Guest guest Posted May 18, 2010 Report Share Posted May 18, 2010 Thanks to all of you who participated in my testosterone survey. If you have not participated and still want to, please go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/V99JMGFThese are answers to the last question, which I think some of you will find interesting.I am also attaching some graphs.If you have used testosterone or are currently using it, please share with us your experience and product used. Thank you for participating!#Response DateResponse Text1Jan 8, 2008 4:35 AM160 mg bid. Present blood level on the high end of normal. Been on the same regimen for over a decade. no side effects that I can tell.2Jan 8, 2008 4:54 AMAndrogel 1%. Used it every day initially, and it changed a lot of things. Met my last lover shortly after I started using it about 6 years ago. I have increased alertness, energy, libido, and get lasting results from weight training and swimming at age 54. I did have some problems with thinning hair on my head, increased hair on my body, and acne on my back (some hot flashes too) - no shrinking of testicles. Spread use out to once every other day or so, and haven't had recurrence of side effects. My testosterone is holding in high-normal range for several years now. I've hoarded a bit, since I'm afraid insurance will stop paying for it any minute with the bad name testosterone is getting in the press.3Jan 8, 2008 4:59 AMI used injected testosterone, but because I was not keeping to a good workout regime, I stopped using it. My testo level's have returned to the low side of normal.....I feel OK4Jan 8, 2008 5:05 AMI didn't enjoy the mood swings from peak-to-trough when getting twice monthly injections, and had a $14 copay for each injection. About a year ago the Testim gel became available free-of-charge through my state's drug assistance program. I didn't notice any improvement in my energy level until about two months later, and even then it was slight. Over a year later I can certainly say it has increased my libido from non-existent to normal. I still struggle with weight-loss issues. Recent bloodwork shows normal PSA levels (50 year old). I very much wished that testosterone supplimentation was the "magic bullet" for my struggles with weight-loss, fatigue and libido, but for now I'm glad it resolved the libido-deficit and has helped the fatigue somewhat.5Jan 8, 2008 5:08 AMkeeping my T level fairly even works the best for me, so the shots every 2 weeks had too many peaks and valleys. The gel is super easy, and I haven't tried the sublingual form but would like to. I've worked in the field of HIV for over 20 yrs - prevention, education, testing, drug treatment, mental health, and services for poz folks; and I believe that keeping T levels up is very important to our overall health. I always inform my clients about it's importance and encourage them to have a talk with their Dr about it.6Jan 8, 2008 5:19 AMI use Androgel. It's very convenient, dries quickly, and has no fragrance. It's done a good job of keeping my testosterone at a normal level. I used to get a shot every two weeks, but I found it very inconvenient, since I got it my doctor's office (which also involved a co-pay for the treatment).7Jan 8, 2008 5:30 AMI have tried both injection and gel. I perferred injections. Gels are too messy and did not rasie my testosterone level to normal levels. My health insurance will not pay for injections, so I pay for injectable testosterone out of pocket, but its worth every penny to me.8Jan 8, 2008 6:09 AMI started testosterone by using the patch on both arms then switched to the gel when ADAP would help in paying for gel version. It helped with my energy level but did not decrease my Lypodystrophy alot. I did get some muscle mass but couldn't keep, even with exercise. It caused an increase in my H & H and I decreased dosage to one pack a day. I have stopped using it over the past month. It also makes me feel bad now.9Jan 8, 2008 6:21 AMI would do sublingual products over shots, but I always assumed they don't work. I prefer the shots because the gels are too messy and the patches are unsightly and break me out. Unlike many people, I do not experience mood swings or intense hornyness after the shot.10Jan 8, 2008 6:32 AMIt seems to help in terms of getting erections and experiencing orgasm in the face of diabetic ED.11Jan 8, 2008 7:17 AMI have