www.peptidesciences.com/melanotan-peptides

I personally apply to the back of my calf muscles each morning. I always have done that for years with creams.

@@Roger-Bowman ever tried scrotal application? And is your dht high?

@@Edibleaccents I personally, have not applied scrotal - mainly because I've never had any concerns whatsoever with sexual health (ED or anything related). However, I've assisted a lot of men who have applied to scrotum due to a higher affinity to DHT conversion rate (mostly anecdotal evidence but convincing) in effort to improve libido and seem to do well with that. Like most things in medicine, health and wellness, one size rarely fits all so that could be something for you to decide. If ED (erectile dysfunction) doesn't apply to you (or libido challenges in general), doing the whole scrotal thing in my opinion, is more work and may not be your best option. But, I digress. We're all different.

@@Roger-Bowman true. I think it all boils down to shbg. I think with administration frequency, dosage, esters, etc, two people with the same shbg should yield similar bloodwork if undergoing the same protocol. What’s your shbg at the time of this video?

Generally speaking and at just 5mg dosing, the short answer is - yes, probably over thinking it and you likely will be totally fine. Retest at the 6 week or so mark to see.

@@Roger-Bowman thanks !

@@Roger-Bowman 5 grams a day** 50 mg packet

@@Cody_092 As it applies to most, a topical 50 mg is a good theraputic TRT dose. Although you may see a slight increase in RBC and hemoglobin, you should not be concerned with polycethemia (thick blood). Now, if your platelet counts also go up and out of range, that is a different story (highly unlikely this will apply to you). Another way of thinking of this, is people who say, live up in high altitudes (like Colorado for example); because of having less oxygen in the air, their bodies will produce more RBC and hemoglobin but their fine. As mentioned, simply re-test around 6 week mark. I'm assuming you have a good provider who should be re-checking your testosterone, estradiol, and basic metabolic panel (lipids, etc). You can make any tweaks necessary (if any) at that time. The goal should be to replicate endogenous (naturally produced) T levels of a healthy male in his early twenties. If anything and again if done correctly, testosterone optimization will HELP your cardiovascular, metabolic and heart health and much more. If you have unhealthy lipids (cholesterol - LDL, HDL, Triglycerides, Apo-B, etc), that is another area of your wellness that should be addressed aside from testosterone optimization. Summary (again): Don't overthink it. If it makes you feel better, you can always go and donate blood at your local Red Cross to temporarily lower your RBC and save a life in the process :)

@@Roger-Bowman I really appreciate the response. Helps me so much !

I can't say there is any difference for me personally. However and to add context to my answer; I did injections for 5+ years, from early 2012 until about late 2017 when I switched over to creams then and have been using creams since. So, I was younger when doing injections and now older using creams which can play in when trying to compare. My sex drive, libido, strength of erections, etc are all the same in comparison with my sequence of usage (injections over to creams later). But if I were to switch back to injections, my guess is that I might notice some changes in a few areas. I consult with quite a bit of men on TRT and many (not all) do notice slightly better libido on creams - for those that can compare to previously using injections and it comes up in conversation or on consulting calls. Sorry to be a little vague but everyone is truly unique and one size rarely ever fits all with hormone optimization and wellness. Hope that bit of feedback helps some though.

@@Roger-Bowman not vague you responded with a few paragraphs my man lol. Ok thanks a lot just asking because I notice a difference between even different esters with injections. I respond best to propionate but my clinic all of a sudden doesn’t carry it anymore so I’ve been researching the cream because I’ve heard it has great results and I’m used to daily applications as I was on prop

@@Edibleaccents If you're already used to daily pins, my guess is you would love transitioning over to applying cream - IF the dose (potency) of cream is right. Meaning, I'm not sure a weak 1.6% androgel would do a lot (referencing to most men, generally speaking). But if you can get a good compounded cream at a nice potency of at least 5% or better 10% or more (?? depending on you and your prescribing doctor). I did all those injections (at 2 per week with cypionate) for over 5 years. The scar tissue adds up (I did IM) and got tired of doing so many of them. Creams are just easier, in my opinion.

