Bio-identical versus synthetic testosterone

[marianco]

Originally Posted by drp90210

I just read that Andrgogel uses "bio-identical" testosterone. I think that means that it was naturally derived from yams, as opposed to manufactured synthetically, but I'm not sure. In any event, I was wondering if anyone knew whether bio-identical testosterone was easier on the body or provided any other benefits over synthetic testosterone. I just switched from Androgel (which uses bio-identical testosterone) to a cream (which uses testosterone of an unknown type) and I feel noticeably lousier and sometimes flushed. My estrogen and test levels just came back and are fine (to my surprise), so perhaps my symptoms have nothing to do with TRT.

Bio-identical testosterone means that the chemical structure of the testosterone is identical to the testosterone produced by the human body. Thus, a person cannot become allergic to it. And it functions identically to the testosterone produced by the human body. Bio-identical testosterone are often produced from progesterone derived from the wild-mexican yam, via chemical processes.

Bio-identical testosterones are used in Androgel and generally other testosterone gels and creams. The term "USP Testosterone" insures that the testosterone is bioidentical.

Testosterone enanthate and testosterone cypionate end up being bio-identical because the enanthate and cypionate esters are cleaved off by enzymes in the body once they are injected, resulting in pure active testosterone. The esters allow the testosterone to be slowly released to the body.

Synthetic testosterones are not identical to the testosterone our body produces. They undergo different paths for metabolism and do not have the same activity (they may be more potent for example), nor the same safety as the testosterone our body produces.

Examples of synthetic testosterones include methyltestosterone, Anavar, Nandrolone, and other androgenic steroids.

[healthbug]

I also just switched from Androgel to a Rx bioidentical cream (compounded by a compounding pharmacy), and feel way worse. Not sure why androgel works better... but it seems to. Very unexpected, going to follow up with doc about it. Btw. I've heard that methyltestosterone has been banned in most of Europe, because it is known to cause liver damage, and that european doctors can't believe it is still on the market here. I would avoid it.

[newtpig]

I switched from androgel to cream and my T levels dropped by about 10%.
Both of them completely failed for me though.
Switched to shots and feel great.

[hardasnails1973]

10% is not a signicant drop which could have been from application errors and absorption.
>25% drop it would then draw attention

[TheOldFart]

I started on Androgel 5 gm last year and then switched to 7.5 gm after 3 months. After 6 months, my total T was at 277. I then read that Testim absorbs about 30% better than Androgel and asked my doctor to switch me to Testim 10 gm. My TT after 4 months was 644 and after another 2 months 862. Because my E2 was high, I reduced the Testim to 7.5 gm and after 2 months at that dose, my TT was at 268, or the same as when I was on 7.5 gm of Androgel. My ED was back and libido, morning erections and dreams were gone. I'm now back to 10 gm of Testim and morning erections and dreams are back after just 4 days on the higher dose. It is strange that the small dose change made such a big difference in TT. Here is my recent post on this and the discussions:

TRT Jungle - What to do now?????

Here is one study on Androgel vs Testim:

Switch Testosterone Gels in Unresponsive Hypogonadal Men | July 2007 | Internal Medicine World Report

Since I have never tried 10 gm of Androgel, I don't know if Testim really works better for me or not. I have also read a couple of posts on other men's health boards where some guy didn't absorb compounded cream or gel very well, but I have never tried it.

[Britman]

Q "Bio-identical versus synthetic testosterone

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I just read that Andrgogel uses "bio-identical" testosterone. I think that means that it was naturally derived from yams, as opposed to manufactured synthetically, but I'm not sure. In any event, I was wondering if anyone knew whether bio-identical testosterone was easier on the body or provided any other benefits over synthetic testosterone. I just switched from Androgel (which uses bio-identical testosterone) to a cream (which uses testosterone of an unknown type) and I feel noticeably lousier and sometimes flushed. My estrogen and test levels just came back and are fine (to my surprise), so perhaps my symptoms have nothing to do with TRT"

In answering the original question from some time ago - ALL TRT MEDS (whether it be gels/injections or otherwise) ARE SYNTHETIC i.e. they are man-made (produced from yams for example)

Bio-identical means that the testosterone is the exact same in chemical structure to that produced by the body but it is still produced synthetically!

This is a marketing ploy by the companies producing gels/creams because the testosterone produced in injections is not the exact same structure as that produced by the body so they cnnot market injectable T as "bio-identical". The difference with injectables is that the testosterone is bonded with an ester group - purposely done to act as a slower release in the body i.e. the ester group is cleaved from the testosterone molecule in the bloodstream.

Hence why gels/creams need to be applied daily as opposed to weekly/monthly injections but point is they are still produced synthetically.

[lovevixen]

Test is test all that is different is the ester on the end to keep it active in the body for a while. I do not think test in creams or gels have ester's. I have tried the creams and they are ok but nothing beats sticking a needle in your arm or but once a week and injecting the test. It never fails to work it always works and asorption is never an issue. I do not see whya nyone would want to to mess with creams and gels when they could take a shot once a week and be done wit it!