Testosterone replacement
- Thread starter traderjack09
- Start date
I've been on Androgel for 5 years and it has been a godsend. Like yourself I was low normal. My doctor recommended and prescribed it for me and it's amazing, it has reversed all symptoms of low t. There is now a generic for Androgel and my health plan has started sending me that and it is the exact same thing made by the same company in Mexico and all they do is slap a different label on the bottle and my copay went from $80 to $15 for a 90 day supply (6 bottles). I take 4 pumps a day (the max they want you to take) and that puts me at high normal or slightly over. I have many friends on it with the same results and I also have many friends who want it but have been denied by their doctors or health insurance. Some doctors won't prescribe it if you're low normal because you are still in the normal range, same reason the health insurance companies will deny. If you have prostate problems you can forget about it they'll never give it to you.
I have my blood tested every 3 months and I also donate blood every 3 months. The blood test will check your T levels, PSA, hematocrit,and estradiol levels. I donate because your hematocrit levels (amount of red blood cells) will rise and may cause a blockage if you have arterial problems which I don't but they always want to check anyway. You will want them to test your free testosterone as that is the biologically active form. PSA checks your prostate. Lastly there is a process in the body called aromatase which converts T into estradiol (estrogen) so if your estradiol level is high your doctor will prescribe anastrozole to lower it.
As for physiological body changes, you would need to put on over 10 pumps a day to become a freak. I read somewhere that over 20mgs of testosterone will do that. Each pump of Androgel is about 20 mgs of testosterone but only 10% is adsorbed through the skin, so 4 pumps is only 8mgs. That being said if you work out you will see a difference. You will shed fat and gain muscle like in your youth. You won't become a freak since you're not overdosing. And trust me the females will be amazed by your virility.
I have my blood tested every 3 months and I also donate blood every 3 months. The blood test will check your T levels, PSA, hematocrit,and estradiol levels. I donate because your hematocrit levels (amount of red blood cells) will rise and may cause a blockage if you have arterial problems which I don't but they always want to check anyway. You will want them to test your free testosterone as that is the biologically active form. PSA checks your prostate. Lastly there is a process in the body called aromatase which converts T into estradiol (estrogen) so if your estradiol level is high your doctor will prescribe anastrozole to lower it.
As for physiological body changes, you would need to put on over 10 pumps a day to become a freak. I read somewhere that over 20mgs of testosterone will do that. Each pump of Androgel is about 20 mgs of testosterone but only 10% is adsorbed through the skin, so 4 pumps is only 8mgs. That being said if you work out you will see a difference. You will shed fat and gain muscle like in your youth. You won't become a freak since you're not overdosing. And trust me the females will be amazed by your virility.
I have been on it for nearly five years now as well.
However, I use Testim 1% gel in a 50 mg tube. It comes in a small tube that you rub equally on each shoulder every morning. I get a 30 day supply each month.
The only problem is that before I went on Medicare I had a 30.00 copay. That went to 260.00 per month with my new Medicare drug plan ( Silver Script Plus). I was able to get the copay down to 120.00 per month by switching to the generic version.
Even at the higher cost, I will continue on it since it is really all about quality of life and trying to stay as youthful as possible
I too get blood tests every three months and that costs me nothing on my Medicare plan.
I will be investigating other options for lower cost but it regardless, I will remain on it.
However, I use Testim 1% gel in a 50 mg tube. It comes in a small tube that you rub equally on each shoulder every morning. I get a 30 day supply each month.
The only problem is that before I went on Medicare I had a 30.00 copay. That went to 260.00 per month with my new Medicare drug plan ( Silver Script Plus). I was able to get the copay down to 120.00 per month by switching to the generic version.
Even at the higher cost, I will continue on it since it is really all about quality of life and trying to stay as youthful as possible
I too get blood tests every three months and that costs me nothing on my Medicare plan.
I will be investigating other options for lower cost but it regardless, I will remain on it.
Just as an add on....