For me and thankfully, no. I've been on TRT total for about 12 years now. My biological father who is in his late 60's has a very full head of hair, which is good to know. I'm hoping I follow in those footsteps, and I think I am doing alright so far (again, thankfully). Although reasons can vary, the most common cause of male pattern balding is due to genetics, often having a family history of baldness. TRT may "speed up" that timeline if this applies to you. If helpful, I wrote an article (about a 3-4 minute read) on male pattern balding and TRT a few years ago: blog.youth-rx.com/hair-loss-what-why-and-how-to-address-it

Thank you. And, a heavily debated one.

Hi Jeremy. To answer your question; absolutely, yes. I literally just got off a 35 minute phone call about 90 minutes ago with a remote client I've been assisting since 2014. He, like so many others I assist, did injections for years (in this guy's case, up till 2021) and then ended up switching to using creams. I of course, am another example as I did injections for my first 5 years and now since 2017, I've been using creams. Everyone is different however, so there are no hard rules that are applicable across the board. Positives and negatives with both creams and injections and they will vary depending on who you ask and their lifestyle, reasons for TRT, etc. The nice thing with creams (one of many) is that you have a more steady or even "flow" of T vs some injection regimens that spike way high and then low, repeat (especially if doing injections every 10-14 days like some do with their PC). This alone (if applicable) helps to stabilize a lot with daily application of T creams. If some of your reasons for TRT were sexual health related, creams often with most men, work better given the often higher DHT conversion and especially (again, for some) given you select where you apply for those desired benefits (such as scrotal application site). Also; do you utilize any ancillary supplements/meds such as HCG, DHEA or pregnenolone with your TRT? Not sure if needed but if you haven't, these could be a few things to investigate via lab testing and consulting with your provider to address if relevant. I have no idea and only tossing out ideas to chew on, but have you done or considered any dopamine detox regimens? And if so (and it didn't do much), there are meds such as Nuvigil (aka Armodifinil) that manipulate this with intent to improve how your body partitions dopamine, alertness, etc. I know that may or may not be relevant here but trying to help if I can.

I've been on TRT now for 13 years straight. I've never come off or stopped. All has been and is still good. My first 5.5 years were injections then I switched to cream (for last 7+ years). Start at a moderate dose, more is not better. Re-test and adjust dosing if necessary. Pay attention to other correlated bio markers and address if necessary. As for cream application sites, I have personally not changed areas. That is not to say that would not apply to you or others as some do find it best for say, scrotal or other sites. We are all different and you will dial in what you find works best for you (hopefully) within your first 6 months and get on cruise control after. Here is my latest update video on T creams after 7 years below, as I know this one is dated now: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5-pf5h_pql9p7ssi=6CybhUPNUMpGhsTG Hope that all helps some. I know it's a bit vague but medicine/wellness/fitness is rarely a once size fits all so I'm just trying to be honest.

Personally, I have not used anything here for the last couple of years as my shbg has remained on the lower end of range with all my labs. However, in the past I used (mostly) boron and tongkat ali which really lowered my shbg too much. Eventually for reasons I honestly wasn't able to pinpoint, my shbg has come to and remained on the lower end of normal for quite a while now. I believe it was over 3 years ago I made this video, so giving current insights/feedback. Aside from the reference to myself, I have talked with a handful of guys who have also used the boron and tongkat ali to lower shbg (and, increase free T) with success as well. Can't say I've heard anything negative with them (yet). On two occasions, I've also talked to guys who used stinging nettle root (important to get root extract) that had both elevated shbg and psa and after using nettle for 6-8 weeks (rough guess from memory), they re-tested and had improved numbers. So, maybe something to explore or consider here as well - depending on your situation and all bio markers you're looking at and/or trying to address. I know some of that feedback is a bit vague but as it mostly applies, medicine/health/wellness is often not a one size fits all so just trying to be honest with giving some surface level or basic, feedback. Hopefully that helps a little and gives some things to chew on.

Hello, good question. There is no concrete answer to this as each individual's variables (cream base, site spot application, etc) will be different. However, most see a peak level reached around the 3-5 hour mark after applying their cream. The testosterone cream once applied, quickly starts to be absorbed gradually over the coming hours into the systemic circulation via blood vessels in the skin and then circulates around the body. What I would add here, is to avoid really hairy areas when choosing an application site. Or, shave that area. Personally, I also like a good muscle (like the back of calf) that is vascular and won't be rubbing off on others (especially women or children).

@@Roger-Bowman Thank you for the quick reply!

