Testosterone Therapy

[deepthroat]

A couple years ago I noticed one of my customers had lost a lot of weight. When I asked he told me that his doctor had identified him as having lower than normal testosterone levels, and after having this corrected he says he had more energy and enthusiasm for life and the weight started melting away.

Having hit 51 this last year I just don't have the same zip in my step anymore; my weight continues to creep up; and most frightening of all, my interest in sex is a small percentage of what it was only 4 or 5 years ago!

I'm considering asking my doctor about this. Anyone else had real experience with this, and not with the late-night informercial patent nostrums, but with real medical professionals?

Hope RxPharm sees this, would love to get his input on this.

[Rukki]

I was talking with my buddy about this. He says the same thing about being on this therapy and having better attitude about life and more sex drive and general better feeling.

I want to do this too!

[grakallen]

I actually bought a package of testosterone on my last trip, but never got around to try it out. I'm very interested to learn about this too. I feel much more tired now than before and my sex drive is on a all time low (but still high :))

[rxpharm]

The veritable fountain of youth with testosterone therapy? Some things to consider if you are thinking about this.

It is a fact of life that men naturally produce less testosterone as they age. Typically it decreases 1% a year for every year over the age of 30. So that means that an older man's normal testosterone level would be less than a 30 year old. A 50 year old man has around 20% less testosterone than a 30 year old.

So the recommendation is if you want to take testosterone supplementation you must be assessed by a doctor to determine if you are actually below normal for your age.

If you think testosterone is a harmless drug that will make you feel younger, have more sexual stamina, etc. this is not the case. Here are just some of the risks:

Contribute to sleep apnea — a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts

Cause your body to make too many red blood cells (polycythemia), which can increase the risk of heart disease

Cause acne or other skin reactions

Stimulate noncancerous growth of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and possibly stimulate growth of existing prostate cancer

Enlarge breasts

Limit sperm production or cause testicle shrinkage

Testosterone happens to be in the same class of anabolic steroids (often abused by many athletes and body builders) - and in western countries is a restricted drug, requiring a special prescription form from a doctor to obtain.

My suggestion is to get tested by a doctor to determine if you really are deficient in testosterone, or if there is something else going on that you haven't considered (ie: hypothyroid, etc.)

[fogmaster]

I started testosterone therapy 3 years ago at the suggestion of my doctor and I couldn't be happier. I had much lower than normal levels for my age, so I take it to keep my levels stabilized, not to turn back the clock.

With that said, I do feel much better than I did before. In fact I started the treatment right before a trip to Brazil and I was amazed at some of things I was doing again! Yes it's good for the libido, but I am more happy that it has helped my overall quality of living.

I never felt that this alone is the magic bullet for melting off the weight as much as diet and exercise are. I can get just as fat taking this therapy if i don't keep to a strict regimen.

[rxpharm]

fogmaster, thanks for sharing! That is excellent it turned out well for you!

My point is that testosterone should not be used without discussion with and supervision by a doctor. Just buying some testosterone and using it without that medical advice may lead to problems unforeseen if you were not abnormally low for your age.

[fogmaster]

fogmaster, thanks for sharing! That is excellent it turned out well for you!

My point is that testosterone should not be used without discussion with and supervision by a doctor. Just buying some testosterone and using it without that medical advice may lead to problems unforeseen if you were not abnormally low for your age.

I couldn't agree more! I take an injection every 2 weeks, and once had forgotten which week it was and took it 2 straight weeks and I was off my head. It's powerful stuff and not the kind of thing you want to start self prescribing.

[deepthroat]

Thanks guys. My doctor just sent a note saying he's moving to San Francisco, so I get to start over with a new MD. Guess I'll use this as my opening discussion.

[grakallen]

Thanks guys. Really useful information. Will see my doctor when I get home :)

[Guest Fiedollah]

wish i had the libido of TheGame925

That man puts us all to shame

wish he'd share his secret.

Fie

[strocube]

I've been on testosterone therapy for about a year now. I went in for my usual physical and my doctor noticed that my testosterone was very low. He prescribed injections. After being on it for a while and having my levels checked, the dose had to be increased because it was still low. My current dose is 1cc every two weeks. I inject myself in my thigh. Doesn't hurt a bit.

