Low test results

[Signmaker]

HI, I just joined the forum to get some advice from the pros. I was recently diagnosed with Hypogonadism and prescribed Fortesta Testosterone Gel by my doctor.
It is my second day taking 40mg/day and I wanted to use this as a motivator to get back to the gym. I am 32 years old, 5'10", 225lbs over weight. I haven't been to
the gym since my son was born 6 years ago but before that I worked out almost everyday and even took a few cycles of test cypionate and d-bol. My doctor said that
my low test levels could have been the reason for my weight gain and down moods and puniness so I'm trying to kill a few birds with one stone here. Does anybody
have any experience with Fortesta or similar Testosterone gels? Are there any supplements that I can take with the test to maximize the benefits. I'm trying to lose about
25-30 pounds and just get ripped. My doctor said that if I didn't like the gel he could get me injectables but that would be the limit to my source for that stuff..My Doc
never mentioned a time frame for treatment but I'm sure its as long as I need it. In general, is there anything I should know so I can get the most out of this.

Thanks is advance,

Nick

[sirupate]

The gels seem to become effective pretty quickly. See how you feel in a week. If the gel doesn't seem to be helping (as shown by bloodwork), then make the switch to the injectibles. But give the gel 6 or 8 weeks before making a decision. Other than that, lift hard and work on getting your diet "clean". Calories matter of course, but make them healthy calories.

If your doctor is open to this...next bloodwork should include a test for E2 levels.

[sizzlechest]

The Gels will bring up your test levels but not enough to significantly builf muscle. That being said you should feel btter mentally and ave a higher libido. Start training and make sure your diet is in Check. After a couple of year of good training you can think about goinf to ASS if you like. Get yourself below 15% BF first. that requires working out and Diet is very important.

[BigBadWolf]

Androgel brought my best frieds from 176 into the 900's not sure about the free test his doctor didn't test for it. Go figure!!

[sirupate]

Androgel brought my best frieds from 176 into the 900's not sure about the free test his doctor didn't test for it. Go figure!!

I've had mine as high as 1500 Total with Androgel. My endo always tests for Free and Total...but won't do anything to help get Free higher (like an AI). If you are going from a total level of say 300 to a level of 800-900...your gym workouts will go better and you will feel like a new man. A lot of doctors don't know how to fine tune your levels, or just aren't interested in making the effort to do so. Shame.

[Signmaker]

My doctor told me my Testosterone Level was a >>>49<<< and he said I should be around 600-800 so he was pretty blown away. My main goal is to get my energy back, my overall down moods to turn around and to lose weight. That being said, I have taken stuff in the past (mentioned earlier) and I wouldn't mind getting those incredible strength gains, and that feeling of just never wearing down again. Can I expect the Fortesta to be anything similar to the Test Cyp or D-bol I took years ago???

[BigBadWolf]

My doctor told me my Testosterone Level was a >>>49<<< and he said I should be around 600-800 so he was pretty blown away. My main goal is to get my energy back, my overall down moods to turn around and to lose weight. That being said, I have taken stuff in the past (mentioned earlier) and I wouldn't mind getting those incredible strength gains, and that feeling of just never wearing down again. Can I expect the Fortesta to be anything similar to the Test Cyp or D-bol I took years ago???

Holy shit!! 49 that's low!! Alot of pep say the gels are no good but my buddy is on androgel and he is happy with it. I haven't used the gels but I think it's better than alot of pep give it credit for. I think it might be the if it ain't injected it Aint good mentality.

[BigBadWolf]

My doctor told me my Testosterone Level was a >>>49<<< and he said I should be around 600-800 so he was pretty blown away. My main goal is to get my energy back, my overall down moods to turn around and to lose weight. That being said, I have taken stuff in the past (mentioned earlier) and I wouldn't mind getting those incredible strength gains, and that feeling of just never wearing down again. Can I expect the Fortesta to be anything similar to the Test Cyp or D-bol I took years ago???

How much and how long did you do your cycle or cycles? How many years ago was it and did you do any kind of pct? You'll feel a whole hell alot better when you get in the normal range but not like a cycle.

