23 diagnosed with low T started androgel

[esteve101]

I had labs done for the last year all showing that my T is below normal. It would fluctuate from 130-200 ref is 241-827. The doctor offered me shots or gel. After some research I thought it would be safe to start with the gel to avoid a huge boost in T then the slow come down. I am doing one pump daily. Since starting though I have been having water retention, achy joints, and head aches and haven't really felt any positive sides. I know that the transdermal stuff can be converted to estrogen more easily so I was wondering if I should take something for that? Is it the excess estrogen causing these sides?
My stats are 5'9 150lb roughly 8-9% BF solid diet and training program. I box (used to competitively) and lift. I have a good amount of questions and found this site to have alot of answers so any help would be awesome.

 

[mr.enthate]

You should be using an ai even low dose like adex .5 e3d and honestly I would have gone shots gel is crap man

 

[Headholio]

You are not going to hear many positive comments about gel on this forum, but if you search the internet for other reviews on androgel, a lot of people like it. I don't blame you for starting on the gel. How long have you been on it? It takes time. It sounds like you need some AI also.
I agree with isteroids, at your age, I would do whatever I could to avoid trt already, but if you have had several tests and they are always that low, it might be your only good option.

 

[stevesmi]

have you ever used hormones? what is your background besides boxing?

 

[RickRock13]

Give us any history you have with AAS or any hormonal products bro

 

[[email protected]]

I was banging every female within my sight line at your age. The dosages you were taking has shut you down. I wouldn't go on on any replacement therapy, but simply let nature build me back up.
I didn't touch a prohormone or steroid, nor TRT until I turned 50 years old, I'm now 56 with too much stuff that would put me under the jail. My gains fluctuate between 220lb to 240lb. at my age for just one month of training! I would get so heavy that I didn't like it other would say, "You look great". I'm going to try an all-out for the rest of the year, I probably get close to 300lb. by Christmas.

 

[esteve101]

thanks for the input everyone. I have tried natural everything from diet changed to weight gain. I have never used any other proohormones or AAS. Never really messed with hormones. I wanted to try to stay natural but a year of seeing no results just got too depressing. My levels were always low. An MRI showed no masses on my pitutary gland either. If I were to do a anti estrogen what would you suggest and how much? Would my Doc perscribe it? Or is it something I have to get?

 

[RickRock13]

I think you need to be referred to an endo, to have things looked at a little better. It sounds like TRT may be the best option for you, but the endo is the best person to make those decisions

 

[esteve101]

The endo is the one who has prescribed me the androgel. He didn't mention any AI's though. He said one pump a day then recheck your labs. I just want to know what I can do to offset the sides. I've never used anything that actually messes with your hormones (other then prescribed cytomel 25mcg and synthroid 37.5 for hypothyroidism). If a Dr. hasn't prescribed it I haven't taken it. But I really want to see if androgel can help but I have to do something about the side effects.

 

[25homes]

Have you ran hcgenerate, double dose unleashed and post cycle.this would help i'm sure..if it didn't I would have taken the shot for sure