#1 ·
About a year ago, after a long series of tests with an endocrinologist—whom I consulted due to sudden weight gain of about 65 pounds and the development of gynecomastia—I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and hypogonadism (low Testosterone).
Since my only prior knowledge regarding Testosterone was that it is simply a male sex hormone, I started doing some research and reading various posts here. Because I noticed quite a few pieces of incorrect or misleading information floating around, I decided to write a specific post regarding AndroGel as a treatment, how it works, and its overall mechanism.
Generally speaking, a man's Testosterone levels should fall within the 10-30 unit range. It is my understanding that after age 40, these levels tend to decrease by about 1% annually, continuing until old age, which eventually impacts muscle mass and libido.
I learned that total Testosterone is vital for building muscle, and that there are numerous side effects associated with a deficiency. This was a major issue for me because many symptoms of low Testosterone overlap with thyroid issues; in my case, they included:
depression, sudden mood swings, poor concentration, irritability, frequent headaches, lack of energy, constant fatigue, a complete loss of libido and sexual interest, poor sleep quality, insomnia, dizziness, and slower growth of hair, body hair, and nails.
My total Testosterone was at 1.7, while my free Testosterone was 44 (with a reference range of 244-877).
To prevent further health complications—such as diabetes, osteoporosis, loss of muscle mass, or difficulty losing weight—my doctor prescribed AndroGel injections.
AndroGel can be administered at intervals of every 6 to 12 weeks.
The initial goal was to raise my levels. After my first application, I received the second dose at the 8-week mark. Before that second shot, my level was 5.6; then, after the second dose, I was scheduled for a third dose 8 weeks later.
Before the third application, my Testosterone had risen to 9.90.
After receiving that third injection, I decided to check my levels on my own about a week later, and my total Testosterone was at 27, which I could certainly feel physically.
The fourth dose was planned for the 12-week mark. Before that fourth application, I checked my levels again and they were at 12.8, which my doctor noted was expected and normal.
Since then, my ongoing therapy—which has lasted over a year now—consists of AndroGel every 12 weeks. During these periods, my levels stay maintained between 12 and 27, and since then, I have felt back to normal.
I have read that many people try AndroGel without achieving the desired results, which I suspect is due to improper administration or failing to reach an optimal level that can be consistently maintained.
Once my Testosterone levels stabilized and my thyroid specialist resolved my hormonal issues, I managed to lose those 65 pounds through exercise and dietary changes. In fact, I am heading in for gynecomastia surgery in seven days.
As for the symptoms of low Testosterone, they have all vanished. The only thing is that around the 10th week, when my levels approach 12, I notice a slight dip in energy and a weaker morning erection, but everything returns to normal about seven days after my next dose.
Unfortunately, I am 42 years old, and for reasons I don't fully understand, my body doesn't produce enough Testosterone despite my workouts, weight loss, and diet changes. I am required to take an injection four times a year, which isn't too bad, considering that before AndroGel, there used to be a version given every three weeks.
There are also natural supplements like TRIBESTANA from Octal Pharme, though I don't have any confirmation regarding their effectiveness, and a proper monthly course costs more than $333.
By the way, the AndroGel injection is covered by Medicare, and the out-of-pocket cost at the pharmacy is usually $317.
My advice would be to find a good endocrinologist. I didn't have a proper one at the start, so I wasted two years spinning my wheels, treating my thyroid while the symptoms of low Testosterone persisted.
It is important to get a correct diagnosis early on, and initially, it is crucial to achieve an optimal, normal Testosterone level through more frequent intervals, which can then be maintained every 12 weeks.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to how you apply the rules, but I can say with absolute certainty that the results have been effective for me personally.
I didn't get this advice from a friend, a neighbor, or some trainer at the local Gold's Gym, nor did anyone try to lecture me on it. Instead, I gathered everything I know from reading through the discussions on this forum.