a fast metabolism I see effects within 20 minutes after injection. I can keep getting erections up to 3 weeks but seem to lose interest if I do not get a shot every 2 weeks. It would be nice to have something more longterm like pellets. But I am ok with shots they work good for me. Testicle shrinkage is pretty severe though due to use of the shots12Jan 8, 2008 7:22 AMit increased my energy level.13Jan 8, 2008 7:40 AMAgainst medical advice I have tried testosterone injections and have noticed an increase in my energy, sexual libido, and appetite. I exercise a lot and combined with the injections gave a subtle enhancement when I was seeing very little. This could be from increased diet, or more energy to workout more, or perhaps from the hormonal change. It's not something that I will continue on a regular basis because of the lack of medical advisement, but here and there it works great.14Jan 8, 2008 8:31 AMit worries me that it may contribute to lipo15Jan 8, 2008 9:25 AM#4 Did not include "My levels returned to normal"16Jan 8, 2008 10:04 AMYES, MY PRIMARY DOCTOR DID A TEST ON MY BLOOD... WHICH INDICATED, THAT I TO HAVE THE TESTOSTERONE PATCH... SINCE I HAVE BEEN USING THE PATCH MY TESTOSTERONE IS TESTING AT A GOOD LEVEL... I KEEP THE PATCHES ON THE TABLE BY MY BED AND I PUT A NEW ONE ON EACH NIGHT, BEFORE GOING TO BED.....17Jan 8, 2008 11:07 AMI use testim 50 mg daily and i'm super happy with it. Adrogel seemes to peak out and cease to be effective, plus my insurance has Testim on their formulary so it's a lower co-pay. I've had no negative side effects so far.18Jan 8, 2008 11:22 AMI stopped using it for two reasons. 1) I didn“t notice any really noticeable benefits for me, 2) I know that adding external Testosterone signals yous testicles to produce less of the natural one, so I have always been concerned about this fact. This second reason has been the main one for me to stop using it.19Jan 8, 2008 1:20 PMI administer the shots myself. My state's adap does not cover androgel so I pay for the injections myself through my insurance. Because of the "donut hole in medicare" I cannot afford the androgel myself...thanks to congress. I inject 1/2 cc each week; the usual dosage is 1cc every two weeks. I have found there is too much up and downs with the usual regime. My doctors concurr. I have no prostrate problems...psa or digital and its rather small according to my doctor. I work out a a gym 5 days a week and am in terrific shape. If I didn't have this supplement, I would loose weight and have no energy.20Jan 8, 2008 1:30 PMWeekly injections of 1/2 to 3/4 cc's. I prefer some other method, but I've gotten used to giving myself shots. I definitely notice more energy, more vitality, increased sexual desires and muscle maintenance, if not increase, from weight lifting. Never had mood swings that I've noticed. I wish it were covered by insurance; don't understand that.21Jan 8, 2008 2:09 PMI like having to only do the shot once per week. The gel is hard to remember to use every day. Especially when out of town.22Jan 8, 2008 2:14 PMadherence is my main problem23Jan 8, 2008 2:56 PMI feel less tired....it also seems good for my head.24Jan 8, 2008 3:17 PMI use Testagel and its wonderful.....easy to apply, dries on quickly and the effect....I feel like a man again...25Jan 8, 2008 3:39 PMGels get sticky at times, injections hurt and can bruise, and then there is the dreaded testicle shrinkage. So I drudgingly continue with the shots and hope my body doesn't someday forget how to make some testosterone on its own.26Jan 8, 2008 4:14 PMI have used testosterone replacement for years. First injections and later gel - which I currently use. I was underperscribed for many years and continued to suffer with chronic depression and no labido. A couple of years ago, a dr. finally adjusted my dose (doubled it) and now I have much more motivation and the depression is better for the first time in 10 years. The only side effect I have suffered is atrophy of the testes. However, I use a vacuum pump on them once a week and they are now bigger than ever.27Jan 8, 2008 4:21 PMI have used several forms of testosterone with good results. I had to stop when my ALT/AST got very high, probably from an oral form of testosterone that I bought in Thailand.28Jan 8, 2008 4:55 PMTestim. I think I am using this as a consequence of taking the anabolic steroid, Nandralone.29Jan 8, 