Who has tried creams, gels, or pellets (that go under the skin), and what did you think of them? How did the creams/gels/pellets compare to injectable T in terms of how you felt from day to day? Did your energy level change? Were there any cognitive changes? Anything else? Does anyone know which endocrinologists in Boston proscribe creams/gels/pellets? (I know some of them only prescribe injectable T.)
Background: Sometime within the next year, I am going to try going on T to chemically transition again. Last time (over 10 years ago), I had very significant health problems (primarily cognitive ones) that my doctors suspect were due to fluctuations. This time around it's up to me to find a new endocrinologist. I might have consultations with several before choosing one. I also consider it partially my responsibility to be a wise consumer and to research possible treatments in addition to discussing with doctors.
I have only been on compounded cream, and done my whole transition that way. I started on a very low dose and been on T a year. I have never injected. I would say (this is a picture of me 8 months on T) that I am making a nice transition, esp being older (though not altogether sure that matters in terms of transitions). I am passing 98% of the time even though I am 5'1" and have a very slight frame. I know at least three other guys who transitioned on cream. I like the evenness of the cream (gel). I have had mood swings in the past so this is good for me. I have a very steady mood.
I've heard that cream can be slower and in some guys, they just don't absorb it well, but if you can be a little bit patient you can still have good results in a few months in doesn't really matter anyway.
I don't anything re: pellets. The gel is more likely to be prescribed via prescription, since it is expensive. I don't really know re: doctors in Boston. I am in Albuquerque, so it should be easier there.
--Jay
I started on injectable and very gradually (over a year) moved on to a full dose, but then switched to gel because I had terrible acne and thought steadier levels might help lol. I think the gel actually works a bit better for me than the injections, but I can't really say 100%. Overall I didn't notice a huge difference. I wasn't getting mood swings on bi-weekly shots and I'm definitely not getting mood swings on the gel. What I do love about the gel though is that I can do it at home, whereas I used to go see a nurse to get my shots done, so that's a plus.Only downside I know of is I am pretty sure the gel is more expensive than injections.
There is also a sublingual version of testosterone btw. One of my local friends switched to it recently and he is having good results. I might change to it in the future but for now I think I like having to do the shot once a week instead of trying to remember to put a pill under my tongue twice a day.
I've been on pellets (e though) since the beginning and I'll never ever want to do it any other way.
Daily/weekly routine free is the way to be for me