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Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: mikeyb39 on January 13, 2013, 09:53:57 am

Title: Testosterone therapy
Post by: mikeyb39 on January 13, 2013, 09:53:57 am
Hi all,
I've had my doctor test my 'T' levels a year or so ago and he said the numbers were in a good range.  I would still like to know if using something like an Androgel would help my energy levels and overall mood eventhough my levels aren't considered low.

I know there are male clinics here in Dallas that test testosterone differently advising that some tests don't accurately test the correct levels.  I don't know if thees are just testosterone pushers.

What would be the harm in using the Androgel in general?   does anyone take it eventhough doctor says numbers are in good range?

Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Jeff G on January 13, 2013, 10:28:27 am
I'm at a friends house and we were just discussing this . He is 50 years old and his doctor has him on androgel because he needs it , meaning his levels were really low . He is upset because he is losing his hair and has acne on his face chest and back . The hair loss is definitely a side effect from the gel in his case . 

I used to be a big fan of Androgel or Testosterone therapy because it did help with energy and libido . I was in the low end of normal when I began therapy but I had to stop using it because of problems with my prostate , thinning hair and acne . If I had low levels I would consider going back on it but knowing what I know now I sure hope that never happens .
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: WillyWump on January 13, 2013, 11:42:04 am
Well, you would need a Dr. to prescribe it, and most will not prescribe it unless you are low. Although I suspect these male clinics that are popping up all over town will give it anyone with the money. I'm starting to see signs all over town saying "Testosterone replacement Therapy $250/month". Which is ridic since I pay about $75/vial which last for about 3 months.

I think if you try to add Testo on top of your "normal levels", your mood may indeed change but not for the good. Remember there is a reason there is a normal level, and anything above that may lead to trouble.

Testo is not a magic bullet. I've been on it for 2 maybe 3 years. I've used it all, gels patches and am now injecting it every 2 weeks. But I was extrememely low when I started and am still ahving problems maintaining normal levels. Sure it gives you more energy, and nice erections, etc... but in the meantime, like JG states there are BIG side effects. I have sporadic Acne, I am losing hair, my nuts have shrunk to the size of a small grape, and there are moood swings.

So there ya go! Proceed with caution  ;) Maybe look at other ways to increase your energy and mood.

-Will
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 13, 2013, 11:50:24 am
Going on testosterone doesn't just supplement what amount is in your body, it actually shuts down natural testosterone so you'd only be left with what you're putting in synthetically. And there's no guarantee that once you go off of the synthetic that your body will return to natural production at your previous level.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Jeff G on January 13, 2013, 12:02:36 pm
My friend Tim just confirmed that he is nutless .

Not long ago I went on a crusade at my clinic to get back on Testosterone and my doctors made such a strong case for me dropping the issue it finally sunk in and I relented . If you need the therapy that's one thing but using it in the absence of low T is just not a very good idea in my opinion as well as the docs at UAB . They were doing a study at UAB about testosterone therapy and discontinued it early because of the negative effects on the participants health . That study is why my doctors wanted no part in prescribing it for me . I failed to find a link to the study , sorry .   
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: WillyWump on January 13, 2013, 12:09:55 pm
Going on testosterone doesn't just supplement what amount is in your body, it actually shuts down natural testosterone so you'd only be left with what you're putting in synthetically.

Yes, excellent point that I forgot to mention.

Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 13, 2013, 12:16:48 pm
My friend Tim just confirmed that he is nutless .

Not long ago I went on a crusade at my clinic to get back on Testosterone and my doctors made such a strong case for me dropping the issue it finally sunk in and I relented . If you need the therapy that's one thing but using it in the absence of low T is just not a very good idea in my opinion as well as the docs at UAB . They were doing a study at UAB about testosterone therapy and discontinued it early because of the negative effects on the participants health . That study is why my doctors wanted no part in prescribing it for me . I failed to find a link to the study , sorry .   

My current doctor weened me off of it for those reasons seven years ago, Missy.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: WillyWump on January 13, 2013, 12:25:09 pm
. They were doing a study at UAB about testosterone therapy and discontinued it early because of the negative effects on the participants health . That study is why my doctors wanted no part in prescribing it for me . I failed to find a link to the study , sorry .