2008 5:42 PMThey don't subscribe testostrone to black men...prostate problem???????30Jan 8, 2008 6:08 PMAlthough I have had good experiences with gels, I am for various reasons (mostly financial) using T cypionate 2x/week subq. Subq injection is not such a new idea as some people think, and maintains more stable T levels than 1x/week intramuscular injection. Also, because a smaller amount is injected at a time, there is less tendency for aromatization to E2. Dr. Eugene Shippen, with whom I still consult, recommends this method above all others and in fact uses it himself.31Jan 8, 2008 6:17 PMShots added bulk and weight with intense weight training. Made me extremely horny and productive with repest to ejaculate material all the while shrinking my testicles. It also increased visceral fat with weight gain and emotionally "charged". I'm now off the injections and of the Androgel patch. Have returned to nomal libido and not crazy.32Jan 8, 2008 6:25 PMFor a long time I got injections every two weeks. Depending on the skill of the nurse they ranged from extremely painful to painful. And as much as the high points following the injections were pleasurable, the lows around the time of the next injection were not. I use Androgel now and much prefer it for the ease of use, no pain involved in its administration, and it provides a much more stable level of testosterone supplementation. I would never go back to injections by choice.33Jan 8, 2008 6:32 PMTestim. More sexual urges but that had not really been a problem. More musculature, but that had not really been a problem. Better outlook, which had been a problem, but also quicker to anger under treatment. Wanted to loose visceral, truncal fat. Had some effect but also lost limb fat, which is why I discontinued. Thanks for all you do, . More benefit is gained from this group than you can imagine. We don't all "respond," as you might like, but that anonymity is what is appealing to many.34Jan 8, 2008 6:46 PMI liked the boost in energy and muscle mass, but side effects became a problem, especially acne and moodiness.35Jan 8, 2008 6:53 PMI have had an good increase in my energy level, but I'm not sure that the side-effects of fat gain in my pectoral region is worth it.36Jan 8, 2008 7:15 PMI have been using Androgel for the past couple years. Prior to that, I was on Androderm. Slathering the gel on every day (or every other day) isn't that difficult. The strong alcohol smell however is a bit much.37Jan 8, 2008 9:02 PMI started with Androgel and noticed a definite improvement in getting abck energy I had lost. Unfortunately I was getting sever break outs of ance so stopped that and went to Testim. The Testim was not as good at energy replacement but the side effects were also not as severe. My doctor felt I no longer needer the supplements so I am off them now.38Jan 8, 2008 9:28 PMI use androgel. I've been on it for several years now and it seems to be working. I noticed a big difference when I started using it with increased energy levels but then it sort of leveled off. I believe my consistent use has helped me maintain my body weight and muscles, but it doesn't really make me "feel" any different anymore.39Jan 8, 2008 10:24 PMI had used injectable for many years, then Testim and now Androgel (change due to my local ADAP no longer carrying Testim). I far prefer Androgel to Testim as it is easier to apply and much less sticky on the skin: very important in Florida's humidity. I wish I would have known years ago and switched then. These were always provided by either my private insurer (Medicare Advantage plan) or ADAP, although ADAP requires testosterone level lab results every 8 weeks and regular visits with a nutritionist. For me the difference is night and day, with testosterone my sex drive returned, my mood and energy levels improved and I feel like a normal human being again. I have never had problems with PSA levels or prostate enlargement or a too high HGB or HCT. I do have a 13 year history of anal cancer and recently, squamous cell ca of the gums/jaw, but these are believed to be HPV related. I had used Deca-Durabolin for a few years but developed pulmonary hypertension and an enlarged left ventricle which were believed to be caused by that particular steroid. I stopped the Deca immediately and the cardiovascular problems resolved over 2-3 years and I now have a normal EKG again on testosterone