Testim Levels ?

I am currently on 2 tubes of Testim. I was<br> wondering if Testim is ever increased to 3 tubes to obtain a higher blood testosterone level? Also, can physicians prescribe injections along with testosterone gels? And finally do higher testosterone levels reduce the joint and back pain that sometimes accompany andropause?<br> <br> Thanks<br> Michael,

The dose of testosterone is related to your blood level. The goal of supplementation is to bring your testosterone level into the normal range. If Testim is doing that, there should be no need for injections. More testosterone is not better for you and may cause some side effects. See: <a href="http://www.seekwellness.com/andropause/c_risks.htm" target="_blank">http://www.seekwellness.com/andropause/c_risks.htm</a><br> <br> Testosterone supplements may lessen your joint and back pain as your blood level is brought into the normal range.

You stated that the goal is to bring<br> testosterone levels into the normal range:<br> 300-1000. But don't you consider the individual? 300 or 400 for one person <br> could be way too low for another. My most<br> recent levles at 426 are too low for me. I<br> still have numerous symptoms of low testosterone, but my Dr wants me to give it<br> a little time with Testim , about 3 months.We<br> can't all fit into a cookie cutter mold.<br> <br> Thanks <br> Michael

The wide range in normal testosterone level allows plenty of room for you and your doctor within which to "normalize" your blood testosterone. Some people feel that more is always better and will work to keep increasing their level. I didn't imply that there's a cookie cutter approach to this, quite the opposite. You and your doctor have to decide what your goals are for increasing testosterone -- at what level are you functioning optimally? This will depend on which symptoms of andropause you are working to eradicate, not the exact measure of testosterone level.

I use Testim 1% 50mg every morning. I use 1 full tube just as the instructions say. What would be the effect if I used only 1/2 of a tube each day? My total testosterone reading has been around 1,000, at the high end of a normal range. I would assume that my testosterone levels may drop a bit, but not sure how much. One advantage is that my cost of testosterone supplements would go down if I can get 2 doses out of one tube.<br> <br> I have one more question. I applied Testim to my abdomen for about 4 weeks and then realized that it is not to be applied to the abdomen. What are the adverse effects of applying Testim to the abdomen? I usually apply it to my upper back/shoulders.<br> <br> Thanks for responding.<br> <br> Gary

Hi Gary.<br> <br> Basically, you will be getting half the testosterone by cutting your dose in half. If your symptoms do not re-appear, then you are fine at the lower dose (you should talk with your doctor about this, though.)<br> <br> There is nothing to worry about as far as applying Testim to your abdomen. The recommended sites are where there tends to be less hair to interfere with absorption.