Testosterone Therapy

[risefromtheashes]

In order to diagnose my recently acquired erectile issues, my doctor did a series of blood tests. The only significant issue that he found was that my free testosterone was significantly low. This didnt surprise me even though it appears as if my problems are neurological in nature or related to a nerve injury. Anyway, I've not had good luck so far with the testosterone therapy. At first I tried Axiron. Almost immediately, I had a bad reaction to it. Extreme flushing especially in the face and ears as well as significant & unusual pain in the feet, legs and torso. so I stopped the axiron. My doc tried to put me on testim which my insurance company wouldn't pay for. So now I've been on androgel for about 10 days and have no problems as of yet. But between fighting with my prescription drug plan provider and the reactions that I experienced, I'm wondering about testosterone therapy altogether. If anyone could share their experiences - good or bad, that would be great. Also, does anyone know what the the possible effects are of long-term testerone use? Any experiences or information that anyone has concerning testerone therapy would be very helpful & appreciated. Thanks to all.

[thinktank]

I am joining risefromtheashes in his request.

Compounded T cream has failed to do anything for me. It turned me into a eunuch with shrinking balls, no libido and swollen ankles retaining fluid.

I have now been prescribed T cypionate, HCG, semorelin, and arimidex and DHEA with DIM. I am leery of starting the injections, which must be done by needles, all except for the arimidex and DHEA/DIM.

What are the side effect of T injections know to our membership here?

Another question is once I start the injections, is there ever a turning back time if the injections are not to my liking.

In my book, better to be old and content than start down a path that screws my homones up permanently.

Thanks guys. This forum rocks.

[dtwarren1942]

I was started on Testim about 18 months ago and had to switch to Androgel last January due to the request of my insurance carrier, CVS Caremark. Now I have been requested to switch to another t-gel. After a year of TRT, my Total T increased from 290 to 750 and I could feel some increase in my Libido. However, there was no improvement in my ED. At this point, my endocrinologist noticed that my PSA had risen slightly (from 1.1 to 1.6) and recommended that I stop the TRT or at least reduce the amount applied. I decided to cut my Androgel in half and my T is currently at 350 and my PSA is down to 1.3.

Another side effect of TRT is that the Introduction of T exogenously, normally reduces the need to naturally produce T which can have the effect of reducing the size of your testicles. After using the full dose of t-gel for a year, I believe, but not sure, my right testicle may have shrunk slightly. Since I reduced my dosage by more than half, I believe it is now back to its pre TRT size.

When I started on TRT, my Uro mentioned that there should be no long lasting issues (testicle shrinkage) if I stopped during the first year. After the first year, it would take longer for the issues to correct themselves once you stopped TRT.

[Milbob]

I had a radical prostatectomy almost five years ago and, for a number of reasons, decided that it was the end of my sex life. I had tried Androgel years earlier due to low T but didn't continue because I didn't notice any significant results. That feeling continued until about nine months ago when I decided to give it another try. My T score was just over 300 and my internist prescribed Testim. In addition to low libido, I also was experiencing low energy and a dampening of mental alertness. After being on Testim for a few weeks I noticed a significant increase in energy and mental alertness. My libido has returned after literally years of nonexistent. My T score is now 550. After several months I began getting morning wood on a regular basis. Last week my urologist gave me a sample 30 day supply of daily Cialis 5 mg and I'm even getting spontaneous chubbies during the day. Encouraged by this I've resumed pumping. While I haven't yet been able to consummate the sex act with my wife, I am hopeful that it will happen in time. My point is that if you can tolerate/afford testosterone therapy, please seriously consider it. Looking back I can see that, for me, T therapy was what got the ball rolling.

[Peckerwood]

I have posted my experience with testosterone injections elsewhere on Frank Talk, but I will post them again here. After several years of declining sexual activity and ED that resulted in two years of almost no sex at all, and needless to say, I was depressed about the situation. I decided to have my testosterone checked. It was barely in the 200s. Within a couple of days of the first injection, I noticed that my whole attitude about life was beginning to change. I began to think about sex all the time, but I still couldn't get an erection, but I became determined to do something about it. The testosterone made me more aggressive (in a postitive way), happier, less grumpy; in short, it made me feel like a man again. I'm now taking daily Cialis 5mg and get both night-time spontaneous erections, as well as daytime on-demand erections. I also use Trimix for sex. Yes, testosterone might have reduced the size of my testicles, but it hasn't reduced the size of my penis. It's nice to have big testicles, I guess, but you don't have sex with them. I vote for testosterone injections over the other methods, but this is just my experience. It has changed my life in the most positive ways and really given me another reason to live. The pros far outweigh the cons from my experience.

John

[newly1]

I have been on Axiron 3-4 pumps for several months. My T is now at 900, high for my age. My libido still is not great and I inject for hardons. My doctor says there are a lot of guys your age dont care if they get an erectio or not. anybody have any ideas on the libido problem?

[dtwarren1942]

I have been on Axiron 3-4 pumps for several months. My T is now at 900, high for my age. My libido still is not great and I inject for hardons. My doctor says there are a lot of guys your age dont care if they get an erectio or not. anybody have any ideas on the libido problem?

I started with Testim 18 monts ago which increased T to 750 but insurance made me switch to Androgel. My Endo recommended I reduce dosage so my T is currently about 350. I never noticed any increase in Libido regardless of dosage. However, after I inject with Trimix, the resulting erection seems to significantly improve my libido such that I have no problems getting down to business.

Newly, how is your libido after injecting?

[Eugene]

I want to share a very bad experience that my neighbor had with testosterone therapy. Regretfully, I don't have all the details particularly with his t-therapy (dosage, frequency, duration,etc), but I did hear alot about his complications. He was receiving some sort of t-therapy injections. I don't know his medical history or if he had any ED issues or the reason he was taking t-meds. Anyway, he became very ill and weak, lost a lot of weight, and turned yellow. He looked like death warmed up. His liver was failing and his docs could not figure out what was happening. He was heading down hill rather rapidly. He was hospitalized on several occasions and was receiving intense medical intervention, but the mystery was that his docs were uncertain what was the culprit that was causing his failing health and liver problems. Eventurally after ruling out several possibilities they stopped his testosterone meds. Heck, I would have thought that would be one of the first to go, but what do I know. It took him over a month after stopping his t-therapy to begin to turn the corner to show improvement. He is doing much better now. The point of sharing this story is certainly not scare anyone, but simply to share one story of one guy that had a very adverse reaction to a particular drug regimen for t-therapy. Work closely with your physicians and report any adverse reactions for the safest outcome.

[pianoman]

if youwant to do HRT right take a look at this;

http://www.mens-hormonal-health.com/tes ... erapy.html

[Matthew]

I got tested for low test and I was. My doc prescribed androgel and my provider refused providing. We have a "compound"mixing pharmacy and they made a better gel for 45.00 instead of 450 for insurance. It has not of the bye products and is 4% instead of 1%. No wonder we are going broke for health care. The pharmacist told me to take Saw palmetto to stop DHT. He said if I take testosterone without Saw Palmetto it would not be as effective. Something to do with estrogen. I will report back in two weeks.