It is important to understand that once you go on TRT, your body stops producing natural testosterone and if you discontinue TRT, the chances are very good, especially at an older age" that the testes will not recover to the point of ability to produce it.
With this said, it is prudent to only consider it if your levels are low to the point where you are losing muscle, lack energy and libido, and feel mentally depressed.
Additionally, the body naturally decreased in testosterone levels as we age relative to the fact that our bodies can't and shouldn't take the stresses of a younger man for the fact that generally everything else is weakening and if we feel over zealous, we could overdo it and injure ourselves.
I tend to be very guilty of this and keep reminding myself that I had better act my age a little more. My body is 65, but my mind is still at 25.
It is important to understand that once you go on TRT, your body stops producing natural testosterone and if you discontinue TRT, the chances are very good, especially at an older age" that the testes will not recover to the point of ability to produce it.
With this said, it is prudent to only consider it if your levels are low to the point where you are losing muscle, lack energy and libido, and feel mentally depressed.
Additionally, the body naturally decreased in testosterone levels as we age relative to the fact that our bodies can't and shouldn't take the stresses of a younger man for the fact that generally everything else is weakening and if we feel over zealous, we could overdo it and injure ourselves.
I tend to be very guilty of this and keep reminding myself that I had better act my age a little more. My body is 65, but my mind is still at 25.
I am no youngster by any stretch of the imagination. I do exercise regularly. mostly cals, swimming, stretching. Always preferred natural ways.
Chinese herbs for male fertility are a huge part of the ancient science. They are specifically designed to keep the male reproductive system very strong and able to perform into advanced years. Stories of men fathering children in their 80's and beyond. Usually best prescribed after a pulse reading and tongue exam but if you are otherwise healthy, you can just use the highly touted herbs for male libido.
In Chinese medicine, herbs are usually never taken alone. usually in combination. Some herbs are so strong, there are precautions. Now a days even Chinese herbs are in extracted and concentrated forms. they are strong but drug-like in effects. (long-winded, sorry, I know)
BUT go to any Chinese herbal store. I counted 13 once in the walking distance around Main Street Flushing. Ask for a bag of Yin Yang Huo -- about 5 bucks or so for a pound. That will last a long time. Don't boil the whole pound. take a good handful. sorry I can't be more specific. they used to sell them in neat stacks of leaves packed like playing cards and I used about a quarter inch. Really enough!!!! In the States now when I am there, I noticed that they come from China now like a big bag of leaves not neatly stacked . so it is harder to estimate.
anyway, the meaning of Yin Yang Huo is Horny Goat Weed and I can vouch for it. it is also known in Latin as Herba Epimedium. I once went to an herbalist for a bad back and got a consistent formula that relaxed my back. On a later visit, the herbalist included Yin Yang Huo which is also a kidney strengthener. In the middle of the night I rose up crazed with desire. I asked the herbalist what change did he make in the formula and he told me Yin Yang Huo. Its effects can be very very powerful. I am afraid of the extract. I put it on the shelf. (I never used Viagra or Cialis but the extract was really intense.) but the leaves promote testosterone. After 24 hours you feel very potent. You can take a good bunch of it and boil it in say 2 quarts of water, bring it to a boil and then low heat covered for about 1 hour until you have about a quart. then drink 3/4 cup at night and in the morning. You can add some goji berries (small handful) and Chinese red dates (about 7) maybe a piece of shu di huang a cut up piece of fresh ginger (about 2 fingers) or if you are not into Chinese herbs too much, just a handful of good quality raisins.
Look, I know there was a time in our lives when all we needed was a slice of pizza for an aphrodisiac for libido but even the ancients realized that time degenerates our bodies and when that happens it was time for spiritual pursuits. But if you want to hang on to these wonderful experiences, fine. so the ancients devised formulas especially for kings with harems to keep the Old Boy strong and in command.
You know, everything has side-effects -- EVERYTHING. Even natural food in excess, not to mention junk food.
