I suspect that is probably the max I would tolerate. I believe I spent a day or so on this dose. Can't report back on it, as I was not patient enough to do it long term. I am definitely guilty of pushing doses around too quickly to really study it honestly. I probably didn't "feel" anything at that dose and pushed it prematurely. Not ideal, I know. That said, I have a lot of experience in the 112mg/day range. No bueno.
I also suspect DHT is either the culprit or one of them.
My next attempt at optimizing TRT will be a propionate/enanthate blend. I have had issues with brain fog/headaches with injections in the past. Hopefully, that won't be the case with small daily doses. If that trial fails, I would be willing to give cream one more chance, probably at the most conservative dose you mentioned: 50mg once a day. Either scrotal or shoulder. Not decided.
The study I referred to earlier recommends 100mg per day if applied anywhere other than the scrotum. I think 50mg to the scrotum is the optimal starting dose for most dudes, to be adjusted up or down from there based on symptoms.
Are you on cream?
Just switched back to it from injections and loving it so far. Only reason I went back to injections was that cream is a bit more of a pain in the ass to apply every day and I was slightly worried about transference during sex. But after researching I concluded that the fear of it rubbing off is overstated, and I'm willing to deal with the inconvenience because there's no comparison in how I feel.
The cream was working long-term for you before injections? How long have you been back on cream? Are you applying once a day? How many milligrams?
I was on it for over six months and felt better than I did on injections. I was taking it twice a day, which worked exceptionally well at first, but after a few months I started having a few of the issues you mentioned - mild anxiety and irritability, a bit of an overstimulating feeling. Looking back, I attribute those issues to my T and DHT levels being too constantly elevated. I still felt better than on injections, though. And now that I've been back on cream for a couple of weeks and just applying it once a day (50mg for now), I feel my best yet. How this protocol works out long-term remains to be seen, but I'm optimistic.
This is great feedback. Are you using Hydrogel or standard base?
Standard base from Empower but debating giving the Hydrogel a shot.
I've heard mixed information about sweating and exercise post-cream. One theory is it actually improves absorption by increasing blood flow and moistening the area. The other is that, like showering or swimming, it can cause some of the cream to wash off before it's fully absorbed. If you like the routine you have, why not get your levels tested a couple of hours after your bike ride and see where they're at?
Trip - are you still using cream?