Would love to see that study.  I worry about the long term effects. My doc is always on the lookout for Prostate enlargement so I get the finger every 4 months. I worry about the unknowns.  I wished I could get off the Testo, but I can tell you I would never want to go back to how I felt pre TRT, it was hell.



Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Jeff G on January 13, 2013, 12:30:45 pm
Would love to see that study.  I worry about the long term effects. My doc is always on the lookout for Prostate enlargement so I get the finger every 4 months. I worry about the unknowns.  I wished I could get off the Testo, but I can tell you I would never want to go back to how I felt pre TRT, it was hell.

I am going to make it a point to ask my doctor at UAB about where I can get the results of this study at . This subject comes up with some regularity and it might help to have that study to point too when making the decision to seek T therapy . 
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: mitch777 on January 13, 2013, 12:37:41 pm
seems like alot of VERY different opinions.
not just from the posts, but from the doctors as well.
i have been on the gel for 1 1/2 years.
started out at 5 gms. but it was recently increased to 10 gms.
(5 just didn't boost it enough)

it has helped with my energy level to some extent, but had hoped for more. ::)

has there been any studies done on long term effects? (nevermind this ?) ::)
has there been a study done of how patients would most likely rebound producing their own testosterone after stopping treatment?
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Dachshund on January 13, 2013, 12:41:50 pm
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't loss of testosterone just a normal part of the aging process? I think I'd rather be tired than nut less.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: mitch777 on January 13, 2013, 12:52:21 pm
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't loss of testosterone just a normal part of the aging process? I think I'd rather be tired than nut less.
it's normal to a point.
my last level was near ZERO.
not "normal". :(

tired (severe fatigue) vs. nutless?
your decision.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 13, 2013, 12:54:53 pm
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't loss of testosterone just a normal part of the aging process? I think I'd rather be tired than nut less.

I went on it when I was 35 and in my defense it was for HIV wasting issues, which in that case is obviously necessary. Once I regained weight I went off of it.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: mitch777 on January 13, 2013, 12:58:48 pm
I went on it when I was 35 and in my defense it was for HIV wasting issues, which in that case is obviously necessary. Once I regained weight I went off of it.
wasting due to what? (curious)
and how long were you on it?

the muscles in my legs seem to be wasting pretty bad the past few years.
that is one of the reasons i started the gel.
they haven't improved, but at least haven't gotten worse.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 13, 2013, 01:06:56 pm
wasting due to what? (curious)
and how long were you on it?

the muscles in my legs seem to be wasting pretty bad the past few years.
that is one of the reasons i started the gel.
they haven't improved, but at least haven't gotten worse.

Muscle atrophy is different than HIV-related wasting, which is the involuntary loss of weight greater than 10% of your baseline weight. As far as what caused mine that's always difficult for a doctor to diagnose. It began in 1999 and went off and on until 2004, or for five years. Also at that time due to long-term resistance issues they were unable to suppress my viral load.

So I was on testosterone injections every two weeks for four years, then I tapered off using Androgel for the last year. My current testosterone levels are normal but at the lower end, but they were the same when I first had the weight loss. For me doing the injections sharply increased my appetite levels which had diminished. I never had fatigue issues particularly, no did I have libido issues.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: mitch777 on January 13, 2013, 01:13:39 pm
Muscle atrophy is different than HIV-related wasting, which is the involuntary loss of weight greater than 10% of your baseline weight. As far as what caused mine that's always difficult for a doctor to diagnose. It began in 1999 and went off and on until 2004, or for five years. Also at that time due to long-term resistance issues they were unable to suppress my viral load.

So I was on testosterone injections every two weeks for four years, then I tapered off using Androgel for the last year. My current testosterone levels are normal but at the lower end, but they were the same when I first had the weight loss. For me doing the injections sharply increased my appetite levels which had diminished. I never had fatigue issues particularly, no did I have libido issues.

thanks.
i was using the wrong term i guess.
i still thought that testosterone therapy helped prevent muscle loss.
(not sure if it would apply to atrophy as well as wasting??)
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: WillyWump on January 13, 2013, 01:21:30 pm
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't loss of testosterone just a normal part of the aging process? I think I'd rather be tired than nut less.

