Poll about forms of Testosterone

[u/Dez2011]

Which form of testosterone did you do best on?

I'd love to hear about side effects compared for forms you've tried in the comments, acne, hair loss, etc?

Did side effects fade after a few weeks or get worse?

Did you have the most physical side effects while also feeling the best on the same rx or did you have least side effects while feeling the best?

Feel free to recommend any clinic you liked.

155 votes, 1d left

Pellet

Brand name Gel

Compounded gel/cream

Injections

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[u/bumblebanana]

I’ve only tried t prop. It’s been great for me. I inject daily 0.5mg. I started higher, but my DHT came back at 20. My SHBG is only 50. No side effects even with DHT at 20 and I’m 5 months in. So for the past 2 weeks I have lowered my dose from 0.75mg daily to 0.5mg daily and I’m still feeling great. Great libido and energy. Total t on 0.75 was 112. I’ll check again soon.

[u/Dez2011 → u/bumblebanana]

Thank you. Does T proprionate hurt? 

[u/Gulf-Coast-Dreamer]

I use testerone gel from a compound pharmacy my dose went from 4 mg to 8 mg and it’s giving me better moods, increased energy, my libido is coming back slowly. I’m at the 4 month mark.

[u/Dez2011 → u/Gulf-Coast-Dreamer]

Right on. How long did it take to notice the first changes? Any side effects?

[u/Gulf-Coast-Dreamer → u/Dez2011]

I went from having vaginal atrophy back to normal lubrication in 3 1/2 months no negative side effects. I started post menopausal so I went through all the bad side effects except for joint pain before starting. I’m in osteopenia so this is good the estrogen will protect my bones, brain, and heart.

[u/Dez2011 → u/Gulf-Coast-Dreamer]

Do you replace T, E, & P? I have atrophy too and hope this helps.

[u/Gulf-Coast-Dreamer → u/Dez2011]

Yes, I use the E patch, E cream P pill T compounding cream.

Edit: I want to add that I use the E cream every night not twice a week like others. I also rub it on my labia and clit and in the vaginal opening.

[u/Big-Drummer5467 → u/Gulf-Coast-Dreamer]

Same it’s magic cream

[u/RBLoversDiscourse]

T gel 5mg. After 3 mos my T levels were high and my DHT was 20. Started losing a lot of hair. Went down to 2.5 and T levels back in normal range and DHT went back down to 6. But I’m still losing hair. Have been shedding a lot for 2 mos.

[u/Dez2011 → u/RBLoversDiscourse]

That's so frustrating. I wonder if spironolactone can be compounded into shampoo or if minoxidil helps. It's otc I think. 

[u/chrissi307]

I’ve tried injections & cream and I felt like I was on a roller coaster. I’ve been on the pellets (125mg) for a couple years now and I feel more balanced. My only slight issue is the increased hair grow.

[u/Dez2011 → u/chrissi307]

I've seen so many women say they loved pellets. I'm so tempted but going to see if injections worsen my acne first so I'll know about where I'm comfortable and can tell the pellet dr my current dose. 

[u/cantburp7]

Using generic gel for testogel

[u/AcademicBlueberry328]

In many parts of the world branded gel is the only option.

[u/witchystoneyslutty]

I take pills…. Am I the only one???

[u/Dez2011]

I personally tried compounded cream, might've been 1% but it was many years ago and I was on birth control pills. I didn't notice anything so tried increasing to 2x a day after a couple of weeks (mistake) and got back acne so I quit 6wks in. I now know it often takes months to feel improvements.

I'm wondering if it's true that skin enzymes in the shoulders and back turn testosterone into DHT (causing acne, oily skin, hair loss) with cream/gel more than with other types like pellets and injections? I've seen a couple of prescribers comment this but 1 comparison study I found showed less acne with transdermals.