So I found out a few days ago that my doctor intends to put me on Androgel. I've tried researching on it, but not a lot was revealed as far as common side effects. I know everyone is different on T, but is there a general consensus about how Androgel works? I'm on a half dose, and I know half doses are slow to start, which is what I want. Is androgel a good method? I can't handle shots, so that's kind of out of the question now.

What's the general opinion on androgel, and is there anything I should watch out for?

I was on Testogel which I believe is the European version of Androgel based on quick googling? Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

I was on half dose for couple weeks, too before moving onto full dose and I personally think gel-based T is perfect if you want to start slow. Of course there are individual differences but you catch my drift.

If Androgel is like Testogel, then it's ~96% alcohol which is a killer for skin so watch out for that. Also, a hint based on experience: don't apply it after shower, even if you've dried off with a towel. It'll do some nasty trick to the application area, making the skin feel really tight and sticky for a while.

Honestly I got fed up with the gel and the daily hassle it was so I was happy to get rid of it.

Quote from: Tossu-sama on January 10, 2015, 12:06:11 AM
I was on Testogel which I believe is the European version of Androgel based on quick googling? Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

I was on half dose for couple weeks, too before moving onto full dose and I personally think gel-based T is perfect if you want to start slow. Of course there are individual differences but you catch my drift.

If Androgel is like Testogel, then it's ~96% alcohol which is a killer for skin so watch out for that. Also, a hint based on experience: don't apply it after shower, even if you've dried off with a towel. It'll do some nasty trick to the application area, making the skin feel really tight and sticky for a while.

Honestly I got fed up with the gel and the daily hassle it was so I was happy to get rid of it.

LOL that's interesting cuz my doctor said i should apply it right after taking a shower.

Good to know that I'm on the right track, it seems. Thank you!

Quote from: heavymetalkaiju on January 10, 2015, 01:12:27 AM
LOL that's interesting cuz my doctor said i should apply it right after taking a shower.

Good to know that I'm on the right track, it seems. Thank you!

Ahaha, apparently your doctor has never had to use anything that's almost pure alcohol on daily basis on skin then. xD I can understand where they're coming from, though, clean skin is good for applying but give it some time to dry after taking a shower to avoid the icky feeling.

Isn't testogel a lot more sticky than Androgel? I have been on Androgel and really had no problems with applying it right after a shower. Because it is alcohol based, the stuff dries up within two minutes.

I was on half a dose of the stuff for a while and still my T levels were incredibly high, so a low dosage doesn't have to mean low levels. I applied it every day right after my shower as the warmth of the water cleans and opens up the pores which enables maximum, quick obsorption into the skin. Never had any issues with dry skin or the likes, not even after months of using the gel. I stuck to the rule of not showering for 6 hours after just to be sure, which was no problem as I had clearly already showered on that day.

Quote from: Mr.X on January 10, 2015, 06:03:17 AM
Isn't testogel a lot more sticky than Androgel? I have been on Androgel and really had no problems with applying it right after a shower. Because it is alcohol based, the stuff dries up within two minutes.

Testogel is also alcohol-based or at least that's how I think it is, considering it is 96% ethanol. I don't know what's going on, like if my skin is just extra weird or something, but it wasn't a pleasant experience.

I don't really think my doctor was considering anything about how it felt after, I think all he was trying to convey was the absorption of T into the blood stream.

Either way, I've been told to wait a lil bit after showering, so I will.