Options on TRT

StrongGuy

StrongGuy

New member
So I'm about to turn 38 soon and have decided to begin exploring TRT options. I have an appointment scheduled for bloods and a consultation at a local clinic in a few weeks. I have been researching this for quite a while, but would really like to get real-world feedback from some experienced guys on the forum:

What are some thoughts on injections vs pellets vs topical gels? I'm mainly curious if anyone has tried more than one of these and can give some honest, constructive feedback. The pellet option really intrigues me but seems like it could be rather painful, especially once the local anesthetic wears off. Injections wouldn't bother me as I already am prescribed HUMIRA which I self administer bi-monthly. Gels seem to be the least favored by most guys from what I've seen, and least that I'm interested in for that matter, but I wouldn't have much issue with that either since I have used many OTC topicals over the years.

I am not going to rush this, and want to first and foremost get bloodwork done, but I also would like to lay some ground work to help with my decision in the event that TRT is recommended. I'm hopeful for a good healthy discussion on this that maybe some other guys in a similar situation could benefit from as well.
 
Okay I have not tried the pellet or the gels but several months ago I was in the same boat and I was trying to decide what to get. I have always hated needles been pretty scared and always avoided them so I was leaning towards the gel.

My clinic doesn't offer the pellets so I tried my hardest to get the gel to happen. I will say that my doctor advised against it because it tends to be less effective, the absorption is not going to be exactly the same every application because things like perspiration and salt on your skin or humidity in the air even can affect how well it absorbs.

The final straw for me was since I have a unique Clinic I go to where I pay out-of-pocket but at very low rates, the gels were about five times as expensive as the injections and that pushed me to try the needles and I'm glad I did because they are so easy to do once I got over the fear. They don't hurt I barely feel them and it is so much more effective according to everything I have heard.

all I can say about all I can say about the pellet is what I have heard. I heard that sense it dissolves in your blood that the higher your circulation for example when you exercise and your blood is pumping more it will dissolve into your system at a faster rate. I'm not sure I would like something like that as it is not and evenly sustained release. I also would rather deal with needles than have to have a incision to insert something like that in my skin.

But that's me you may be different I can only offer the above and say most people prefer injections and I can see why they work great.
 
Read the TOT Bible by Jay Campbell. Pellets sound like a terrible idea. Injections (sub q > IM ) or topical cream applied to the scrotum are the only viable options. I'm using subq injections as it gives the option to do little blast and cruise cycles if desired.
 
StrongGuy said:
So I'm about to turn 38 soon and have decided to begin exploring TRT options. I have an appointment scheduled for bloods and a consultation at a local clinic in a few weeks. I have been researching this for quite a while, but would really like to get real-world feedback from some experienced guys on the forum:

What are some thoughts on injections vs pellets vs topical gels? I'm mainly curious if anyone has tried more than one of these and can give some honest, constructive feedback. The pellet option really intrigues me but seems like it could be rather painful, especially once the local anesthetic wears off. Injections wouldn't bother me as I already am prescribed HUMIRA which I self administer bi-monthly. Gels seem to be the least favored by most guys from what I've seen, and least that I'm interested in for that matter, but I wouldn't have much issue with that either since I have used many OTC topicals over the years.

I am not going to rush this, and want to first and foremost get bloodwork done, but I also would like to lay some ground work to help with my decision in the event that TRT is recommended. I'm hopeful for a good healthy discussion on this that maybe some other guys in a similar situation could benefit from as well.
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What do you mean you decided to begin exploring? Are you having signs of low T? If in fact you need to start TRT, which should be your last resort, then find a good dr. Some anti-aging clinics are only into prescribing TRT for the money and will screw your over in more ways than one.

Secondly, topicals suck. Don’t do it. Pellets pretty much suck too. Injecting test is the best route for stable test levels. You can do IM or subq injections.
 
