lostsoul77
New Member
Hey all. I've been on Androgel 1.62 for about 4mos now (2 pumps/day) after switching from the Androderm patch. Gel seemed much more effective and I felt great during the first 1 month 1/2 and now back to feeling fatigued, not motivated, unexplainable weight gain. I just had my appointment with my Endo doc who has been doing a battery of tests to try and determine why i'm suddenly suffering from hypogonadism...she as well as my PCP believe it is all linked to me having mild OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) and they believe symptoms will improve and testosterone levels will increase once the sleep apnea is corrected. Currently awaiting approval from insurance company for the dental appliance.
My test levels 2 weeks ago were 875 (but I think I kinda skewed the levels as I was starting a new bottle the night before getting the blood drawn and used the gel from priming as well as the 2 pumps that i'm normally supposed to take) A month prior, test level was at 275. I have concerns that the testosterone may be getting converted into estrogen; noticing enlarging of my chest, nipple area is red, and once in a while a stinging/pinching feeling in the nipple area. Endo doc today, said to decrease down to 1 pump per day and alternate between days (1 pump one day, and 2 pumps next day, etc) and see if the chest begins to shrink; she's thinking 2 pumps may be too much and feels that an estrogen blocker is not necessary. Is this a good idea or should I still try and find a estrogen blocker. She gave me paperwork to get labs to measure estradiol and test levels in 3 mos. If her theory is correct, should I begin to feel a bit better off of 1 pump per day?
Also, does anyone know if the gel absorbs thru tatoos? I have tatoos covering the upper arms and shoulders. I spoke with tech support from Androgel and they basically told me to ONLY apply to upper arms and shoulder and no place else on the body. Is it ok to use an alternate area such as the abdomen, thighs, or back?
Sorry if any of these questions may have been asked prior to me asking and thanks in advance for opinions as well as tips...
My test levels 2 weeks ago were 875 (but I think I kinda skewed the levels as I was starting a new bottle the night before getting the blood drawn and used the gel from priming as well as the 2 pumps that i'm normally supposed to take) A month prior, test level was at 275. I have concerns that the testosterone may be getting converted into estrogen; noticing enlarging of my chest, nipple area is red, and once in a while a stinging/pinching feeling in the nipple area. Endo doc today, said to decrease down to 1 pump per day and alternate between days (1 pump one day, and 2 pumps next day, etc) and see if the chest begins to shrink; she's thinking 2 pumps may be too much and feels that an estrogen blocker is not necessary. Is this a good idea or should I still try and find a estrogen blocker. She gave me paperwork to get labs to measure estradiol and test levels in 3 mos. If her theory is correct, should I begin to feel a bit better off of 1 pump per day?
Also, does anyone know if the gel absorbs thru tatoos? I have tatoos covering the upper arms and shoulders. I spoke with tech support from Androgel and they basically told me to ONLY apply to upper arms and shoulder and no place else on the body. Is it ok to use an alternate area such as the abdomen, thighs, or back?
Sorry if any of these questions may have been asked prior to me asking and thanks in advance for opinions as well as tips...
