I went to the doctor a few weeks ago and had some blood work done--it turns out that my free testosterone level was relatively low (17 on a scale of 6 - 82, with the average level for a healthy premenopausal woman being around 31). I am in my mid 20s and my doctor's theory is that when I lost 70 pounds, my testosterone level got screwed up because of the drastic change in body composition.
At any rate, my doc wrote me a prescription for 2% testosterone cream to be custom made at a compounding pharmacy. I am supposed to apply 0.1 - 0.2 mL "as directed." That's the equivalent of 2 - 4 mg of testosterone, but the absorption rate for testosterone cream seems to be a mystery to everyone (including my pharmacist, who I asked about it). I have read estimates as low as 10% and as high as 60%.
I decided to take advantage of my prescription and take more than recommended (to hopefully take advantage of increases in strength, endurance, recovery, muscle growth, etc). For the last week, I have been applying .2 mL twice a day (for a total of 8 mg a day, or 56 mg a week). I figure I am absorbing anywhere from 5.6 to 34 mg in my system per week. It will be an experiment, I suppose. I will pay attention to my body and adjust as necessary. I know I am risking sides. I am okay with that.
This is my first experience with AAS, and I will say that I feel AWESOME. I was frankly shocked by the change in my mood. I have felt a dramatic increase in energy and I feel almost annoyingly upbeat. I am normally shy and reserved, and I am finding myself feeling confident and making small talk with acquaintances. I also noticed that my endurance level increased after a few days (it felt like it nearly doubled), and I am now able to focus more intently in my training sessions. I have also gained about 2 lbs this week--I would like to pretend that this is muscle, but I understand it's more likely due to water retention at this point. My muscles feel slightly harder. I realize that a lot of these changes may just be in my head, but they feel real to me. No sides so far. I will keep you guys updated as things progress. I would appreciate any feedback or suggestions you might have.
At any rate, my doc wrote me a prescription for 2% testosterone cream to be custom made at a compounding pharmacy. I am supposed to apply 0.1 - 0.2 mL "as directed." That's the equivalent of 2 - 4 mg of testosterone, but the absorption rate for testosterone cream seems to be a mystery to everyone (including my pharmacist, who I asked about it). I have read estimates as low as 10% and as high as 60%.
I decided to take advantage of my prescription and take more than recommended (to hopefully take advantage of increases in strength, endurance, recovery, muscle growth, etc). For the last week, I have been applying .2 mL twice a day (for a total of 8 mg a day, or 56 mg a week). I figure I am absorbing anywhere from 5.6 to 34 mg in my system per week. It will be an experiment, I suppose. I will pay attention to my body and adjust as necessary. I know I am risking sides. I am okay with that.
This is my first experience with AAS, and I will say that I feel AWESOME. I was frankly shocked by the change in my mood. I have felt a dramatic increase in energy and I feel almost annoyingly upbeat. I am normally shy and reserved, and I am finding myself feeling confident and making small talk with acquaintances. I also noticed that my endurance level increased after a few days (it felt like it nearly doubled), and I am now able to focus more intently in my training sessions. I have also gained about 2 lbs this week--I would like to pretend that this is muscle, but I understand it's more likely due to water retention at this point. My muscles feel slightly harder. I realize that a lot of these changes may just be in my head, but they feel real to me. No sides so far. I will keep you guys updated as things progress. I would appreciate any feedback or suggestions you might have.