Devonkev said:
Read the TOT Bible by Jay Campbell. Pellets sound like a terrible idea. Injections (sub q > IM ) or topical cream applied to the scrotum are the only viable options. I'm using subq injections as it gives the option to do little blast and cruise cycles if desired.
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You can blast and cruise with IM injections as well. Topicals suck and are not nearly as beneficial as pinning.
 
sammpedd88 said:
You can blast and cruise with IM injections as well. Topicals suck and are not nearly as beneficial as pinning.
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Sorry yes, I didn't mean you can't blast and cruise with only subq, just thats what I've decided to do Vs topical so I can blast n cruise.
 
Apparently if you go with pellets, they cut a 2-3 inch hole in your ass and put them in then sew it up. I don’t know about you but that sounds shitty as ****. Gel works decent, not great and IM is the best you can get in my opinion
 
Thanks for the replies. As far as symptoms, I have what I believe to be typical: virtually no libido, little to no morning erections, low seminal volume, brain fog, fatigue, lack of motivation, decrease in energy, etc. I am getting the bloodwork to check levels as a first step, if my levels are fine I'll look into other options and/or explanations. I don't want to rush it if its not necessary. I get the labs done next week and will report back.

All that said, I have been spending a lot of time researching and gathering information on the different TRT options. I have found that injections are by far the most recommended. Pellets are intriguing on paper but there are potential complications that are making me a bit leery such as infections, the pellets dislodging and coming out, and just the procedure itself. I wouldn't be worried so much about pain during but I can see how it could be quite sore for a time after. Additionally there seems to be a consensus that the pellets result in a very large increase in levels initially but can fall to sub-optimal long before the next implantation. Topicals again just seem the least effective with a lot of variables that could potentially come into play.

Looking at injections specifically, I'm curious if there is much advantages/disadvantages to subq vs IM? I'm going to keep researching and any and all additional input is greatly appreciated!
 
StrongGuy said:
Thanks for the replies. As far as symptoms, I have what I believe to be typical: virtually no libido, little to no morning erections, low seminal volume, brain fog, fatigue, lack of motivation, decrease in energy, etc. I am getting the bloodwork to check levels as a first step, if my levels are fine I'll look into other options and/or explanations. I don't want to rush it if its not necessary. I get the labs done next week and will report back.

All that said, I have been spending a lot of time researching and gathering information on the different TRT options. I have found that injections are by far the most recommended. Pellets are intriguing on paper but there are potential complications that are making me a bit leery such as infections, the pellets dislodging and coming out, and just the procedure itself. I wouldn't be worried so much about pain during but I can see how it could be quite sore for a time after. Additionally there seems to be a consensus that the pellets result in a very large increase in levels initially but can fall to sub-optimal long before the next implantation. Topicals again just seem the least effective with a lot of variables that could potentially come into play.

Looking at injections specifically, I'm curious if there is much advantages/disadvantages to subq vs IM? I'm going to keep researching and any and all additional input is greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Apparently subq is more effective. You need less than IM to get the same blood levels and blood levels remain more stable due. I can't remember if there are studies to back this up or if this is anecdotal from leading trt Dr's.
 
Devonkev said:
Apparently subq is more effective. You need less than IM to get the same blood levels and blood levels remain more stable due. I can't remember if there are studies to back this up or if this is anecdotal from leading trt Dr's.
Click to expand...

Some people do better than others with subq but some don’t do well at all. It’s an individual case basis.
 
I got my blood draw bumped up from next Thursday to today and will now get my results and consultation done next Thursday. The clinic I went with only provides injections and they set you up to receive everything at home and self administer which I like instead of having to go in every week. I was looking at a different clinic that does pellets but I just wasn't sold on that option. The office girl said total cost is about $150 per month (before or without insurance) which seems fairly reasonable.
 
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StrongGuy said:
So I'm about to turn 38 soon and have decided to begin exploring TRT options. I have an appointment scheduled for bloods and a consultation at a local clinic in a few weeks. I have been researching this for quite a while, but would really like to get real-world feedback from some experienced guys on the forum:

What are some thoughts on injections vs pellets vs topical gels? I'm mainly curious if anyone has tried more than one of these and can give some honest, constructive feedback. The pellet option really intrigues me but seems like it could be rather painful, especially once the local anesthetic wears off. Injections wouldn't bother me as I already am prescribed HUMIRA which I self administer bi-monthly. Gels seem to be the least favored by most guys from what I've seen, and least that I'm interested in for that matter, but I wouldn't have much issue with that either since I have used many OTC topicals over the years.