replacement therapy only.40Jan 8, 2008 10:27 PMI am pleased with the results; however, not real happy with two of the side effects: 1. Mild head and body hair loss, and 2. Ball shrinkage.41Jan 9, 2008 12:06 AMHave used injections and Striant. So far, Striant is working very well.42Jan 9, 2008 12:50 AMHave used testosterone injections for about 10 years. Began at age 47. Current age 57. Initially began 1ml weekly.Positive results in mood,energy, appetite & muscle gain were incredible. Testosterone serum increased steadily over the years to about 880 2 years or so ago. At that time reduced to 1ml every other week. At some point in past tried Androgel. This method was very ineffective for me. In a few weeks experienced decrease energy, stamina, appetite. Became weepy/tearful at times. Current testosterone serum upper side of acceptable range.43Jan 9, 2008 1:32 AMI used to get testosterone injections once a week, but my estrodiol levels were too high, so now I get pellets implanted by Dr. Savage, Chicago, Ill. This has seemed to work much better for me and I feel great. The downside of this is this method is not covered by insurance,(medicare), and with all the blood work, urine testing, and cost to implant the pellets, its very expensive, averaging $1000. every 4 months or so. My body tends to use lots of testosterone as well, so I have found I have to have this done slightly more often. Also, as someone with very little subcutaneous fat, its very dificult for my doctor to find a place with a little bit of fat to insert the pellets. The upside of this though is that for that reason, it forces me to increase my calorie intake and pay more attention to my weight and try to increase my body fat/muscle ratio.44Jan 9, 2008 3:56 AMi used to do shots once a week or 10 days. at worst it was once every 2 weeks. I have been on testosterone therapy for about 7 -8 yrs. I stopped doing shots about a year and 1/2 ago and went to the gel so i would get a steady daily dose and not get hormone "rushes" that sometimes influenced my behavior in a negative way. Anger, aggression, moodiness. Testim gel has been a little difficulct to get used to for me. Now I just put in on anytime before i go to bed. It's the only medicine I'm not concerned about missing a day once in a while. You only need to leave it on for 2 hrs to take effect, so you can put in on as soon as you wake up and shower it off if you enjoy a leisurely morning routine. I love the idea of sublingual (under the tongue) if that product is available, please let me know.45Jan 9, 2008 4:25 AMI love Androgel, it is the best so far46Jan 9, 2008 2:19 PMExogenous testosterone saved my life. I was so depressed and having constant panic attacks. Then I found out my testosterone level was 10 (Normal >300) With my first injection, these symptoms abated and never returned. My energy level returned to normal as did my libido. My lipid profile actually improved and my PSA has remained normal on testosterone.47Jan 9, 2008 3:35 PMandrogel seems to work just fine easy to use much better than the patch which cause very bad skin irritation48Jan 9, 2008 5:46 PMI started with shots every two weeks, but the ups and downs were too dramatic. I was worried I would really hurt someone or myself with the rages I felt. The patches were much better for consistent dosage, but I developed a rash that got worse. I used the gel for two years, but moved to a warm climate and the sweat seemed to interfere with absorption. Now I give myself a shot once a week, about .6 ml. It works pretty well, but I sometimes hit a nerve or get bruises. I don't get the extreme adrenaline surges I got the first year. I have been using testosterone supplements for about six years now.49Jan 10, 2008 3:54 AMAndroGel 1%, 1 packet 5GM daily. Easy to use by spreading gel on the stomach every morning. No side effects whatsoever. Normal testosterone level checked periodically. Regular gym workouts increase natural testosterone level. Sexual function satisfactory. Normal prostate condition. I see my doctor every three months for tests. I'm in excellent health in all aspects of physical and mental conditions. Spirituality in check for a real great pleasure with simple and joyful living. Nutritional values to keep the engine working well. No complaints of any kind.50Jan 10, 2008 6:51 AMdepo-testosterone, 100 mg once a week IM - has worked wonders in