. I am glad it is working for you though.

Sorry if I was unclear. I have testosterone deficiency and am being treated because I suffered from many of the common symptoms. (I am a former gel user.) I visit this forum for a number of reasons, including information on body building and overall good health. My point was that a typical pellet user walks out of his doctor's office and says to himself, "I can forget about testosterone for three or four months (if only I could forget about my sore butt..)." I don't think he feels the need to visit sites like this.

As for your concern about consistency in testosterone levels , I'm sure that nothing beats injections, but I was pleased enough with round one of pellets that I went back for another.

[Nate02]

Sorry if I was unclear. I have testosterone deficiency and am being treated because I suffered from many of the common symptoms. (I am a former gel user.) I visit this forum for a number of reasons, including information on body building and overall good health. My point was that a typical pellet user walks out of his doctor's office and says to himself, "I can forget about testosterone for three or four months (if only I could forget about my sore butt..)." I don't think he feels the need to visit sites like this.

As for your concern about consistency in testosterone levels, I'm sure that nothing beats injections, but I was pleased enough with round one of pellets that I went back for another.

Not a problem. I think that I have settled on injections. Thank you so much for your help. I would take pellets, however, I do not like the idea of losing control of dosing for months at a time. I know they can potentially be removed, but I still am not fond of the idea. Now I am trying to find out what is my diagnosis and what tests I want to take to discover it. If you and anyone else here could visit this link to help me out "Looking for Advice on Testing and Diagnosis" that would be great. Unfortunately I can't create a link, as I do not have enough posts I believe. Thank you.

[sirupate]

Sorry if I was unclear. I have testosterone deficiency and am being treated because I suffered from many of the common symptoms. (I am a former gel user.) I visit this forum for a number of reasons, including information on body building and overall good health. My point was that a typical pellet user walks out of his doctor's office and says to himself, "I can forget about testosterone for three or four months (if only I could forget about my sore butt..)." I don't think he feels the need to visit sites like this.

As for your concern about consistency in testosterone levels, I'm sure that nothing beats injections, but I was pleased enough with round one of pellets that I went back for another.

I sort of agree with you. Since being on the pellets, I visit here much less often that I used to visit. Day-to-day....I just don't feel concerned about my T-levels until I get to the 4-month mark. At that point, I am looking for my "fix". The pellets give a very constant T-level on a daily basis....the only problem being that that constant level declines over time. There are very few issues with pellets, besides the expense. My butt is sore for a few days after day one. I'd not do leg press or squats for about a week to make sure I don't "reject" my pellets, but no big deal to me.

On the gel transference issue...I think it is way overblown around here. I think a lot of guys use that as an excuse to get their doctor to allow them to inject. Whatever. The important thing is to find a therapy that works for you.

[Nate02]

I sort of agree with you. Since being on the pellets, I visit here much less often that I used to visit. Day-to-day....I just don't feel concerned about my T-levels until I get to the 4-month mark. At that point, I am looking for my "fix". The pellets give a very constant T-level on a daily basis....the only problem being that that constant level declines over time. There are very few issues with pellets, besides the expense. My butt is sore for a few days after day one. I'd not do leg press or squats for about a week to make sure I don't "reject" my pellets, but no big deal to me.

On the gel transference issue...I think it is way overblown around here. I think a lot of guys use that as an excuse to get their doctor to allow them to inject. Whatever. The important thing is to find a therapy that works for you.

Okay, thank you for input on the pellet. To what extent do you think the gel transference issue is overblown?

[JohnnyVegas]

Are you taking testosterone injections for testosterone deficiency, or are you taking them for body building?

I am taking it for a deficiency. I am in my 40s and my level was in the low 200s. I wasn't on the low end of the scale, I was below the scale. I was having a lot of problems and am thankful I stumbled upon a TRT doctor that had me get blood work done.

[sirupate]

Okay, thank you for input on the pellet. To what extent do you think the gel transference issue is overblown?

You apply the gel to areas normally covered by a shirt. A few hours after the application, transference is minimal to none, as the gel has already been absorbed for the most part. I'd be more concerned about children, if you have body to body contact with them (sounds a bit strange to me), but I doubt there is much concern over contact with a mature person. With several years of off and on use of Androgel , my wife has not exhibited any signs of having been exposed.

Yet, you see threads here all the time with guys telling their doctor they don't want the gel because of transference concerns. It is easier that way to convince a doctor to do what he is by nature, somewhat reluctant to do, which is allow a patient to IM self-inject. I admit that injecting works well for a lot of guys and is less expensive than pellets or gels. But due to the nature of this site, it is oriented toward bodybuilding and injecting "gear". I don't think I am being unfair....I think that is just how it is.

[Torqued]

I admit that injecting works well for a lot of guys and is less expensive than pellets or gels. But due to the nature of this site, it is oriented toward bodybuilding and injecting "gear". I don't think I am being unfair....I think that is just how it is.

I'm not a BB and have decided on injections over the gel. I was on Testim for about 6 weeks and have just started on injections. For me, the Testim was messy and a hassle. Took at least 10 minutes to dry before I could get dressed for work. Didn't always have the luxury of waiting that long with trying to get my daughter fed and ready for school. IMHO, the injections are cheaper, take less time, less mess, less hassle, and it's easier to fine-tune your dosing if you need to make an adjustment.

[jasondd1]

I have been on compounding cream for 3-4 months. $62 a month. Blood work should be back next week. Feel better, joints hurt. Thinking of trying HCG /Clomid next and see if it changes.