I am not going to rush this, and want to first and foremost get bloodwork done, but I also would like to lay some ground work to help with my decision in the event that TRT is recommended. I'm hopeful for a good healthy discussion on this that maybe some other guys in a similar situation could benefit from as well.
Click to expand...

Kinda off subject, but wanted to throw in some advice. I would go to your primary doctor and have him prescribe your TRT protocol. I went for about a year to my local clinic and wound up paying $175 per month for that. After I smartened up a bit, I went to my primary and now pay $30 for three months of TRT....big difference; that's if you have decent insurance.
 
dillface02241 said:
Kinda off subject, but wanted to throw in some advice. I would go to your primary doctor and have him prescribe your TRT protocol. I went for about a year to my local clinic and wound up paying $175 per month for that. After I smartened up a bit, I went to my primary and now pay $30 for three months of TRT....big difference; that's if you have decent insurance.
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I'm definitely going to look into this. I get the blood work results tomorrow so I will see where I'm at. If they indicate that trt is a good option then I will most likely check with my primary care doctor as well.
 
So here's the results. They tested a lot of things but these are the most relevant:
 

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In my humble opinion you could perhaps get away for some time with balancing free T and e2. Maybe something like boron citrate could be beneficial?

but dont consider me qualified to give advice. It is what i would try to do if these were my labs since total test is good. Total might also go up if e2 gets into balance.

What is your bodyfat percentage?
 
CroLifter said:
In my humble opinion you could perhaps get away for some time with balancing free T and e2. Maybe something like boron citrate could be beneficial?

but dont consider me qualified to give advice. It is what i would try to do if these were my labs since total test is good. Total might also go up if e2 gets into balance.

What is your bodyfat percentage?
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The doctor and I discussed a couple options outside of TRT to address exactly that. I did notice my free t is lacking a bit and is most likely contributing to my symptioms as well as my E2 is towards the higher end of normal. If I wish to pursue TRT he suggested 140 mg test cyp once per week with 100 units HCG to maintain testicular function. He was very informative and made it clear he did not wish to pressure me either way, and that the decision is up to me.

My current stats are:

6'00"
190 lbs
17% BF
 
Dutch complete hormones is the only test I use for hormones.
 
Aleksandar37 said:
I wouldn't trust Precision Analytical (the company that sells Dutch Complete) with any test. Their "thought leaders" are all frauds and fake docs.
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How many clients have you seen and utilized the test with? I have done over 1000 of those tests and nothing but positive results. Tell that to all the screws I got from hormone clinics I had to do damage control on. 2 patients ended up reporting doctors to medical board for malpractice for pellets one case ended up with uterine cancer as a result. The problem is not the test it’s the interpretation from lazy practitoners looking for cookie cutter approaches.
Actually Dr Jones is one of the few doctors in the world I trust with my own health.
As I mentioned TRT will be thing of the past as we can get benefits of TRT with out even taking it. I proved this with females males are next in line.
 
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The Matrix said:
How many clients have you seen and utilized the test with? I have done over 1000 of those tests and nothing but positive results. Tell that to all the screws I got from hormone clinics I had to do damage control on. 2 patients ended up reporting doctors to medical board for malpractice for pellets one case ended up with uterine cancer as a result. The problem is not the test it’s the interpretation from lazy practitoners looking for cookie cutter approaches.
Actually Dr Jones is one of the few doctors in the world I trust with my own health.
As I mentioned TRT will be thing of the past as we can get benefits of TRT with out even taking it. I proved this with females males are next in line.
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A person who sells cars isn't automatically a good mechanic. "Dr" Jones is a fraud as she is an ND. Naturopaths are fraud "doctors" who base most of their beliefs on pseudoscience. Let them play with their crystals and leave actual medical issues to actual medical doctors.
 
