I'm on TRT pellets for cruise & so far I like it. Pretty stable. I use arimidex for AI...any question FR me & we can talk more

Androgel is a very poor choice as it is alcohol based and low dose. It can work for men that have a minor deficiency at the the highest dose. Because the carrier is alcohol based you can end up with a large amount of the T flowing into your blood stream initially and leaving you deficient for most of the day and night. Your best bet if using a dermal product is a 10% liposomal gel (2 grams/day). The liposomes will be absorbed in the fat layer just below the skin and released more evenly throughout the dosing period. You get this from a compounding pharmacy.

Most men that work with experienced physicians ultimately settle on Test cyp with weekly injections. Your dose will be related to your symptoms, activity level and weight. A pencil necked bean pole that sits on the couch all day will need much less than a 220 lb laborer that likes the ladies. The dose difference can easily be 200% higher for bigger, active guy. Hormones are metabolized at a higher rate with strenuous activity, sex and high stress scenarios.

HCG is a wise choice if you are young. The testes become less responsive as we age. If they respond it's a good idea to keep the hormone axis operational in case you choose to stop treatment. Testicular size is 80-90% associated with spermatogenesis. This process is controlled by FSH. If you want to avoid testicular atrophy, control estradiol as excesses will depress FSH and shut down sperm production. It takes an experienced physician to get this right. A relatively small amount of adex will dramatically drop your estrogen levels and going with it will be your libido. The optimal level of estradiol is 25 pg/mL. If you choose to use Test Cyp, then 0.5 mg adex 2 times per week for every 100 mg Test Cyp per week is a good place to start.

Your doc should have a good idea when he meets you if you will need an AI. Female fat deposits, gyno and anxiety are a good bet you will. Thin and bald, possibly not.

When you start telling all your friends how good you feel you will know the doc got it right. Sometimes it takes 6 months to a year of your active participation to make that happen.

Make sure he also evaluates thyroid, cortisol and growth hormone. If he is really sophisticated he will also evaluate aldosterone/vasopressin and melatonin.

Enjoy!

I have found 200 every week of cyp works best for me. Once I get my blood work back in February I will look at changing up. Have some shoulder issues so I take 100 deca weekly. Can tell a huge difference in mood and activity level since been on test. Like it has been said seems the members here are more informed than most doctors. Think as more people realize improved lifestyle with trt doctors will get on band wagon more. Lots of good info on this site. Also sad it is cheaper for me to order from sources here than using my own insurance.

I was first set up with Androgel and it was ok for 2 weeks, My doc next put me on Axiron which I really like. The good doc will not put me on shots. But he did offer the pellets, I opted against it because I don't trust it to last as long as they say.
Plus I don't want the procedure because of the hassle. So I use the Axiron at times and supplement my self with a UGL. Sometimes its just better to take your care into your own hands, I feel a lot better this way

Been on TRT for several years now. Dr prescribed me 200mgs Cypionate bi-weekly, no AI, HCG etc.... got sick n tired of the rollercoaster ride and ending up treating myself! 125mgs per 7 days seems to work well for me.... I try (and I mean try) to keep bodyfat down so I don't have to use adex or aro (as I'm cramming fried chicken down my throat:) I do keep adex on hand and use as needed. Watch injection technique videos or read up on it right here, ask questions, lots of ppl here to help! Play with your dosages until you find what works for YOU!!! Keep us posted!