How I got androgel

I wrote this to my doctor and for a dear friend who was also suffering, If you have decided to use androgel, I hope this helps you…

Dear XXX:
I am not a doctor and can’t prescribe therapy, but I have learned a lot in the last few months and discovered several facts concerning Androgel, and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) that I think you will find interesting: Amazingly this is not a problem afflicting a minor number of men. Sixty to eighty percent of men are in need of (HRT).

XXX you need to find a doctor that understands your health concerns (Most are very caring people). If you feel your doctor is not concerned, and wants to follow current guidelines and statistics, based upon outdated faulty studies, which have become popular opinion, then your health may well continue to decline placing you in danger.

Locating a doctor that doesn’t hold the opinion that testosterone is dangerous or evil, may be difficult. You need to find a doctor that is up to date on the most recent studies and findings (Most don’t have the time for research). Based upon your statement your current doctor may be unable to help you…

Here is a hypothetical scenario to ponder: You are 45 years old and your total testosterone is 550ng/dl and your doctor says you’re within the acceptable range! Which is (300-1000ng/dl)? If you are or were a high testosterone male and in your prime you had levels at or above 1100ng/dl, and now you are in your thirties or forties and it has dropped by 50%? You probably have noticed a definite difference in your quality of life.
Most Doctors will find your level of 550ng/dl acceptable!

Possibly you were a man who in his prime had levels of 500ng/dl and now your levels have dropped to 300ng/dl. It’s possible this man feels fine at 300ng/dl.
Remember everyone is different.
Ask your Doctor if he thinks that number may be low for you? If he says absolutely not, you may need to get another opinion. Below are some things you should be aware of:

1). You will need to be in a fasting state before giving blood (my first blood test was faulty because I had just eaten a large meal). My last blood test was in a fasting state and my total testosterone was low (328ng/dl). Seek to have several substances checked during your blood test: Dheas, testosterone, free testosterone (also called bioavailable testosterone), and Estradiol: (estradiol; anything over 30ng/dl is too high): If estradiol is too high it means the testosterone you are taking is being converted into estrogen. The free testosterone level is the most important and does decline with age, whereas the total testosterone may not change as you age, so it is often unreliable and dangerous to look at the total testosterone level and assume all is well. Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) increases with age due to increased estrogen production. So, it’s important to be monitored if you’re receiving T.R.T. If the level of SHBG is high, more testosterone will be bound by SHBG while the free testosterone levels will be low, but the total testosterone levels unchanged. Receiving more testosterone (A higher dosage) will not increase the free testosterone blood levels.
* SEE DOCTORS QUOTE AT THE END OF THIS LETTER.

2). Almost all of the supposed facts (though widely accepted) have been wrong, since they are based on old and often faulty studies, Many male problems are now known to be associated with low testosterone and High Estrogen some are; prostate enlargement, high blood pressure, depression, cholesterol, heart attack, diabetes, rage, weight gain, irritability, low libido, E.D, low energy, loss of interest in life. ETC.

3). If your Dr. wants to give you injections or if he says “you don’t need therapy, you’re just getting older!” you’ll find yourself struggling against a system that is suppose to help you, but instead is increasing your worry, frustration, and in some endocrinologist’s opinion, your health. Injections are not the preferred method of administration, (other than the fact it is inexpensive) but it is not necessarily safe. Androgel is the safe alternative; it is natural, and metabolized by the body as a natural substance.

4). Depending on your Doctors orders, androgel can be applied up to 3-4 times per day.

Ex: If your doctor prescribes 1 dose of 5g androgel (50mg / 300ng/dl + or – 200) will a single 5g dose help you? It may not. With the plus or minus 200 factor you may need 2-4 doses, spread evenly thru out the day. According to the A.M.A, two doses equals 700ng/dl + or – 200. Three doses of 5g applications puts you on the medium/high end (1000ng/dl + or – 200). Also if you have a lot of fat, the fat cells may not release the androgel as readily as if you were a thin person, so the absorption percentage of 10% has to be taken into consideration.

Following is my experience:

** I noticed my symptoms about 4 yrs ago. I didn’t know then what was wrong; neither did any of the doctors I went to. I don’t fault them; most Doctors can’t do case studies or read each new publication. Most have a very heavy patient work load.

This left me doing a lot of research including reading medical books, books written by doctors and visiting medical websites like the AMA, to find an answer, and if you look at the symptoms of low testosterone, I have almost every symptom, SEE pages 23-26 in book recommended below.

I went to four doctors and I described my problems and symptoms to each of them.
First I saw a family practitioner, then a pulmonary specialist, then an endocrinologist, and finally my current doctor, Thank God for him, he is the only one that said, “xxxx, you don’t need to feel this way, and I’ll fill your prescription I want you to come back and see me in three to four weeks”. Thank You Dr. xxxx!

