Testosterone I'm a big fan!

[Papacorn]

Originally Posted by Mopar71

Maybe I missed it but what are "pellets"??? I understand the gel and injections but lost in what pellets are. Thx in advance.

Pellets are testosterone that is injected under the skin on your ass. They are slowly and consistently absorbed into your body over the 4 to 5 months they are effective. You can feel them shrink and ultimately disappear, about when you notice the benefits decline.

I have not used the weekly injections but have to imagine that they have a similar "low" the day before you inject. I choose the pellets for convenience, plus my urologist is generous with Vit C samples every time I see him, saves me a bunch !

[SpiceItUp]

If your levels are checked throughout the 5-6 month period pellets are a good solution for some people. They are convenient but do require an incision to implant. It is a longer process getting the correct dose dialed in or adjusted since the administration interval is so long.

Not everyone absorbs the pellets at the same rate and this can result in wild hormonal swings between months 1-5. Some absorb at a stable rate but faster/slower than others meaning some people they last 3 months others they last 7 months. The only way to tell is regular blood work.

Stable, consistent levels are what is desired keeping swings to an absolute minimum with short spans. If it works for you gel is the best for this since it is administered daily. Second best is injections administered twice a week. Third is injections once a week.

There are pros and cons to every exogenous testosterone administration method.

Also, a minor possible concern with pellets are possible extrusion if they're not implanted deep enough or aseptically.

[LickHer]

Originally Posted by Papacorn

Pellets are testosterone that is injected under the skin on your ass. They are slowly and consistently absorbed into your body over the 4 to 5 months they are effective. You can feel them shrink and ultimately disappear, about when you notice the benefits decline.

I have not used the weekly injections but have to imagine that they have a similar "low" the day before you inject. I choose the pellets for convenience, plus my urologist is generous with Vit C samples every time I see him, saves me a bunch !

Problem is pellets are impossible to predict and adjust if you are getting too much or too little. All people have different rates of metabolism and blood chemistry so achieving a perfect T level is only possible with weekly injections. No other method comes close to predictability or reliability and ease of adjustment.

[Laura Lynn]

This is a very good thead and I appreciate the information. I would like to know more about the women taking Test.

From an outsiders view, I can say I notice when its time for my special friend to go get his Test injection. After he's had them, the pellets are small hard lumps in the cheeks of his tush and are very noticeable for quite some time.

[OldGrump]

Spice, a big "Thank You" for the information and links. It has changed my opinion on the delivery method and made me more aware of other test results that may be affected by the therapy.

Some questions on the gel: Are the warnings about transfer to your partner a bit on the safe side? How long after the application is there a risk of transfer?

The old cliche' "get a second opinion" is highly recommended here. When I first began my saga to correct a failing sexual function, the urologist wanted to do an penile implant. I'm glad I chose to do some independent research and get other doctors opinions first.

[SpiceItUp]

Originally Posted by OldGrump

Spice, a big "Thank You" for the information and links. It has changed my opinion on the delivery method and made me more aware of other test results that may be affected by the therapy.

Some questions on the gel: Are the warnings about transfer to your partner a bit on the safe side? How long after the application is there a risk of transfer?

The old cliche' "get a second opinion" is highly recommended here. When I first began my saga to correct a failing sexual function, the urologist wanted to do an penile implant. I'm glad I chose to do some independent research and get other doctors opinions first.

Not a problem I'm happy to squash as much misinformation as possible. And I couldn't agree more regarding second opinions, many people wrongly assume that doctors are brilliant experts by default. Remember that 50% of physicians graduated in the bottom half of their class

As to gel transfer, the risks are real but are highly variable and not well studied or understood. The transfer amounts are small but since females have very very little testosterone any swing can adversely affect them. That's why it's recommended to shower before sexual contact.

Arguably, since the testosterone cannot cross the skin barrier without the aid of a penetrating agent (in this case ethanol) any gel transferred would not enter the blood stream anyway. But since only very small amounts are needed to cause adverse effects the risk persists.

A small but recent study showed a risk of transfer persists up to 12 hours and can be largely mitigated by a clothing barrier but not fully mitigated.

Stahlman, Jodi, et al. "Serum testosterone levels in non-dosed females after secondary exposure to 1.62% testosterone gel: effects of clothing barrier on testosterone absorption." Current Medical Research & Opinion 28.2 (2012): 291-301.

Another case report examined unpublished studies and found little cause for concern. Like I said, these things aren't fully understood.

de Ronde, Willem. "Hyperandrogenism after transfer of topical testosterone gel: case report and review of published and unpublished studies." Human Reproduction 24.2 (2009): 425-428.

[ftango4]

With the high deductible insurance we have now, the androgel is like $400 even with the drug company coupon. Are the shots cheaper? What about the Airon? Price, effectiveness?

[SpiceItUp]

Originally Posted by ftango4

With the high deductible insurance we have now, the androgel is like $400 even with the drug company coupon. Are the shots cheaper? What about the Airon? Price, effectiveness?

Gels are the most expensive option by far as they are relatively new and still on patent.

Injections are dirt cheap. Total cost without insurance paying a dime is roughly $100 for a 10ml vial of testosterone cypionate in 200 mg/ml concentration.

Typical injection protocol is between 100-200mg/week so a vial will last between 10-20 weeks.

So without insurance cost is $20-$40/month depending on the protocol. Syringes are 30cents apiece if that.

[ftango4]

Thanks for the info Spice.

[ftango4]

Spice, where is the best place in Dallas to get the injectables? I assume they come from a Docs script? I mean if you are going to do them yourself vs going to get the shots at a clinic.

[SpiceItUp]

Testosterone and other anabolic steroids are controlled substances (Schedule III) so yes you need a doctor's prescription. Then you get it at any pharmacy.

It is possible to get them black market but that is not recommended as you never know what you are getting. Also, if you read my posts you now see that its imperative to have regular comprehensive bloodwork.

I cannot refer you to a Dallas physician as I live in Houston, someone else may be able to provide a reference.

Most doctors who prescribe them will be fine with self administered shots, if not, find one who is. The shots you give yourself will be far less painful (there are ways to reduce the pain literally to zero) and much more convenient.

[ftango4]

Thanks for all the info amigo. The gel has worked great for me last couple of years, but as mentioned the insurance side on it is heading south fast. so need to find the shot guru MD of Dallas soon.

[Mopar71]

Originally Posted by ftango4

Thanks for all the info amigo. The gel has worked great for me last couple of years, but as mentioned the insurance side on it is heading south fast. so need to find the shot guru MD of Dallas soon.

Thx for all the info. It is appreciated.

[LittleWit]

My doctor is in McKinney Dr. Proctor kind of a haul for you Dallas guys but I checked with a few places in Plano and Dallas and they make a lot of money by you coming in each week for a shot.

[dfwfunguy1818]

I have been doing the Testosterone injections now since last summer. Only the first two weeks did I feel a difference. My blood level initially was under 200 and four weeks later it was in the 800 range, 4 weeks after that it was over 1200 and it seemed like i was being accused of taking some elsewhere, then 4 weeks later i was near 300... I am waiting on another 4 weeks to take the blood test again.

The dr that gives the injections is thinking I might need an anti-depressant now...but I don't want to take that. Do you think they just need to increase the levels or maybe the type of testosterone they are administering isn't being aborbed by my body correctly?

I would like to hear from others...it is a little frustrating.