You are correct Androgel is way too expensive.

Google "compounding pharmacy" in your city. If you dr. will write a script for a compounded medicine (most dr. will), you can take that script to the compounding pharmacy and get them to make you a better product that Androgel for a lot less $$$$$.

For example, Androgel cost me $230.00 per month. So after 2 months, i said forget it and started looking for alternatives. Now I can purchase a 3 month supply of compounded testosterone cream (same testosterone as the Androgel) for $115.00 (i.e. less than $40 per month). So for 3 months of Androgel I would have paid $690.00 and now I only pay $115.00 for 3 months.

Also, most pharmacists believe the non-petroleum cream is a better delivery system than the gel used in Androgel.

Good luck

HarrisOn:
Thank you so very much for the info...I will research your info and possible give it a try..
The differance in money is alott....I really hope it works for me.
I can't thank you enough.

Good luck. I feel very confident that you will find the similar cost reduction while still getting the benefits you need.

I would look into pellet replacement. Great alternative, good pricing as well. Google Sottopelle.

AVOID the pill form of this stuff! If your Doctor gives a hoot about you at all he won't even give them to you and explain why. The pills (in test and in men) have a side effect called LIVER CANCER. that's one you have already dealt with Mr.smilingBob except ya lose more than before. The injection has a high peak and you bottom out right before you need to get your next shot. I've been on this stuff for 3 years and ya gotta be careful. I use the pump but for some reason, without changing the dose, my numbers are off the chart at 1300. Why too high at these levels one needs to be concerned with prostrate cancer (God, I hate that word!!!) Good luck to all my brothers out there & God Bless.

mrmike60:
I won't do the patch or injection for the same reason..(to high & then to low)..I have been on the gel (pump) since 2005 and my dose is 5 pumps per day...that keeps me at about 400ish...how many pumps do you do??
And might I ask why you are on andro-gel to??
Same reason as me????
God Bless

Well I'm starting on Androgel tonight and kinda curious about the effects. I had my right testicle removed when I was 16 and I'm 25 now. My level was only 165!!! The doc never said anything back then about needing to probably take this stuff and I'm kinda aggravated about it. At least I took it upon myself to have it checked...stupid that I waited so long! Well guys you've been taking this for a while. What can I expect? I actively lift weights and do cardio. Could I get stronger or lose more fat? Will my mood hopefully improve. Any comments would be appreciated.

WLXX,
I had almost the exact same situation age related and testicle related. I also was not given any info on androgen replacement. Doctors back then (1990) said that I was too young and would have bad ( etc.etc.) things happen later if I started on hormone replacement. You'll never know how your body reacts until you try it. Everyone is different. 5mg androgel daily seems enough to get the ball rolling. Get your blood tested in 1 month and see what is happening and how you feel. And, importantly, do not drink alcohol if possible. Anything to impair liver function will only hurt you even more now.

Best regards

WLXX,
I had almost the exact same situation age related and testicle related. I also was not given any info on androgen replacement. Doctors back then (1990) said that I was too young and would have bad ( etc.etc.) things happen later if I started on hormone replacement. You'll never know how your body reacts until you try it. Everyone is different. 5mg androgel daily seems enough to get the ball rolling. Get your blood tested in 1 month and see what is happening and how you feel. And, importantly, do not drink alcohol if possible. Anything to impair liver function will only hurt you even more now.

Best regards

Thanks so much I didn't know that about the alcohol

THANKS DON. I'VE BEEN ON IT NOW FOR ABOUT A MONTH AND A HALF AND CAN TELL A LITTLE DIFFERENCE. I'M SUPPOSED TO GO BACK TO HAVE MY TEST CHECKED IN JUNE AND UNLESS ANYTHING CHANGES BETWEEN NOW AND THEN, I THINK GOING UP TO 10g WOULD BE BETTER. BUT AT LEAST I HAVE HAD SOME IMPROVEMENTS. I'M CONSIDERING GOING TO AN ANTI-AGING CLINIC. NOTHING AGAINST MY FAMILY PRACTICE DOC, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOMEONE WHO HAS ALOT OF EXPERIENCE IN THIS FIELD. THANKS AGAIN!

Androgel has been good to me. T# about 700. I would like to know the best areas to apply. One place says not on scrotum, next says thats the best spot. Help?

I went ahead and shaved the scrotum area, and applied it there. I'll get tested next month. I'm on the compounded variety, much cheaper, and good.

I went to the Doctor last week, i told him my Penis is shrinking, what is going on? Dr. Said it was probually low hormone level. He ran my blood work and found out it was low. He perscribed the Androgel pump. the pamplet calls for me to rub it on my chest and upper arms. My question is, can i put in on my penis and balls? And will it work fast? i am 35 years old and this sucks.