Low Testosterone on HRT - with BioIdentical Testosterone cream - not working

[newyorksurf]

I'm a 30 year old mail with low testosterone levels confirmed by 3 different testosterone tests. The three tests were given at different times of the day, two in the morning and one at 4pm. As I am lead to believe testosterone levels are their highest in the mornings by the results of the tests. The first test was given to me at 4pm, which yielded 172 ng/dl and the second two given to me in the morning at 8am which were 350 ng/nl and 400 ng/nl. Because the second two tests were in the 'normal' ranges (that of a 'normal' 70 year old man and not a 30 year old) the endocrinologist said that I am fine and just needed more sleep. I asked the Dr. "So I'm fine in the morning but low in the evening, so how am I supposed to function on that?" I also informed her that although I do not experience any ED, the 'urge' to have sex, just isn't there and I was afraid of losing my girlfriend as she thinks I'm not interested in her sexually as much.

So after spending $1,000+ on a Dr. to tell me what I already know (that I have low Testosterone) and then not doing anything about it, I got down on myself as I pretty much figured I would need to deal with low testosterone for the rest of my life. I'm sure there are others out there like myself that know how it feels to have low Testosterone that are reading this, it's close to 3:30pm and I feel like I'm trudging through the rest of the day so I can go home and take a nap.

I didn't let the experience let me down. I was destine to find help for my low testosterone levels, so I went to a Anti-Aging Dr. for a in-depth analysis of my endocrine system. The Dr. seemed very knowledgeable of the situation as wanted to help me out. I felt a wave of relief over my life and thought of every day until I received HRT as a page turned.

The Dr. gave me a series of over the counter supplements, here is the list below:

- Vitamin D 5,000 IU
- Pregnenolone 10mg (though I've read people take 150mg and still do not receive benefits)
- Melatonin (3mg, makes me more tired in the morning)
- Fibro Calm (basically some holistic blend with 5-HTP, the only thing in it that really works by making you groggy)

After the Dr. prescribed this to me I figured why not, I've got nothing to lose except my girlfriend. A month later I go in for a review of my extensive blood work, I told him that nothing has changed but I'm more frustrated as the stuff he gave me was obviously not working. He told me good news! That he was going to prescribe for me Bio-Identical Testosterone cream (extracted from Yams, currently looking into how this is done as it sounds fishy as testosterone molecules are already bio-identical) as well as Cortisol.

Here is what he prescribed me:

- 100mg/ml testosterone cream
- 5mg Cortisol tablet in the morning

I thought to myself, this is strange... Cortisol is catabolic and Testosterone is anabolic, wouldn't these things conflict with each other? and why would he give me Cortisol, does he want me to puff up like a big marsh mellow?

When I got home I looked up the 100mg/ml Testosterone cream and found out that your body only absorbs roughly %10 of the dosage. Correct me if I’m wrong, but wouldn’t I be receiving a tiny dosage of testosterone, again only enough to keep me in the low ranges through out the day? Compared to androgel 10, I have read that those that use it absorb 100mg of testosterone per day, where as I am only absorbing 10mg.

As for the Cortisol, I decided not to take it, didn’t make sense to me as why I would need to gain water weight.

So here I am, at a loss, wondering what’s next. I don’t think I’m going to go back to that Dr. as I’ve already wasted 2k on Dr. visits and nothing has changed. Currently I’m working with a doctor out of UCLA that believes in raising Testosterone levels by blocking Estrogen at the Estrogen receptor. He told me that he prescribe Arimidex to his patients at first to see how their testosterone levels rise, if that fails he prescribes Nolvadex as a Estrogen inhibitor. As for now he’s trying to connect me with a Dr. out in NYC that can help me.

If anyone has had similar experiences, and have conquered them, please drop me a message on this thread. It would be great to hear from others that are going through low testosterone issues currently, as well as those that have conquered this problem.

I know what it’s like to be in the normal ranges for my age, I can think clearly, I have a nice amount of energy, and the drive is there in my personal and professional life.

Thanks for reading and,

Surfs up!

