grandhaven wrote:I used to get the shots to bring my T-level up to the normal range. But then the insurance stopped paying for them, so I stopped. I can't say I noticed much change, but perhaps my libido did go up with the shots.
So instead I started on a GNC Test./energy pack of vitamins. I noticed more energy from those. It cost slightly less than the monthly T-shots...
Am I missing something? Please suggest. Otherwise, it seems to do the trick.
Grandhaven, for me, the two most telling things you said are "the proof is in the pudding" and "it seems to do the trick!" You're feeling good. That's great! Plus, your labs are showing you're back in the normal testosterone range. Can't ask for more than all this. I am genuinely thrilled for you and am glad you found something that works to your satisfaction!
Just a couple things come to mind whenever I hear "GNC" and "testosterone" mentioned in the same breath. And I'm not knocking GNC product(s). What I DO have a problem with us their labelling and perhaps their misleading advertising.
I knew this was the case a few years ago, so I looked at some of their products again just now to see if they're still doing it... and they are.
Whenever referring to testosterone, GNC uses phrases such as "
SUPPORTS" testosterone, or testosterone "
BOOSTER". The following is copied and pasted directly from their website (with just some bold-highlighting done by me). This is one of their Product Information Labels:
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Description
- Testosterone & Sexual Health
SUPPORT-
SUPPORTS healthy testosterone & DHEA levels that decline with age*
- Clinically shown to improve sexual health and blood flow*
- Fuels lean muscle mass*
- Contains clinically studied ingredients and additional key nutrients to
SUPPORT healthy testosterone and DHEA levels, and sexual health.*
- Testosterone, Hormone & Sexual Health
SUPPORT - Combines fenugreek seed extract with DHEA,
A PRECURSOR TO TESTOSTERONE, and saw palmetto, which
SUPPORTS normal prostate function and healthy urinary flow.* As men age, testosterone levels gradually decline. Healthy testosterone levels help maintain sex drive, sperm production, muscle strength and mass and bone density.
- Lean Muscle
SUPPORT - Includes leucine to help fuel the growth and repair of skeletal muscles and betaine, which
SUPPORTS normal cell growth, as well as a healthy cardiovascular system and liver health.*
- Circulatory Pump
SUPPORT- Features clinically studied resVida® Resveratrol to enhance blood vessel dilation and protect against free radicals that can promote cell aging.*
- Energy & Metabolism
SUPPORT - Contains ginseng, which is traditionally used to
SUPPORT vitality and overall well-being, and includes key B vitamins and copper to
SUPPORT energy production and metabolism.*
http://www.gnc.com/mens-vitality/713512.html And the product name on the front of the bottle:
GNC MEN'S HEALTHY TESTOSTERONENot "Testosterone Support" or "Testosterone Booster" or even "A Precursor to Testosterone" ...
They simply label it TESTOSTERONE.
No, wait! They go even better and call it HEALTHY TESTOSTERONE!
(Wow... Not even my vial of Testosterone Cypionate for injection says "HEALTHY" anywhere in it!)
I have a problem with that. Sure, we Frank Talk members know that testosterone can't simply be sold over-the-counter. And I seem to recall at one time I hearing the reasons why oral forms of testosterone aren't available. But GNC is preying on some less-savvy guys... perhaps high school football jocks who think they can bulk up on "GNC TESTOSTERONE" for $49.99 month...
Or, maybe they sucked in guys who see the "trigger phrases" that GNC throws in just to hint at some of the legitimate underlying issues many of us deal with:
- Sexual Health Support
- levels that decline with age
- improve sexual health and blood flow
- normal prostate function
- healthy urinary flow
But, I also don't want to be hasty here. Let's not overlook the Resveratrol listed in this GNC MEN'S HEALTHY TESTOSTERONE:
"Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a stilbenoid, a type of natural phenol, and a phytoalexin produced by several plants in response to injury or, when the plant is under attack by pathogens such as bacteria or fungi. Sources of resveratrol in food include the skin of grapes, blueberries, raspberries, mulberries."
"Although it is used as a dietary supplement, there is no good evidence that consuming resveratrol affects life expectancy or human health."
"There is no evidence of benefit from resveratrol in those who already have heart disease. A 2014 Chinese meta-analysis found weak evidence that high-dose resveratrol supplementation could reduce systolic blood pressure."
"As of 2016, there is no evidence of an effect of resveratrol on cancer in humans."
"There is no conclusive evidence for an effect of resveratrol on human metabolism. Animal studies indicate that resveratrol induces metabolic adaptations in mice associated with an 'exercise-trained' state (i.e., higher physical fitness), but clinical studies have found that these effects do not occur in humans."
I won't waste anymore time touting the merits of Resveratrol in any GNC products. There aren't any.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resveratrol Regimen
When I started writing this reply, I honestly wasn't knocking GNC or any of its products. I simply knew of some of their "questionable" practices in the past. Now, I don't know how they get away with some of what they do. This area of "nutritional supplements" is so unregulated. And testosterone doesn't even fall under that heading. But from what I'm seeing, GNC has found a loophole that allows them to appear as if they're peddling testosterone in a multivitamin! A few centuries ago we had a name for this... It was called Snake Oil.
Some of this might help explain why you felt your libido increase from the injections, Grandhaven, but not from your current GNC product. There's plenty of
SUPPORT in that GNC bottle... just no testosterone.