Yes, it's part of the process, but some people fall outside of that curve, way outside.. But when you are 41 and have the lowest clinical reading your doc has ever seen, and have been unable to get out of bed, literally for more than a couple hours a day. and have pretty heavy depression....

well you decide.

It's not for everyone, but it can be a life changer for some.

-W

Ps- I joke about being nutless, but I actually prefer it. My sex life has never been better
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 13, 2013, 01:23:02 pm
thanks.
i was using the wrong term i guess.
i still thought that testosterone therapy helped prevent muscle loss.
(not sure if it would apply to atrophy as well as wasting??)

How do you know that you have muscle atrophy issues in the first place? You said "seems" earlier so it sounds like you're diagnosing yourself. And how are you separating what is going on from basic aging processes?
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: wolfter on January 13, 2013, 01:25:27 pm
How's come I was never prescribed this during my wasting period?  Probably because I had raging erections even while laying like a breathing corpse. :o
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Dachshund on January 13, 2013, 01:30:54 pm
Yes, it's part of the process, but some people fall outside of that curve, way outside.. But when you are 41 and have the lowest clinical reading your doc has ever seen, and have been unable to get out of bed, literally for more than a couple hours a day. and have pretty heavy depression....

well you decide.

It's not for everyone, but it can be a life changer for some.

-W

Ps- I joke about being nutless, but I actually prefer it. My sex life has never been better

I'm not deriding anyone who needs the therapy it just seems like pharma is really pushing this on the teevees. Plus these shot clinics seem to popping up everywhere.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 13, 2013, 01:37:03 pm
How's come I was never prescribed this during my wasting period?  Probably because I had raging erections even while laying like a breathing corpse. :o

I think a lot of doctors don't want to bother with it. Keep in mind when I was on those injections I didn't inject myself like Wumpy does -- I went to the doctor's office. So that's 26 visits per year for four years, or 104 visits. All perfectly billable to my private insurance at the time. I don't even think Androgel was FDA approved when I first went on this. In fact, I'm sure it was not.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 13, 2013, 01:38:36 pm
Plus these shot clinics seem to popping up everywhere.

Is this a Southern thing? I've not seen this either in Philly or the DC area. Do you folks swing by the Pill Palace on your Medicare scooters afterwards for some Oxy?
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: mitch777 on January 13, 2013, 01:42:53 pm
How do you know that you have muscle atrophy issues in the first place? You said "seems" earlier so it sounds like you're diagnosing yourself. And how are you separating what is going on from basic aging processes?
i probably am diagnosing myself.
10 years on high dose Lipitor.
the muscle aches got so bad that i had to tell my doc NO more liptor!
the aches have diminished but the weakness remains.
the doc has never really come up with a solution/explanation for my weakness.

as for the age comment...
i am only 53 and my 77 year old mother has stronger legs than me.
(as well as everyone else I know)
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 13, 2013, 01:47:52 pm

as for the age comment...
i am only 53 and my 77 year old mother has stronger legs than me.
(as well as everyone else I know)

Try having muscle atrophy due to hereditary foot abnormalities, combined with two foot surgeries, all layered on top of HIV-related arthritis at the age of 47... then get back to me.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: mitch777 on January 13, 2013, 01:52:50 pm
Try having muscle atrophy due to hereditary foot abnormalities, combined with two foot surgeries, all layered on top of HIV-related arthritis at the age of 47... then get back to me.
i feel for you.
just was trying to explain why i came to my conclusions about my own muscle issues.
thought you might have some insight.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Dachshund on January 13, 2013, 01:56:52 pm
Is this a Southern thing? I've not seen this either in Philly or the DC area. Do you folks swing by the Pill Palace on your Medicare scooters afterwards for some Oxy?

Could be, haven't noticed them before. Course I was blinded by all the Cash for Title stores. Oh and whatever Medicaid Mama.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 13, 2013, 02:01:49 pm
i feel for you.
just was trying to explain why i came to my conclusions about my own muscle issues.
thought you might have some insight.

