How long before Androgel starts working?

[MunchEase]

Hey guys,

This is my final thread creation. I am a 22 year old male, who after everything, finally had to hang up the gloves and go on TRT!

I started 4 pumps/day Androgel about a week ago. So far I have seen literally no changes. There was one day this week where I woke up with a massive erection (haven't had that in a long time), and other than that, my libido is seriously non-existent. I remember what it was like as a teenager/young adult to HAVE TO relieve myself or I would go crazy. Lol kids at school would have "endurance challenges" and would be lucky if they made it two days. Now it's pretty much the opposite. I can barely even force an erection by myself, let along with a partner (seriously unable to do it even solo). To anyone who has used before - how long till you started noticing a change?

Here is my bloodwork again, for any reference.

Testosterone: 10.1 nmol/L OR 291 ng/dl ———> (reference 8.0-29.0)
SBGH: 34 nmol/L ———> (reference 10-55)
Free Testosterone: 201 pmol/L OR 15.62 ng/dl ———> (reference 175-700)
DHEA: 12.3 umol/L ———> (reference 2.2-13.0)
TSH: 2.29 mIU/L ———> (reference 0.20-4.00)
Prolactin: 12 ug/L (reference 0-15)
Free T3: 5.9 pmol/L (reference 3.5-6.5)
Free T4: 18.9 pmol/L (reference 10.0-25.0)
Estradiol: 45 pmol/L (reference 0-160)
Cortisol AM: 500 nmol/L (reference 200-690)
Progesterone: 3.3 nmol/L (reference 0.0-3.0)
FSH: 15 IU/L (reference 1-18)
LH: 5 IU/L (reference 1-9)
Iron: 13 umol/L (reference 12-31)
Ferritin: 41 ug/L (reference 30-400)

My E2 being at a 45 (as well as Progesterone being 3.3), concerns me with Androgel (wondering if it'll take the E2 over the edge and I won't notice the positive benefits). But I don't know. Does anyone have any recommendations? I was prescribed Chrysin but didn't take it because I figured I was messing around with enough stuff.

Thanks again! Will be doing a 1 on 1 with Nelson when I'm back from vacation.


PS

On a side note, if anyone else is experiencing issues, look into "pine pollen". The reviews online are outstanding. It's nature's #1 superfood, has DHEA, testosterone, and TONS of other nutrients + amino acids, and "apparently" naturally balances hormone levels. Food for thought!

PPS

Despite everything, was still oddly able to have sex with the girlfriend without the use of PDE-5 inhibitors a few days ago, that was pretty cool.

 

[ERO]

I have read that transdermals raise your T level quickly - like in 3-4 days - but of course it takes a good deal longer before one "feels" anything. Was the E2 test regular or ultra sensitive? 45 on the regular is going to show much lower on the ultra sensitive test.

 

[Hammer]

Talk with your doctor about using an aromatase inhibitor to lower your estrogen. Optimally you want it around 20. Also for increased libido, take 50 mg of zinc daily as it helps the body absorb free test levels.

 

[CoastWatcher]

Many of us have found topical testosterone to be of little help in raising levels, and we move to injections. That said, you should have blood drawn in four weeks to determine how your therapy is progressing - you and your doctor will have data to make a decision at that point.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Hammer

His E2 is only 12 pg/mL (his units are pmol/L. You multiply that by 0.2724 to covert to pg/mL)

MunchEase: You may want to increase your T gel dose by at least double if you have only been able to attain 291 ng/dL at the current dose. This should also bring up your estradiol. Your LH and FSH tell me you are really not using your T gel daily, or if you are you definitely need to increase your dose.

 

[MunchEase]

Hammer

His E2 is only 12 pg/mL (his units are pmol/L. You multiply that by 0.2724 to covert to pg/mL)

MunchEase: You may want to increase your T gel dose by at least double if you have only been able to attain 291 ng/dL at the current dose. This should also bring up your estradiol. Your LH and FSH tell me you are really not using your T gel daily, or if you are you definitely need to increase your dose.

Hey Nelson,

These were all numbers BEFORE I started any TRT, so it would not have been affected. I gotta tell you though, I am now 12 days in, using religiously, and have noticed not even 1% of an of improvement! Sex drive is still horrible, zero morning/random erections. Really looking forward to doing a 1 on 1 with ya once my updated blood work comes back! Will let you know when I'm back in the country (June 18). I will then at least have some updated stuff to look at post TRT treatment, but as I said, I am feeling nothing at the moment!

Thanks guys!

 

[MunchEase]

Many of us have found topical testosterone to be of little help in raising levels, and we move to injections. That said, you should have blood drawn in four weeks to determine how your therapy is progressing - you and your doctor will have data to make a decision at that point.