I have to say, this was a godsend for me. It has done more for my state of mind, mood and overall sense of well-being than just about anything I've tried. Then there is also the enhanced libido. As far as sexual appetite, I'm not anywhere near where I was at 30, but still, it is a great improvement over what it was. I wake every morning with a hard on you plow a field with;) So I got that going for me:)

If you guys are going to do this, it should be done under the supervision of a qualified physician. You need to get your levels checked to make sure they are neither too high nor too low.

As someone else mentioned, this is not a magic bullet, cure-all. There are risks and potential side-effects; another reason to make sure you are consulting with a doctor.

I have also dropped a bunch of weight, and have stared to get some nice muscle tone throughout my entire body. I should mention that I keep a pretty strict diet and exercise routine. To me, it feels like it's not so much the testosterone that is producing these effects, as much as it feels like it has kind of helped catalyze the needed drive and motivation so that I can keep up the diet and exercise. It also helps that I am seeing results. I'm looking pretty damn good for 52;)

[SiamSam]

Hmmmm, strocube. How about dinner this evening? :)

[thaibound]

given that i agree with rxpharm that testosterone can be a very dangerous drug, i hesitate to echo the others' reports that it has helped them.

on my last annual checkup my testosterone tested far below normal. i had not noticed any particular precursor to this event, beyond a slight depression which i had attributed to actual negative events in the world rather than some chemical status within my body.

my doctor, after discussing the dangers (heart disease, etc) gave me an injection. two weeks later, another. i did not feel any special improvement, but after about a month of notes (keep a journal is my recommendation if you ever test out this -- or some similar -- drug.) regarding my own sexual and psychic state i began to realize that i had indeed made improvements in both areas. subtle, but real.

he then switched me to his preferred means of application--a rub-in gel. no injection, no high dose which fades over the intervening days/weeks. instead, a daily application, lower in total grams of usage, but more level in its positive effects--at least that was his medical opinion at the time. and i have to agree.

i have to be *very* careful to apply *only* when i am certain i will have *no contact* with any lady or ladyboy for many hours thereafter so the gel can be absorbed. and to thoroughly wash my hands. i point this out in case any of you decide to go this route *with* your doctor's approval and prescription.

so, treat it with the respect a powerful and *controlled* drug deserves. use as little as you need to feel whatever improvement you require. and be aware that one of the negatives might jump up and bite you months or even many years down the road. and we're talking a big bite like a stroke or a heart attack here so do *not* take this lightly.

but, as george burns famously said as he lit up a cigar on his 100th b-day...

well, you get the picture.

:crazysmile:

[rxpharm]

thaibound, thanks for sharing - it definitely shows how medication may not always act the same in one person to the next - but definitely good that you had some benefit from it.

Also just a word of warning - for those who purchase testosterone in LOS (or any other country) and take it back home - it is illegal to do so in most western countries, if customs find it during a random search, you could be charged with importation of illegal drugs.

[Flatpack]

I can only speak for the UK but it is legal to bring testosterone into the UK if it is for personal use. Steroids are not illegal to buy but only illegal to sell. I dont know what the law is in other European countries but its easy to check on the internet.

Personally I dont believe you will have many side effects on such small doses, I have been on far greater doses on and off for years, I get all my bloods, liver, kidneys, cholesterol etc checked every 3 months and apart from slightly elevated liver counts everything has been clear, but as stated we are all different.

There are Testosterone tablets available over the counter in LOS called Andriol, normally made by Bayer Scherring, I have talked to people who have stated they have tried them and that they dont work, however they were not taking them correctly, if you wish to take them you must do it with an intake of fat, the test binds to the fat cells, not having fat at the same time will make them useless.

[rxpharm]

flatpack - thanks for sharing! Yes, everyone is different and what may be a low dose for one, could be a significant dose for another. Good to hear you have regular monitoring when you're using testosterone. Do you also have your testosterone levels checked?

Testosterone is considered an anabolic steroid, which are restricted, a customs officer would be concerned if an injectable supply was discovered and even the tablets. The interpretations of the quantity for "personal use" might be inconsistent. If you do attempt to bring a supply home from overseas, it would be best to obtain a letter from a doctor indicating use of this has been recommended.