Why isn't your doctor diagnosing this if it's applicable? Maybe something as simple as a couple of months of physical therapy would help. I'm thinking of buying those resistance band thingies for exercising/stretching with at home and/or when travelling.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: mitch777 on January 13, 2013, 02:08:06 pm
Why isn't your doctor diagnosing this if it's applicable? Maybe something as simple as a couple of months of physical therapy would help. I'm thinking of buying those resistance band thingies for exercising/stretching with at home and/or when travelling.
i don't know.
he seems to be scratching his head alot.
i have tried physical therapy but never gained my strength back.
it just seemed to make my muscles sore with no upside.
this is why i think there may be permanent muscle damage.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: MilburnCreek on January 13, 2013, 03:22:46 pm
I am on T Therapy, and have never been happier.  I now swear by it.

First, my doctor said i was on the low end of T (I am 53), but within normal ranges, and wouldnt prescribe (Disclosure: I was on street roids three years ago.) 

I found a T Replacement center in Boston, and received my Rx.

The doctor there prescribed me 200 ml of Test cyp every week.  Due to HIV status, he also prescribed Nandrolone (street name: Deca). 

He also prescribed Hcg to stimulate my own testicles, and anastrazole to prevent my body from turning excess Test into estrogen.  To top it off, he added Taladafil (cialis). All of these goods arrive via mail.

Now, let me admit right up front that I take more Test Cyp and Deca than what he prescribed (and from what i've heard, the test 'patches' are practically useless)..  I supplement by continuing to buy street drugs.  I take 600 ml test cyp and 400 ml Deca weekly, along with 700 iu hcg.

Changes?  Damn Straight.  I went from sleeping 12 hours a day and STILL being exhausted to sleeping 7 - 8 hours/day and feeling alive and awake All day.  I have the sexual energy I had when I was 16 (except now I know what to do with it).  My strength and lean mass have increased significantly, and I have never felt better about myself.

I should add that I was a certified personal trainer back in the 90s, and have spent the equivalent of DAYS reading up on the proper management of testosterone and other steroidal substances.  Yes, you can get into big trouble, both legally and health-wise if you dont know what you;re doing.  But if you DO...well, my experience is that I will never go off the stuff.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Jeff G on January 13, 2013, 03:43:37 pm
Jeez Mr Creek , that sounds more like steroid abuse than therapy ... to each his own . I hope it doesn't harm you in the long run .
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Dachshund on January 13, 2013, 03:44:08 pm
What an odd endorsement. I hope anyone reading this post read carefully what you are doing. Legally and illegally.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: thunter34 on January 13, 2013, 03:46:46 pm
I am on T Therapy, and have never been happier.  I now swear by it.

First, my doctor said i was on the low end of T (I am 53), but within normal ranges, and wouldnt prescribe (Disclosure: I was on street roids three years ago.) 

I found a T Replacement center in Boston, and received my Rx.

The doctor there prescribed me 200 ml of Test cyp every week.  Due to HIV status, he also prescribed Nandrolone (street name: Deca). 

He also prescribed Hcg to stimulate my own testicles, and anastrazole to prevent my body from turning excess Test into estrogen.  To top it off, he added Taladafil (cialis). All of these goods arrive via mail.

Now, let me admit right up front that I take more Test Cyp and Deca than what he prescribed (and from what i've heard, the test 'patches' are practically useless)..  I supplement by continuing to buy street drugs.  I take 600 ml test cyp and 400 ml Deca weekly, along with 700 iu hcg.

Changes?  Damn Straight.  I went from sleeping 12 hours a day and STILL being exhausted to sleeping 7 - 8 hours/day and feeling alive and awake All day.  I have the sexual energy I had when I was 16 (except now I know what to do with it).  My strength and lean mass have increased significantly, and I have never felt better about myself.

I should add that I was a certified personal trainer back in the 90s, and have spent the equivalent of DAYS reading up on the proper management of testosterone and other steroidal substances.  Yes, you can get into big trouble, both legally and health-wise if you dont know what you;re doing.  But if you DO...well, my experience is that I will never go off the stuff.

Wow.  Just wow.  You sound less like a man and more like a cyborg.

Steve Austin didn't have as many technical enhancements.

Lance Armstrong would be looking down his nose right now.

I'm sorry, but if this doesn't come off as an endorsement of potentially catastrophic behavior, I don't know what does.