increasing and maintaining lean muscle mass. Added benefit of feeling hornier and able to do something about it.51Jan 11, 2008 12:53 AMUse the weekly shot. Makes all the difference in the world. I was using 2 packets of Androgel a day, and my tesotsterone levels went up from 200 to 400. Not much. The shots, 200mg of Enenthate (sp), help tremendously. More energy, more muscle mass (I work out 5 days a week), more stamina, better mood, better temper, much less depression.52Jan 11, 2008 5:09 AMI only get 1 cc a month, so by the second week it's already worn off. I would like something more constant53Jan 11, 2008 3:13 PMi discovered my testosterone had collapsed about a year ago when i started losing muscle, gaining even more fat around my middle fast, my hair was thinning (noticed by my barber), terrible dandruff, my skin was dry, toes and fingers cracked, mood low, no libido, dreadful diarrhea every other day and i could barely make it through the week at work i had so little energy. (if i don't work i don't get paid, so taking time off is not an option. i work through the flu while my neg colleagues are off for a week) because i have a fatty liver my doc refused to give me testosterone as he said it would only make the liver worse. i fought with him for months as i was near suicidal, i knew i couldn't carry on like this. because of my lack of lebido my partner started fucking around and we have since split up. total nightmare really. my doc eventually agreed to let me have a low dose of testim, understanding a balance had to be made. it immediately lifted my spirits and gave me energy and a sex drive, (not that i could use it looking the way i did). i have since added 50mg of deca once a week, behind my docs back, bringing me up to 75mg a week, as i take half a tube a day of gel now. (most guys take at least 100mg or more). it feels right for me. my liver hasn't overreacted, my skin hasn't broken out. i'm working out 4-5 times a week, muscle is coming back and just everything is worth living for again. i get good comments from other guys again now though i'm still battling against my belly fat which i absolutley hate. i've learned over the yrs (diagnosed in '91) that you have to take your own decisions over your health. if my doc doesn't like the fact i'm taking deca, tough!54Jan 11, 2008 5:08 PMi'm currently on 200mg/wk of testosterone cypionate and 200mg week nandrolone decanoate. i have used testim and androgel in the past, androgel was too sticky all day and testim wqas INSANELY sticky all day and smelled like real cheap cologne. i would prefer less frequent shots if they came up with a longer half-life testosterone, but i aint doing pellets. the shots are vastly more convenient, ive gotten better results, and they're a time saver. my quality of life, energy level and mood have improved greatly since replacement therapy.55Jan 11, 2008 6:27 PMHi and Happy New Year for starters, Well, my experience with Testosterone Shots has been like a roller coaster of different types of side effects, to include "Testicular Atrophy", enlarge prostate, and the developement of various tiny lumps within my right testicle(Thank God, they are not malignant), although when I masturbate, my right testicle hurts for days.....My Doctor is aware and ordered some test, which are pending. My testosterone shot were prescribed as; 200mgs IM every week....I'm concern that this dosage is too much/high for me, and will express my concern to my Doctor on my next appointment. What do you think about this dosage, ? Almost forgot to mention that I have the "Novel Shape" lipodistrophy on my upper torso, with a huge "Buffalo Hump", this emerged 2 months after I began using Testosterone shots,...before then, I was on my Cocktails and everything was within normal limits w/o any lipodistrophy and or side effects.....can the testosterone shots have something to do with my lipodistrophy? Thank You for your concern and for your contributions towards HIV/Aids and for helping so many people, May God Bless You Always, ...GRACIAS!56Jan 11, 2008 7:30 PMI would not be alive today if something like testosterone injections did not exist to pull me out of the HIV freefall into which I was falling. Life is a lot better with energy, strength, and concentration!57Jan 11, 2008 8:36 PMHad shots, now Androgel. Helps with fatigue and since I work out, must help maintain muscle58Jan 11, 2008 11:03 