OK folks, I have some updates since I originally posted this thread and would appreciate some feedback. When I first started using Androgel 1.62%, I would take a hot shower and immediately after drying off I would apply 4 pumps, which were one pump on each pectoral, and one on each shoulder. After a few minutes when it would dry, I would apply a thin layer of Pholgel Ultra which would dry rather quickly on top of the Androgel. In about an hour or two I pretty much always have felt a pump in my arms which is how I definitely knew it was kicking in. I took a blood test after hour 3 or 4 and my total T was around 1200ng/dl (scale of 241-827), Free T was 294 PG/ML (scale of 35-180), and T Free % was 2.5 (scale of 1.0-2.7).
I then started to experiment and apply the 4 morning pumps without a shower, and still apply the Phlogel Ultra. I would apply one pump to each pectoral, wait a few minutes, apply another pump to each pectoral on top of the first layer, and then apply the Phlogel Ultra on top after drying. I also added another 2 pumps in the late afternoon, with one pump to each pectoral along with Phlogel Ultra on top after drying. This was a total of 6 pumps per day and when I had my Total-T tested in the morning, it dropped to about 800ng/dl!
My next experiment was to apply the total 6 morning pumps without a shower, and still apply the Phlogel Ultra. I would apply one pump to each pectoral, wait a few minutes, apply another pump to each pectoral on top of the first layer, wait a few minutes, apply another pump to each pectoral on top of the first layer, and then apply the Phlogel Ultra on top after drying. This was still a total of 6 pumps per day and when I had my Total-T tested last week again at the exact same time of day in the morning, my total T was now down to 620ng/dl (scale of 241-827), Free T was 139 PG/ML (scale of 35-180), and T Free % was 2.3 (scale of 1.0-2.7).
So my theory is either the hot shower was definitely helping the Androgel+Phlogel penetrate the skin, and it is ESSENTIAL to apply each pump to unique areas of the upper body each day, and do not overlay a pump over a previous application area in the same day. Something is definitely not working as it was originally and this is my best guess! I've also read that as you increase more pumps of Androgel and DHT rises, it can actually lower your total T.
In addition, this last blood test I had my Estradiol measured and it is at 88.3 PG/ML, which I believe is very high. My PSA is extremely low and all other bloodwork is within range for my lipid profile. I am switching back to my original method of using applying the original 4 pumps to unique areas with the Androgel, and getting re-tested again in a few weeks. BTW, I have read in many sources that apply moisturizing lotion on top of Androgel increases absorption up to 13%, and I believe pre-treating the application area with an light exfoliation brush in the shower may also improve results.
Any feedback?