Applying Androgel question

[DinoTrainer]

Hi guys,

I am 40 years old and my doctor started me on 3 packs of androgel a day (5gms packets, 15gms total) due to below normal levels of total test (my # was 235 I believe, but definetly in the low 230's), 2 months ago.

I was applying the gel to my shoulders, upper arms and legs one time a day (in the morn, a half hour after my shower). My questions:
1) on the literature it says to only apply to shoulders, arms and abs. I dont apply to abs, instead I apply to legs. my dr said that was OK, what do you guys think?
2) should I apply the gel 2x a day, instead of 1x a day?
3) should someone who is using TRT, to keep the outside test from converting to DHT,estrogen and prolactin also take OTC supplements like saw palmetto, indole 3 carbinol, calcium carbonate and/or Triazole and vitex catcus (for prolactin issues), and Nutraplanets stinging nettle extract or Activate to free up the test from the Androgel?

Thank you everyone for the help and input and insights from there own use of Androgel and/or Testim

 

[drinkyboy]

I was on 10g a day and did 5g 2X. I think it keeps your levels more steady throughout the day imo. I applied mine to shoulders, inside of arms and my obliques. I think it absorbes better in the fatty parts best. I dont know about #3 so im not even going to lead you in the wrong direction.

 

[The Matrix]

I was on 10g a day and did 5g 2X. I think it keeps your levels more steady throughout the day imo. I applied mine to shoulders, inside of arms and my obliques. I think it absorbes better in the fatty parts best. I dont know about #3 so im not even going to lead you in the wrong direction.

anything more then 2 packs is not medical necessary.
If you are not absorbing it then you have a mdxema which is thickness of skin due to hidden thyroid or adrenal condition. May be your just a hairy bastard can be a huge problem as well because gels works best on smooth skin. IF after 10 days level are not going up then you need to be moved to shots with no hesitation. If that is the case you will probably run into a whole other set of problems because the dr has no clue on properly adminstration of the drug.

 

[DinoTrainer]

Thanks drinkyboy and The Matrix.

My doc said he likes to start guys at 3 packets daily and after 3 months with a updated blood test readjust doses then.

I do feel alot better these last 2 months on Androgel. I got alot of strength and muscle back, and alot more energy. My libido is better but still not back to normal sadly.

Do you guys think Testim is better than Androgel, or are they the same?

I apply Androgel to my legs and chest, the dr says this is OK, do you guys agree (the med literature says arms, shoulders and ab area only)?

 

[drinkyboy]

From what my doc told me, basically you can apply it anywhere besides your sack. I too had applied it to my inner thighs sometimes and thats what i asked my doc about when he said apply it anywhere. I have never tried Testim. I pushed for injections. Much easier and i like the fact of not haveing to worry about it every day.

 

[RoadBlocK]

Just want to mention, dont know your situation, ins., copay, out of pocket, etc, but if you are using that much, the androgel pump would be much more convenient than ripping open three packets everday, talk to the doc, I think it depends how he writes the script, and the pumps come 75g each(2pack box).

 

[The Matrix]

Thanks drinkyboy and The Matrix.

My doc said he likes to start guys at 3 packets daily and after 3 months with a updated blood test readjust doses then.

I do feel alot better these last 2 months on Androgel. I got alot of strength and muscle back, and alot more energy. My libido is better but still not back to normal sadly.

Do you guys think Testim is better than Androgel, or are they the same?

I apply Androgel to my legs and chest, the dr says this is OK, do you guys agree (the med literature says arms, shoulders and ab area only)?

It should be applied to areas where there is little fat other wise it will aromatize to estrodial. Who the hell wants to take a bath in androgel? It smells like crap and take a long time to dry. Once you apply it you can not have sexual contact or shower with in 6 hours. Chest is a high area of fat in alot of men. If you are a hariy bastard it is not getting in the skin because it getting caught in your hair. Testim does give better absorption. A dr starting out with 3 packs of androgel with patients I would really start to question his ethnics. Have you had your DHT levels and e2 levels checked after 3-4 weeks. Any dr that does not check hormones levels before the 4 week mark is a complete idiot and is putting the patient in jeopardy of having severe hair loss, BPH, and also severe gyno. ITs idiots like this that pushing insurance premiums so high. He has getting a nice kick back from solvay.

Simpliest solution
get a good compounding pharmacy and apply 1 ml a day to shaved forearms and be done with it and then remeasure in 2 weeks after starting it to see if you are absorbing it. No dr should make a male suffer for 3 months leaving them in limbo. You should be like dr "why don't you apply this crap to you each morning and go three months feeling like crap trying to function. See how fun it is"

 

[RPHMark]

Have to agree with Matrix for the most part. If 2 packets won't do it then 3 is probably pointless. I don't believe Testim will absorb any better, there is very little difference in their gels. As to your #3 above, none of that is a bad idea. I would have to question your Drs approach to state it mildly. I can't imagine why he would give you such a large dose then not test for so long; makes no sense. If you switch to a compounded cream don't start with anywhere near your current dose.