So, the only reason I make this suggestion is that natural leaves and fruits boiled in an herbal soup have far less side effects than drugs, pills, extracts, injections. In the herbal world there are so many ways to go. You can find others to suit you better or in combination.
but yin yang huo is really cheap and highly common. you could easily grow it in your back yard and then dry the leaves in your attic.
also be careful with any sexual stimulants as they could enlarge the prostate gland as it is filled with sexual fluids as a result of the increased production of testosterone.
Listen, boys of all ages, be strong always and be safe always. Your life and your health are a great and powerful gift from nature. Take a rest sometimes to replenish so you are double strong on your next outing. Remember, there is always tomorrow and next week and next year. You want and need health, good sexual stamina and longevity.
Peace Brothers, Happy Holidays
Chinese herbs for male fertility are a huge part of the ancient science. They are specifically designed to keep the male reproductive system very strong and able to perform into advanced years. Stories of men fathering children in their 80's and beyond. Usually best prescribed after a pulse reading and tongue exam but if you are otherwise healthy, you can just use the highly touted herbs for male libido.
In Chinese medicine, herbs are usually never taken alone. usually in combination. Some herbs are so strong, there are precautions. Now a days even Chinese herbs are in extracted and concentrated forms. they are strong but drug-like in effects. (long-winded, sorry, I know)
BUT go to any Chinese herbal store. I counted 13 once in the walking distance around Main Street Flushing. Ask for a bag of Yin Yang Huo -- about 5 bucks or so for a pound. That will last a long time. Don't boil the whole pound. take a good handful. sorry I can't be more specific. they used to sell them in neat stacks of leaves packed like playing cards and I used about a quarter inch. Really enough!!!! In the States now when I am there, I noticed that they come from China now like a big bag of leaves not neatly stacked . so it is harder to estimate.
anyway, the meaning of Yin Yang Huo is Horny Goat Weed and I can vouch for it. it is also known in Latin as Herba Epimedium. I once went to an herbalist for a bad back and got a consistent formula that relaxed my back. On a later visit, the herbalist included Yin Yang Huo which is also a kidney strengthener. In the middle of the night I rose up crazed with desire. I asked the herbalist what change did he make in the formula and he told me Yin Yang Huo. Its effects can be very very powerful. I am afraid of the extract. I put it on the shelf. (I never used Viagra or Cialis but the extract was really intense.) but the leaves promote testosterone. After 24 hours you feel very potent. You can take a good bunch of it and boil it in say 2 quarts of water, bring it to a boil and then low heat covered for about 1 hour until you have about a quart. then drink 3/4 cup at night and in the morning. You can add some goji berries (small handful) and Chinese red dates (about 7) maybe a piece of shu di huang a cut up piece of fresh ginger (about 2 fingers) or if you are not into Chinese herbs too much, just a handful of good quality raisins.
Look, I know there was a time in our lives when all we needed was a slice of pizza for an aphrodisiac for libido but even the ancients realized that time degenerates our bodies and when that happens it was time for spiritual pursuits. But if you want to hang on to these wonderful experiences, fine. so the ancients devised formulas especially for kings with harems to keep the Old Boy strong and in command.
You know, everything has side-effects -- EVERYTHING. Even natural food in excess, not to mention junk food.
So, the only reason I make this suggestion is that natural leaves and fruits boiled in an herbal soup have far less side effects than drugs, pills, extracts, injections. In the herbal world there are so many ways to go. You can find others to suit you better or in combination.
but yin yang huo is really cheap and highly common. you could easily grow it in your back yard and then dry the leaves in your attic.
also be careful with any sexual stimulants as they could enlarge the prostate gland as it is filled with sexual fluids as a result of the increased production of testosterone.
Listen, boys of all ages, be strong always and be safe always. Your life and your health are a great and powerful gift from nature. Take a rest sometimes to replenish so you are double strong on your next outing. Remember, there is always tomorrow and next week and next year. You want and need health, good sexual stamina and longevity.
