Hey Doc..I had posted a question about painful testosterone injections a couple of months ago and followed your advice and switched to Androgel. I have been using the gel for about 6 weeks. I have gained about 5-7 pounds without changing my eating habits in the past month. I am 5'11" and feel best at 170 pounds but now am tippng the scale at 176. Does Androgel cause weight gain? In the big picture, I know weight gain is a better symptom than weight loss. I am planning to add aerobic activity into my work-out schedule as I have only been doing resistance training. I guess my question is a two parter 1)Is weight gain a common side effect and 2) Does adding the aerobic activity hurt? I do think the Androgel has made subtle changes in my energy levels.

Thanks for your advice. You do a lot of good for people.

Hi,

Testosterone supplementation (by any route) can be associated with increased muscle mass, as well as improved libido, mood, and other effects. Switching from testosterone injections to AndroGel in and of itself should not cause weight gain. Its essentially the same medication, just in a more convenient and less painful formulation.

Aerobic activity? Absolutely this should be added to your workouts. Not only doesnt it hurt, its considerably helpful. It can raise your "feel-good" endorphin levels, increase energy levels, tone up flabby butts, and most important, make us look better naked.

Your weight gain may be muscle, although 6 pounds every couple of months could have you looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger by Christmas. Consider reviewing your diet and exercise program with an HIV-knowledgeable nutritionist, if you have access to one. They could do a BIA (bioimpedance assay) to monitor your lean body mass (muscle). If you dont have access to a nutritionist, discuss this with your HIV specialist.

Good luck, "Quad-zilla."

Dr. Bob