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[Testman (imported)]

I know I sure like the androgel. And there's another brand of it coming out soon that is said to lower the price as the two companies compete with each other.

But the difference I have experienced compared to the other board members was in my case, I had a very rapid response to it. As in the first few hours I was a teen again. But this is probably due to the fact that I already had elevated androgen levels due to my bodybuilding experiences and the others here are starting from a very low level and so the effects need to sort of build up in the body.

[Testman (imported)]

Woe, thats way below normal, Huevon. Why don't they prescribe more? Mrt's doctor seems to have it right, pushing his level to 700, as 700 is actually in the normal range. (True normal range is 700-1200, not the commonly reported 240-800)

[kristoff]

Woe, thats way below normal, Heuvon. Why don't they prescribe more? Mrt's doctor seems to have it right pushing his level to 700, as 700 is actually in the normal range. (True normal range is 700-1200, not the commonly reported 240-800)

Normal depends entirely on the test and scale that the lab is using. Many use different methods and different scales. Nevertheless, 196 ng/dl (if that is the scale) is quite low. Huevon, perhaps ask the doctor to prescribe an injectable and some syringes - 1cc IM in thigh per week is usually a good level (more as needed), and a hell of a lot cheaper that patches or gel. You can do your own injections. Syringes are cheap, and a 10cc vial is $50-$70

[mrt (imported)]

The Gel (Androgel) is working better than the patch. after my surgery with one testicle left I started to use the patch (5 mg) and it seemed to work for about 3 months.Then when my level was still around 135 mg my doctor called my insurance to approve the gel.

I am still on 5 mg and T has incresed to 196 mg.Still not enough but I feel better. I just have to take a nap every afternoon between 1-3 pm.. just get very sleepy much more so then before the surgery. The hot flashes are coming sometimes but not often. I think that my doctor will increase the gel next time I see him.

So the question now is: How many people over 40 have to take a afternoon nap to function? Where is A-1 when you need him? H.

Huevon-man. I would very seriously talk to the doctor about increasing your dose. I was higher then your at now when I was diagnosed with hypogonadism. How old are you (If you don't want to answer that ok) your age and where your T should be roll down slightly but I can't imagine not being above 400 again. I was waking up sleepy. All the bad stuff...

[mrt (imported)]

Woe, thats way below normal, Huevon. Why don't they prescribe more? Mrt's doctor seems to have it right, pushing his level to 700, as 700 is actually in the normal range. (True normal range is 700-1200, not the commonly reported 240-800)

I agree! 240 really stinks. The Testing Labs seem to all make up the numbers they like. Its VERY annoying. The AACE guidelines for treating men with low T say that 325 (I think it was) is the cut off where treatment should be considered. That said some males can function ok with lower T then others.

If your down near 300 and have symptoms you should get (or be able to get) help with HRT.

[mrt (imported)]

The Gel (Androgel) is working better than the patch. after my surgery with one testicle left I started to use the patch (5 mg) and it seemed to work for about 3 months.Then when my level was still around 135 mg my doctor called my insurance to approve the gel.

I am still on 5 mg and T has incresed to 196 mg.Still not enough but I feel better. I just have to take a nap every afternoon between 1-3 pm.. just get very sleepy much more so then before the surgery. The hot flashes are coming sometimes but not often. I think that my doctor will increase the gel next time I see him.

So the question now is: How many people over 40 have to take a afternoon nap to function? Where is A-1 when you need him? H.

Sorry for the flurry of answers. I think 5 gm is the lowest dose. I forgot to mention that weight is part of the equation. If you a tad heavy (like me) you probably need more. I'm fortunate to have a Doctor who actually reads the directions and measured me 2 weeks after every dose change. I can't tell you how much better life is.

[plix (imported)]

Day 5.

I no longer believe I am dealing with 100% placebo. There has been what I would now call a significant change in erectile function. Erections are more frequent, harder, last longer, and are beginning to become difficult to get rid of.

Libido is still pretty much absent, and as expected (since nothing happened before), there are no changes in energy or mood.

So far the patch has stayed on today and yesterday. A new way of taping it seems to be helping.

As far as levels are concerned, you hear so many different ranges there is no way to tell who is right. I've heard 240-900, 241-900, 240-1000, 296-1000, 300-1000, and now 700-1200. Kimmel told me I was probably 1200 before surgery, but other doctors have told me this would have been way high.

[Robby (imported)]

Day 5. ..

. As far as levels are concerned, you hear so many different ranges there is no way to tell who is right. I've heard 240-900, 241-900, 240-1000, 296-1000, 300-1000, and now 700-1200. Kimmel told me I was probably 1200 before surgery, but other doctors have told me this would have been way high.

Folks,

This is a perfect example of why you should have your testosterone level checked by your doctor via blood testing. Have the blood drawn in the early morning. Then request a copy of the blood chemistry report if the doctor does not provide hard copy results.

Do this before cutting of your testicles and after...

Take care friends,

[Testman (imported)]

Before so much environmental pollution was around, men's average testosterone measured 700-1200. I have been watching this and what they are doing is taking measurements of modern men's testosterone levels and then recalculating the "normal range". They are not taking into consideration that modern men's levels have been compromised.

[Hash (imported)]

My testosterone levels shot up pretty high after I started using Androgel, from 70mg's after castration to over 1000mg's in three months. That was way to much for me so I cut back and started using "compounded testosterone" that I get from my apothecary/pharmacy. I have not been tested to see where I'm at, but now I get tired around 1pm and need a nap. It's wierd though, because it's as though I no sooner get to sleep that I start waking up. My naps are usually less then 30 minutes, which I'm fortunate enough to be able to take.

Here's another idea. If you don't want to use shots and if your skin is thick, why not ask about "pellet" form testosterone. You can have pellets inserted under your skin that last differing amounts of time. Ask your doctor and due your homework concerning this form of testosterone. Hash