 

[ScMc]

How does it feel to be a mail?

 

[needtogetaas]

How does it feel to be a mail?

lets help

 

[newyorksurf]

Thanks, help is what I'm looking for

 

[C.K.]

Why dont you self prescribe yourself around 250-300 mgs of test a week?

 

[needtogetaas]

So you have not used the cream yet? I would at least give it a shot and see how it works for you.. If you do not like it then end all the cream crap. Get yourself a nice rash and tell your doctor it was the cream that gave it to you. Then tell him give me the damn test shot biznatch!!!

 

[testosterone tom]

NewYorkSurf, I have always had low test problems. So I know how you feel. You are in a good spot right now, however, as needsto has already posted up reply. His knowledge can help you, and I would start up a private chat with him (keeping in mind that he is very popular on this board, so a full blown conversation may take awile).

In my personal experiance, low test just sucks. So, much so, that when I reached 24, I read and studied, on this board and others, for around a year, until I decided to take the plunge and do HRT myself. But those were different times, steroid possession is now a (way out of balance) big deal and not something to go jumping into without looking at legal alternetives first. Once again, talk to needto, also look at Primordial Performance line of products.

The main reason I started the HRT was to avoid injury, grow a little, and keep my youthful drive. The arsenal I chose did that in spades. If legal alternitives work even a 1/4 as good, you should be fine. Check those out.

ScMc - LOLZ (sorry, Ive been a bartender for 15 years and the smartassed answer is always the best one)

 

[theemperor]

I feel terrible for you bro. Let me try to help you out. This is a discussion that is always popping up for folks like yourself who have health issues involving low Testosterone. These ignorant and uneducated Dr.s have a low understanding on the positive effects on HRT. Here is what you do.
1. Google for an HRT clinic in your area by all means.
2. If you cannot find one, try a youth/medicine/clinic.
3. Once you find one and hopefully a HRT, they will be able to take care of you and I would opt for self injections over visiting them due to clinical visits can get costly. Test Cream is only effective if your body takes it well in absorption but has to go through that first and by that time, you only get so much in your system. With that said, if the Dr. suggests cream, look to see that you try to get 20% Testosterone cream, not 5% or 7%. That low % is for females who have hormone issues.
4. MOST important: Listen to him on what he wants to script you for. Be confident and stand firm in your desire to feel young, full of energy, focused, and have a good sense of awareness because THAT is what Testosterone does for a man besides getting bigger and more horny! LOL. Thats what you need my good buddy!
So, when he says cream, you say that cream will be a hastle to deal with because of you being around family, kids, and girlfriend. You dont want to get that stuff on them because its medicated and messy. See what I am saying? This is only saying if you OPT for self-injections instead. So because of the hastle with cream, tell him that you would feel more comfortable with self-injections, as they are more convinient for you and that you are not afraid. You have to sound and act mature in front of the Dr. in order for them to see that, in which you are. Just saying for you to tell them you are really wanting to feel young again cause 350 or lower is not good evening or morning. I HIGHLY suggest to do some research on HRT and the benefits, so when you see the Dr., you will be VERY knowledgable in the topic.
Hope this helps you! Good Luck!

 

[RADAR]

I feel terrible for you bro. Let me try to help you out. This is a discussion that is always popping up for folks like yourself who have health issues involving low Testosterone. These ignorant and uneducated Dr.s have a low understanding on the positive effects on HRT. Here is what you do.
1. Google for an HRT clinic in your area by all means.
2. If you cannot find one, try a youth/medicine/clinic.
3. Once you find one and hopefully a HRT, they will be able to take care of you and I would opt for self injections over visiting them due to clinical visits can get costly. Test Cream is only effective if your body takes it well in absorption but has to go through that first and by that time, you only get so much in your system. With that said, if the Dr. suggests cream, look to see that you try to get 20% Testosterone cream, not 5% or 7%. That low % is for females who have hormone issues.
4. MOST important: Listen to him on what he wants to script you for. Be confident and stand firm in your desire to feel young, full of energy, focused, and have a good sense of awareness because THAT is what Testosterone does for a man besides getting bigger and more horny! LOL. Thats what you need my good buddy!
So, when he says cream, you say that cream will be a hastle to deal with because of you being around family, kids, and girlfriend. You dont want to get that stuff on them because its medicated and messy. See what I am saying? This is only saying if you OPT for self-injections instead. So because of the hastle with cream, tell him that you would feel more comfortable with self-injections, as they are more convinient for you and that you are not afraid. You have to sound and act mature in front of the Dr. in order for them to see that, in which you are. Just saying for you to tell them you are really wanting to feel young again cause 350 or lower is not good evening or morning. I HIGHLY suggest to do some research on HRT and the benefits, so when you see the Dr., you will be VERY knowledgable in the topic.
Hope this helps you! Good Luck!

