Testosterone Therapy

[MARKOS2018]

Thanks for all the information that should be very helpful. I am on Astro Gel rather than the Axiron and I do have to pay about $100.40 out of pocket which the insurance will not pay. I don't know what is happening and i have been traveling lately and not administering it as i should. There is an increase in the drive and energy. That is a good sign. I do wonder about the testicle shrinkage some of you mentioned in your replies. Wonder what would cause that being on the T?

HR

[tomas1]

I understand it to be because the testicles no longer try to produce T themselves.
At my age, I'm not worried. I worry more about prostate cancer.

[MARKOS2018]

Follow up with the doctor only confused me as well as the doctor. My T levels went down even though I was using Androgel. Doctor couldn't come up with an explanation. WTF? He told me to continue and to test again. I am using Androgel and applying it to my shoulders as directed.

Only explanation he had for the drop in T levels from the first time, was that I did the blood tests before applying the gel? I do feel more energetic and am thinking more of sex which is good! Are there any obvious signs that are working that others had while taking the Androgel....? Anyone feel that Axiron is a better Therapy med? Insurance wouldn't cover it inspire of the high out of pocket cost of the Androgel.

Rod

[KarlB1706]

I have had low T for way too many years. My dr. started me on injections once a month and when my insurance changed and I had to change Doctors my new dr. put me on Androgl and have been on that for the last 8 or 9 years. There are a couple of side effects that are not that bad but kinda of unpleasant. My testicles have shrunk a lot over the years and my red blood cell count is way to high. Not much I can do about the testicle size but I do donate double red blood cells every 4 months so I don't have to go the dr. and have him drain a pint and throw it away.

[MARKOS2018]

Karl

Were you told the side affects would be shrunken testicles? Could age be a contributing factor? However,would like to know why caused the T levels to go down in the first place. Frankly my Uro seems to be puzzled by the drop even though i was using Androgel. He seems to think it was the time of the bloodiest. Asks me now to do the test 3 hours after i administer the Androgel.

That is a good thing with your blood donation. I don't think that I could do that being on Coumadin. Well at least you fully understand what is happening to you! Thanks

Rod

[seeking info]

Your testicles WILL SHRINK. ...WHY.. Because once you are diagnosis with low T and you start taking the hormone your body tells your testicles to stop making the hormone because you are getting it somewhere else and the brain recognizes. The hormone and tells the testis' to shut down,,,therefore they go into an animated state and due to lack of function...they. Shrink. You can stop the supplement and they will start producing again but will not make enough hormone for you. .why they slow down is because of lots of reasons. I have been on replacement for years...my scrotum needs a serious lift. My balls are shrunk alto..but my testosterone. Is great and the effect on my being is even better now that my levels are up....Everything is up!!!!I could care less about my testes being shrunk...I like things working and I like feeling like I am suppose to feel. I know exactly why my levels are low and there is nothing I can do it change it..so I gladly take the shots. I did help decreae my dosages by dropping some much unneeded weight..but I will never be able to not take the replacement therapy . I hope things improve for you quickly!!Low T is a terrible feeling. Nit to mention its unpleasant effects on your body
Seeking...ska Scott

[KarlB1706]

I do not remember if I was told or not that my testes would shrink, that was over 16 years ago that I started hormone therapy. Seems like the only time they come out is when I am a hot tub. They will drop some but not a lot. Wish something could be done will check with my urologist when I see her for my annual check up.

I really do not mind donating blood because it helps a lot of other people

[MARKOS2018]

Hey all

Thanks for your input re the therapy. I have the implant so I do have one impressive ball there and the other one or 2 have shrunk in size. My kidney surgeon told me he took one out with the kidney (cancer) but my present Uro told me he felt 2 plus the pump??? Was he kidding? I'm still looking. Anyway I hope to see what he says about shots or seeds?

Karl you say they come out in hot tub? So you are still on the therapy? Appreciate any input

Mike

[oowright]

It's proven that the testes will definetly shrink as already explained. Maybe better to first try boosting the body's own T production? NOWHARD's advice about DHEA and tongkat-ali seems sound. Also careful use of Clomid, which triggers the testicles to produce more. If these are not enough or possible then T-therapy can be sought ...

[MARKOS2018]

I have started the therapy under a doctors care since i am on Coumadin and other meds which would complicate my balance if I were to take it on my own. Natural herbs are good but one really doesn't know how much or what affect they will do. However, I have tried some of the mixtures presented by Nowhard. He has good points.

I was going to a Chinese Acupuncture doctor for different therapies and have been under their care for some time. I paid a lot for his herb mixture that was very hard to swallow because I had to hold my nose......The delay of going to a real doctor to treat my symptoms caused me a lot of complications with my ED. I have the pump in my testicles which makes up for the shrinkage of the other "two".

Anyway, I am awaiting the results of my blood work and i hope my T levels went up. I still am using Androgel. Thanks.

Rod