[kelkel]

Definitly post your bloodwork. Read all the stickies at the top of the forum as well as Crislers protocols. Like Sirupate said, there's nothing wrong with Gels. It's a personal decision and a good starting point. I'm not familiar with Fortesta but androgel 1.62% is effective and efficient and gets me exactly where I need to be. One day I may switch to shots but right now I'm hoping to be around for another 30 years or so and don't look forward to that many years of injecting myself, but I'm sure the time will come. I'm hoping Nebido jumps the pond soon! The majority here inject every 5-7 days, use HCG as well as an AI for E control.

When it comes to comparing it to your previous cycles? no, it won't be the same. This is TRT, its for life. It's about finding a balance for yourself with these substances to improve your quality of life. Couple that with proper exercise and nutrition and your on the path to success. You don't need any other substances to maximize the exogenous test at this time, just the aformentioned nutrition and exercise. Give your body time to adjust to what your putting in it and get stable. One step at a time. Good luck.

I think your T level of 49 is alarming low and you need to find the root cause for it. Did your doctor offer his thoughts as to why it's that low? Posting your bw will help us help you. I was at a 59 T level which was caused by a Pituitary Tumor which shut me down. Makes me think an MRI should be in your future...

[Vettester]

Subscribed! Would love to see the labs ... Especially curious with the LH/FSH score.

[kelkel]

^^ Agreed vetteman. Got to be a cause for it. Microadenoma, testicular trauma, something.

[Signmaker]

Its been too many years ago for me to remember my cycles but they were something like one shot a week of test along with a couple pink d-bols every other day....maybe? I didn't know enough about it at the time to have a pct but I don't ever remember feeling different when I got off it because I took a shit load of supplements too. All on all it lasted no longer than a couple years of a cycle with a couple weeks off in between.

As far as my labs go, I will call my Doctor tomorrow and ask them for a copy. I would also like to know the root cause. Ive honestly felt like shit for years being tired to the point of napping every day and my motivation is not what it used to be.
Hopefully I start to feel a difference and I know getting back to the gym will help greatly. I'll post my labs as soon as I get them...
Thanks!

[kelkel]

Next BW sign off on the HIPA form and they can fax you your BW ahead of time. That way your prepared for your doc appt. and can ask the correct questions, etc.

[zaggahamma]

good advice already given

just wanted to add ...injectibles are a lot easier(usually once a week and your done...no slathering on daily)....i highly recommend them

[Signmaker]

I have now been on Fortesta for a week and seem to be noticing a difference. overall I feel happier, more motivated more energy, and am starting to get my confidence back. I never would have attributed my depression, lack of motivation and tiredness to low Test!

How does Test affect the body when used Long Term for HRT vs. cycling Test? I'm assuming that unless my body starts to produce Testosterone naturally I will be on it for a while. Is there anything I should be supplementing the Test with to avoid any side affects down the road?? Should I be concerned with my estrogen levels increasing? Is it safe to stay on Test long term?

Thanks!!

Nick

[zaggahamma]

I have now been on Fortesta for a week and seem to be noticing a difference. overall I feel happier, more motivated more energy, and am starting to get my confidence back. I never would have attributed my depression, lack of motivation and tiredness to low Test!

How does Test affect the body when used Long Term for HRT vs. cycling Test? trt is moreso designed to give you normal but optimal levels where cycle doses are for super physiological levels I'm assuming that unless my body starts to produce Testosterone naturally I will be on it for a while.u are almost correct...not a while but life...that is if you were a true candidate for trt to begin with(definition or a trt candidate: one that does not nor ever will for the rest of their life produce optimal levels of test) Is there anything I should be supplementing the Test with to avoid any side affects down the road??hcg, arimidex are very common Should I be concerned with my estrogen levels increasing? yes, as stated, arimidex will prevent Is it safe to stay on Test long term?imo,it is unsafe not to hagd

Thanks!!

Nick

nick answers/my .02 in bold

also suggest you read more stickies/posts

glad youre feeling great though