Great advice here, My Brother was Prescribed Androjel Cream, the first thing it says is not to let the hand you applied it with comein contact with anyone else, he hated it,after over a month he dropped it because it gave him a rash and he wasn't sleeping.


I would give injectable test Cyp a try

RADAR

 

[newyorksurf]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the help here and I strive to become an active member on the board as time progresses. As horrible as having all this stuff to deal with can be, I've been tackling it the best that I can. I really wish, and I'm sure all of you can agree with me, that the subject wasn't considered so taboo. I'm sure most of those who knock it do not know the first thing about the endocrine system.

When I bring up the suggestion of IM testosterone vs. the cream I've been taking - I get the response "Why would you want to go through all the hassle?" It's more of a hassle rubbing cream on my inner thigh everyday.

Currently I've been working with a doctor from the UCLA medical staff. He seems to think that by blocking my Estrogen at the Estrogen receptor this could convince my anterior pituitary to secrete more LH thus convince my testicles to produce more testosterone.

Has anyone had this experience with this method? I know this occurs within PCT by blocking the estrogen production, or stemming production. However this wouldn't be the exact case for me as as far as I can tell from tests I have a balanced Testosterone/Estrogen ratio.

The Dr. was recommending anastrozle for me and hopefully the doctor that he puts me in touch with out in NYC is familiar with the method.

If this method does not work, hopefully the Dr. can give me a balance of IM Testosterone and anastrozle to prevent aromatization.

Thanks for the sympathy and support, it's good to hear from others on here!

Surfs up!

 

[George Spellwin]

Question for you. Are you wanting to take testosterone and you have just not found a doc who is willing to prescribe it to you? If that is so, perhaps look to an Internist who treats lots of patients with HIV. They tend to be familiar with HRT and are less afraid to prescribe testosterone.

Another point to consider, HRT is really for life, so are you ready to take testosterone forever, or are you wanting to give some of these more experimental treatments a go?

Lastly, androgel is the only topical testosterone that I know of. It is applied to the skin every day and will get you into the normal range. You need a script for it and it is very expensive although your insurance will pay. See: drugstore.com Online Pharmacy - Prescription Drugs, Health and Beauty, plus more

Most men tend to prefer an injection which is not expensive and which is also covered by insurance unless they are afraid of needles. Whatever you do, I would try to not spend more money on doctor visits and experimental treatments until you are certain that you are working with a doc who is comfortable prescribing HRT. I can just see a lot of these docs taking advantage of you.

 

[George Spellwin]

Great advice here, My Brother was Prescribed Androjel Cream, the first thing it says is not to let the hand you applied it with comein contact with anyone else, he hated it,after over a month he dropped it because it gave him a rash and he wasn't sleeping.

I would give injectable test Cyp a try

RADAR

Some docs actually prescribe the two together. An injection every 10 days or two weeks and gel to use towards the end of the two weeks as you come down from the spike.

 

[TheUbermensch]

Honestly, I say FUCK doing it legal!

I've had numerous health problems in my life that I go to the doctor for and spend thousands for just to have them repeat what I already know and not do anything about it. I've had better luck webmd'ing my symptoms and self-prescribing what I need.

