Doctor is recommending TRT

[Spunkey71]

Hearing you guys talk about how great the cpap is I'm thinking I'm going to order one. The place that did my sleep study said if I choose to get one they want to have me try different masks/do another sleep study which is a $75 copay and the cpap I think insurance only covers 70-80% which still leaves a lot of $ out of pocket. My body must be falling apart, it seems like I've been spending a lot on it lately.

I completely understand, no one is more cheap than I am but I had to change my way of thinking. When it comes to health and quality of life you just can't neglect certain things. My insurance coverage for the cpap is about the same as yours but at the end of the day $300-$400 is well worth getting quality sleep and better health. Even my low T treatment costs me some money but I have found that since I have started treatment I feel so much better and that is evident at work as well and I am far more productive, I work in outside sales which has translated to me performing better and making more money. It is like anything else, you have to spend a little money now so you don't have to spend a lot of money later. I hate spending $80 (synthetic oil) on oil changes every few months but I know that in the long run I will get more life out of my car with less engine wear.

It all depends on what is important to you, best of luck!

 

[halfwit]

I completely understand, no one is more cheap than I am but I had to change my way of thinking. When it comes to health and quality of life you just can't neglect certain things. My insurance coverage for the cpap is about the same as yours but at the end of the day $300-$400 is well worth getting quality sleep and better health. Even my low T treatment costs me some money but I have found that since I have started treatment I feel so much better and that is evident at work as well and I am far more productive, I work in outside sales which has translated to me performing better and making more money. It is like anything else, you have to spend a little money now so you don't have to spend a lot of money later. I hate spending $80 (synthetic oil) on oil changes every few months but I know that in the long run I will get more life out of my car with less engine wear.

It all depends on what is important to you, best of luck!

And that folks is the mindset of a champion. The body is our temple, treat it with care and you'll benefit in spades. FYI: There is a STRONG correlation with physical fitness/well-being and mental acuity. Being fit/healthy really does make you smarter and enable you to perform better.

 

[Gibrone]

And that folks is the mindset of a champion. The body is our temple, treat it with care and you'll benefit in spades. FYI: There is a STRONG correlation with physical fitness/well-being and mental acuity. Being fit/healthy really does make you smarter and enable you to perform better.

Yeah, I'm just going to do it all. My moods haven't been great and I've been researching a LOT these past couple days since I first posted here when I got back from the Dr.

I'm actually pretty thankful I got the Dr I got, there is a bunch of urologists there at the urology institute I'm going to and I happened to get the one that runs the ED clinic by pure chance. I'm not saying the other urologists don't possess the same knowledge as I'm sure they do but regardless I'm glad this Dr that deals with hormonal issues regularly went out of his way and looked deeper than just the reason I was there. It brought me here which has also convinced me to get the cpap that I qualify for. If there's a chance my mood, sleep, and libido can all be fixed with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and a cpap then so be it. I've spent far more $ on stupider things so I'll just suck it up and eat mac n cheese for the next month and see if it helps. I brought up that I don't like how it's a life long commitment and he said that isn't true (is it?) because as long as we just "test it out" for a month or so and if I don't feel it's helping I can come off since my testicles won't be shut down yet. My mom who has sleep apnea has been hounding me to get a cpap and it seems you all agree so what the hell right? I'm "tired" of being tired and depressed, not to mention my lack of sex drive has affected (to the point they didn't work out) my past couple of relationships which only adds to my already depressed state

 

[Megatron28]

If you stop you will want to do a restart (aka PCT) to get you going natty again. It will help you return to natty faster and increase the odds that it takes. Anytime you take exogenous T there is a chance, however small it may be, that your natty won't return after stopping. And the longer you stay on exogenous the harder it is to restore your natty. That's why you only want to go on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) if you truly need it.

Being in the low 200's, I believe you truly need TRT. You will have serious health risks if you remain that low.

 

[halfwit]

Yeah, I'm just going to do it all. My moods haven't been great and I've been researching a LOT these past couple days since I first posted here when I got back from the Dr.

