I am 24 and I’ve been on a low dose of Androgel 1% gel for a little over 3 years. I went on trt with levels around 275 ng/dl, w/ no sperm, insanely high LH, and pea-sized nuts. Through some experimentation, my doctor and I have found a way to maintain my levels at or around 1000 ng/dl by taking 1.25g/2.5 g every other day.
My first question is why if I am taking less than a low dose of Androgel (the low dose on the bottle is considered 5g per day), are my levels so damn high? My doctor cannot explain why I respond so well to the Androgel, says it’s an anomaly, and does not know whether I am making any T. I shouldn’t be, right, after three years on this? Do any of you have any insight? As I mentioned, my nuts are very small (pea sized).
My second question- is there a way to confirm if I still make any T without going off of the gel? My LH seems to be consistently low now, and SBGH was normal, but it’s been awhile since I had all my labs checked. I am curious because I am considering a cycle of some sort with injections, and/or upping my dose to achieve cycle-like results (probably less ideal), but I don’t know if it’s worth doing any PCT considering that my natural T may be shutdown anyway. I would guess it has been for awhile, but cannot confirm. My main hesitation with a cycle is I don’t want to prevent the possibility of achieving this equilibrium post-cycle because I am able to at least make slow and minor gains with my current T levels. Keep in mind that I am only considering a cycle, not necessarily planning to do one because I want to know what’s up with my body first.
My third question, should I get my e2 checked and possible consider an anti-estrogen supp rather than do a cycle? I don’t have any symptoms that lead me to worry about having high estrogen, but I read that Androgel is notorious for converting to estrogen. Also, maybe lowering estrogen will help my gains, but would it really make a big difference?
Sorry to lump so many questions and info together. Any response to any question is appreciated because it’s hard to find answers elsewhere, especially regarding the weird androgel response!