Gel, patch, cream, or injections?

**browboy** · 10-21-2007, 08:19 AM

Well it looks like I will be starting HRT through my doctor! Not 100% sure yet, but it is looking that way. He has not indicated to me how it will be administered. I am going to push for injections, but if he insists on another type-gel, patch, cream-what has been your experiences? It will be testosterone therepy and I want to get the most out of it as soon as possible. I am hoping that its not going to be this, "well lets try this at this really low dose and see what happens first" crap. So again, how did it go for you, what method, doseages, etc. Any sides from any of the specific methods. Any information would be appreciated.

**Kale** · 10-21-2007, 08:34 AM

I inject 80mg Test E twice a week. No doubt its the best method

**ricker35910** · 10-21-2007, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by browboy

Well it looks like I will be starting HRT through my doctor! Not 100% sure yet, but it is looking that way. He has not indicated to me how it will be administered. I am going to push for injections, but if he insists on another type-gel, patch, cream-what has been your experiences? It will be testosterone therepy and I want to get the most out of it as soon as possible. I am hoping that its not going to be this, "well lets try this at this really low dose and see what happens first" crap. So again, how did it go for you, what method, doseages, etc. Any sides from any of the specific methods. Any information would be appreciated.

ask him about pellets. each pellet is 75mg of test, i get 6 pellets every 6wks which is 450mg of straight test no roller coaster effects your body takes it as it needs it. i like it alot

**zaggahamma** · 10-21-2007, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by browboy

Well it looks like I will be starting HRT through my doctor! Not 100% sure yet, but it is looking that way. He has not indicated to me how it will be administered. I am going to push for injections, but if he insists on another type-gel, patch, cream-what has been your experiences? It will be testosterone therepy and I want to get the most out of it as soon as possible. I am hoping that its not going to be this, "well lets try this at this really low dose and see what happens first" crap. So again, how did it go for you, what method, doseages, etc. Any sides from any of the specific methods. Any information would be appreciated.

this is usually the case

**tvd220** · 10-21-2007, 06:15 PM

Are these pellets legal in US?

**browboy** · 10-21-2007, 06:45 PM

What is the effect of the pellets on your liver?

**ricker35910** · 10-22-2007, 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by tvd220

Are these pellets legal in US?

if you meen can you buy them legally then no. you wouldn't be able to put them in yourself anyway. the doc has to numb you up to put them in

**whiteowl** · 10-28-2007, 08:06 PM

Hay Mon,

My doc went straight to injections....i am 54 and tested 143 .....he did play around forever with the low dosages....first it was once per month (50 CC) then it was every other week....then it was every week....and then i juggled scripts and do it Sat and Wednesday.....
Both the GP and the specialist were opposed to gels and patches.....

You will find because all of the hype the Drs will keep you at the low end of the dosage so that they stay off the radar of the governing bodies....

**zaggahamma** · 10-28-2007, 09:08 PM

You will find because all of the hype the Drs will keep you at the low end of the dosage so that they stay off the radar of the governing bodies....[/QUOTE]

my doc had to remind me twice, "make sure you do blood work when you are due for the shot, not right after"

**whiteowl** · 10-28-2007, 10:34 PM

the specialist wanted a "trough" count.....he waited until day 15 after the first 100 injection.....then we had another blood test and a second shot.....after he received the results of the "trough" test he raised the dosage to every week....
My experience was frustrating because of all the damned lectures from the women who were assistants or lab techs teaching me or my wife how to do the injections....
If you need info...search this website....i am not sure who the people are but the medical and scientifc information is impressive....

**Marek** · 10-29-2007, 09:00 AM

I had better success going to an HRT clinic. My doctor put me on Androgel which basically just shut me down. Alot of doctors are behind in the proper way to administer HRT. The ideal would be injections twice a week with HCG and possibly Arimidex depending on your estrogen. Also, low thyoid can mimic Andropause so make sure you are good there as well.

**browboy** · 10-29-2007, 03:29 PM

Thanks for the info. Yes, did actually have thyroid tests done, as my doc thought I might have hyper thyroid. Test came back normal. I have been doing some more reading, and am finding a lot of information regarding testosterone pellet therepy. One of the guys in this thread mentioned it also. Anyone else hear of that, or used it, and what was your experience like? I am just waiting to get the results back for my test levels. They were supposed to fax them today, but I haven't seen them yet! Figures, I hate doctors.

**whiteowl** · 10-31-2007, 07:51 PM

just wanted to correct myself...my script is for 100 MG every week
(not 50cc)....