I'm actually pretty thankful I got the Dr I got, there is a bunch of urologists there at the urology institute I'm going to and I happened to get the one that runs the ED clinic by pure chance. I'm not saying the other urologists don't possess the same knowledge as I'm sure they do but regardless I'm glad this Dr that deals with hormonal issues regularly went out of his way and looked deeper than just the reason I was there. It brought me here which has also convinced me to get the cpap that I qualify for. If there's a chance my mood, sleep, and libido can all be fixed with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and a cpap then so be it. I've spent far more $ on stupider things so I'll just suck it up and eat mac n cheese for the next month and see if it helps. I brought up that I don't like how it's a life long commitment and he said that isn't true (is it?) because as long as we just "test it out" for a month or so and if I don't feel it's helping I can come off since my testicles won't be shut down yet. My mom who has sleep apnea has been hounding me to get a cpap and it seems you all agree so what the hell right? I'm "tired" of being tired and depressed, not to mention my lack of sex drive has affected (to the point they didn't work out) my past couple of relationships which only adds to my already depressed state

Well, once you start to feel better from having real levels of testosterone running through you; you will no longer care if it's for life - that will be a decision you have already made as you'll NEVER want to go back. Yes, the CPAP makes a HUGE difference as well. You're doing what I wish I had done, and get them both taken care of at the same time. I didn't think the CPAP would make a huge difference until I had been on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for over a few years.

Also agree with our friendly neighborhood decepticon above.

 

[Spunkey71]

Yeah, I'm just going to do it all. My moods haven't been great and I've been researching a LOT these past couple days since I first posted here when I got back from the Dr.

I'm actually pretty thankful I got the Dr I got, there is a bunch of urologists there at the urology institute I'm going to and I happened to get the one that runs the ED clinic by pure chance. I'm not saying the other urologists don't possess the same knowledge as I'm sure they do but regardless I'm glad this Dr that deals with hormonal issues regularly went out of his way and looked deeper than just the reason I was there. It brought me here which has also convinced me to get the cpap that I qualify for. If there's a chance my mood, sleep, and libido can all be fixed with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and a cpap then so be it. I've spent far more $ on stupider things so I'll just suck it up and eat mac n cheese for the next month and see if it helps. I brought up that I don't like how it's a life long commitment and he said that isn't true (is it?) because as long as we just "test it out" for a month or so and if I don't feel it's helping I can come off since my testicles won't be shut down yet. My mom who has sleep apnea has been hounding me to get a cpap and it seems you all agree so what the hell right? I'm "tired" of being tired and depressed, not to mention my lack of sex drive has affected (to the point they didn't work out) my past couple of relationships which only adds to my already depressed state

One thing to consider, the home health place called me today about my cpap and asked me if I wanted to use my insurance or just rent the unit. I asked how much to rent and they said $20 a month. You could try it out for a few months and if you see it is really working for you and you have an improvement in your quality of sleep then go through your insurance and pay the deductible.

When I started on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) I felt a lot better after the first two weeks, but my doctor told me it takes about 6 weeks before you really feel it. If I remember correctly after the 7th week I REALLY felt the difference and have not looked back, if you try it out give it at least two months before you decide to continue or stop.

Just my $.02

 

[Gibrone]

Well, for some reason my practitioner's (where I have lab work done) website isn't working right, whenever there is something low there is a red "!" then a link to view the actual result but it shows my test with the "!" but the link to view # isn't there. Either way, it means I tested low again even with being checked in the morning. The urologist said I'd probably still test low, he said if I have hypogonadism it won't matter the time of day and I guess he was right. I see him on Tuesday for the follow up to see if I want to give testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) a try. I assume I'll get the actual # that day too (but I already know it's low since it has the alert symbol next to it, just no actual #) but I know he's going to ask if I made up my mind on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). I've been doing a lot of research and truthfully, the only bad I've read are from those that haven't needed it. He was talking about using the gel, I'm ok with that since I live alone if that's what he prefers but it seems a lot of people on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) prefer injections. I figure it's something I can do when I get up to make my coffee right? I have around 45 min from the time I wake up until I hop in the pool so that gives it enough time to absorb and everything doesn't it? Do you guys prefer the injections or the kind you rub on? Should I request one or the other? Insurance will cover it, those who take it seem to be happy with how it helps with mood, sleep, ED, energy etc so I'll just do it if it'll help. I don't have kids and was hoping to someday which testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) "may" affect but it isn't like it's a for sure thing that I can't so I guess it's probably worth the risk. I'll post the actual # when I get it and also keep you all updated with everything he wants me to do/take.

 

[Next Level]

I'm in the same boat but have tested at 288 and 356 in the last few months or so. My endo is not sold on me being hypogonadal yet which is encouraging but frustrating as well. I've had all the typical symptoms such as; low libido (and my girlfriend is smoking hot), fatigue, inability to lose belly fat regardless of diet, depression, and loss of enthusiasm and enjoyment of life to name a few. That coupled with TRT being for life and not even sure if a doctor or endo will diagnose me if I am still within range albeit in the low end. Either way, I hope it works out for you and would love to hear the outcome.

Also, I don't have kids yet either but want them so that's another factor that weighs heavily. I'm starting to come around to your sentiment that it is likely worth the risk.