[williethepimp]

given that i agree with rxpharm that testosterone can be a very dangerous drug, i hesitate to echo the others' reports that it has helped them.

on my last annual checkup my testosterone tested far below normal. i had not noticed any particular precursor to this event, beyond a slight depression which i had attributed to actual negative events in the world rather than some chemical status within my body.

my doctor, after discussing the dangers (heart disease, etc) gave me an injection. two weeks later, another. i did not feel any special improvement, but after about a month of notes (keep a journal is my recommendation if you ever test out this -- or some similar -- drug.) regarding my own sexual and psychic state i began to realize that i had indeed made improvements in both areas. subtle, but real.

he then switched me to his preferred means of application--a rub-in gel. no injection, no high dose which fades over the intervening days/weeks. instead, a daily application, lower in total grams of usage, but more level in its positive effects--at least that was his medical opinion at the time. and i have to agree.

i have to be *very* careful to apply *only* when i am certain i will have *no contact* with any lady or ladyboy for many hours thereafter so the gel can be absorbed. and to thoroughly wash my hands. i point this out in case any of you decide to go this route *with* your doctor's approval and prescription.

so, treat it with the respect a powerful and *controlled* drug deserves. use as little as you need to feel whatever improvement you require. and be aware that one of the negatives might jump up and bite you months or even many years down the road. and we're talking a big bite like a stroke or a heart attack here so do *not* take this lightly.

but, as george burns famously said as he lit up a cigar on his 100th b-day...

well, you get the picture.

:crazysmile:

Very interesting post thaibound.......I have taken the andriol testo caps myself-with non conclusive results,now thanx to flatpack,I know what I was doing wrong(thanx flatpack)-ive had the injections-i know they work,but i cant get them over the counter in the uk....when I had my testo checked by the doctor here,he said its normal for a man my age(just my effing luck)-SO,im interested in the gel that can be rubbed in.....daft question maybe..but you rub it on your balls right? Might as well rub it in near as you can to ground zero eh? What trade name should i be looking for if I go hunting for it on the internet??? Thanx-wtp.

[Flatpack]

Hi rxpharm,

Yes I have my levels checked along with the others, when im off cycle my levels are normal for a guy my age, however when im on a course then they are elevated as expected.

You are correct the interpretations are very vague, there are no set amounts and its basically up to the customs officer who is dealing with you. I have been pulled over with an excess of £2,000 of steroids, I argued the case that it was for my own use for my cycles through the coming year and I was allowed to proceed, however I know others who have done the same and had them confiscated, no charges were brought against the individual though.

I had another friend who tried to come through with £350,000 of roids, 4 suitcases full 5555, he ended up with 6 months in jail, but he had got away with it 4 times before, got greedy I guess.

I must mention that the elevated liver count is due to other oral steroids and not the Testosterone.

[Flatpack]

Very interesting post thaibound.......I have taken the andriol testo caps myself-with non conclusive results,now thanx to flatpack,I know what I was doing wrong(thanx flatpack)-ive had the injections-i know they work,but i cant get them over the counter in the uk....when I had my testo checked by the doctor here,he said its normal for a man my age(just my effing luck)-SO,im interested in the gel that can be rubbed in.....daft question maybe..but you rub it on your balls right? Might as well rub it in near as you can to ground zero eh? What trade name should i be looking for if I go hunting for it on the internet??? Thanx-wtp.

Willie,

Again Bayer Scherring are the main supliers of test gel, to be honest they are probably the best manufacturer of all steroids.

I would think that you wouldnt need to place the gel on your balls, I would guess it just needs to have a slow release into muscle tissue but hopefully Thaibound can confirm.

Lots of different opinion on the gel, some say it works some say it doesnt, to be honest im a bit sceptical of any testosterone product apart from injectables.

Just one piece of advise though, stay away from the test that is meant to be put under your tongue, load of bollocks.

[deepthroat]

I would think that you wouldnt need to place the gel on your balls, I would guess it just needs to have a slow release into muscle tissue but hopefully Thaibound can confirm.

A buddy of mine said he was bitching at his Doctor, told him he wasn't going to pay the bill since the doctor was a fucking quack and the medication wasn't working, so his physician straightened him out as he'd been taking it wrong.

I think he said the doc told him he was supposed to shove it up his ass....

[thaibound]

A buddy of mine said he was bitching at his Doctor, told him he wasn't going to pay the bill since the doctor was a fucking quack and the medication wasn't working, so his physician straightened him out as he'd been taking it wrong.

I think he said the doc told him he was supposed to shove it up his ass....

there may be some suppository form for application of testosterone, DT, but if so, i am not aware of it. then again, did you hear the one about the Irishman who walked out of the bar?

