Androgel

[Mr.X]

I was wondering if the guys who are using Androgel right now could tell me a little more about it.
I know there are different dosages, and we are not allowed to discuss dosages here. But are the dosages related to body weight? I would assume large guys need more testosterone.

Also, is it easy to apply? With gel, I always worry about it lingering on the skin and contaminating other people. That would be kinda disastrous xD

And last, but not least. Has anyone switched from gel to injections? There is a chance I will have to switch in a couple of months, and I was wondering if you should stop using the gel a certain amount of time before an injection, or your t levels might sky rocket?

[xander]

These are things you should discuss with your doctor.

T injections arent based on weight so i doubt the gel is. your dose will start small and increase based upon your t levels. You are right to worry, the gel can rub off on people. The gel is uaually applied daily, so if you were switching they would ask you not to apply any for the day you begin injections.

Hope this helps some

[Tossu-sama]

I used to be on Testogel for three months so I have some experience with the gel-based T...

Contaminating people is something the "instructions" paper warns about but it's easily avoided by wearing clothing over the area where the gel was applied. I don't know about this Androgel stuff but Testogel has a high alcohol content so it dries very quickly and you can dress up. It's just necessary to wash your hands with soap so you won't accidentally smear the gel on someone else.

I switched to Sustanon after those first three months so like xander said, just don't apply the gel on the day you're getting your first shot.

[Simon]

The plus side to gels, creams, and patches is you're able to have a consistent level in your blood stream. With injections your levels are fluctuating constantly. For that reason in a few years once I masculinize fully I might switch over to the patch to see if I like it. For me that will happen after becoming legally male. Then insurance has to cover it.

What some guys consider the downside to non-injectables is they take longer to induce and get you through your second puberty. I asked my endo about this and she told me it is because with injections you have that day or two where the levels are at a high point with each injection you take. That is why guys on injections tend to physically transition quicker than those on other methods.

I think the gel and creams are a nice option if you can afford them. Personally, I won't go on them because my partner is female and I don't want to risk her getting accidental contact. The patches are still iffy for me too really because I have three indoor cats and an indoor dog. I'm kinda worried it might fall off one time and someone would chew it and get sick...I dunno.

[aleon515]

I did a youtube video about compounding cream. It's a bit different as it is not usually covered by insurance. Some of the info on the cream applies to the gel. So it might be helpful. I don't agree that contact is a huge issue, only if you weren't to let the stuff dry (takes about 4 minutes for the cream). I know two people with spouses and children on compounded cream. The idea of it being less fast, I think a LOT Of people start at a low dose. I didn't know this but my doctor started me a VERY low dose. The issue Simon mentioned re: the dose is actually higher on the injectables-- might be the case.

I can't figure out how to do anything but giving the link here:




--Jay

[Adam (birkin)]

I was wondering if the guys who are using Androgel right now could tell me a little more about it.
I know there are different dosages, and we are not allowed to discuss dosages here. But are the dosages related to body weight? I would assume large guys need more testosterone.

Also, is it easy to apply? With gel, I always worry about it lingering on the skin and contaminating other people. That would be kinda disastrous xD

And last, but not least. Has anyone switched from gel to injections? There is a chance I will have to switch in a couple of months, and I was wondering if you should stop using the gel a certain amount of time before an injection, or your t levels might sky rocket?

I was on androgel for 9 months...Well, I am a bit heavier and I was put on a standard dose of Androgel. I found it easy enough to apply, and as long as you wear a T-shirt and wash your hands after application the risk of transfer is basically eliminated, but you do have to wait before having sex (assuming that's done shirtless).

I ended up switching in the end to injections. Because of timing of the appointment I actually went two weeks without T before switching and that was horrible, but, if I had been on gel I could have still gotten my shot, no doctor ever said anything. Androgel leaves your system entirely within 3 days. I switched for a few reasons. I'm a sweaty guy and I hated when I would sweat and the gel would feel sticky, even hours after application. I also found it to be a hassle to do it every day. And, I found that I wasn't experiencing a lot of changes - a blood test showed that my T was definitely in the normal range, however, it was in the lower normal range. But even at that I still would have switched due to the first two reasons.

[sneakersjay]

I was wondering if the guys who are using Androgel right now could tell me a little more about it.
I know there are different dosages, and we are not allowed to discuss dosages here. But are the dosages related to body weight? I would assume large guys need more testosterone.

Also, is it easy to apply? With gel, I always worry about it lingering on the skin and contaminating other people. That would be kinda disastrous xD

And last, but not least. Has anyone switched from gel to injections? There is a chance I will have to switch in a couple of months, and I was wondering if you should stop using the gel a certain amount of time before an injection, or your t levels might sky rocket?

I had a hysto around the same time I started Androgel, so my doctor started me on the 'standard male dose'.  Over the years it varied up and down, but now I'm still on that same dose. I use the more concentrated gel so I get to apply a lot less, which is easier.

As for contamination: wash your hands and wear a tee shirt if contacting any family members.  I'm gay and don't worry so much about my gel rubbing off on a male partner, but I do have kids.  One of my straight friends puts his gel on before he goes to work, then showers when he gets home to his wife to avoid the contamination issue.

Your doc might need to alter your dose depending on your T levels.

I should add that Androgel is alcohol based, and does dry completely but you need to rub it in for a few minutes.  I need to rub it until it's dry for it to absorb properly.  Testim is greasy and NEVER DRIES.  I'd have to peel my tee shirt off it a few hours after application.  That and Testim made me break out into an itchy rash after a few months.


Jay

[aleon515]

I use the compounded cream. It is a lot like hand cream. After it absorbs, you couldn't get it on anybody. I have heard that some people don't absorb it so well-- and if you don't it probably won't work too well.

--Jay