Question about "Andro" Usage

[Muscled6ft3]

As part of recovery from Simvastatin-induced muscle loss and damage, and now that liver and kidneys are back on track from the nightmare reaction -- the GP I'm now seeing gave me a prescription for Androgel (testosterone). Intention was to help kick-start muscle recovery (and a "dead" libido). Only problem is (no surprise here) the insurance company won't cover this at all. A month's supply (daily) costs about $350. Those of you who know me will also know I can't afford this, so here's my question: Is there any benefit to only applying Androgel on the days I go to the gym (testosterone boost only for workouts), or doesn't it work that way? Any benefit, or wasting what little income I have? This proves it again - insurance companies don't give a shit.

Thanks for responses, I have 1 week to decide about paying out-of-pocket.

[BIGJOEY]

first thing make sure the andro gel is alcohol based. if it isnt do not use it. second you would be better off to get your dr to prescrib a injectable test . injectables are safer on the liver and kidneys. Insurance might cover it that way. you can use it on workout days but since its so expensive i would back up with some natural test boosters such as tribilus. You can get a referal to a endocronoligist and have them prescribe it since they are a specialist the insurance might cover it then.

[nypup2train]

I concur. This is purely a personal experience and isn't backed by any sort of science or testing... but I've found Androgel to be pretty much worthless. Yes, perhaps it's a question of dosing, or adherence, or some other factor, etc, etc... but for me, it was basically totally ineffective, and even getting it for free I decided it wasn't worth bothering with. Plus, far from being the "simple" alternative to test injections, it's a smeary, gloppy, nasty mess that I find incredibly annoying. *shrug*

(I'm not saying it's only that one particular brand, either. My experience with Testim has been largely the same. Just not worth the money or the hassle.)

[Muscled6ft3]

Thanks for the posts on this men. Ultimately, the answer came by default - I simply can't afford it. In fact, as tempting as it has always been to try a cycle of juice (non-specific) "just to see how much I'd grow," it isn't possible - there's no way I can afford any of them. So I'm going to research and try a Tribulus supplement, preferably one that also promotes max "free" test and inhibits estrogen. I've heard sometimes they work and sometimes they don't, but safe (limited by natural test production of body). Has anyone had good experiences with Tribulus? There seem to be many available, tell me about any successes.

[drew]

Whatever you try, be it prescribed by a doc or self medicating, you have to get the amounts right. If you already have low test, then you'll need at least enough to get you normal plus a bit more.

If your body is producing test (even if it's not producing enough) introduction of outside test into your system will cause your own production to drop. Thus using just a little can often result in the opposite effect you are looking for.

So, often, if you are going to do this, you need to be able to use enough to cover both what you should be producing plus the added amount you want.

One thing you may consider is having your doctor get you clomid or hcg. Clomid is a pill and lowers your extrogen conversion while pushing up your natural test production. HCG is an injection (small needle just under this skin) that is used to kick start your system when it stops producing it's own test. Neither of those are expensive.

[drew]

And as far as tribulus and chrysin, you'd have to take so much of it to have a measurable effect that you'd likely spend more on it than on actual test and cause more stress to your body in the process as well.

[suma]

if your body is not producing T then natural supps like trib won't help. they seem to help folks that already have a decent natural level of T helps give then even little extra.

if you have clinically low T, only option is Androgel, or injections. prescribed by a dr either one will only get you back to normal range NOT the type of results you'd get from AAS use.

[lucas]

Yep, androgel is a waste of time and money. My doctor prescribed androgel, insurance covered, but hated the red spots that the patch leaves after using it, and itches a lot, and when you take a shower it falls, so I never knew if it is working. And, only delivers a tiny amount of test, may be 5 to 10 ml. a day.
Anyway, changed to test cypionate injectable, at 200 ml a week, the vial lasts ten weeks and only costs (full price) $85 with docs prescription at the pharmacy!