Question about HRT- Testim, and possible alternatives

[MaxPowers]

First of all, sorry to post this thread in this section, but it seemed best suited here as it appears there's no other sections regarding issues like this anymore.

Anyways,
I am 21 years old, and have very low test levels. It has been a problem I have been suffering with for a while now and I just want it to be known that I did not simply jump into HRT in a heartbeat.

Today I was prescribed "Testim"- 5g/day.
So I went to the pharmacy to pick it up, and it ended up being like 150$ for a months supply. Being a student and all I don't know how I'm going to be able to continually pay for this, and so my question is: Are oral or injection forms of HRT much cheaper, and more affordable in the long run? How do the 3 compare in effectiveness? Any information would be helpful.

Thank you.

[frawnz]

Sounds like you don't have insurance. I think the 10ml vials of test are around 100 bucks from the pharmacy without insurance and will usually last you 10 weeks, depending on your scripted dose.

[ottomaddox]

I pay about $60.00 dollars for a 10ml vial of Test-Cyp from Wallgreens, without insurance.

[forrest_and_trees]

From the sound on it, he does have insurance, just not good insurance. Testim is $300 otherwise. Or perhaps he lives in Canada where they pay half what we do for the same stuff for no reason... but I digress. If you really and truly do have Low T, then you're a lifer and $150 a month is ridiculous. The guys are right, Test Cyp is cheaper, I personally pay $100 for a vial and like frawnz said, it should last 10 weeks. Ottomaddox, how do you get your test so cheap? I get mine at Walgreens too. As for oral or patches, they both have their significant drawbacks are not as effective as gel injection and are *rarely* used.

[zaggahamma]

as above stated injects WAY cheaper and to answer your other ? THEY ARE ALSO MORE EFFECTIVE...hope u feel better bro

[MaxPowers]

thanks for the help/tips guys. Stuck with Testim for this month but will be making the switch to injections afterwards.

[subnet]

Max - as everyone here has said, injects are the way to go, for cost. Their effectiveness is well-documented also as jpk stated. I know when I started off with Testim, my Dr. had a card for a free month (so maybe ask yours?), but I quickly went to injectible Test E and have been happy for over a year. Even without insurance, injectables are way cheaper and work (in the sense of increasing the amount of testosterone in your blood), as apposed to gel's which might or might not give you good levels, depending on how you absorb the medicine with your skin. Orals can be hard on your liver and gels are messy and can be spread to others. Injectibles are a once or twice a week thing that becomes easy after just a few times, although still a PITA.