I'm crying foul.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: MilburnCreek on January 13, 2013, 04:09:11 pm
Hey, I'm not asking any of you to endorse, love, approve, or cheerlead.  The vast majority of people have very little experience with test or roids...most people think it's 'cheating' in sports (in spite of the fact that juicing is the NORM in EVERY sport).

You should know that the levels I take are pretty standard *newbie* levels.  Most bodybuilders, wrestlers, and football players take a helluva lot more than I do..and stack it with other goods such as equipoise, chained peptides, HGH, forced insulin, etc.  I am at a place where I am comfortable with the results. My blood pressure is good, and my general health excellent.

Again, not asking anyone to 'endorse' what I have found works.  I *do* ask that if you are unfamiliar with the 'roid culture, that you withhold judgement if the only 'facts' you have in hand are "common knowledge" (which is anything but . . .)
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Jmarksto on January 13, 2013, 04:14:34 pm
I didn't realize how ignorant and naive I was (am)...I don't even know my testosterone levels, I guess I am fortunate for not having to - but I will ask my doc at my next appointment.

On less of an educational level, and more for entertainment value - This American Life (my favorite radio show) did a full one hour segment on testosterone.

www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/220/testosterone
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Jeff G on January 13, 2013, 04:17:45 pm
Hey, I'm not asking any of you to endorse, love, approve, or cheerlead.  The vast majority of people have very little experience with test or roids...most people think it's 'cheating' in sports (in spite of the fact that juicing is the NORM in EVERY sport).

You should know that the levels I take are pretty standard *newbie* levels.  Most bodybuilders, wrestlers, and football players take a helluva lot more than I do..and stack it with other goods such as equipoise, chained peptides, HGH, forced insulin, etc.  I am at a place where I am comfortable with the results. My blood pressure is good, and my general health excellent.

Again, not asking anyone to 'endorse' what I have found works.  I *do* ask that if you are unfamiliar with the 'roid culture, that you withhold judgement if the only 'facts' you have in hand are "common knowledge" (which is anything but . . .)

If you knew as much about steroids as you claim you wouldn't be saying all this crap in the first place . No one here is trying to change your mind . I'm more interested in helping people that are feeling sick and fatigued not making the mistake of deluding themselves into thinking there is even a glimmer of sense in doing what you are doing . I do wish you the best though . 
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: thunter34 on January 13, 2013, 04:19:40 pm
Hey, I'm not asking any of you to endorse, love, approve, or cheerlead.  The vast majority of people have very little experience with test or roids...most people think it's 'cheating' in sports (in spite of the fact that juicing is the NORM in EVERY sport).

You should know that the levels I take are pretty standard *newbie* levels.  Most bodybuilders, wrestlers, and football players take a helluva lot more than I do..and stack it with other goods such as equipoise, chained peptides, HGH, forced insulin, etc.  I am at a place where I am comfortable with the results. My blood pressure is good, and my general health excellent.

Again, not asking anyone to 'endorse' what I have found works.  I *do* ask that if you are unfamiliar with the 'roid culture, that you withhold judgement if the only 'facts' you have in hand are "common knowledge" (which is anything but . . .)

No wonder you were so concerned about being out of range of the Pony Express during the winter months on Fire Island.  It wasn't just about the HIV meds, eh?  Absent mail delivery, you'll shrivel up like a prune.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: MilburnCreek on January 13, 2013, 04:31:25 pm
No wonder you were so concerned about being out of range of the Pony Express during the winter months on Fire Island.  It wasn't just about the HIV meds, eh?  Absent mail delivery, you'll shrivel up like a prune.

You can disagree without being disagreeable.  But you have to decide to exercise that choice.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: MilburnCreek on January 13, 2013, 04:35:31 pm
If you knew as much about steroids as you claim you wouldn't be saying all this crap in the first place . No one here is trying to change your mind . I'm more interested in helping people that are feeling sick and fatigued not making the mistake of deluding themselves into thinking there is even a glimmer of sense in doing what you are doing . I do wish you the best though .

Actually, there is a glimmer of sense.  It has worked for me.  You may not choose it as your preferred route of addressing issues of fatigue - thats fine.  But you have no right to summarily dismiss it as a choice for someone else.