Well, for some reason my practitioner's (where I have lab work done) website isn't working right, whenever there is something low there is a red "!" then a link to view the actual result but it shows my test with the "!" but the link to view # isn't there. Either way, it means I tested low again even with being checked in the morning. The urologist said I'd probably still test low, he said if I have hypogonadism it won't matter the time of day and I guess he was right. I see him on Tuesday for the follow up to see if I want to give TRT a try. I assume I'll get the actual # that day too (but I already know it's low since it has the alert symbol next to it, just no actual #) but I know he's going to ask if I made up my mind on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). I've been doing a lot of research and truthfully, the only bad I've read are from those that haven't needed it. He was talking about using the gel, I'm ok with that since I live alone if that's what he prefers but it seems a lot of people on TRT prefer injections. I figure it's something I can do when I get up to make my coffee right? I have around 45 min from the time I wake up until I hop in the pool so that gives it enough time to absorb and everything doesn't it? Do you guys prefer the injections or the kind you rub on? Should I request one or the other? Insurance will cover it, those who take it seem to be happy with how it helps with mood, sleep, ED, energy etc so I'll just do it if it'll help. I don't have kids and was hoping to someday which TRT "may" affect but it isn't like it's a for sure thing that I can't so I guess it's probably worth the risk. I'll post the actual # when I get it and also keep you all updated with everything he wants me to do/take.

 

[Alpin]

I'm in the same boat but have tested at 288 and 356 in the last few months or so. My endo is not sold on me being hypogonadal yet which is encouraging but frustrating as well. I've had all the typical symptoms such as; low libido (and my girlfriend is smoking hot), fatigue, inability to lose belly fat regardless of diet, depression, and loss of enthusiasm and enjoyment of life to name a few. That coupled with TRT being for life and not even sure if a doctor or endo will diagnose me if I am still within range albeit in the low end. Either way, I hope it works out for you and would love to hear the outcome.

Also, I don't have kids yet either but want them so that's another factor that weighs heavily. I'm starting to come around to your sentiment that it is likely worth the risk.

Your Endo is looking for an escape plan....
A lot of "endo's" don't know much about treating male hormones...many don't want to get involved in it. They mostly deal with diabetics and women.
Those are natural fluctuations....
288-356 ng/dl is not uncommon...
An Anti Aging Clinic would jump all over treating your symptoms...especially at your age.
You would need to take Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) while on TRT to keep your sperm count. That's what all the young guys do who are on TRT
Endo's don't really get involved unless you're really low.

 

[Spunkey71]

Well, for some reason my practitioner's (where I have lab work done) website isn't working right, whenever there is something low there is a red "!" then a link to view the actual result but it shows my test with the "!" but the link to view # isn't there. Either way, it means I tested low again even with being checked in the morning. The urologist said I'd probably still test low, he said if I have hypogonadism it won't matter the time of day and I guess he was right. I see him on Tuesday for the follow up to see if I want to give TRT a try. I assume I'll get the actual # that day too (but I already know it's low since it has the alert symbol next to it, just no actual #) but I know he's going to ask if I made up my mind on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). I've been doing a lot of research and truthfully, the only bad I've read are from those that haven't needed it. He was talking about using the gel, I'm ok with that since I live alone if that's what he prefers but it seems a lot of people on TRT prefer injections. I figure it's something I can do when I get up to make my coffee right? I have around 45 min from the time I wake up until I hop in the pool so that gives it enough time to absorb and everything doesn't it? Do you guys prefer the injections or the kind you rub on? Should I request one or the other? Insurance will cover it, those who take it seem to be happy with how it helps with mood, sleep, ED, energy etc so I'll just do it if it'll help. I don't have kids and was hoping to someday which TRT "may" affect but it isn't like it's a for sure thing that I can't so I guess it's probably worth the risk. I'll post the actual # when I get it and also keep you all updated with everything he wants me to do/take.

You want injections not the gel!

The gels cost a lot, injections are FAR more affordable. I have also heard that they stop working after a period of time and you never get consistent absorption with the gels. I recently learned that a uncle of mine is on TRT and he uses the gels and quit TRT after a few months because it stopped working for him. His doctor then put him on injections and he is loving life again.