**shooting15** · 11-17-2007, 12:47 PM

I've been using a topical cream, made by a compounding pharmacy, for seven years. I don't know why you would want to use anything else, since this is so easy. Just do your blood tests, and if the test rises to the area you want it, then you don't need to bother with injections. Still need to take arimidex , hcg , etc. regardless of method. What's the point on sticking yourself if you don't need to? I stick myself plenty for other drugs, don't need to do it for test.

**zaggahamma** · 11-17-2007, 05:34 PM

Originally Posted by shooting15

I've been using a topical cream, made by a compounding pharmacy, for seven years. I don't know why you would want to use anything else, since this is so easy. Just do your blood tests, and if the test rises to the area you want it, then you don't need to bother with injections. Still need to take arimidex, hcg, etc. regardless of method. What's the point on sticking yourself if you don't need to? I stick myself plenty for other drugs, don't need to do it for test.

i've never heard such a proponent for cream b4 although having sucess with the gel, i prefer the less messy approach....but good for you...can you share your progress? 7 years is a lot to learn from

**crypticaddict** · 11-17-2007, 09:52 PM

I get 250mg test-e every week, self injected, lifetime script. yay.

**zaggahamma** · 11-17-2007, 11:03 PM

Originally Posted by crypticaddict

I get 250mg test-e every week, self injected, lifetime script. yay.

theres something you dont see everyday

**goin on 4T** · 11-18-2007, 09:45 AM

I went to a local HRT doc. he is personally using the pellets and said that is what he preferred to prescribe. He said the shots were too much of a rush for people due the different test? He actually comparred test shooters to heroine users, which I thought was overkill. He also said 2.5IU's of GH ED was too much. Unusuall experience.

**shooting15** · 11-18-2007, 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by jpkman

i've never heard such a proponent for cream b4 although having sucess with the gel, i prefer the less messy approach....but good for you...can you share your progress? 7 years is a lot to learn from

It's not messy at all. I use it twice a day...I just put some on my fingers and rub it into a hairless area on my body. For me, the best place is the side of my torso. It's no different than putting on a moisturizing cream, it absorbs into the skin fairly quickly.

I can adjust the dosage very easily, but it is not nearly as accurate as using a calibrated syringe. If the results of my latest blood test are a little high, I just back off on the amount. Try to get tested every 3 months until you learn what works best.

Before I started, my testosterone level was 5130 pg/ml, free was 19.2 pg/ml. Now the total testosterone varies quite a bit from test to test, but is usually around 10,000 and the free is more like 200. I'm 55 years old.

My goals are probably different from most on this board, as I don't do any cycles at all, and am not shooting for quick results, but for long term benefit.

**zaggahamma** · 11-18-2007, 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by shooting15

It's not messy at all. I use it twice a day...I just put some on my fingers and rub it into a hairless area on my body. For me, the best place is the side of my torso. It's no different than putting on a moisturizing cream, it absorbs into the skin fairly quickly.

I can adjust the dosage very easily, but it is not nearly as accurate as using a calibrated syringe. If the results of my latest blood test are a little high, I just back off on the amount. Try to get tested every 3 months until you learn what works best.

Before I started, my testosterone level was 5130 pg/ml, free was 19.2 pg/ml. Now the total testosterone varies quite a bit from test to test, but is usually around 10,000 and the free is more like 200. I'm 55 years old.

My goals are probably different from most on this board, as I don't do any cycles at all, and am not shooting for quick results, but for long term benefit.

thanks...
how about lean body mass gain and or fat loss in those 7 years and if you weight train as well and the difference before the 7 years to the present?

**shooting15** · 11-19-2007, 08:55 AM

Originally Posted by jpkman

thanks...
how about lean body mass gain and or fat loss in those 7 years and if you weight train as well and the difference before the 7 years to the present?

Hard to say accurately, since I don't have good records for the whole time. Here's what I can tell you. And, reviewing my records, it appears that I've been doing this for 8 years, not 7. I should also note that I have used hGH during this time, as well.

Starting weight: 197
Max weight: 223
Current weight: 218.5
Height 6'2"
Age: 47 at beginning, 55 now

Starting bodyfat: 14.6% (impedance)
Bodyfat 4-5 years ago: 6.5 - 7.5% (calipers)
Current bodyfat: 8.9% (calipers)

For the first few years I was weight training, running, and biking. Suffered major injuries twice to rotator cuff and knee, which I came back from after surgery. Suffered broken hip 2 years ago, very debilitating but I would say I am back 90%. Have not done any weight training for a few years, nor running nor biking. Only my sport of choice, an endurance sport that works the upper body.