I also recommend cannabis - which is also illegal - for people suffering from a variety of issues.  Legal or not has no bearing on efficacy.

Keep in mind my medicines are just that...and prescribed by a doctor and covered by insurance.  The ONLY place where you can even begin to argue that I'm off is by taking a greater dose than that which is prescribed....because, after all, none of you have taken more ibuprofin than recommended when in pain, right?
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: thunter34 on January 13, 2013, 04:39:33 pm
You can disagree without being disagreeable.  But you have to decide to exercise that choice.

I'm not sure that you are in the position to be lecturing anyone about exercising anything, Stretch Armstrong.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: MilburnCreek on January 13, 2013, 04:42:20 pm
I'm not sure that you are in the position to be lecturing anyone about exercising anything, Stretch Armstrong.

Why?  Because I have made a different choice than you would?

(By the way, I ride my motorcycle without a helmet, dont wear seatbelts, fuck bareback, and smoke.  Care to tell me what a disaster of a human being I am?)
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Jeff G on January 13, 2013, 04:45:47 pm
You missed the boat by coming out a half century too late , there isn't enough roids in America to get your youth back sweetie .
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: MilburnCreek on January 13, 2013, 04:48:00 pm
You missed the boat by coming out a half century too late , there isn't enough roids in America to get your youth back sweetie .

Oh, Honey, you are SOOOO wrong!   ROFLMAO!!!
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: thunter34 on January 13, 2013, 04:51:01 pm
(By the way, I ride my motorcycle without a helmet, dont wear seatbelts, fuck bareback, and smoke.  Care to tell me what a disaster of a human being I am?)

1.  None of this suprises me.

2.  I don't think I need to tell you.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: MilburnCreek on January 13, 2013, 04:54:41 pm
1.  None of this suprises me.

2.  I don't think I need to tell you.

Carl, I think the conclusion here is that there are no right or wrong answers or right or wrong ways of living.

 There are choices - highly individual choices - and we all have different levels of risk tolerance/risk aversion.

These boards are for discussion - I respect that you disagree with me.  But the one thing I have learned in my 5 decades of life is that I have no right to tell someone else how they 'ought' to live their life (to satisfy *my* standards.  It's a perspective you might want to consider.  Just sayin'
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Dachshund on January 13, 2013, 04:55:09 pm
Actually, there is a glimmer of sense.  It has worked for me.  You may not choose it as your preferred route of addressing issues of fatigue - thats fine.  But you have no right to summarily dismiss it as a choice for someone else.

I also recommend cannabis - which is also illegal - for people suffering from a variety of issues.  Legal or not has no bearing on efficacy.

Keep in mind my medicines are just that...and prescribed by a doctor and covered by insurance.  The ONLY place where you can even begin to argue that I'm off is by taking a greater dose than that which is prescribed....because, after all, none of you have taken more ibuprofin than recommended when in pain, right?

By your own admission you're not following your own doctor's recommendations. I doubt he knows that you purchase a bit on the street and self-medicates. If you want to pump yourself up that's fine, I don't care. And being "roid" naive I'll leave it to others to make their own judgements. I do hope anyone thinking about following your line of treatment would print out your posts and see what their doctor thinks. To me you sound like a guy more interested in body image than fatigue. Whatever floats your boat.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: wolfter on January 13, 2013, 04:56:03 pm
I didn't realize how ignorant and naive I was (am)...I don't even know my testosterone levels, I guess I am fortunate for not having to - but I will ask my doc at my next appointment.

On less of an educational level, and more for entertainment value - This American Life (my favorite radio show) did a full one hour segment on testosterone.

www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/220/testosterone

I was thinking the same thing.  My doctor will probably get upset at me for asking him about my levels for a problem that probably doesn't exist.  But I want to know my T level.  I just assumed if you continue having raging erections, all is good.  Perhaps I'll need to look into this when I'm older, but for now....my missle is ready for launch. ;D
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: MilburnCreek on January 13, 2013, 04:58:23 pm
By your own admission you're not following your own doctor's recommendations. I doubt he knows that you purchase a bit on the street and self-medicates. If you want to pump yourself up that's fine, I don't care. And being "roid" naive I'll leave it to others to make their own judgements. I do hope anyone thinking about following your line of treatment would print out your posts and see what their doctor thinks. To me you sound like a guy more interested in body image than fatigue. Whatever floats your boat.