Peace Brothers, Happy Holidays
I would agree with all the above except for my own experience in almost all the natural remedies that other than an often placebo effect, nothing works as well, consistently, universally, and more truly predictably than the drugs.
I hate to say to it but it seems to be the cold, hard facts in just about all the medical research
I hate to say to it but it seems to be the cold, hard facts in just about all the medical research
As a side comment, ain't nothing like exercising, eating right, and not smoking too. I mention this as homeopathic or not, still got to be doing something making sense. When I think about all the crap I was eating 10 years ago and being sedentary it's just mind blowing. I don't do any T stuff but my SB commented the other day about me being like a 20 yo and not just sexually but my psyche etc. I did not take her comment literally nor do I think she meant it so, but if I stayed on the other course, I know she would not have even been able to say it tongue in cheek.
Yeah, I prefer natural ways too and find that they work just fine as long as the natural ways we are talking about consist of female 21 year old, trim body with perky natural tits topped with eraser nipples, a firm round ass, a beautiful face with long flowing soft jet black hair — works every time w/o the annoying side affects of "V"or "C".
Don't neglect proper rest and recovery as an equal part of the exercise/diet equation, especially as one gets older.
I am diligent in all three and am often told the same thing as you at 65 from both women and men.
However, proper, prudent supplementation depending on problems or deficiencies you may have can be imperative. Just because one exercises, diets, and rests properly, it unfortunately is still no guarantee that you will not have issues as well. Genetics, too, plays a big role in this.
BTW h50, what is your age? I am assuming, per your tag, that you were 50 upon signing up here?
I am diligent in all three and am often told the same thing as you at 65 from both women and men.
However, proper, prudent supplementation depending on problems or deficiencies you may have can be imperative. Just because one exercises, diets, and rests properly, it unfortunately is still no guarantee that you will not have issues as well. Genetics, too, plays a big role in this.
BTW h50, what is your age? I am assuming, per your tag, that you were 50 upon signing up here?
I don't think a lot of people get how important diet and consistent vigorous exercise is to a satisfying later years in life both for your sexual health and such things as just living a satisfying life. I'm not talking about just taking a walk around the block once in a while but a regular routine of aerobic and weight bearing exercise, alternating each and every day.
This is no joke — some people think that they can just buy it by popping vitamins and supplements and they think that huffing and puffing just to tie their shoes is just a normal result of aging. For example most cases of type 2 diabetes, if not totally cured, can be greatly migrated by a rigorous exercise program and w/o drugs — yet many people approach it as a medical problem to be treated by drugs.
Being fit and keeping one's weight under control may not prevent you form dying of cancer or some other disease but I guarantee if you are lucky enough to not have such you will greatly extend the time before when you will need a walker and will greatly extend the amount of time you will still be able to jump on that sweet young thing that you come across.
ps. anyone who uses tobacco products is an idiot.
This is no joke — some people think that they can just buy it by popping vitamins and supplements and they think that huffing and puffing just to tie their shoes is just a normal result of aging. For example most cases of type 2 diabetes, if not totally cured, can be greatly migrated by a rigorous exercise program and w/o drugs — yet many people approach it as a medical problem to be treated by drugs.
Being fit and keeping one's weight under control may not prevent you form dying of cancer or some other disease but I guarantee if you are lucky enough to not have such you will greatly extend the time before when you will need a walker and will greatly extend the amount of time you will still be able to jump on that sweet young thing that you come across.
ps. anyone who uses tobacco products is an idiot.
Agreed. And even myself I should be doing more to "maintain" myself but at least I'm glad for my incremental improvements and just have to keep at it. This all said, what are some absolute don't that you guys follow. For instance I don't smoke and I don't eat junk food when possible. What else do you guys avoid? Re my age I don't offer much personal details here, so let's leave it at that.
Also, back to the T, as with the V&C, I'm curious do you guys take it due to say ED concerns, general male health, or, as libido and other functional enhancements?
Also, back to the T, as with the V&C, I'm curious do you guys take it due to say ED concerns, general male health, or, as libido and other functional enhancements?