TRT gel, T levels and gynecomastia

[de_fens_us (imported)]

I've read numerous things on the internet but I'd like to hear personal experiences from members concerning this topic. Most all I have read do not address questions like how quickly it starts, how big do they get, signs to look for or expect, ect ect. First a little history.... I've always had fleshy breasts for a man but I've also always had low T. My T levels have never checked above the mid 200s but my urologist currently has me using TRT gel raising my T levels to the 500 range in trying to address pain issues I have long suffered in my testicles. My last check showed a 190 before I began TRT. 2 months after being in the 500 range and I'm noticing slight changes in both size and color (a little more pink than normal and more engorged like there is more blood flow) to my nipples and the area around them. Is this how gynecomastia starts?

I also understand that using TRT will cause your testicles to stop producing T. Is this correct? Do they stop completely or do they just produce a reduced amount? My urologist originally started me on 50mg gel daily but that did not jack my T level up enough so after about 2 months she increased it to 100mg and I am now reaching the 500 number she was trying to get me to. She never did really tell me how much T 50 mg of testosterone gels normally adds to your numbers. Any info on this??

Any input or personal experiences from anyone is appreciated.

[kristoff]

I've been using Androgel for nearly 15 years now. For most of that time I have used 5 gram (50 mg) packets, once daily. I've maintained a testosterone level between 300 and 500 with that amount. I have no testicles to supplement. For a while a year or so ago my GP raised my dose to 10 grams (100 mg) daily. I tested around 900 then. My blood pressure shot up - although may also be caused by other things, though it is a commonly reported side effect of Androgel (and T in general). The gel was immediately reduced to prior levels and lisinopril was prescribed to reduce blood pressure, She was also concerned about increased heart attack and stroke risk caused by supplemented T (although mine is not supplemented, it is total replacement). Ultimately, she referred me to an endocrinologist who said I am not a likely prospect for heart attack or stroke, but he also did not want me up around 900 on my T count, especially at my age. At times I have gone without any T supplements to see what it is like. At times my breasts did start to grow a bit, but diet and exercise seemed to stop it, and ultimately did stop with resumption of T. I have never had breast growth or tenderness while on T supplements; only when off of it. Frankly, I prefer much of the experience of being without T - it feels much better - but the side effects are too often too hard for me and I return to using it. Don't hesitate to experiment a bit if you need - with or without your doctor's agreement. What matters is how YOU feel.

[butterflyjack (imported)]

Ive been on and off anti androgens and estrogen for about three or four years now..The first year of estrogen therapy, I was taking spironolactone, and in a few months got the wonderful slightly painful,puffy breast syndrome...At the end of the first year, I decided to stop the spiro..(weakness and frequent urination).. for the next year or so..Only 4 mgs of estradiol daily..my breasts did not grow any further..About three months ago, under a doctor's observance, I started on estrogen patch (1 Mg) and 2 mgs estradiol tablet daily..I also started 50 mgs daily of siterol ...I recently cut back to 25 mgs a day on the siterol because I was experiencing extreme fatigue and shortness of breath after very little physical exertion..One of the really good side efffects is...good old breast tenderness and more growth!! whooppee...So goes the saga..Jackie

[ZeuterMe (imported)]

Inquiring minds - and desperate patients - want to know: Did the T gel work for the pain?

I'm at wit's end, and about to go shopping for urologists, since mine sucks. It might be nice to have something to offer other than electrocuting my junk and injectable nerve blocks.

[de_fens_us (imported)]

The T gel has helped reduce the discomfort and chronic pain issues in my testicles. Because of that I'm willing to deal with increased breast size so long as it doesn't get completely out of hand. The females in my close family all have a history of full D cups and extended nipples. I'm afraid my genetic makeup might cause me to follow suit if I stayed on the higher T levels long term.

[kristoff]

I've been using Androgel for nearly 15 years now. For most of that time I have used 5 gram (50 mg) packets, once daily. I've maintained a testosterone level between 300 and 500 with that amount. I have no testicles to supplement. For a while a year or so ago my GP raised my dose to 10 grams (100 mg) daily. I tested around 900 then. My blood pressure shot up - although may also be caused by other things, though it is a commonly reported side effect of Androgel (and T in general). The gel was immediately reduced to prior levels and lisinopril was prescribed to reduce blood pressure, She was also concerned about increased heart attack and stroke risk caused by supplemented T (although mine is not supplemented, it is total replacement). Ultimately, she referred me to an endocrinologist who said I am not a likely prospect for heart attack or stroke, but he also did not want me up around 900 on my T count, especially at my age. At times I have gone without any T supplements to see what it is like. At times my breasts did start to grow a bit, but diet and exercise seemed to stop it, and ultimately did stop with resumption of T. I have never had breast growth or tenderness while on T supplements; only when off of it. Frankly, I prefer much of the experience of being without T - it feels much better - but the side effects are too often too hard for me and I return to using it. Don't hesitate to experiment a bit if you need - with or without your doctor's agreement. What matters is how YOU feel.

Side-bit: 6 months ago, my T-level came back as 910. Last week it came back as 1019. From using either a single 5 gram packet daily, or a double pump of 1.67 Androgel daily. Endocrinologist freaked. Cut me to 1 pump daily. Hemoglobin was almost 19 - starting to get too high (increased stroke risk). For my age, he wants things much lower. Oh well, limp dick here I come.... (Never wanted to be rid of that!)