:crazysmile:

as for rubbing it on your balls--no. do not. my doctor was very vocal about his objection to such an application.

primarily, it would be pointless. it is about absorption into the body -- i don't know about muscle tissue, i believe it's more about absorption thru the blood stream, but again, i would yield to rxpharm on that one.

the recommended application of the gel is onto the upper arm and continue onto the belly--both areas which would be covered completely by a tee-shirt, and thus not available to be 'rubbed off' by incidental contact. putting it on your balls would really invite trouble. for those who enjoy having their balls licked (no names necessary) it would be a real no-no.

apply *after* a shower.

do *not* apply prior to physical contact--even you are with a gay boy and want him to have more 'power' it would be almost as risky and just as unethical to allow another to have secret contact with testosterone as with any other drug. think of it as slipping a hard mickey into their drink -- and i mean that in a negative way, btw, for any of you edgy mongers ready to misinterpret my allusion!

more details about application should come from your doctor--and NOTHING in this discussion could replace a proper discussion with a qualified MD--and that does NOT include the sweet pharmacist on soi bukoaw who really really wants your 500 baht. and since you will need regular testing once you begin usage, why not start off properly with a good consult along with your initial blood tests-- to determine your base levels for conditions which might arise down the road.

okay, enough of my lecturing. i'm thinking the misusage of testosterone by mongers here will pale in comparison to their overuse of viagra/kamagra/cialis/apcalis and underuse of prophylactics. but i could be wrong.

[rxpharm]

Transdermal application of estrogen has been around for many years - both in patch form and in gel form. It has been proven effective and clearly demonstrated to raise serum blood levels of estrogen in women and ts receiving treatment.

Testosterone can also be delivered transdermally as well. Both estrogen and testosterone are fat soluble, so when the proper formulation of gel or patch is applied correctly, the patient will absorb the hormone across the skin, into the subcutaneous tissue, and then into the blood stream. This is quite effective as it avoids the first pass effect that the oral route faces. The first pass effect is when drugs absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract are carried by the portal vein to the liver. The liver will metabolize a significant percentage of the drug.

I would strongly agree with Thaibound's comments that testoserone should only be used under the supervision and monitoring of a qualified medical doctor.

Here's a link to a study that shows the effect of a transdermal testosterone patch on hypogonadal (low testosterone) males. Transdermal testosterone therapy in the treatment of hypogonadal males.

This has generated some good discussion, and I would like to commend all who have contributed!

[Rukki]

but, as george burns famously said as he lit up a cigar on his 100th b-day...

well, you get the picture.

:crazysmile:

I tried to google what George Burns said and there are hundreds of George Burns quotes on the net! Maybe you can help me out TB?

[williethepimp]

I tried to google what George Burns said and there are hundreds of George Burns quotes on the net! Maybe you can help me out TB?

wasn't one of his quotes " a woman 's a woman,but a good cigar is a smoke"...he obviously never had a LB

sorry,back to testosterone......its ok saying "only under the supervision of your doctor bla bla"...what if your doc(like mine) tells me I have "normal" testo "for my age"....Dammit,I ve a hot young thing I want to fuck senseless,like I could when I was 30 yrs of age....I need a bit of help here guys....I know about the health warning...yeah .and .....so .....what!

SO,any idea where I can get the patches,and how much will I have to pay for them(ballpark figure)...thanx for the info up to now,I'd have rubbed the gell on the old marble pouch if you lot hadn't have told me!

Incidentally..did anyone see the report lately about 90 year old king faisal(?) of saudi arabia who's using Viagra every day and still fucking......good for him-hope im still going strong at his age....

EDIT-just checked out the link rxpharm posted.....apparently testosterone patches applied to the SCROTAL skin (ball bag right?)Very good results reported

[rxpharm]

willie, since you insist on trying testosterone, I would advise you not to buy anything on the internet - a great deal of those "pharmacies" sell fake drugs. You could try getting some on your next visit to LOS - I am not sure if they have gel or patches, you could give them a try.

Make sure you take out an insurance policy for someone you care for if it goes balls up, and you do this without monitoring or having a physician guide you.

By the way King Faisal is long dead, the King of Saudi Arabia is King Abdullah, and all Saudi Kings have a full team of some of the best medical doctors taking care of him. Having worked at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, I've seen them in action.