from gel to injections

[sparverius]

I have a script to switch to injections (test cyp.). My doctor wrote it for 100-200 mg/wk.
I'm currently using gel that's delivering 140mg/day. I read that you absorb about 10% of the test that is applied to the skin. 10% of 980mg/wk would be 100mg a week. Is that right or is there some other factor? I have to use a ton of gel but 100mg/wk is on the low end of the range for injections.

[J DIESEL3]

Sparverius I also started on gel and it was also about what u are using.

Also you are correct on the percent that they say u will absorb.However everyone is different and many factors do come into play on what someone will absorb.

When I changed to injections my total and free t levels were much higher and it was just about equal to the mg of gel I was using.Or should I say the amount I was supposed to be absorbing per week..

[bass]

try 100 ew then in 4 weeks see how you feel and do blood work to see where your levels are, i recommend to split your dose to twice a week. what else are you taking, AI, hCG?

[zaggahamma]

98% TO BE EXACT using the 10% theory

never heard of an open ended injection dose either, sounds fishy

to add, if you injected 100mg of injectable you will only yield around 70mg

food for thought

injecting 100mg weekly has worked well for me

[sirupate]

Yeah...10% absorption is a generalization and not applicable to all users. A lot of guys here didn't absorb well and moved over to injections. Absorption depends on where you apply, when and probably on your individual body/skin characteristics. That's sort of awesome if you doctor gave you such a wide range of test. cyp. to be injecting each week. Mine never let me off of the leash, so to speak, to experiment any.

[kelkel]

When I switched to injections my doc, at my request, wrote me for 200mg per week knowing my intention was to do 120 split. Just told him I wanted wiggle room and don't want to be micro-managed by express scripts. Good man, he listens.

[sirupate]

When I switched to injections my doc, at my request, wrote me for 200mg per week knowing my intention was to do 120 split. Just told him I wanted wiggle room and don't want to be micro-managed by express scripts. Good man, he listens.

I like that strategy and will try it next week with the new doc. if he elects to put me back on injections.

[sparverius]

That's sort of awesome if you doctor gave you such a wide range of test. cyp. to be injecting each week.

He's cool that way. He hasn't prescribed HCG for any of his patients but he read the papers I sent him and he's ok with it. I'm going to wait until I get the T dose right before I change anything else. I've not had enough for the last couple months and I'm tired of feeling bad.

if you injected 100mg of injectable you will only yield around 70mg

How's that happen?

[kelkel]

I like that strategy and will try it next week with the new doc. if he elects to put me back on injections.

If he elects? Sh*t, tell him what YOU want! I'd bet you know as much as he does unless he's a specialist!

[HRTstudent]

He's cool that way. He hasn't prescribed HCG for any of his patients but he read the papers I sent him and he's ok with it. I'm going to wait until I get the T dose right before I change anything else. I've not had enough for the last couple months and I'm tired of feeling bad.

How's that happen?

He means that out of 100mg of injectable testosterone, around 30% is ester or non-testosterone substance. It doesn't really matter per se... because at the end of the day 100mg weekly is a good, reasonable dose and gets most people in a healthy range. You cannot directly compare it to your gel because the amount that you absorbed of the gel is variable and highly unique to you and the gel you used too.

[sirupate]

Kel...new doctor and I'll have to feel him out on what he likes to do for TRT. He is a urologist. Last doc. was an endo. Also, frankly, I do well on the gel if I am getting enough prescribed, unlike many here. I'd try injections again if the doctor will work with me to fine tune the dose. Last doc just wasn't flexible about any of this. I do like the concept and cost advantage of injections...especially now that we have an SQ option. I also understand that we are the customer and should be more assertive about what we want, but it is a relationship and you have to consider the doctor's point of view, or move on.

[zaggahamma]

He means that out of 100mg of injectable testosterone, around 30% is ester or non-testosterone substance. It doesn't really matter per se... because at the end of the day 100mg weekly is a good, reasonable dose and gets most people in a healthy range. You cannot directly compare it to your gel because the amount that you absorbed of the gel is variable and highly unique to you and the gel you used too.

thanks and well said

[DaRoq]

Based on the 10% average absorption rate of the gel and the 30% inactive ingredient in test cyp, 140mg/day gel would be equivalent to 140mg/wk test cyp. (980*10%)=(140-30%). You might me able you this rationale to ask for a 140mg/wk script for the inections. However, the shots do seem have greater efficacy, so the Dr. might not go for it.

[sparverius]

It's been 2 weeks on 100mg/week. My blood pressure's through the roof. It's 190/110 where normally on agel it was 130/90 or 120/80.
I thought that it was due to high estrogen but I've taken some anastrozole for the last week and the other estrogen symptoms (anxiety, low libido, poor erections) have gone but the BP keeps going up.

Is this normal with injections? I was going to run a race this weekend but I'm not sure it's safe.

[HRTstudent]

No that is not normal, and you are right to be alarmed. 190 blood pressure is very high.

Did you take multiple readings?

Any other new drugs or supplements?

[sparverius]

I took many readings and checked the BP monitor on someone else to see if it's in error.

The only other change was to stop taking Saw Palmetto 1 week ago. I read that it reduces production of DHT and since injections make less DHT than gel I thought I would not need it any more.

[bass]

usually it doesn't effect BP especially at your dose, it will if you're injecting 200 and up, but rare. its too soon to assume elevated RBC and Hemoglobin, but even if its not donating blood will help lower BP, also eat dark chocolate 80% cocoa or higher. hows your water intake? drink lots of water, morning walks help also. don't stress yourself it could be something you ate today or maybe a little stressed out. BTW cut salt intake and take baby aspirin before bed time. then go see you doc at your earliest opportunity.

[sparverius]

It's not just today, it's been rising since I went on injections. My life is low stress lately. Getting my hormones right is my only problem. I drink plenty of water. From what I have read it takes months for the RBC to elevate.

[HRTstudent]

Talk to your doc for sure. Nothing you're telling us could really explain why your BP went up so much and so fast. It would be my top priority to find out what's going on. Stay calm though!