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My total testosterone is 284 with the range being 264-916 ng/dL
My free testosterone is 6.5 with the range being 6.6-18.1 pg/mL
Does anyone here have an opinion on TRT benefit and downside?

My T was low (185) so I started TRT - Androgel. Got my level up to around 600, but it didn't benefit me an any way - absolutely nothing changed. Since TRT is not without risk and I was receiving no benefit, I discontinued it.

My levels were around 200 last summer. I had almost no sex drive. I started Testosterone injections, once every two weeks (more convenient than daily androgel). Since that time my drive dramatically improved - it was a case where I forgot what I was missing out on, because my drive gradually decreased over the years. It has been a life changer for me.

I never had Low-T but a Primary Care Physician about ten years ago prescribed Androgel telling me it might help me achieve stronger erections. I wish instead he had sent me for a Penile Doppler test that showed a substantial Venous Leak. After a year there was no benefit and to make matters worse my balls shrank from low hangers the size of plums to the size of grapes. Since my balls shrank my sac tightened up, too.

My experience with TRT was similar to Dave’s. My T gel improved my T from 290 to over 800 and significantly improved my libido, but had little or no effect on my limp dick. Very frustrating to have the urge but not have the required equipment.

After six months my blood test showed a slight increase in my PSA so my endocrinologist recommended I phase out of TRT.

I started Androgel at age 50, and it kept my T in the 300-500 range. Like Greg, my balls shrank to grape size. When diagnosed w/ PCa at age 65, I had to stop, and my T went as low as 54 (near what is considered chemical castration). I was miserable.

Six months after my prostatectomy -- and after 2 undetectable (<0.006) PSAs, I went back on Androgel and my T was back up near 600, and I began to feel pretty good again.

Am now 1 year out from the prostatectomy and 6 months post implant, PSA is still <0.006 and I am loving my new working dick.

Some guys seem to think the Androgel is inconvenient, but using it never bothered me, especially when the application protocol changed to the shoulders from the belly.

Bob

vinnylid wrote:My total testosterone is 284 with the range being 264-916 ng/dL
My free testosterone is 6.5 with the range being 6.6-18.1 pg/mL
Does anyone here have an opinion on TRT benefit and downside?

Please create a signature. It makes things much easier to answer your questions without asking a lot of questions. Here's how you do it
Click on your name in the top right corner and select "user control panel"

Then under the big letters "User Control Panel" there is a row of words... select "Profile"

Then down the left had side of the "User Control Panel" select "Edit Signature" (You might have Create Signature or something. I don't know exactly what you'll get because I already have a signature to edit)

Most guys put something like what I have, but you can put whatever you want. Here is mine -
"AMS 700 (18 + 2 rte's). Implanted March 30, 2017 by Dr. Brock of London, Ont, CANADA. Great surgeon. Went in to septic shock and had to have implant removed April 29, 2017. I'm from Belleville, Ontario, CANADA. Appt. for consult for second attempt is on November 6, 2017... I can't wait."

Don't get too carried away with the doctor like his name, address, phone number, etc (anything that looks like advertising for him).. you can certainly say Dr. Jones (great Dr.)

If you need further help, please ask, that's what I'm here for.

Larry
Moderator

vinnylid wrote:My total testosterone is 284 with the range being 264-916 ng/dL
My free testosterone is 6.5 with the range being 6.6-18.1 pg/mL
Does anyone here have an opinion on TRT benefit and downside?

My libido was seriously in the crapper. I learned that my testosterone was low. Started on Androgel... hated it and it didn't work. Now I take an injection (real pain in the ass - literally) and I'm back chasing my wife around the house... New libido, new dick... look out girls... Larry's on the loose.

Larry

Thanks Larry. I have added my signature. TRT I believe was my first post.