Does shaving testosterone application area improve absorption?

From Kitmoe:

Does shaving testosterone application area improve absorption? Thanks.

Kitmoe said:

From Kitmoe:

Does shaving testosterone application area improve absorption? Thanks.

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Welcome to Excelmale. How long have you been applying topical testosterone? Have you failed to see results such as you had hoped for? I ask because topical applications fail to boost levels in a fair number of men (they were a total bust for me). As for shaving, you are applying to trunk or thighs? It certainly isn't going to hurt.

CW wrote a very good post. I would suggest you should consider injections, they have much better results.

Kitmoe said:

From Kitmoe:

Does shaving testosterone application area improve absorption? Thanks.

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Hi Kitmoe, I have only met one other person on this forum that uses gel. Most here do injections.
I am using Testim gel on the should areas. I do not shave my shoulders. I do apply a skin cream/lotion 2 hours after applying the gel.
1st of March I get my first blood tests while on TRT.

Anyway welcome.

I have been using gel for about 15 years. I started out with Androgel 1% packets, then to the pump. Later due to insurance coverage purposes I changed to Fortesta 10mg 2% and then later to generic Fortesta 10mg 2%. Again due to insurance, I am back on Androgel, but the 1.62% pump. When first on the Angrogel 1% packets or pump, I use to shave my upper arms & shoulder. It did seem to improve the results. When I went to Fortesta, I applied it to my front & inner thighs. Fortesta worked better than Androgel. I did not shave with Fortesta. I did have an issue with dry skin with Fortesta, but used a moisturizer periodically to help with the skin issue. Before Androgel, my upper arms had little hair before shaving, now rather hairy. Questioning whether or not to start shaving again...do not want a forest of hair. The gels work well for me and they are consistent. I have read that the injections give you a huge boost at first, and then taper off for inconsistent results. I am fine with the gels. I found it interesting on this site that it noted an 8-13% increase in testosterone absorption when using the moisturizers noted. I will begin with the moisturizer. Just not sure about shaving. I know there is Nair for men...wondering if that will avoid heavier & thicker return of hair should I go back to Fortesta, which I prefer. Any help appreciated.

Kitmoe said:

I have been using gel for about 15 years. I started out with Androgel 1% packets, then to the pump. Later due to insurance coverage purposes I changed to Fortesta 10mg 2% and then later to generic Fortesta 10mg 2%. Again due to insurance, I am back on Androgel, but the 1.62% pump. When first on the Angrogel 1% packets or pump, I use to shave my upper arms & shoulder. It did seem to improve the results. When I went to Fortesta, I applied it to my front & inner thighs. Fortesta worked better than Androgel. I did not shave with Fortesta. I did have an issue with dry skin with Fortesta, but used a moisturizer periodically to help with the skin issue. Before Androgel, my upper arms had little hair before shaving, now rather hairy. Questioning whether or not to start shaving again...do not want a forest of hair. The gels work well for me and they are consistent. I have read that the injections give you a huge boost at first, and then taper off for inconsistent results. I am fine with the gels. I found it interesting on this site that it noted an 8-13% increase in testosterone absorption when using the moisturizers noted. I will begin with the moisturizer. Just not sure about shaving. I know there is Nair for men...wondering if that will avoid heavier & thicker return of hair should I go back to Fortesta, which I prefer. Any help appreciated.

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If topicals work for you, stay with them. I will note that we have many long-time injectors who are very pleased with the results.

You could have the area waxed.

15 years, Wow! That gives me hope. Do you have to take any of the other drugs I read about here? The ones needed to deal with the side effects of running super high T lvl's.
On my comment about using a moisturizer I only apply it 2-3 hour after applying my T-Gel. I always wash and dry my should before applying the gel give the gel plenty of time to dry before putting on my tee shirt.
I think a moisturizer before applying a gel might block or slow adsorption. If you knew that already I just wanted to be sure I did not mislead anyone in my statement. I am very new to TRT and have much to learn.

Since I recently changed to the Androgel 1.62% in Jan 2017, I have not had a new blood test. I plan to in 1st week of March. When I first started Androgel when I was about 43 yrs old (will be 58 on 3/16/17), I believe my level was about 375. After taking the gel I received varying results until amount adjusted (650-900?). I believe I ended up around 750-800. Over time, my body stopped producing T entirely, with tests results as low as 209 while taking the gel. I increased the dose and went over to the Androgel pump. My levels were running 500-600. When I switched to Fortesta 10mg 2%, I started at a lower dose of 4 pumps and ended up at 6 pumps with result about 800. Felt great. Had insurance issues after my insurance company was forced to close by state. New insurance was terrible, ended up off T gel for about 1 month while trying to get my new Androgel 1.62% prescription approved. During that month, I felt terrible. Seem better, but wish I could use Fortesta...new insurance doesn't cover. I also take mens supplements such as Mason's Vein Erect, Mason's Mens Potent Formula, Zinc, Saw Palmetto, along with Cialis or Viagra depending day of week circumstance. My problem really started I believe when I was around 38. One of my doctors wanted to know what was causing the problem so he tested me via MRI of Pituitary when I was 43, the result being secondary hypogonadism (P gland no longer sending signals to testicles to make T). They believe it may have been caused by me being on Benedryl Decongestive capsules for 7-8 yrs due to major allergy problems after having mono (killed my immune system). Went to a urologist about 4 yrs ago to ask if anything could be done about shrinking testicles & severely reduced semen quantity...he said there was nothing he could do. I wish I found out more about HCG back then. Do not know if that can help me at this time. Okay, giving too much history for time being...but you can see low T can cause issues.

Good post I like reading a bit of history it really helps me. Far too many thread I read have next to no additional info and I for the life of me can't figure out how anyone could offer advice with next to nothing to go on.
Back to your original question about shaving the area you apply your gel to. It just dawned on me that some men are hairy as bears and if that discribes you and your area of application
I would say yes shaving is bound to help since a lot more gel will end up on your skin and not matted in all that body hair.

Thanks for your response, I've come to the same conclusion, it helped before. I am going to start shaving again...perhaps with using "Nair for Men" to reduce the chance of thicker hair should I stop shaving upper arms again if going back to Fortesta. Have a great day.