Compounded testosterone

[funniirishman]

Quick question from those that know, what is in this compounded cream that my doc prescribed me. The dose is 50mg a day, everyday. It is a cream made per my doc's request by a compounding pharmacist. Just curious the type of test that is used, detection time, absorption rate, that sort of thing. Although I have a script, not sure my employer would care. Any knowledge on it would be great. My google-fu is weak I couldn't fing anything.

I know its not the ideal method, I would prefer injectable, however, circumstances dictate this for now...Thnks FI

[Konitz]

HRT COMPOUNDED PRODUCTS:

TESTOSTERONE AND DHEA



Testosterone buccal lozenge: 2.5 mg , 5.0 mg

Methyltestosterone oral capsules: 0.5 mg, 1.25 mg

Testosterone vaginal ointment 2%: 30 gm

Testosterone topical gel 0.25%: (2.5 mg/gm): 30 gm ( ¼ tsp = 2.5 mg)

Testosterone topical gel 1.0%: (10 mg/gm): 30 gm ( 1/16 tsp = 2.5 mg)

Testosterone topical gel 2.0%: (20 mg/gm): 30 gm ( 1/16 tsp = 5.0 mg)

Testosterone topical gel 2.5%: (25 mg/gm): 30 gm ( 1/16 tsp = 6.3 mg)

DHEA in oil oral capsules: 10 mg, 25 mg

DHEA powder capsules: 10 mg, 25 mg

DHEA topical gel: 10mg/gm, 25mg/gm

All topical gels are formulated using a trans-organo gel base. This base utilizes lecithin and a penetrating oil to provide better absorption. Although these gels may be applied to various sites, they are most often applied to the inside of the forearm (usually at bedtime).

There is a trade-off in using in the trans-organo gel base instead of a cosmetic type cream like Dermabase. The cosmetic creams are nice to apply, but all contain mineral oil that can reduce absorption. The gel tends to be sticky if doses are greater than ¼ tsp.; most women have no problem with this dosage size.

All gels are compounded so that ¼ tsp = 1 Gram

Formulations:

Oral testosterone USP is rapidly metabolized in the body and has limited applications in HRT. However, sublingual and buccal forms will bypass enzymatic and first pass liver transformation.

Methyltestosterone is the most widely used oral testosterone (in Estratest). Many primary care providers feel that even the half-strength Estratest is too strong for many women. Some researchers have suggested that there is a therapeutic window for optimal benefits--too little a dose being ineffective and too large a dose causing side effects (particularly androgenic effects, agitation, and depression). The suggested dose of methyltestosterone is 0.5mg/day.

The disadvantage of methyltestosterone is that it shows no effect on testosterone blood levels and therefore is difficult to monitor with blood tests. However, because it is not converted to estrogen in the body, it may be appropriate for those women concerned with high estrogen levels.

Testosterone USP is better absorbed and more readily utilized by the body in the form of a topical gel containing micronized testosterone that is applied externally to the inside of the forearm or upper arm. Although this product does not produce a local benefit to genital tissue, it will produce effective blood levels and avoid first-pass liver transformation.

Testosterone gel is the most widely used form of testosterone. It is initially used daily; after several months applications of 3-4 times a week may prove satisfactory. Primary care providers report that the usual dosage range for most women is between 2.5 mg-5.0 mg daily. The 0.25% gel provides 2.5 mg testosterone in an easily measured ¼ tsp dose. We do not recommend dispensing more than a 90-day supply at a time to due to its short shelf life

High strength testosterone gel has been effective in elevating testosterone level in men. It is an excellent formulation for those men who cannot tolerate the transdermal patches. The usual dose is Testosterone Gel 5 % -- ¼ teaspoonful applied to the forearm daily (usually at bedtime).

Testosterone vaginal ointment has been used for years to treat lichen sclerosus. Initially, testosterone ointment 2% is used daily for a sufficient period of time to restore tissue health --then used intermittently.

DHEA taken orally is rapidly converted by the liver to testosterone. This process can be slowed down by utilizing a formulation of oral capsules in which the DHEA is suspended in oil. Like progesterone in oil, this formulation allows direct absorption into the lymphatic system.

Probably the best use of DHEA is in a transdermal gel that not only will bypass the liver but will also allow it to be converted into estrogen and testosterone in peripheral tissues.

Since high doses of DHEA can be androgenic, low doses in the 10-25 mg range have been suggested.

[Bouncer]

its just a basic test cream. you have a script for it so no worries about your employer.

[funniirishman]

Well my employer tends to do what they want..I contract for the government and this is a huge buzzword right now..mandatory quarterly testing the whole works...guys with scripts have been let go, some have been allowed to stay...just trying to avoid the drama of having to deal with it if I tested positive--figured if I knew the time I could just avoid it. Would best bet be to call the pharmacist?

[Konitz]

Low test is a illness; I can't see how somebody could be fired for having a legitimate medical problem. I am sure that if you have all the proper paperwork supporting your uses of the cream you should be fine. Are you sure the people that got fired did not have a script for test lets say but were also using other substances?

[funniirishman]

Ya I'm positive, I know one of the guys personally that supervised the termination. And I understand that with most employers it wouldnt fly, but my situation is unique.

Its a very big deal right now. Essentially they are treating the fact that you are treating a potential hormone deficiency/flucuation as potential instability and inability to perform at the standards set for the position..not sure what will happen down the road, but folks have been terminated. Now the caveat to that is that the majority of them were in their late 20's and had gone to a "Wellness Clinic"--there seems to be some opinion that although prescribed their treatment was not legit. So no one is sure what is going to happen to guys late 30's on with legitimate issues regarding this. So you can see me wanting to avoid the drama.

[Konitz]

Wow that's a pretty strange way to handle something that seems irrelevant.

[Ashop]

Well my employer tends to do what they want..I contract for the government and this is a huge buzzword right now..mandatory quarterly testing the whole works...guys with scripts have been let go, some have been allowed to stay...just trying to avoid the drama of having to deal with it if I tested positive--figured if I knew the time I could just avoid it. Would best bet be to call the pharmacist?

If it's prescribed by a doctor you should have no problems.

[the art of war]

If it's prescribed by a doctor you should have no problems.

test positive for t3 and have a legit thyroid problem and government kicks you out !!!! Ya right, lawsuit right there. You should be fine bro, alin is on point.

[funniirishman]

No, I won't be fine..its not a big deal I am aware of it and can roll with it, but just curious as to the type of testosterone that is being used.

My employer and the circumstances around it aren't typical..at will employee doesn't begin to describe it. I am an independent contractor and subject to certain conditions of the contract in which we work for the government. No real angle around it there. I was just curious what type of test was used in it. From what I have read it can vary a great deal. I will give my pharmacist a call.