To be 100% honest, my current round of meds originated *precisely* because of fatigue.  The doctor wanted me in the gym, and i was so tired I couldnt even drag myself there.  The fatigue issue pre-dated the body image issues. 

And, you can believe me or not, but I have in fact told my doctor everything.  I believe in the sanctity of doctor/patient privilege, and see nothing to be gained from holding back info.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: wolfter on January 13, 2013, 04:59:58 pm
Don't these drugs in excess cause people to become combative and argumentative? 
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 13, 2013, 05:02:42 pm
Don't these drugs in excess cause people to become combative and argumentative? 

Indeed my dear Wolfmeister, they do! Can't you tell?

And if you think I'm a nasty vile person you should have seen me when I had deca injections in my butt cheeks for four years. Though eventually tamed the beast with handfuls of klonnie.

ps: and once I gained the weight back I have to say even though I was on 1/4 of the stuff this other guy is on my body looked four times as muscular.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Dachshund on January 13, 2013, 05:07:22 pm
Why?  Because I have made a different choice than you would?

(By the way, I ride my motorcycle without a helmet, dont wear seatbelts, fuck bareback, and smoke.  Care to tell me what a disaster of a human being I am?)

Girl, you are quite the rebel. Bet you jaywalk and remove the tag off your mattress under penalty of law.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: wolfter on January 13, 2013, 05:07:34 pm
Indeed my dear Wolfmeister, they do! Can't you tell?

And if you think I'm a nasty vile person you should have seen me when I had deca injections in my butt cheeks for four years. Though eventually tamed the beast with handfuls of klonnie.

ps: and once I gained the weight back I have to say even though I was on 1/4 of the stuff this other guy is on my body looked four times as muscular.

OH HELL NO, I wouldn't want to witness that.  A lifetime ban is a LONG time. ;D

I'm the other end of the gay spectrum, my focus has always been on staying lean and trim.  I don't want no bulging muscles, I want my partner to be able to easily flip me all over the place.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: MilburnCreek on January 13, 2013, 05:09:23 pm
Girl, you are quite the rebel. Bet you jaywalk and remove the tag off your mattress under penalty of law.

ROFLMAO!

GUILTY AS CHARGED!!!!
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 13, 2013, 05:12:14 pm

I'm the other end of the gay spectrum, my focus has always been on staying lean and trim.  I don't want no bulging muscles, I want my partner to be able to easily flip me all over the place.

It was actually a lean and muscular/cut look. Not that out of proportion, unappealing water-bloated look.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: buginme2 on January 13, 2013, 05:34:22 pm
At my last HIV appointment my doctor said he was going to add the testosterone test at my next blood draw (In March 2013).  He has never tested me for it before however I have been having some fatigue issues and this feeling of just.....blah.  After trying a couple different antidepressants with zero help, he said he was going to test the testosterone level.

After reading this thread, god I am hoping they are in the normal range.  Kinda nervous about it now. 

Side note, we also discussed ditching Atripla if there is no other reason discovered for the fatigue.  Waiting and seeing.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Iggy on January 13, 2013, 05:35:20 pm
I'm revisiting this issue myself.

I started using testim about 2-3 years ago for below normal levels of testosterone which I asked to be tested based off of energy (sleep 8-9 hours and still be really tired in the day).

After a few years I'm not sure that there has been that much of an effect/change.   

I see my new doctor at the end of the month and plan to revisit the issue.   It's never been debilitating (lack of energy), and willing to try going off it for a while (under md supervision - mainly to test levels) for the a while to see if it is even worth the co-pay.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 13, 2013, 06:11:02 pm
btw, I'm quite sure my years of testosterone injections caused me to have high blood pressure and take medicine for same by the age of 40. Good times.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Buckmark on January 13, 2013, 11:05:58 pm
Is this a Southern thing? I've not seen this either in Philly or the DC area. Do you folks swing by the Pill Palace on your Medicare scooters afterwards for some Oxy?