PMI have used testosterone for quite a long time. 1cc every week. I also try to combine a shot of B12. Both I administer by injection myself. I notice that testosterone keeps me from getting depressed. Although I take an antidepressant, I know by my mood whether I need to give myself an injection. I use to use a 1cc shot of nandralone as well, but since it is no longer being made I have not used any other anabolic steroids. The testosterone does mess with my testicles a bit, making them tight. I am now 52 years old and I think men over 40 years old should take replacement therapy. I am very happy with the vigar it has given me. The one thing I learned is don't let these doctors tell you what a normal testosterone level is; I don't think that from what I have read, that they have been able to establish it.59Jan 12, 2008 5:54 PMI have been self-injecting testosterone weekly for about 8 years. I believe it has helped me with depression, energy and restored some lost libido (which makes me feel 'alive' again). The shots are a bit of a pain but I found I like the results best from that delivery method.60Jan 15, 2008 5:29 AMI have been using Androgel consistently for over a year now. I am satisfied with the results so much I am afraid to stop using it. Muscle tone and energy is excellent. ly, I've always have been a big gym rat so it's difficult to say how much improvement is the result of the testosterone or my own efforts and/or the benefits of the antivirals.61Jan 15, 2008 4:05 PMI have only just started using testosterone in the past 3 weeks, and I haven't had a follow-up with my doctor yet, so it is still too early I think to give any meaningful insight; I am taking the Androgel Gel twice per day-62Jan 15, 2008 4:53 PMI am a female, I don't think that I have to use testosterone.63Jan 15, 2008 10:34 PMI use Androgel. It seems to work fine for me -- I use the pump. I also have the packets for when I travel. The problem is that I sometimes forget to apply the gel, and it just get's to be a drag to have to do this every morning. A shot would be better, but I like the "regularity" of the daily gel to keep my T level more stable. My understanding is that the shots have a rise/peak/fall response. It would be good to have something that you do less regularly than once/day but keeps your T level fairly constant over a long period of time.64Jan 16, 2008 2:43 AMThere are small areas on my arm and shoulder that itches, I suspect, from the use of androgel. I now avoid applying androgel to these small areas65Jan 16, 2008 2:44 AMI got shots every other week until Androgel came out. I used it for a long period when I was on private health insurance. Then when I went on Medicare part D it wasn't covered and I went back to shots. Last year I went back on my ex- partners insurance and returned to using Androgel. My doctor just switched me to Testim to see if I would get better levels of testosterone. I have only been on it less than a week and I am using twice the normal prescription as I did with Androgel. Again I am back on Medicare part D and the doctor is trying to get it to cover Testim which of course is not on their formulary. Hopefully my next blood test will show improved levels of testosterone.66Jan 16, 2008 3:42 AMI had some gain in muscle mass. I want to use it again, after I have been exercising faithfully again for one month. Returning to New Orleans upset my exercise routing.67Jan 20, 2008 1:43 PMI have used all methods of delivering Testosterone to my system. Am currently using Testim and have been on that for the last two years. Before that it was androgel for at least 6 years.68Jan 28, 2008 10:37 PMAndrogel has increased my sense of well being, and restored my libido. Thanks, Tom69Jan 30, 2008 8:36 PMI've used Androderm patches and I have to keep switching sites to avoid irritation.70Jan 30, 2008 8:43 PMin addition to helping add and keep weight up, it helps me be more aggressive and deal with issues of aids-related fatigue.71Jan 30, 2008 9:03 PMI USE THE INJECTIONS BECAUSE THE LOVELY STATE OF TEXAS DOES NOT RECOGNIZE REPLACEMENT THERAPY AS NECESSARY FOR LIFE SUPPORT...THE INJECTIONS ARE MUCH CHEAPER FOR ME WITH THE "DONUT HOLE" POLICY...PRIOR TO SUPPLEMENTATION; MY WEIGHT WAS 145 AND I AM 6'1". I NOW HAVE ENERGY AND WORK OUT REGULARLY AND AM A STRAPPING 180 WITH LITTLE OR NO FAT. I BELIEVE I WOULD BE DEAD WITHOUT THIS THERAPY OR MY QUALITY