This post might be a little long, but I wanted to offer some help to others, much like I used to seek guidance here myself—though back then, I unfortunately kept running into incorrect or misleading information regarding how things actually work.👍
Since my only prior knowledge regarding Testosterone was that it is simply a male sex hormone, I started doing some research and reading various posts here. Because I noticed quite a few pieces of incorrect or misleading information floating around, I decided to write a specific post regarding AndroGel as a treatment, how it works, and its overall mechanism.
Generally speaking, a man's Testosterone levels should fall within the 10-30 unit range. It is my understanding that after age 40, these levels tend to decrease by about 1% annually, continuing until old age, which eventually impacts muscle mass and libido.
I learned that total Testosterone is vital for building muscle, and that there are numerous side effects associated with a deficiency. This was a major issue for me because many symptoms of low Testosterone overlap with thyroid issues; in my case, they included:
depression, sudden mood swings, poor concentration, irritability, frequent headaches, lack of energy, constant fatigue, a complete loss of libido and sexual interest, poor sleep quality, insomnia, dizziness, and slower growth of hair, body hair, and nails.
My total Testosterone was at 1.7, while my free Testosterone was 44 (with a reference range of 244-877).
To prevent further health complications—such as diabetes, osteoporosis, loss of muscle mass, or difficulty losing weight—my doctor prescribed AndroGel injections.
AndroGel can be administered at intervals of every 6 to 12 weeks.
The initial goal was to raise my levels. After my first application, I received the second dose at the 8-week mark. Before that second shot, my level was 5.6; then, after the second dose, I was scheduled for a third dose 8 weeks later.
Before the third application, my Testosterone had risen to 9.90.
After receiving that third injection, I decided to check my levels on my own about a week later, and my total Testosterone was at 27, which I could certainly feel physically.
The fourth dose was planned for the 12-week mark. Before that fourth application, I checked my levels again and they were at 12.8, which my doctor noted was expected and normal.
Since then, my ongoing therapy—which has lasted over a year now—consists of AndroGel every 12 weeks. During these periods, my levels stay maintained between 12 and 27, and since then, I have felt back to normal.
I have read that many people try AndroGel without achieving the desired results, which I suspect is due to improper administration or failing to reach an optimal level that can be consistently maintained.
Once my Testosterone levels stabilized and my thyroid specialist resolved my hormonal issues, I managed to lose those 65 pounds through exercise and dietary changes. In fact, I am heading in for gynecomastia surgery in seven days.
As for the symptoms of low Testosterone, they have all vanished. The only thing is that around the 10th week, when my levels approach 12, I notice a slight dip in energy and a weaker morning erection, but everything returns to normal about seven days after my next dose.
Unfortunately, I am 42 years old, and for reasons I don't fully understand, my body doesn't produce enough Testosterone despite my workouts, weight loss, and diet changes. I am required to take an injection four times a year, which isn't too bad, considering that before AndroGel, there used to be a version given every three weeks.
There are also natural supplements like TRIBESTANA from Octal Pharme, though I don't have any confirmation regarding their effectiveness, and a proper monthly course costs more than $333.
By the way, the AndroGel injection is covered by Medicare, and the out-of-pocket cost at the pharmacy is usually $317.
My advice would be to find a good endocrinologist. I didn't have a proper one at the start, so I wasted two years spinning my wheels, treating my thyroid while the symptoms of low Testosterone persisted.
It is important to get a correct diagnosis early on, and initially, it is crucial to achieve an optimal, normal Testosterone level through more frequent intervals, which can then be maintained every 12 weeks.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to how you apply the rules, but I can say with absolute certainty that the results have been effective for me personally.
I didn't get this advice from a friend, a neighbor, or some trainer at the local Gold's Gym, nor did anyone try to lecture me on it. Instead, I gathered everything I know from reading through the discussions on this forum.
This post might be a little long, but I wanted to offer some help to others, much like I used to seek guidance here myself—though back then, I unfortunately kept running into incorrect or misleading information regarding how things actually work.👍