I have no faith in American doctors or their ways of doing things (spending thousands so they can run a bunch of unnecessary tests just to relieve themselves of liability for malpractice).

I'd say just order yourself some test and self prescribe HRT at 200-300 mg a week. You'll feel better and maybe only spend about 300 dollars for a years worth of test. Rather than paying for test gel that barely works which is a shitload more expensive (not to mention the repeated doctor visits that it will take to keep them prescribing it!).


Fuck those assholes! Even with insurance doctors will still rape the fuck out of you financially and I'm willing to bet that HRT is probably NOT covered under most insurance.

 

[TheUbermensch]

One more thing.

Though I'm sure it's already been mentioned, if you go on HRT it will, more likely than not, shut what little natural testosterone production you DO have off for good. So if you start, you probably won't ever be able to quit.... or if you do quit your HRT (after being on it for awhile) you'll feel like a wimpy emo girl and actually be worse off than you are right now....

That's probably why you have a doc that's trying to work with nolvadex and clomid, those won't shut your natural production off the way HRT will...


So HRT is a very serious decision and not to be taken lightly....

 

[newyorksurf]

Currently I am looking to correct the lower then normal testosterone results I currently have. I am not looking for one thing specifically to cure the problem, and ideally I would like to produce the testosterone. I am aware of the life long commitment that one has to accept for HRT. I would much rather go through life living then half living, and if my body demands some sort of life long supplementation like hypothyroidism or type 1 diabetes then I'm not going to ignore the issue.

The cream the doctor prescribed for me is 100mg/ml of testosterone, in which he said for me to take 1ml of the cream per day. The testosterone cream was produced by a apothecary pharmacy (they supposedly engineer the stuff from yams, as posted earlier I'm looking into the legitimacy and preparation of this method) - one thing is for sure is it's not covered by insurance. I have looked into androgel as well to compare the strengths of xxxx mg/ml of testosterone, and I haven't found the results as of yet. If anyone here knows I would greatly appreciate this.

I really appreciate your suggestion to find a DR. that works with HIV patients, that makes perfect sense. Most importantly I'm looking for a Dr. that is familiar with HRT, but would like to try the Estrogen blocking route at first to see if that can help achieve regular testosterone production by the increase in LH production. I'm looking for more information on this , presently waitting for my Dr. to get back to me from UCLA medical.

Btw I have to say I'm honored that the creator of the board took interest in my post and let a helping hand. What is said about this board is proving itself to be true. All experience levels working together.

Thanks again!

Question for you. Are you wanting to take testosterone and you have just not found a doc who is willing to prescribe it to you? If that is so, perhaps look to an Internist who treats lots of patients with HIV. They tend to be familiar with HRT and are less afraid to prescribe testosterone.

Another point to consider, HRT is really for life, so are you ready to take testosterone forever, or are you wanting to give some of these more experimental treatments a go?

Lastly, androgel is the only topical testosterone that I know of. It is applied to the skin every day and will get you into the normal range. You need a script for it and it is very expensive although your insurance will pay. See: drugstore.com Online Pharmacy - Prescription Drugs, Health and Beauty, plus more

Most men tend to prefer an injection which is not expensive and which is also covered by insurance unless they are afraid of needles. Whatever you do, I would try to not spend more money on doctor visits and experimental treatments until you are certain that you are working with a doc who is comfortable prescribing HRT. I can just see a lot of these docs taking advantage of you.

 

[rawlingmann]

I recently had 10 G of Andro gel Prescribed to me for low Test, I did some research and found that if you apply it to your scrotum it will convert to DHT which is 5 times stronger than Testosterone and it will not convert to estrogen. I have gyno and when i apply the 10 g which is 8 pumps but i only apply 2 doses to my scrutum and the the rest to my chest and arms and My gyno dissapears and my pecks stay hard so thats good for me i just think that you need a higher dose of the gel like what im taking 100mg of test a day and it has worked good for me make sure you take in a lot of calories and protein for maximum results I have been on it for about 3 weeks and my strenght as gone way up and im getting more cut up, good luck hope this helps