Now I’m feeling a LOT better, (it can take up to a year to feel your best), but after one month you should feel a big difference, and I do. I have a lot more energy, my attitude is really different, I’m not grouchy, I even have a lot of energy, and am sleeping well, I’m not getting up to pee all night, and best of all my E.D. is gone. Amazingly two additional low testosterone symptoms; the swelling in my legs, and the muscle cramps are also gone! (This swelling was the reason I first saw Dr.xxxx).

I’ve done some experimenting with the dose to be able to report my findings to Dr. xxxx.
As you know one of my greatest concerns was that I have performed very heavy labor for the past twenty years and have another twenty years to go, so I’m very happy to have found the reason for not being well.

In conclusion, the natural testosterones are safe, they are not synthetic, and are not the same as those abused by athletes, (not anabolic steroids), which are often dangerous, because of there differing chemical structure and the amounts used.

Even if androgel was dangerous (and its not), I would be willing to risk a loss of longevity, in order to continue with the quality of life I am now experiencing. This would be much better than living as I was prior to using androgel.

You should get the book: “The Testosterone Syndrome” by a doctor of internal medicine. Or I could pick it up for you. There are probably one or two dozen good books by leading doctors concerning new studies and treatments for male andropause.

If you have an estrogen problem, (some men have high estrogen and remedying this takes care of their problems). The current books and research recommend proviron, and or teslac, they are not just a dose of estrogen, to inhibit its uptake, and (You do need some estrogen in order to be healthy). You may need the estrogen medicine, if you have a high estradiol count (30ng/dl). If this is true for you, make sure you discuss this with you doctor, or no matter how much testosterone you take it will be converted to estrogen!

*Quote: “The genital-pelvic region is packed with testosterone receptors that are ultra-sensitive to free testosterone-induced sexual stimulation. Clinical studies using testosterone injections, creams, or patches have often failed to provide a long-lasting, libido-enhancing effect in aging men (98). We now know why. The testosterone can be converted to estrogen. The estrogen is then taken up by testosterone receptor sites in cells throughout the body. When an estrogen molecule occupies a testosterone receptor site on a cell membrane, it blocks the ability of serum testosterone to induce a healthy hormonal signal. It does not matter how much serum free testosterone is available if excess estrogen is competing for the same cellular receptor sites. Estrogen can also increase the production of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which binds the active free testosterone into an inactive “bound testosterone.” Bound testosterone cannot be picked up by testosterone receptors on cell membranes. For testosterone to produce long-lasting, libido-enhancing effects, it must be kept in the “free” form (not bound to SHBG) in the bloodstream. It is also necessary to suppress excess estrogen because this hormone can compete for testosterone receptor sites in the sex centers of the brain and the genitals.”
Sincerely; xxx.

None, when using natural testosterone. If all the accusations against “natural” testosterone were true; prostate cancer and enlargement, high blood pressure, heart attack, balding, etc…then every 17 yr old boy would be in danger, since they have the highest levels on the planet!!

I think the accusations are made by feminine males (doctors, judges, journalists) and men-haters (n.o.w gang), and others who think “testosterone” and European “white males” are dangerous.

Notice these same people didn’t speak up too save the lives of women who were taking the synthetic estrogen which was made from mare piss! So do they really love and care about people or are they just selective male bashing haters?

Very nice post.

People are incredibly stupid when it comes to the word ‘synthetic’.

If you put one molecule of synthetic T and naturally produced T next to each other, nobody could tell the difference. Saying something is dangerous just because it is synthetic is pure propaganda.

yah people are foolish, basically followers, never using their own minds. OH well.

The opposite is true as well. I see people all the time saying things like “it’s completely safe because it’s natural”.

Rodo, my experiences with hormone therapy are very similar to yours. I’m 55 and about four years ago, I noticed my erections were weak and took too long to coax up. I have always been fairly muscular and have exercised regularly forever. I noticed that is was not getting stronger inspite of my rigorous workout. In fact i was getting weaker. I even notiiced my biceps looking kind of wimpy. I have always been beefy in the chest and arms.

Well i started searching on the internet read and downloaded lots of info. Tried to stay away from all the commercial voodoo out there. Founds lots of real medical info that mirrors your findings. Many men after age 40 start to drop testosterone level. And you are also right that many doctors are contest in leaving you in the ass end of the “normal range”.

I went to my MD, asked him to check mine and sure enough it was in the 300’s. He said that’s normal. I handed him an article that i had printed out, that contained lots of medical studies and references. He said, “Can I borrow that?”

He started by giving me injections and I got my strength and my dick back, and yes even started feeling better overall. My pharmasist was telling me that most men over 40 should be taking some “T”. He smiles slyly and made me thing that he’s on it too.

When i read about Androgel, i ran to my doctor and asked to switch me. He is now much more open minded with the treatment. I was one of the first to take Androgel in this part of the country, and my MD and my pharmasist both kept asking me questions about how well it was working. Now, my MD had lots and lots of patients on Androgel.

I have had my levels checked again recently and asked the doc to include some of the other levels that you have suggested. My total was close to 900 and my free test. was in the high/normal range. I only use one packet daily of the 5g. I have seen no negative side effects. In my opinion, if your T is low, then it’s wonderful stuff.

