Question for the Doctors Here.............

[asphaltgambler]

A while ago I was diagnosed with border-line low Testosterone level. Meaning my 'number' was at the lowest point acceptable for my age. I just turned 52, non smoker, good health, in good shape, blood pressure was excellent.

My doc gave me a script for the lowest dosage of a topical cream, but the cost works out to @$350 per month. It does seem to really help my overall mood, desire, energy, etc. The cost is the only downside.

My insurance does not cover this. Is there any over the counter substiutes I could try that really work, even if indirectly?? Thanks!!

[Rick Lee]

If you have FSA, you could at least cut into the cost by whatever percentage your normally pay in federal income taxes. In the next few days or so I need to lock in my FSA amount for 2012 and am waiting until after my doctor's appt. this morning to do so.

There's also those Ageless Male pills on the tv commercials. No idea if they work, but they can't cost $350 a month. You might be better offer getting a flight to Mexico to buy a year's worth.

[asphaltgambler]

yeah........researched that TV product = snake oil. Claims are base-less. They combine or 'stack' two well known safe ingredients.

[wcc]

I ran it by the wife, she's a pharmacist. She said there isn't any over the counter stuff but you could get a script for an injection which is cheap. That was her quick email back I will try to get more details from her or have her post up for you..

[asphaltgambler]

wcc - thanks!!

[porsche4life]

Mind telling us what it is? I'm guessing androgel based on the cost? Talk to your doc, there should be some lower cost options.

[asphaltgambler]

Yes I believe it is androgel. I do know of the shots/injections they are cheaper, but way more hassle /poking my self everyday

I am looking for (possibly) a more homeopathic solution as well

[HHI944]

A company named fusion bodybuilding makes a product by the name of Zeus. It's a blend of mess and herbs designed to increase test.

[RWebb]

get a placebo cream and have a young, hot gf rub it in

[asphaltgambler]

Will give that a try but the young gf is more expensive

[fxeditor]

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

Yes I believe it is androgel. I do know of the shots/injections they are cheaper, but way more hassle /poking my self everyday

I am looking for (possibly) a more homeopathic solution as well

Ummmm, just out of curiosity, where does one inject the treatment for a condition such as that? If it's where I think it is, spending the $350 for a topical solution seems like a bargain!

-Michael

[wcc]

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

Yes I believe it is androgel. I do know of the shots/injections they are cheaper, but way more hassle /poking my self everyday

I am looking for (possibly) a more homeopathic solution as well

The injections are long acting and are not daily. Typically every 2 weeks or once a month. There are a lot of coupons for androgel/testim out there that can help you out if you don't want the injections. Also ask your doctor for samples. The reason why these are so expensive is that the products are all Brand name and not predicted to go generic in the next 6 years. So samples should be made available to you.

Another option is oral and these are cheap as well. I highlighted some information for you too. I hope you find this useful. The information is from an evidence based publication.

Oral preparations


Fluoxymesterone-U.S. only
(Androxy)

Methyltestosterone-U.S. only
(Android, Methitest, Testred)



Testosterone undecanoate-Canada only
(Andriol, generics)


Tabs: 10 mg

Android, Testred:
10 mg caps
Methitest:
10 mg tabs

Caps: 40 mg


5 to 20 mg once daily.

10 to 50 mg once daily.





40 to 120 mg once daily.


Advantages: Self-administration, dosing flexibility, immediate discontinuation.
Disadvantages: Poor androgen effects, adverse lipid changes, higher rate of hepatic side effects (elevated LFTs, hemorrhagic liver cysts, cholestasis, hepatocellular carcinoma) compared to other agents.3
Testosterone Monitoring: Measure testosterone level 3 to 5 hours after ingestion of last dose.1






Long-acting parenteral preparations


Testosterone cypionate
(Depo-Testosterone, generics)



Testosterone enanthate (Delatestryl, generics)


Injection:
100 mg/mL and
200 mg/mL-U.S. only

Injection:
200 mg/mL


For both U.S. products:
50 to 400 mg IM every 2 to 4 weeks. (Doses over
400 mg/month rarely needed.)

For Canadian testosterone cypionate:
200 mg IM every 2 weeks. Max dose is
400 mg per month.

For Canadian testosterone enanthate:
100 to 400 mg every 4 weeks.


Advantages: Safe.
Disadvantages: Frequent IM injections; fluctuations in testosterone levels may lead to variations in libido, sexual function, energy, and mood.3
Comment: Longer interval regimens (greater than 2 weeks) not recommended because of wider fluctuations in testosterone levels and potential for subnormal levels prior to injection.
Testosterone Monitoring: Check testosterone level at the midpoint between injections. Testosterone level should be near the middle of the normal range.1

[RWebb]

just get your telomeres re-wrapped and you won't need to mess with any injections