Total T coming down with Androgel

[charlieg]

I have been on TRT or Clomid for about 6 years. I have been as high as 450 on clomid. I moved and the va required me to go to a endocronologist. He prescribed androgel for me about 8 months ago. My levels went down to 250 from 450 on clomid and I now have polycythemia. So now I have to give blood every quarter. We are now going to switch to injections. Does anyone know if the injections will be better and why was I so much higher on Clomid? He told me I should not have been on Clomid because I had previously been on injections. I am currently trying to get my lab results from the va.

 

[Systemlord]

Does anyone know if the injections will be better and why was I so much higher on Clomid?

It depend on the protocol, some find lower hematocrit on frequent injections and higher on hematocrit large dosages less frequently.

The reason why your testosterone was higher on clomid is because clomid directly stimulates the testes to produce testosterone and the androgel is usually not absorbed well by men over time and the concentration (1.62%) just isn't enough in most cases.

The T-patches suffer from the same, poor absorption where men never achieve a therapeutic level.

I now have polycythemia.

Polycythemia is high red blood cells, not high hematocrit. My red blood cells run mildly elevated at 19.0 and my hematocrit 56-57%.

Your doctor should determine what is good for you, just make sure your doctor is qualified enough to answer the question.

What is your hematocrit?

I am currently trying to get my lab results from the va.

You will may struggle to get competent care through the VA.

 

[charlieg]

I will have to look at my labs and see if it’s on there. My doc is an endocrinologist. My labs and try is free but maybe I can use this site and a private lab to get dialed in.

After looking at labs.
HCT is 48
RBC is 5.29

 

[Systemlord]

My doc is an endocrinologist.

Do not assume that just because your doctor is an endocrinologist that he/she is well versed in TRT, all my endocrinologist struggle in this area of medicine. Typically endocrinologists specialize in diabetes and thyroid disorders, not TRT and so many struggle with matters related to TRT.

After looking at labs.
HCT is 48
RBC is 5.29

I want to know at what hematocrit level lead you to donating blood. So far I'm not seeing that you have polycythemia.

 

[charlieg]

He told me I did. Now that I look, it seems to be in the clear but the donation center would not use it.

They said I had double red blood cells. So both the doc and the donation center said high

 

[Systemlord]

They said I had double red blood cells. So both the doc and the donation center said high

You need to be monitoring ferritin because frequent blood donations can drop it low.

 

[eli]

Rub the gel on your scrotum. May sting a bit but try it

 

[charlieg]

I am going to post my lab results in the bloodwork forum. Could not find a way to cross post this discussion.

 

[Systemlord]

Rub the gel on your scrotum. May sting a bit but try it

This is a terrible idea.

 

[rustylwb]

I've used it a lot directly on my penis. And I think it adds some thickness. And I told the Dr. I was he said No don't do that. But he couldn't tell me why. And my research hasn't come up with a reason not to.

 

[eli]

This is a terrible idea.

Have you actually tried it? Or you just read something online lol

I've used it a lot directly on my penis. And I think it adds some thickness. And I told the Dr. I was he said No don't do that. But he couldn't tell me why. And my research hasn't come up with a reason not to.

Because your doctor is a dick head....
There are studies on cream on scrotum. They say don't do it with gel because the bit of alcohol may agitate the skin but some have no problem

 

[Cooper]

Rub the gel on your scrotum. May sting a bit but try it

Cream yes but gel ? I don't recommend

 

[Systemlord]

Have you actually tried it? Or you just read something online lol

I started out on gels, axiron, androgel.... A very painful experience.