Yeah, like cyanide and arsenic are 100% natural….and deadly.

drgmerlin: Right -ON us old guys have to stick together, keep your eyes on the “Young Rats”.

Hey can you post those findings you gave too your doctor, I would love a copy.

Also check out this stuff:

AND See this article:

How it works?

The substance testosterone undecanoate contained in Andriol, however, is reabsorbed from the intestine through the lymphatic system, thus bypassing the liver and becoming effective. The liver function is not affected by this. Testosterone undecanoate is a fatty acid ester of the natural androgen, testosterone, and in the body is for the most part transformed into dihydrotestosterone, a metabolite of testosterone. For this reason Andriol aromatizes only minimally, meaning that only a very small part of the substance can be converted into estrogen, since the dihydrotestosterone does not aromatize. The users of Andriol therefore do not experience feminization symptoms such as gynecomastia or increased body fat.

Andriol comes in 40 mg capsules . This is an oral steroid and it`s presented in little, oval-shaped, red capsules. An oil which contains the testosterone is inside of these capsules. Andriol is a unique steroid in that it is not an alpha alkylated 17 steroid. The only bad thing about this base is that it only allows the testosterone to remain active in the system for several hours. Thus frequent administration of the capsules is necessary. Aromatization is minimal with this agent. Those are 40 mg brown colored miniature “rugby balls” by ORGANON of Europe. Each oval capsule is marked DV3 ORGANON on it. Dosage is 3 to 6 caps a day, and costs about $ 1.00 a cap. Andriol is a safe oral steroid that does not supress gonadotrophins.It is absorbed through the small intestine into the lymphatic system, no burden to the liver. Test. undecanoate is converted into DHT (5-Alpha Dhihydrotestosterone) DHT is 1,5 times as anabolic as regular testosterone, while only 1 or 2 percent is subject to aromatizing to estrogen, and no gynecomastia. Andriol is a natural ester added to a synthetic derivative which will nor change liver enzymes. No testicular shrinkage, no reduction on in spermatogenesis will occur whith resonable dosages. Cholesterol triglycerides and total lipids tend to be reduced with long term use as opposed to elevated with most oral steroids.TU is so popular a steroid that you find Testosterone undecanoate to be the 100 mg part of Omnadren/Sustanon 250 mg Blend, which is one of the most popular injectable steroid.

Usage:
Average dose is 3-6 capsules a day.

I believe that the medical profession here is taking a very conservative view on any kind of testosterone supplmentation.

Have any of the Aussies on the board had any joy with their MD over this???

Can you get testosterone on the Pharmaceutical Benefits System if you’re low?? Or , if you can find a doctor who will prescribe, do you have to pay “through the nose” for it ???

I was watching King of the Hill tonight and it was the episode where Peggy slips Hank some Testosterone because he supposedly has Andropause — male PMS.
The symptoms are lethargy, easy irritability, decreased libido. For more information, visit http://www.andropause.com .

Hank started to feel great, but when he found out Peggy was slipping him drugs he flipped-out.

So I started to research Andropause and some OTC remedies. What do you guys think? Anyone have some suggestions? Does a product like Tribulus help with Andropause? How about Yohimbe?

Supplements are so hard to research. For every person who says Tribulus, for example, is great, there is an equal and opposite Tribulus is dangerous. Then you people who admit the harmful side effects of supplements and simply recommend another supplement to counter it’s adverse effect. :wtf:

There’s just way too much information available on this stuff. I wish there was a website that accurately boiled all the information down to help me choose what’s best and what’s no good.

Trib is a tough one to pin down because there are so many varieties, sources, soils, weather patterns and seasons. It’s akin to generalising by saying Chianti = X and Pinot = Y. Some swear by Tribulus, others see no effect.

Yohimbe doesn’t affect hormones. It will affect blood pressure and likely give you some of the toughest erections you’ve ever known, but the side effects (for me at least) are much like ephedra without the buzz, and a lot of nausea where I just want to lie down and curl up in a ball. If you practise with it and get to know your dosage, combined with absorbtion rates (eg. whether on a full or empty stomach) you might get on with it. Personally I found it too much messing to be of practical value. One positive side effect I noticed due to the pressure was that when I shot a load, rather than a little spurt or dribble, I could get 6-8ft quite unintentionally. Much like viagra or cialis though, it doesn’t really do anything for libido, it just gives you wood. And libido is a much nicer sensation than ‘only’ wood on demand.

PEnine
From what I have gathered Androgel is not yet approved by the PBS. Testosterone implants (100/200mg) are approved.

Grant

What if I snapped my carrot more often, will that raise my testosterone level?

Anyone have an idea if there might be any PE benefit regarding androgel application sites? Might application on one’s shaft or perineum provide PE response by offering tes up to local receptor sites?

Just a thought.

Also, anyone know if there are foreign pharmacies like the ones dispensing viagra that may have androgel available? Just curious.

Andro, read this thread.