Hi Haze,
I think this is a good answer to your question & it's based on my personal experience. I'm 57. I'm an MD physician/surgeon. I'm happily married & I like to workout appropriately for my age. We all know that in this age range we need TRT. I used cypionate for a year or so, but I didn't feel that I could tightly control my levels (less predictable, long half-life, slow absorption...). I also developed some mild injection site irritation. I tried topical compounded cream & I love it. I would never change to any other form. The pharmacy charges the same $ for a low concentration cream as a high concentration, so I have them mix the maximal concentration possible, which is 300mg/Gm cream. I then write the script for the maximal dose, which is 4 clicks per day, which I would NEVER need or choose to use, but at 1 or 2 clicks/day a tube then lasts me 3-4 months. I order a 3 month supply, which is 3 tubes, so one prescription basically lasts for a year, & mixed/dispensed this way it's CHEAP. Keep the tubes you're storing/not using in the refrigerator- the shelf life is much longer than a year, so it's no problem to order it this way. At 1-2 clicks/day I keep my T level around 250-300, which is fine for me. T is best administered for 'effect' rather than level, & after a while you'll know how you feel. Get your level checked so you know how you feel at what level, & remember that you're trying to be functional, but you don't want to be a raging bull. Administration is important for topicals- apply & rub in well on thin skin- inside of forearms/elbows, back of calf/knee, lower neck down to collar bone, front of lower abdomen/groin. Application is best when clean & still warm/damp after a shower. Add a little warm water to hands to thin/dilute the cream as it's rubbing in. It'll absorb very effectively this way.
Good luck & I'm VERY confident that this'll work for you.