Hash (imported) wrote: Thu May 11, 2006 4:20 am I've been using a little compounded testosterone to prevent muscle atrophy and to ward off osteoporosis. Compounded testosterone was recommended over androgel, supposed to be a more natural or compatible form of testosterone. Also the pharmacist can make it to fit individual needs. However, I've noticed that it doesn't seem quite as effective as the androgel that I was using. My penis has shrunk, which I didn't expect using testosterone and I feel weaker physically. Any advice? I'm using 0.05 percent compounded. I'm going to the doc today to see what she thinks. Maybe I can get her to up it.

Your experience is interesting. I've noted that my recommended Androgel ingestion is less effective than the injections that I used up 'til ~2 years ago. My doc's only suggestion is to increase the dosage or return to injections. As other have noted, the injectable versions are far less costly - in my case $~$40 for 3 months' supply vs $140/month for Androgel. I persist with the Androgel mostly because it's so convenient.

I can't give you any other advice than my GP has given me - increase the dosage (by amount or compounding formula) or switch to injections. My doc says transdermal ingestion seems to be less effective than needle injections, and that's the main reason Health Canada didn't allow Androgel into the Canadian market 'til about 2 years ago. It's important you get enough to feel energetic the entire day.

Just a comment on compounding. A medication that is "compounded" means that it is one made to order by a pharmacist. This is used where for some reason the doctor wants something different than what is available in the commercial products. The reasons may be extemely varied. A difference in composition may be needed. For instance, the doctor wants to combine more than one active ingredient in a single product. Or, perhaps the patient is allergic to one of the fillers in the commercial product so the doctor orders a different composition. It can be done to change the method of administration. Hospital pharmacies often prepare special forms of medications. An example would be an oral product that must go down a feeding tube because the patient cannot swallow.

Bill

I got a blood test to check my testosterone level. Based on the results she said she can raise it, but not too much because she's afraid I'll get prostate cancer. She said lower is better. I thought this was interesting. She thinking of controlling my levels to prevent me from getting prostate cancer. I kind of like that thought. Hash

There is nothing that I've read that says Testosterone causes cancer. Ask your Doctor to cite a source for this. We know that once you have cancer it can help to grow it however. This is why you must do a PSA test yearly and have a digital exam of you prostate while your on HRT.

I know that many men have complained about atrophy issues with Testosterone. Most that I've read concern the testes. A few who have penile atrophy say that using a VED to regularly pump up the penis can reverse this. That might be internet static but I've been doing it and I think its correct.

BTW doctors in general want to use the minimum of drugs, hormones to get the proper effect. You have to add in what makes you feel right when you get your dosage from the Doctor. Good luck!

P.S. USP Testosterone is supposed to be Human Identical.

mrt (imported) wrote: Fri May 12, 2006 2:46 pm There is nothing that I've read that says Testosterone causes cancer......We know that once you have cancer it can help to grow it however. This is why you must do a PSA test yearly and have a digital exam of you prostate while your on HRT.

I know that many men have complained about atrophy issues with Testosterone.....A few who have penile atrophy say that using a VED to regularly pump up the penis can reverse this. That might be internet static but I've been doing it and I think its correct.

BTW doctors in general want to use the minimum of drugs, hormones to get the proper effect. You have to add in what makes you feel right when you get your dosage from the Doctor. Good luck!

I've also read that androgens are not a cause of cancer, but may stimulate its growth or spread once it's commenced. But as you say, the medical profession wants to do no harm, and they therefore don't want to give us guys any more than we need for good health. My own doc doesn't use T-tests to determine hormone prescription levels. Rather, he's constantly tracking symptoms - weight, muscle, sexual prowess, energy, etc. Guidelines from the provincial ministry of health require this.

I've done well on a standard dose of injections every 2-3 weeks and now about 4 grams of Androgel daily (5-10 is generally recommended by the manufacturer). I have a rigourous physical workout regime. I've lost about 15-20 #s and reduced body fat % from 16 to 11% since commencing testosterone injections ~7 years ago and have had to convince the doc that exercise and not the androgens are the primary reason. My penis actually grew by 1" during the first couple of years of external testosterone ingestion. It's remained the same length since. My doc says that might be do to finally having sufficient androgens in my system following years of deprivation.