Men with low Testosterone (T)

No, this is not spam. I simply want to ask those men on T replacement therapy what works best for you.

There are different delivery methods these days like gels, injections, implants, patches and something you put between your top lip and gum.

What have you tried and what are the pros and cons?

If this is too personal, please PM me. I'll keep it private.

TIA

Joe

I used the foam under arm and the slow release metered patch. I preferred the patch over the foam, less mess and easier. Both worked just fine so only difference was the ease of use.

I'd love the patch or the implant.

My T level is very low, so I'll be trying something real soon. I have follow-up lab work next Monday for comparison.

The patch burnt the devil out of me I now use AndroGel 1.62%, much better at times I think it reacted with my deodorant, that turned me to hamburger. I learned to be careful, don't touch your eyes either.

Now according to T.V., we all need to hire a lawyerif we use them. A with everything in the Land of Sue! Jim

I hope you guys don't mind my injecting this here.........just be sure to keep up on the research concerning the increased health risks from using testosterone.

Country4ever,
We're aware.

I am on Androgel 1.62. I also have low T. My endocringologist is the one who encouraged me to get a sleep study (my AHI was >90, and now on CPAP).
It seems to work and really is pretty easy to apply and deal with.
I see that Aveed (which is a once every 6 week injection) was just approved by the FDA.
I am going my Dr about it next week.

I am very interested in the subject also.
Over the past 6mths, my health has suffered.
I had blood work done.....T levels are very low.....71.
My sleep and energy level has suffered. I talked to docs about
T replacement and have done the internet research.
I decided to wait and see if I can recover without it.
I am back on the bike. Exercise is supposed to help.
Stress levels have decreased. I eat healthy.
I already have BPH to control. Doing that w/Saw palmetto/L-Arginine supplements.
Very careful to not use any kind of antihistamines.
T replacement seems very risky for me.

So, for those doing the treatments.....how is it working?
How do you feel about the side effect risk?

Carbonman,

I second your comments. My T levels are about half the minimum reference interval of 348 ng/dL and dropped 5 points with a 25 lb weight loss, but time will tell as I continue to loss weight. Insurance coverage and cost can be an issue. Like you I will be monitoring the situation for a while before making a decision.

Re the Cost: My brother whose Insurance won't cover T Therapy was advised by a Nurse at the Hospital to contact the the Women's Pharmacy in Madison, Wisc. where he was able to get his prescription filled for $25/month vs. $350/month for the synthetic brand name.

A few years ago I used Testim. It's a gel. You rub it on your arms each morning.

I had two problems:

1. The smell. Almost everyone noticed it. Even co-workers. And, I work with a lot of females.

2. The David Banner syndrome. Maybe my dosage was too high, but little things set me off. It was also a bad time in my life. IE; Job, relationship, etc.

So, if they could do something to reduce the pungent oder that would help.

I'm going to check my Formulary now to see what's covered.

Joe

Joe,

The odor, did it drive them mad or did it just make you smell like a Billy Goat?

My Sister-in Law is an Endocrinologist and her Tongue in Cheek term for what you called the David Banner syndrome is Testosterone Poisoning and it's one of the reason's I'm approaching this slowly (seriously).

Cliburn wrote:I am on Androgel 1.62. I also have low T. My endocringologist is the one who encouraged me to get a sleep study (my AHI was >90, and now on CPAP).
It seems to work and really is pretty easy to apply and deal with.
I see that Aveed (which is a once every 6 week injection) was just approved by the FDA.
I am going my Dr about it next week.

All script drugs in the U.S. are approved by the FDA, does that make you feel safe? Their track record seems to be poor, maybe it's because they are too close to the drug companies, or maybe it's just that they are government run.

Steriods like many drugs are unsafe, but if your natural levels are low, that is unsafe too. As with most things in life, there comes a time you have to make choices on your own. Just stay informed, and use moderation, it's the key to all things. Jim

My Sleep Apnea has been successfully treated for years, "T" is still low. Often I forget to apply the dose daily. I needed treatment for losing muscle mass, it has helped.

This is just like xPAP therapy you need the right amount. You "can" overdose.

rkuntz wrote:Joe,

The odor, did it drive them mad

There was one that was coming up to me saying what is that smell (in a positive way)? She was right in my neck. It was making me feel uncomfortable - in a positive way.

Goofproof wrote:

Cliburn wrote:I am on Androgel 1.62. I also have low T. My endocringologist is the one who encouraged me to get a sleep study (my AHI was >90, and now on CPAP).
It seems to work and really is pretty easy to apply and deal with.
I see that Aveed (which is a once every 6 week injection) was just approved by the FDA.
I am going my Dr about it next week.

All script drugs in the U.S. are approved by the FDA, does that make you feel safe? Their track record seems to be poor, maybe it's because they are too close to the drug companies, or maybe it's just that they are government run.

Steriods like many drugs are unsafe, but if your natural levels are low, that is unsafe too. As with most things in life, there comes a time you have to make choices on your own. Just stay informed, and use moderation, it's the key to all things. Jim

My Sleep Apnea has been successfully treated for years, "T" is still low. Often I forget to apply the dose daily. I needed treatment for losing muscle mass, it has helped.

Well, as to the FDA and Aveed, it is not a new drug. It has been used for almost a decade in Europe and Canada. I have been following it as it seems like a much better option than other traditional delivery mechanisms currently available in the USA (creams, patches or weekly injections). Interested to see what my doctor thinks.
As to T-replacement therapy, I am concerned about some of the studies.... but if you examine them you find out that many of the patients really didnt have Low T levels to begin with. I do know that I personally felt much better (more energy and a sharper mind) after about 10 days.... and my currents levels (with replacement) put me at the low end of where I should be. But the whole subject is controversial....