Axiron bomb.

**zerodarkthirty** · 01-31-2013, 12:09 PM

Let me start by saying I have yet to pick up the lab work, so please bear with my lack of hard numbers.

Pre-TRT test: 261 (range was ~300-1100)

Started Axiron 60 mg (2 pumps per day) about one month ago. Felt great for about a week, with a subsequent crash and burn.

Bloodwork today (per PCP over the phone):

Test: 65.

Estradiol: 49.5 (0-35.8) Boom.

I think we're getting the picture here. Test ---->Estrogen. Exogeneous testosterone has shut down endogenous testosterone.

PCP has called 2 endos and is ready to push me out to someone who has more experience with TRT. Ugh. PCP was afraid to go down in dosage but also did not want to go up since estradiol level was so high.

Yuck. Nevermind that I'm currently out of Axiron as of today and out of pocket costs with insurance and discount card = $270/month. Oy.

**steroid.com 1** · 01-31-2013, 12:18 PM

Please find a Doctor who understands TRT in men; unfortunately, most Endo's don't know it as well.

I am surprised that the Axiron shut you down but also dropped your total Test to 65?

E2 is elevated and can be managed easily with an AI but most men on transdermals don't need an AI by way of daily application

Do you have your labs before you started the Axiron and can you tell us more about yourself?

I am willing to be your E2 was elevated before you started your protocol.

**zerodarkthirty** · 01-31-2013, 01:02 PM

Thanks, gd. I'll check the sticky on Finding a TRT Doc, but let me know if you know any in Indiana!

I agree with you on the notion that my E2 levels were sky-high prior to starting TRT.

36 year old, <10% body fat, ultra marathoner. Extremely active, including weight training. Zero energy, mild depression?, no zeal for awhile and decided to go get blood work. Had a vasectomy at 26, which did not go well. Major complications with that, and I'm just now trying to piece together the subsequent T problems. It's a complicated puzzle, but it's starting to add up.

**steroid.com 1** · 01-31-2013, 02:31 PM

Make sure to get a full thyroid work up as well.

**zerodarkthirty** · 01-31-2013, 02:55 PM

I will. Again, since I didn't go into the dr's office today, I didn't get the thyroid results, other than TSH was 1.14.

**The Deadlifting Dog** · 01-31-2013, 02:57 PM

When did you get your blood in relation to applying the Axiron? Did you get tested two hours after applying? Or did you get tested before you applied?

Also, what time of day do you apply? Do you shower beforehand?

**zerodarkthirty** · 01-31-2013, 03:06 PM

I apply the Axiron right after my workout/shower in the evenings. The blood test was around 9 a.m. the following morning.

**The Deadlifting Dog** · 01-31-2013, 03:35 PM

According to Axiron's website, one should have blood drawn 2-9 hours after applying. Peak testosterone levels are reached at 2 hours after applying.

Also, the medication is supposed to be applied in the morning. This allows for a testosterone pattern that closely mimics a natural healthy male's testosterone level. (Peaks in the morning and drops lower throughout the day.)

I am not on my computer or else I could attach a couple of charts. One of a normal males daily testosterone cycle and one of Axiron's effect on testosterone levels.

**steroid.com 1** · 01-31-2013, 04:10 PM

^^^^+1 on what the Dog said.

**vinceproduction** · 01-31-2013, 08:18 PM

Just a thought, but on your next blood work I would see if they could add aluminum levels just to make sure any residual (even not visible to the eye) deodorant isn't being carried through the axiron. Maybe a bit overboard, but I would just to be safe.

**zerodarkthirty** · 01-31-2013, 08:44 PM

Thank you all for the comments. Dog, I will start immediately with the morning application to mimic natural levels and see if that helps. Vince, I do not use aluminum based deodorants/anti-perspirant. I found that if you don't have any residual conventional deodorant, you have NO burning sensation as others have described with Axiron.

**zerodarkthirty** · 01-31-2013, 08:48 PM

I also found a compounding pharmacy to make a gel similar to the big pharma transdermals. The ballpark figure was a fraction of the others. I'm giving the gels a try before moving to shots (which is where I ultimately expect to end up).

**bca** · 01-31-2013, 08:53 PM

when i started trt about 5 months ago axiron had a coupon for $30 a month for 12 months. you should look in to that or ask your dr.

**zerodarkthirty** · 01-31-2013, 08:58 PM

Thanks bca. I've got the card. It all depends on what insurance you've got. Blue Cross/Blue Shield (varies of course, depending on coverage) out of pocket is still outrageous, even with the discounts/co-pay card. Plus, then what? Once that year is up, will you're back to $$$$$.