Hello, good question. There is no brand name or product name, for what I use and reference to in this video. It is compounded, meaning a specialty compound pharmacy makes this blend per a doctor's prescription and request. What I use and reference to in this video is simply testosterone in a "VERSABASE" cream or blend - which may be a partial answer to a degree, to your question. The "versabase" blend is what the pharmacy suspends or mixes, the testosterone in with and then for the user/patient to then apply onto the skin. To add (and hopefully help); higher and often more personalized dosed compounded medications (such as compounded T cream) are often very different in comparison to the more mainstream, generic and often lower dosed and more expensive, big pharma brand names - such as testim or andro gels for example. Anything brand name coming from a big pharmaceutical company is typically going to come with a significantly higher price tag, typically what is suggested by most PC's in the larger, insurance covered hospitals servicing individuals using their insurance coverage that limits their options for care.

@@Roger-Bowman Hello! Thank you so much for your in depth clarification. I sounded so clueless when I was describing to my urologist what exactly I was looking for because they only heard of the gels which burn the skin from the alcohol base on the scrotum which is what I looking to initally try. (Cream to scrotal application/absorption.)

@@fabiolas4 You're welcome. The compounded creams (unlike gels) do not contain alcohol and the versabase claims to also not have any parabens either and most guys love them. No burning or anything and extremely rare to have any allergies or any negative reactions to it. Many guys do well with scrotal applications too. Hope you find some suitable solutions to move forward. Just ask your prescribing doctor if they work with any compounding pharmacies and if so, willing to help you that route with creams.

@@Roger-Bowman Will do. Greatly appreciated!

Correct, agree and good assumption. This is also why I have gone even lighter on my one pump dose (meaning, a "light" one pump at about 3/4).

Yes, absolutely and I do this already with wedges here with this set up. You can face either direction; facing towards or away from the squat rack as well as adjusting the height of where the landmine is attached to the rack. Another quick and easy transition "tool" I've started using recently (instead of moving/adjusting the landmine "sleeve" up and down, etc. is a simple little product called "U-Clip". If I want to have the barbell hinge from a higher point, I just attach the U-Clip (again, instead of moving landmine). Here is link to show what I'm talking about below, hope all that helps... uclips.co/

Thank you for the compliment and sub. I can't attest to turkesterone and beta ecysterone improving or having solidified, proven synergistic effects on TRT but I also don't see (generally speaking) there being any harm in incorporating them. We really are just all so unique with so many variables (bodies, lifestyle, diet, age, genes, etc) so it's really hard to make a solid statement on these supplements... I have personally, however, used turkesterone with my T creams a few times (cycling 60 days and 60 days off) and I did feel as though it gave me a nice "boost". Now whether that is a placebo effect, in my head or it was legit - I don't know but I do plan on using it again and I feel like it helped. Last: I think it's important to look for a product that has a good standardized extract with a clinical dosing that is 3rd party tested or certificate of analysis and a GMP label. I personally will spend a little extra to see this with my products. Just re-test your labs randomly, especially in your first year of TRT and when or if incorporating new things that you want to see if they make a difference or not. Hope that helps, just my two cents on things here!

@@Roger-Bowman Thanks for your answer Roger, when you visit Sydney, coffee on me! would you try 4 clicks a day, 2 pumps morning and 2 pumps evening, giving the fact that my cream is 10% (half than yours)?

I was prescribed Sermorelin with my TRT. I feel amazing and I’m gaining so much more weight/muscle. Exactly what I wanted and it also slows the aging process. Such an amazing compound.

The short answer is no. I really haven't had any complications and pretty easy to use over the years. Apply, rinse hands after, and get on with my day.

I would agree and add that I typically see this on so many other guy's lab results that use the creams as well. Good, additional point here.

I added 1 ml bac water, tried 30 mcg, and got very nauseous and sick for at least a day or two. Two days later I added another ml of bac water and tried just 5 mcgs. It's been a couple of hours and I'm only vaguely nauseous. I recommend eating plenty of food and staying hydrated. I took a dramamine also. The sides are no fun!

How are the creams working out for you you so far? How do you feel? Are you about 2 months in and have you re-tested blood work since starting to see how things are looking?

Naturally with any form of TRT, you will have some extent of testicular atrophy. Personally, I've always used a small dose or two of HCG on a weekly basis since I started TRT back in 2012 to keep them stimulated a little bit periodically and I've never had any issues with pain from any severe atrophy to the point it is painful or extreme.