OF LIFE WOULD HAVE LET ME TO SUCICIDE.72Jan 31, 2008 7:11 AMI think I really had to adjust the dose to my individual needs. Daily use was producing side effects, acne, thinning hair on my head, hematocrit increase. I staggered Androgel to about 4x weekly and my level is fine, infrequent side-effects. Of course I wasn't looking for bulking up or anything (though that's a pleasant added benefit), just to keep my levels in the high-normal range. It's really helped my overall quality of life.73Jan 31, 2008 3:22 PMStarted with the shot, then moved to the patch and the gel. The patch was ok, but the gel didn't do squat! Now I'm back to the shot and love it. The shot has greatly helped with my depression associated with the loss of my partner in 2006. However, my all time favorite was Andriod, a pill version that isn't made anymore. It was the best!74Jan 31, 2008 4:00 PMThe gel helped with libido and mood. I recommend it.75Jan 31, 2008 8:15 PMLOATHE androgel, the alcohol knocks me on my ass every morning. And Testim is slimey. And the results are negligable to non-existant.76Feb 2, 2008 3:15 AMNever had a problem using AndroGel. I find that it dramatically improves my mood and controls depression. Feel much better when using it. I stopped for a period of time and didn not seem to feel as well when I was using it. Went back on it and found immediate improvement in managing my tiredness and outlook.77Feb 4, 2008 2:47 AMhaven't had much of a difference but glad to use testim... mitchell78Feb 16, 2008 3:15 AMI feel an improvement-more so w/ the shot than the gel. Best for me.79Aug 22, 2009 11:25 PMBetter mood, energy and sexual desire80Aug 22, 2009 11:40 PMI got NO raised blood levels after 8 years on 2 packets daily of Androgel 1%. I am now just recently on the twice monthly injections. I'm on week 4 & have had 2 injections. No blood tested yet, but I feel SO much less tired, less hungry, have lost 8 lbs. & sleep more soundly.81Aug 23, 2009 12:34 AMI am currently on a testosterone/nandrolone injection therapy, 1 cc each, every two weeks as I am recovering from chemo and radiation therapy. The anabolic steroids are in addition to diet and exercise to put back the lean mass I lost as a result of the cancer treatments. This course of therapy will last for 20 weeks, a total of 10 injections. I will return to daily Andogrogel gel after that to help with energy levels.82Aug 23, 2009 12:49 AMI have been using testosterone cypionate for several years now. I find it helps my mood and libido.83Aug 23, 2009 2:11 AMAndrogel is good for my mood and bones...but, I still done have erections.84Aug 23, 2009 2:24 AMI started out with the daily gel but my HMO wouldn't pay for it after a while. So I started the shot every other week. My testo levels are about normal but my doc realizes that after my not having any sexual desires for over 6 months that what has been realized by some/most doc that people with HIV can show normal levels but have problems.85Aug 23, 2009 3:27 AMShots gave me too much of an initial boost. Gels keep me at a constant level.86Aug 23, 2009 3:49 AMStarted in mid 90's, natural test levels flat-lined. Went from gel to inject-able because of higher does requirements. Have phased off a few times because of cost, not covered by insurance. But current plan is covering again. Current doctor see's no need for HGC therapy in conjunction with long term testosterone replacement therapy. So have lost the ability to do a cycle of it every 3-4 months to counter testicular apathy. Without testosterone replacement therapy, I become fatigued, depressed, loose any sex drive and natural muscle tone/mass. With, I maintain a much happier and healthier life. Seems to help maintain metabolic rates higher also.87Aug 23, 2009 5:23 AMpainful shot site for days after too long for preparation gathering instrumentation drawing oil from vial is too difficult fear of infection if not using sterile procedures fear of hitting a vein anger issues88Aug 23, 2009 6:47 AMI have a lot of peaks and troughs since I get the shot every month.89Aug 23, 2009 7:43 AMIt keeps my weight normal and energy levels high90Aug 23, 2009 12:38 PMI have used testosterone for some 13 years. When I was first diagnosed in 1995 with AIDS; my doctor said nothing but, I was probably going to die. I switched doctors when moving back the SF bay area and the first thing he said was "do you have any sexual