Aleksandar37 said:
A person who sells cars isn't automatically a good mechanic. "Dr" Jones is a fraud as she is an ND. Naturopaths are fraud "doctors" who base most of their beliefs on pseudoscience. Let them play with their crystals and leave actual medical issues to actual medical doctors.
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All of the cases I deal with are collateral damage from the broken traditional medical model.
If the medical model was so Fukien great this forum would not exist. Majority if not all people here are from the broken medical model we call health care trying to address issue not being addressed.

“ND” is not pseudo science it’s far from it.
Just because people think out side of the box when the medical monkeys are caged does not make them a fraud.
 
The Matrix said:
All of the cases I deal with are collateral damage from the broken traditional medical model.
If the medical model was so Fukien great this forum would not exist. Majority if not all people here are from the broken medical model we call health care trying to address issue not being addressed.

“ND” is not pseudo science it’s far from it.
Just because people think out side of the box when the medical monkeys are caged does not make them a fraud.
Click to expand...

This forum is for weightlifting, bodybuilding, anabolics, and supplements. You seem to be confusing it with an essential oils forum. ND are so outside of the box that they don't believe in actual science or the scientific method. They scam people by claiming MDs only care about money while they have no issue taking money for advice and products that don't work. If you're going to promote something based in science like a diagnostic test, then hire actual medical doctors or scientists. Paying a bunch of frauds who don't believe in science is a huge red flag and there are plenty of other test diagnostics out there.
 
StrongGuy said:
So here's the results. They tested a lot of things but these are the most relevant:
Click to expand...

I wouldn't be sweating those results, not bad from the data i have read for 36. I got tested at 40, had low EVERYTHING. My E2 was 6, TT was 34, free T was 9. Even my HGH and DHT was low. My doc at a local clinic put me on 300mg/week of Cyp and i feel much much better.

My 3mo checkup had me at a trough of about 900 TT which my doc was happy with. If you do go this route just remember it's kinda a life long thing otherwise when you come off you will be much worse than when you started since a decent dose will cause real suppression or shutdown.

Im 41 and won't have any more kids and don't mind 1 needle per week. Good luck with this though, im curious how it turns out for you.
 
Aleksandar37 said:
This forum is for weightlifting, bodybuilding, anabolics, and supplements. You seem to be confusing it with an essential oils forum. ND are so outside of the box that they don't believe in actual science or the scientific method. They scam people by claiming MDs only care about money while they have no issue taking money for advice and products that don't work. If you're going to promote something based in science like a diagnostic test, then hire actual medical doctors or scientists. Paying a bunch of frauds who don't believe in science is a huge red flag and there are plenty of other test diagnostics out there.
Click to expand...

And so here we are and many others as result of the broken medicine model who been MDS and other specialist who got them no where. This does not even compare to the amount of people where committed wrongly to mental institution due to other factors I fished out over the years due to Medical oversight.

Black seed oil, an essential oil was used in a published study from university of PA to reduce pancreatic cancer cell growth. There are over 400 published studies on it medicinal properties.
 
The Matrix said:
And so here we are and many others as result of the broken medicine model who been MDS and other specialist who got them no where. This does not even compare to the amount of people where committed wrongly to mental institution due to other factors I fished out over the years due to Medical oversight.

Black seed oil, an essential oil was used in a published study from university of PA to reduce pancreatic cancer cell growth. There are over 400 published studies on it medicinal properties.
Click to expand...

You're just grasping for anything now, huh? You don't get to bash the legitimate scientific and medical community and then cherry pick a study that you think agrees with you. Either follow the scientific method or don't. This tourist bs where you want play in science land and open fake clinics to scam people out of money is fraudulent.

Are you talking about the 2009 paper from Navdeep Chehl? The one where they looked at effects in cell lines? He must have been so impressed by his own findings that he never repeated the experiment in an animal model or at least never published about it. That secret cure must be why he left oncology all together.
 
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