Will do soon, thank you.

Thank you. I am still using the compounded T creams, 20% (200 mg/gm). I use two pumps per day (200 mg total per day). I know I should put out an updated video on that, and I will. I will try to do that this week. I've been getting back to making some videos for my fitness training app that I use to help remote online clients and while I was editing and uploading those videos, I just threw a few out here to KZbin land while I was at it.

Yes, I'm still on a doctor supervised and scripted TRT program through Youth-Rx.com whom I still work with and consult for as a certified health coach pretty full time with as well. Hair feels pretty full and thick, no worries on my end there!

Every week, trying to stay young and strong!

This is a rare example where you may want to consider using an OTC supplement and find your desired benefits there. I'm obviously an advocate of TRT when appropriate but in short, I will highlight two OTC supplements below that you can consider: 1.) Stinging Nettle ROOT (notice I highlight the root). Be sure NOT to just get "nettle leaves" or the whole plant but again, the root. I would suggest a standardized extract that is GMP certified and/or 3rd party tested. Nettle Root may help to increase free T while lowering SHBG (these biomarkers often play together). 2.) Tongkat Ali Fadogia is worth considering to help your body in it's attempt to optimize and "balance" hormones. Same suggestions as above, apply here. If you don't feel or see improvement after a couple of months, then I would consider TRT. It may also be helpful to get insights on other biomarkers such as DHEA, estradiol, cortisol, thyroid (TSH, T3, T4) as to your symptoms - if you haven't yet. Last, because it is often ignored by most and generally speaking; Consistent weight/resistance training is a huge part of this overall picture of male wellness as it helps with androgen receptor sensitivity, body composition, metabolic health and so much more... At least 2x short workout sessions per week, preferable 3 or 4 if you can. Hope this helps!

Daily, at night, and on an empty stomach (at least 45 minutes since food intake, especially carbs).

My doc has me doing Monday thru Friday in the evening

I understand your "dilemma"😁. Some do okay with it some not. I have a two different clients who have used melanotan and are fine. And others like my wife and I, who just didn't do well with it. If you're going with trying it, I would suggest to start small with dose. You will know soon enough if you want to continue or not. I have another friend who just has a script for some anti nauseous medicine and he uses that when he takes a shot of melanotan.

I just received in the mail my second vial of melanotan because I ruined the 1st one by adding 3 ml of bacteriostatic water in a 5 mg vial. I didn’t know it only requires 1 ml until after a week with no results I looked further into it. My side affects were migraines, long lasting migraines and it kept me awake when I took it before bed, so I’ll take it in the morning

U can increase your daily intake of more watered down it would still work

Many options but if you wanted to explore who scripts mine and also who I work with, here is the link below to inquire: www.youth-rx.com/contactus/ You will at least have to reside in the United States. And if so, depending on where you live, they may be able to assist you. You will also be required to do blood work, a physical and fill out medical history forms to qualify. Most sermorelin programs average about $300 a month.

unfortunately, I don't live there now. I am away at school. do you know any naturopathic doctors prescribing it ?@@Roger-Bowman

No, not at all.

Great insights and feedback. This definitely gives another perspective on this. I think everyone needs more feedback like this (and studies) given melanotan is so experimental for the most part still. Thanks for chiming in, I think your comment is helpful.

Hey Ajay. In regards to reconstituting (mixing) Sermorelin, the easiest way is to mix 1 ml per 1 mg. So in your case, it would be mixing 5 ml of bac water into your 5 mg vial of dry sermorelin. This for most, is easiest when then measuring out your mcg dosage on the side wall of your small syringe when you're ready to take a dose because 1 ml of mixed sermorelin will provide you with 1000 mcg and you can then break down your dose (I would assume ballpark of 300 mcg) on the side wall of your syringe (fill to the 30 unit line in this example). Make sense I hope? Withdraw with larger 18 or 21G syringe, the 5 ml of water and insert that 5ml of bac water into a dry vial of sermorelin. You will want to keep any vials you are not using yet, dry and in fridge as you will all of them, especially the ones mixed up. Regarding your lab question: Aside from IGF-1 (and the common fasting glucose being tested), you may want to consider insulin and A1-C. If these are both off as well, you may want to refrain from sermorelin until you get those biomarkers in check.