About eight and a half months ago, I started on Androderm patches. My changes have been minimal. I have developed a slight trail and also some more hairs on my arms, and I've grown some short hairs on my thighs. That's it.

I have heard that injections make changes occur much more quickly because they go directly into the body. I am considering speaking with my doctor about switching to injections. I am quite overweight, so I think that may be contributing to why the patches aren't working. My doctor had given me a chart of expected changes and when they should occur. I know that it's different for everybody, but I find it hard to believe that all that is happening to me is a light dusting of hair after eight--almost nine--months.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

Edited to remove dose info.-Simon

IM injections don't go directly into the bloodstream. They would if they were IV... but you don't inject a viscous substance into your VEINS unless you want to die. Yeah though, it's generally perpetuated that IM injections bring faster changes... not sure if there's legit science behind it beyond just anecdotes. If you want to give it a chance, then yeah, talk to your doctor.

Haha, you're right. I knew what I meant, but I phrased it incorrectly. Fixed now, thanks!

Yes, physical changes happen quicker on injections for most guys and there is a reason behind it. When you inject testosterone your levels basically go on a roller coaster ride each cycle (most guys it's usually every week or every other week). With each injection you start out with the low end, you inject and your levels start creeping up, then there are a few days where you're at a high level, and then it slides back down slowly again until it's time for you to take your next injection. That high point is where the changes are occurring faster than other methods.

The plus side to creams, gels, patches is being able to stay at a consistent level. It's not going up...it's not going down. Your moods are more likely to be stable. The down side is for most it takes longer for physical changes to happen.

My Endo tried her hardest to get me to do patches. I would have but couldn't afford them. She told me that with injections there is an increased risk of blood clots, unstable moods, energy fluctuations, acne flare ups, more risk for increased blood pressure, etc. Personally in a few years after I have my surgeries completed (and most of the physical aspects I want) I'll have the money to go on patches and I probably will to lessen some of the risks associated with T.

If you're having slower than normal changes I would talk to the doc. It's understandable to want to speed things up as much as possible just to get to that comfortable point in transition. There is always the option to go back on the patches at a later time if you don't like the shots or get to the point where you just want a maintenance dose.

I had good changes from topical gel, but then I had my hysto just after starting T, so that probably had something to do with it.  Changes do occur slowly, and some of it is genetic.

Jay

Another option for injections is SubQ injections. They're generally done in the stomach with a short needle and go right under the skin. I've found quicker changes with them than IM injections and they hurt less and you're less likely to hit a vein with it. I have not experience with the creams or gels. They're too expensive for me and I don't have insurance that would cover it.

Thanks folks, I'll definitely talk with my doctor about all the options

Anecdotally speaking, my changes were faster on injections. I was on the gel for 9 months, and had about the same changes you describe for yourself. I wasn't able to pass and such...within a few months on injections I was pushed a lot farther with changes. Whether that was just when they would have happened anyway, or if it was the injections themselves...I'll never know. I just know that's what happened and i prefer shots now for a lot of reasons anyway.