We'll see what my new bloodwork reveals in a couple weeks. If that is the case, injections may be the answer.

 

[CoastWatcher]

We'll see what my new bloodwork reveals in a couple weeks. If that is the case, injections may be the answer.

That wouldn't surprise any of us. Given your age, has your doctor discussed fertility issues with you?

 

[MunchEase]

That wouldn't surprise any of us. Given your age, has your doctor discussed fertility issues with you?

Yes, and to be honest, he refused to put me on testosterone.

My family doctor was the one who put me on the Androgel, the specialty anti-aging doctor I was seeing privately did not want me on artificial T. I have an appointment with an endocrinologist next month.


I had just been to my wits end; I was already in peak physical shape, getting good sleeps, eating extremely healthy, taking every related vitamin/supplement, spent probably $2500, and not seeing a hint of improvement. It had been months and I just couldn't take it anymore.


The doctor determined that most likely anxiety (tested very high cortisol), was the cause of my testosterone/sex drive dropping. I figured I would discover/fix the underlying issue (pituitary tumour, thyroid issue, whatever) THEN go off testosterone. Because trying to do it naturally just wasn't working, and no theories were coming up. It was always "just one more test" or "let's put you on an SSRI to curb the anxiety" (which I definitely did not wanna do).


I know this forum is about HRT and not ED, but should I be forcing myself to have erections to keep tissues healthy, flex the muscle, whatever? I quit masturbating to do a "reboot" should that also be a contributing factor, but it's been five days and I haven't even had the hint of a morning wood or a half chub. Beginning to get quite worried here. I'm out of the country so I won't be in to see a doctor for another 10 days, get my updated results, But so far...


22 years old, super healthy, 16 days into Androgel, zero sex drive and literally zero boners.


(FYI I highly doubt the PIED is a factor, porn was never out of control for me)

 

[Nelson Vergel]

MunchEase

It is almost impossible to help you without blood work while you are on TRT.

 

[CoastWatcher]

Yes, and to be honest, he refused to put me on testosterone.

My family doctor was the one who put me on the Androgel, the specialty anti-aging doctor I was seeing privately did not want me on artificial T. I have an appointment with an endocrinologist next month.


I had just been to my wits end; I was already in peak physical shape, getting good sleeps, eating extremely healthy, taking every related vitamin/supplement, spent probably $2500, and not seeing a hint of improvement. It had been months and I just couldn't take it anymore.


The doctor determined that most likely anxiety (tested very high cortisol), was the cause of my testosterone/sex drive dropping. I figured I would discover/fix the underlying issue (pituitary tumour, thyroid issue, whatever) THEN go off testosterone. Because trying to do it naturally just wasn't working, and no theories were coming up. It was always "just one more test" or "let's put you on an SSRI to curb the anxiety" (which I definitely did not wanna do).


I know this forum is about HRT and not ED, but should I be forcing myself to have erections to keep tissues healthy, flex the muscle, whatever? I quit masturbating to do a "reboot" should that also be a contributing factor, but it's been five days and I haven't even had the hint of a morning wood or a half chub. Beginning to get quite worried here. I'm out of the country so I won't be in to see a doctor for another 10 days, get my updated results, But so far...


22 years old, super healthy, 16 days into Androgel, zero sex drive and literally zero boners.


(FYI I highly doubt the PIED is a factor, porn was never out of control for me)

Well, TRT is typically a life-long commitment. It is certainly possible to restart your natural production of testosterone, presuming you aren't dealing with primary hypogonadism, and there are excellent sticky sheets here on the Forum to help guide you through the process (to say nothing of the insights the moderators will be able to provide). But that restart can be a challenge for some men.

Nelson's right, you are driving in the dark with no headlights in the absence of lab work during the process.

 

[MunchEase]

Well, TRT is typically a life-long commitment. It is certainly possible to restart your natural production of testosterone, presuming you aren't dealing with primary hypogonadism, and there are excellent sticky sheets here on the Forum to help guide you through the process (to say nothing of the insights the moderators will be able to provide). But that restart can be a challenge for some men.

Nelson's right, you are driving in the dark with no headlights in the absence of lab work during the process.

Thanks again boys. Yeah I know the restart may be a tough one, I'm going to try and get my hands on some HCG as well. I just wanna make it through this tough area while I deal with my underlying health issue (whatever that may be). In the process of figuring that out.

Will be back in the country to have my updated bloodwork done on the 18th!

Final question before that: A sex therapist friend I have recommended bio-identical hormones instead of Androgel, saying they are way better for you, much safer, work better, etc. What is your take on that? I tried to find info in the forum but wasn't able to.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Bio identical testosterone is the same testosterone used to make Androgel and all other products.