drive"?..I said no and he said I was practically a eunech. We started on the injections and have now switched to the gel. I might add: I am in Texas now, and the gel was not on the formulary. It now is. Pryor to the gel in Texas, I injected the perscription myself into my quadracept which is the thickest muscle on my body. I did it weekly 1/2 cc as the usual is 1cc every two weeks. I am very healthy now and in good physical shape.91Aug 23, 2009 2:17 PMI use two packs of androgel daily I think that is 10g. Its easier than the shots and not as many spikes92Aug 23, 2009 3:00 PMI now the use the Androgel pump and my only concern is the variation in dose when it is pumped out.93Aug 23, 2009 3:07 PMtestical shrinking, more body hair, faster hair groth, shorter temper94Aug 23, 2009 3:52 PMNot only was my sexual drive in the basement, I had no energy and was really depressed. The testosterone really helped with all three! I can't imagine my life without it. Wait, I KNOW what my life was like without it, and I won't go back. I was amazed at how quickly the testosterone changed my mental outlook. I am now able to socialize, both in desire and ability. I don't sit home watching TV, but get out and ride my bike, meet friends, and go out for walks.95Aug 23, 2009 6:10 PMAndrogel works well for me as far as raising my levels but I do find it a chore to have to apply it. Not that it's hard to do but I guess psychologically it's a reminder of my less than optimal level of T. I'm grateful for the product and don't want to complain but something that was time released and lasted longer with fewer applications would definitely be better.96Aug 24, 2009 4:43 AMIt helps me with my energy levels during the day. I use Testim and like it, however the pellet would be better I think.97Aug 24, 2009 1:14 PMtestosterone cypionate 140mg every week98Aug 24, 2009 1:43 PMI would prefer a less messy option and plan on discussing it with my doctor at my next followup visit.99Aug 24, 2009 3:22 PMused to us Androgel. Had to switch to Testim becasue insurance stopped covering it (due to cost). Although Testim seems to work as well, Androgel was more conveneient as it dired very quickly. Testim stays stickly for a long time and I have to wait a while before i can but my shirt on. I don't understand why Angrogel is so much more expensive than Testim. I think over time, insurance companies will come to the conclusion that Testim is a better alternative (although I think Androgel is). This is yet another case where insurance companies dictate what is best for patients, rather than doctors or patients themselves. What would be best would be a "steady - release" long-term delivery system where the testosterone is absorbed at a relatively constant rate over a long (months) period of time. I understand that the pellets get absorbed faster at the beginning and slowly at the end, resulting in fluctuations in testosterone levels.100Aug 24, 2009 8:45 PMI use Depo-testosterone injection every ten days. It helps with energy and lean body maintenance.101Aug 25, 2009 8:35 AMI started on halotestin pills in 2000, went to gels and now doing shots for the past year. Keeping on a strict diet is a problem for the shots.102Aug 26, 2009 9:39 AMIt has made a difference. Used Androgel before but didn't feel it was doing the job. Am taking 200mg of Testosterone Cypionate a week. This plus the Vitamin b12 does the trick103Aug 31, 2009 5:46 AMI developed a rash after a few months with a patch, though the levels felt good. The gel didn't work when I moved to a warmer climate -- I sweated it off too soon. Now I give myself a shot every week of .6 ml. It works well, without the ups and downs of bi-weekly shots.104Aug 31, 2009 1:08 PMI apply the gel 3 or 4 times per week. It helps with libido and hopefilly muscle mass. However, I can't really say definitively that testosterone itself has made any change in my appearance in and of iteslf. I usually combine with an anabolic steroid like Nadnrolone or Anadrol. I don't want to use it every single day for fear of becoming "dependent" and my own system shutting down its own testosterone production. My levels have never been clinically low. I think of it more as a boost or enhancement to my overall mental and physical health. Regards, Vergelpowerusa dot org Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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