Maximizing the benefits of Androderm patch

[Maxx24]

Approximately 6 years ago, my doctor put me on the Androderm patch because my test number was in the low 200’s. I never really had any testing done afterwards to see how being on the patch affected my #. But over the next 5 years, I was on and off the patch due to changes in insurance and physician. So I was never on it for more than about 3 months at a time.

For my 2015, 2016, and 2017 yearly physicals, my test number was around 500. Again, not consistently on the patch. But whenever I was on the patch short term, I noticed a dramatic improvement in my mood, memory, and clarity of thinking. I’ve always suffered from depression and just a general “foggy” state of mind. So at my 2017 physical in January, my new doctor put me back on the patch and I was able to stay on it for an entire year. At my 2018 physical, my # had dropped to 299. So I do a little research and learn that my own test production shuts down while on the patch.

Now during the past year, I felt amazing. Great mood, great memory, just the best I’ve ever felt mentally and emotionally. But about 6 months into the use of the patch, my sex drive became non-existent and I couldn’t maintain an erection for longer than about 30 seconds. I just assumed it was because I am 46 years old and was a natural part of aging. But when I got my low test # back at my 2018 physical and did some research, I realized that my sex drive and erection problems were most likely caused by the patch.

So now I’ve been off the patch for about 5 weeks. My sex drive has slowly returned, as well as my erections. But I also feel like shit again. Depressed, tired, groggy, can’t remember anything. I feel like I need to be on the patch to feel good, but I can’t let it affect my sex life. During my research on the forums, it sounds like I need to be on HCG and Arimidex. Is it as simple as that? And if so, do I need to stay off the patch a while longer to allow my natural system to get back up to speed? When I discussed these issues with my doctor, he said he could refer me to the in-house endo. If I can’t get a prescription for HCG and Arimidex, what are my options? Not looking to pin gear……

[Youthful55guy]

You need a full set of labs while using the patch for at least 6 weeks without fail to understand what's going on. Could be E, might be something else. That's why we do labs.

Also, consider switching over to T-cyp injectable. The thought of sticking a patch to my balls seems barbaric. Injections are so much more dependable too. You know exactly how much T you are getting. The whole transdermal absorption factor is taken completely out of the equation.

[Maxx24]

Here are my last 3 labs. January 2018 results are after 1 year of consistent patch use.

[kelkel]

You need to find a better doctor. The patch is even a step behind gels imho. Nobody uses them anymore. Seriously. In my experience it's the doc's who don't understand hormones that opt for patches, gels, etc as it requires very little work out of them.

Do what Y55G said and find a doctor that will treat you properly.

[Youthful55guy]

Here are my last 3 labs. January 2018 results are after 1 year of consistent patch use.

The minimum labs you should run are Total T, Free T, DHT, Prolactin, SHBG, E (using the correct lab), CBC, lipids, T3, T4, TSH, and PSA. These should be run at least once per year. After significant changes in protocol, you probably only need Total T, Free T, SHBG, E (using the correct lab).

[Maxx24]

The minimum labs you should run are Total T, Free T, DHT, Prolactin, SHBG, E (using the correct lab), CBC, lipids, T3, T4, TSH, and PSA. These should be run at least once per year. After significant changes in protocol, you probably only need Total T, Free T, SHBG, E (using the correct lab).

Are those all things I can request during my annual physical, or do I need to specifically go to an endo to get that type of lab workup?

[kelkel]

Sure you can. If your doctor balks at some of them remind him it's your insurance paying for it, not his. If there are some he won't pull you can get them yourself via private labs without a script.

[Youthful55guy]

Are those all things I can request during my annual physical, or do I need to specifically go to an endo to get that type of lab workup?

yes, there's nothing exotic about the labs. If the doc won't order them, then get them yourself. Here's a good source: https://www.discountedlabs.com/. Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands.