So there's a lot of talk about the testosterone butt pellets here on the forums but has anyone had experience with a little higher dosages? Three weeks ago my doctor (one of the many) had me start 6 month run of testosterone in gel form, with a 50 mg daily dosage, and I've noticed very little changes or side effects except for increased amount of toilet trips and not taking any naps during the day anymore (used to do this almost daily because of all the other stuff I'm on). I guess the actual reason is to promote bone health and prevent osteoporosis after my treatments but when I tried asking for my T-levels they couldn't even say because they hadn't measured it. Apparently it's just something all males get if there's no liver troubles and according to a patient-followup-list they'll measure it in about 3 months. On good news I've been so comparably "healthy" they've already lessened the amount of trips I have to take to the hospital from weekly to bi-weekly. It only takes like 3-4 hours but it rustles my jimmies to take the trip because all they basically do is the same I do at home: check blood pressure and skin of abnormalities.
Keep in mind I don't know anything about your situation or your age/health. It sounds like you've been placed on TRT or Testosterone Replacement Therapy as preventative medicine. Preventative medicine means a health problem is being headed off before it can be allowed to happen. I am guessing you are of age to where checking your T levels to qualify you for TRT is unnecessary.
However, I say it is necessary. I actually just got done failing my TRT clinic bloodwork and didn't qualify for TRT. Its good to know where you stand.
So listen, most guys would love to have a hassle-free doctor like yours where they aren't drawing your blood several times a year just to learn the obvious. You should be celebrating the fact that you are not one of those guys being rejected care or being hassled with extra bloodwork. I wanted to emphasize this because it sounds like you aren't appreciative because you may be unaware of how the majority of doctors deal with TRT. Testosterone is a controlled substance on the DEA schedule, so most doctors are up peoples ass about it. The fact you are being treated for age-related decline in T without hassle is a huge boon.
The predicament is obvious. On one hand, you're receiving treatment for what is likely. On the other hand-- you don't know that for sure. And your doc is basing the therapeutic dose off of the literature rather than on a patient by patient basis. He is well within the standard of care and some would say he is absolutely being a great proactive doctor. Also note, some TRT doctors go based off of feel. "How do you feel". So regardless of the blood reading, they will still ask how you feel and increase your dosage accordingly, even to above average levels if you need it. This is considered great care as well. There are numerous problems you can run into without blood readings and a slew of pros vs cons pertaining to the route of administration I.E. Gel versus injectable esters. If your blood levels came back with high estrogen for example, many TRT guys will blame that on the gel. The skin has a lot of aromatase activity, so a good amount of the testosterone gel is broken down into estrogen by the skin. That doesn't mean the gel doesn't work, it just means that for certain men its not a good fit. Everyone has a different unique level of aromatase activity, every case is different. You seem to be feeling great on the gel, but by getting better care you could know about any room for improvements in your TRT regimen.
That said, the specifics of your TRT could be better. But do you really want to disrespect your doctor and twist his arm and hassle him to accomplish a little bit "better" care? When you're already getting what many would call "good care". Not really, right. So here's what I would do assuming your insurance covers it-- or if you can pay out of pocket. Just book an appointment at a TRT clinic. First thing they do at most of them before you even see a doctor is charge you for a blood draw. At a good TRT clinic, without blood analysis the doctor has nothing to discuss with you. Your primary doc isn't involved and you don't need a referral. Explain you are on TRT but would like to be more scientific about it and you thought a TRT clinic would be a little more scientific.
Here is a neat article on TRT lowering the risk of cardiac arrest in heart attack patients. The myths are being debunked more and more.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160403195920.htm
Indications a healthy testosterone level is associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease.
Testosterone and coronary artery disease. - PubMed - NCBI
crossing my fingers for him
jayrebb
, there's just a few things I guess I need to be more specific about.