It's not just a Southern thing.  Testosterone replacement is increasingly seen as a competitive advantage, beyond the realm of just sports.  For example, the financial markets industry:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/68015bb2-51b8-11e1-a99d-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2Hv1eZWCx (http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/68015bb2-51b8-11e1-a99d-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2Hv1eZWCx)
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Miss Philicia on January 13, 2013, 11:14:50 pm
It's not just a Southern thing.  Testosterone replacement is increasingly seen as a competitive advantage, beyond the realm of just sports.  For example, the financial markets industry:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/68015bb2-51b8-11e1-a99d-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2Hv1eZWCx (http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/68015bb2-51b8-11e1-a99d-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2Hv1eZWCx)


No, that's not what I meant. I meant doctors putting up billboards for it, as in that's all of their business that they do.

ps: your link is only for registered users
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Buckmark on January 13, 2013, 11:32:05 pm
No, that's not what I meant. I meant doctors putting up billboards for it, as in that's all of their business that they do.

ps: your link is only for registered users

I haven't seen any billboards here in Austin.  Billboards or not, though, it's not hard to imagine unscrupulous doctors building a practice on this.

Sorry about the link -- the damn Financial Times thinks their content is so special.  Here is another article that is a good summary.

http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-02-09/wall_street/31040591_1_testosterone-therapy-hormone-therapy-financial-crisis (http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-02-09/wall_street/31040591_1_testosterone-therapy-hormone-therapy-financial-crisis)

Hmmm... look at this clinic in Austin:

http://www.agelessmenshealth.com/locations/austin-testosterone-replacement-therapy-clinic/ (http://www.agelessmenshealth.com/locations/austin-testosterone-replacement-therapy-clinic/)

Oh, wait, they have location in several states, including New York -- Midtown and Wall Street locations, not surprisingly.  65 Broad St, Suite 1804.

http://www.agelessmenshealth.com/locations/newyork-testosterone-replacement-therapy-clinic/ (http://www.agelessmenshealth.com/locations/newyork-testosterone-replacement-therapy-clinic/)
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: jkinatl2 on January 13, 2013, 11:34:03 pm
There are a couple of clinics in the Atlanta area that advertise in the gay rags for testosterone therapy. They often also do Botox and other cosmetic things.

Can't say that I was never tempted, in my club and AIDS activism days, when my costume of choice was a spandex unitard and cape, to juice. I am grateful beyond words that the opportunity never presented itself when I was vulnerable to that. I've seen firsthand the results when someone is juicing, and  have seen the results when they finally stop. The former tends to create a beautiful outside and a monstrous inside; the latter does the reverse.

IMHO it's just one step on the destructive level down from Crystal Meth.

Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: mikeyb39 on January 14, 2013, 12:25:50 am
Well thanks guys for all the info, its really good to hear the pros and cons.  i dont think im going to bring it up again to my doc anytime soon.  Althouugh i do have HUGE low hanging testicles that i wouldnt mind making little smaller.  its so hard to adjust sometimes..

Miss P, yes there is quite a few clinics for  testosterone clinics here in dallas in all the gay rags....its the going thing here it seems

i think i willl do without for a while longer anyyways.
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: Iggy on January 14, 2013, 06:46:53 am
Charlotte's started getting those billboards about a year ago.  I've seen them on both I-77 coming into the city from the North and off of South Boulevard.The company behind them is ReNEW Man (yes - caps like that). 

I googled e to see if I could find any of the billboard images, but only found several  "do it for her" type things.   The one in Charlotte is has a huge black and white picture of guy's chiseled torso with six pack. 

I don't remember any mention of of "her" in our billboard, but then again, I may not have been reading the print portion of it either  ::)
Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: WillyWump on January 14, 2013, 04:57:19 pm
Is this a Southern thing? Do you folks swing by the Pill Palace on your Medicare scooters afterwards for some Oxy?

Yes... we do, and sometimes we bring a friend...

(http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af308/IwuvPhilly/Meanwhile_in_America.gif)

Title: Re: Testosterone therapy
Post by: MilburnCreek on January 14, 2013, 09:50:13 pm
This is who I have worked with:

https://www.facebook.com/BostonTestosterone?ref=ts&fref=ts (https://www.facebook.com/BostonTestosterone?ref=ts&fref=ts)