Hey y'all, I'm writing this thread but I need some opinions from other guys who have been on injections and gel or both. I've been on t for two years and only on cream and gel. Started on Strohecker's pharmacy compound cream and once I received insurance through the ACA, I was getting Androgel for about 6 months. Now my insurance company asked for a prior approval and denied it, they said I need to try the generic injections before they'd reconsider covering the Androgel. So I tried to get the injections and they won't cover that either, due to my gender legally not being male yet. That process is in the works as I type this. I'm really hoping they will cover the Androgel once it is legally changed. But my main concern with the injections is that I'm bipolar and have heard many things regarding the "mood swings" of injections. I've heard so many guys say that they become manic, angry, and anxious right after injection and nearing the next; they become irritable, tired, and depressed. I was diagnosed with acute bipolar disorder in high school so it isn't very bad, occasional minor mood swings and mania. But since I've stared T, they have seem to lessen in intensity and a little in frequency.
Does anyone think that if my dr and possibly a mental health professional wrote a letter to my insurance regarding the concerns of injections and bipolar, it would greatly increase the likelihood of coverage for androgel? My dr. said he is happy to help me appeal their decision but I figured I'd come with some ammo to help. I also really don't like needles, i'm notorious for passing out during blood work and shots so I've been trying to shy away from injections since the beginning.
I also was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in high school and really don't need anymore anxiety in my life regarding injection times. I do take an anti-anxiety medication because it is very bad but I haven't take bipolar meds since high school because I had bad reactions to a majority of the ones on the market. All this is documented in my mental health records so I figured getting my old dr. to write a letter about concerns and my current primary care dr as well would definitely help because being on the gel my level is more steady and doesn't peak or drop drastically maintaining my bipolar for the most part, not making it worse. I'm just afraid that the insurance company will rebut with "take bipolar meds."
What are your opinions on injections for those of you who have been doing injections regarding mood swings and emotional effects? I've heard so many negative things about the emotional ups and downs from them.
And what you y'all think with making a case for coverage of androgel? Thanks guys!

The only time it gets to be an issue for me is sometimes a day or so before my next shot is due, I will feel off.

I am also bipolar and had been on meds for it for years. I no longer seem to need them. I think the T resolved a great deal of it.

I think you will have a harder time getting the approval since the debilitating "mood shifts" due to injection haven't happened yet. You may have a better shot if your doc went the route of your long documented anxiety issues and how your fear of needles will cause you to "decompensate".  Something g like that. Also if you have a psychiatrist who gives you the psychotropic medications, I would have them write the letter. Good luck.

I have a pretty annoyingly intense case of bipolar I that has landed me in the hospital 4 times since 2008, and I'm on injections. In the beginning, the endocrinologist decided to put me on a full dose right away to avoid mood symptoms. The first year on T was the most stable I've ever been, but my testosterone levels got too high and the endo had to drop my dose by half. After that, the bipolar was hell. I almost immediately wound up manic. I inject weekly for maximum stability, and if I miss a dose, I really feel it. Missing doses has sparked a couple of manic episodes with really bad depressions afterwards.

I feel like you do have a case in regards to bipolar and injections, but it depends on what your doctor says, I think.