**zaggahamma** · 11-19-2007, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by shooting15

Hard to say accurately, since I don't have good records for the whole time. Here's what I can tell you. And, reviewing my records, it appears that I've been doing this for 8 years, not 7. I should also note that I have used hGH during this time, as well.

Starting weight: 197
Max weight: 223
Current weight: 218.5
Height 6'2"
Age: 47 at beginning, 55 now

Starting bodyfat: 14.6% (impedance)
Bodyfat 4-5 years ago: 6.5 - 7.5% (calipers)
Current bodyfat: 8.9% (calipers)

For the first few years I was weight training, running, and biking. Suffered major injuries twice to rotator cuff and knee, which I came back from after surgery. Suffered broken hip 2 years ago, very debilitating but I would say I am back 90%. Have not done any weight training for a few years, nor running nor biking. Only my sport of choice, an endurance sport that works the upper body.

thanks again...

numbers look very impressive imo

sorry to hear about the injuries but glad your back up and running

what percentage of your success (change in body comp for the good) would you credit the HGH?

**shooting15** · 11-20-2007, 07:51 PM

Originally Posted by jpkman

what percentage of your success (change in body comp for the good) would you credit the HGH?

Although the drugs help, you shouldn't lose sight of the reality that most of the gain (loss) of muscle (fat) is due to exercise and diet. Work out intensely and cut back on the food and you'll accomplish a lot.

My belief is that the testosterone has been useful for building muscle, and that the HGH is better for losing fat...much like others have said before me. The HGH effects are pretty subtle, and don't happen overnight. For all but the last 7 months I took 1.5 iu per day, and then switched to 2.5 iu per day. When I made the change the effects were only barely noticeable...but noticeable enough that I'm staying with 2.5.

**zaggahamma** · 11-21-2007, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by shooting15

Although the drugs help, you shouldn't lose sight of the reality that most of the gain (loss) of muscle (fat) is due to exercise and diet. Work out intensely and cut back on the food and you'll accomplish a lot.

My belief is that the testosterone has been useful for building muscle, and that the HGH is better for losing fat...much like others have said before me. The HGH effects are pretty subtle, and don't happen overnight. For all but the last 7 months I took 1.5 iu per day, and then switched to 2.5 iu per day. When I made the change the effects were only barely noticeable...but noticeable enough that I'm staying with 2.5.

agree....in my case, the drugs (test and arimidex alone) were like magic however because i had a steady intense workout and COULD NOT lose any more fat and within 6 months i lost 25 pounds while gaining strength and have maintained over a year
wish i had the HGH to throw in the mix

**whiteowl** · 11-21-2007, 04:08 PM

do you have the same bit with water retention as i do with injections?

**slayer1983** · 02-02-2008, 06:16 PM

id go with the shots more effective

**Coach 44** · 02-03-2008, 02:51 PM

After messing around with the Testim gel for a couple of weeks (hated it, smell, having small children and a wife at home, etc.) I switched to Sust 250 once a week for a couple of weeks

**Coach 44** · 02-03-2008, 02:56 PM

Sorry, puter shut down on me. AS I was saying I tried Sust 250 once a week for a couple of weeks and then tried Test e 200 mg. per week. Ive been on it for two weeks and I really can't say I feel a difference, through my own fault. First because I've been overtraining and the inject spots are incredibly sore and swollen. I stuck my a** first then my thigh. Both swelled and are sore. Anyone have this prob with test e?

**whiteowl** · 02-03-2008, 10:34 PM

coach,

it'll take a bit for you to feel 100% again...been doing Friday morning and Monday Pm shots to keep it more on an even keel....really do not feel the highs or lows anymore cause it just seems to stay level....the pain is the luck of the draw....sometimes nada sometimes sore for days....have your better half do the poking.....the butt muscle seems to handle it a bit better....wife does the Fri shot in the butt....i do the Mon shot in the thigh...the thigh seems to be the more painful of the two....

**Coach 44** · 02-04-2008, 12:01 AM

Thanks Whiteowl... you're right, it is just the luck of the draw. I've cycled before but was much younger. I've never had the type of swelling and pain like these last two. The butt was like a knotted muscle for 3 days. The leg was just as bad. I've actually used this exact Test (which is Testoprim from Mex. and is 200 mg. test e and 25 mg. prop.), but I'm not afraid to say that this hurts like a mother!