 

[Alpin]

Well, for some reason my practitioner's (where I have lab work done) website isn't working right, whenever there is something low there is a red "!" then a link to view the actual result but it shows my test with the "!" but the link to view # isn't there. Either way, it means I tested low again even with being checked in the morning. The urologist said I'd probably still test low, he said if I have hypogonadism it won't matter the time of day and I guess he was right. I see him on Tuesday for the follow up to see if I want to give TRT a try. I assume I'll get the actual # that day too (but I already know it's low since it has the alert symbol next to it, just no actual #) but I know he's going to ask if I made up my mind on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). I've been doing a lot of research and truthfully, the only bad I've read are from those that haven't needed it. He was talking about using the gel, I'm ok with that since I live alone if that's what he prefers but it seems a lot of people on TRT prefer injections. I figure it's something I can do when I get up to make my coffee right? I have around 45 min from the time I wake up until I hop in the pool so that gives it enough time to absorb and everything doesn't it? Do you guys prefer the injections or the kind you rub on? Should I request one or the other? Insurance will cover it, those who take it seem to be happy with how it helps with mood, sleep, ED, energy etc so I'll just do it if it'll help. I don't have kids and was hoping to someday which TRT "may" affect but it isn't like it's a for sure thing that I can't so I guess it's probably worth the risk. I'll post the actual # when I get it and also keep you all updated with everything he wants me to do/take.

Gels are quadrouple the cost of injections and inferior.
Injections all the way bro!!!!

 

[Alpin]

Most docs who know what they are doing won't bother for an extended period of time with the Gels...
The hardcore knowledgeable TRT docs will tell you Injects.
In my opinion when you have a doc telling you to go on Gels....you really have an amateur on hand...not a pro!

 

[Gibrone]

well I'll see what he says, the clinic where my GP is does injections for their patients so I'll probably get started on gels if that's what he wants to do then next physical talk to my GP about taking it over if the urologist doesn't want to do injections. I could be just talking out of my ass though, when he told me about the gel is when I first got the news that he felt I needed TRT and I kinda panicked and him bringing up the gels was to calm me down in a "don't worry, it isn't steroids" kind of way. I'll know specifics on Tuesday and I'll be sure to update you with everything he says/wants to do

 

[Spunkey71]

well I'll see what he says, the clinic where my GP is does injections for their patients so I'll probably get started on gels if that's what he wants to do then next physical talk to my GP about taking it over if the urologist doesn't want to do injections. I could be just talking out of my ass though, when he told me about the gel is when I first got the news that he felt I needed TRT and I kinda panicked and him bringing up the gels was to calm me down in a "don't worry, it isn't steroids" kind of way. I'll know specifics on Tuesday and I'll be sure to update you with everything he says/wants to do

If you are able to get injections insist that your doctor allows you to self-inject, sadly I am not able to and I have to go in to see my doctor weekly for my injection, which is not ideal for a long term treatment solution. If the doctor allows you to self-inject you will want to split your weekly dose into two separate injections 3.5 days apart. This will allow you to maintain stable test levels throughout the week due to the half-life of the test as well as have less conversion to estrogen which will result in lower E2.

Yes it is scary injecting yourself but after the first couple of times you will get over it and it will become routine, I don't self-inject my TRT but I do self-inject B-12. You will also want to be proactive and donate blood every few months, when you are on TRT over time your hemocrit will rise and if it gets to high is a bad thing, but donating blood every few months will keep that in check and is an all-around good thing to do as you will be providing a needed service that saves lives.

It isn't required but I also supplement with Cialis, helps keep your blood pressure down, is good for the prostate and having rock hard erections like a 18 year old is an added bonus! You will also want to talk to your doctor about a Aromatase inhibitor (AI), it may not be needed in your case but you want to make sure they are knowledgeable and willing to prescribe it to you in the even you need it to control your E2.


Best of luck to you!

 

[Gibrone]

Well the website is working so I can see my number, my latest test was 245 (300-1080 is normal) so it's in between the last 2. My last 3 tests were 256, 239, and now 245. I'll still update you on what the urologist says tomorrow, just wanted to share the # with you now since I have it

 

[Alpin]

Well the website is working so I can see my number, my latest test was 245 (300-1080 is normal) so it's in between the last 2. My last 3 tests were 256, 239, and now 245. I'll still update you on what the urologist says tomorrow, just wanted to share the # with you now since I have it

How many days from shot is this level again?

 

[Gibrone]

How many days from shot is this level again?

I've never had my testosterone supplemented in any way before, but my urologist is thinking I should try to. I went there for a different reason by referral from my GP and while there he seen my #'s in my medical record. He started picking my brain and came to the conclusion I have symptoms of low T. He brought up testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) the last couple times I was there and I kept saying no but I've been doing a lot of research here and other sites so I'll most likely say "ok" at my appt today and start testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). I leave for my appt in about an hour and a half and afterwards I need to run a few errands so I may not be home for a few hours but once I am I'll be sure to let you know what the doc wants me to do. It is a little nerve racking for me, this is a huge commitment that the doc and I will probably decide on today. I've done enough research that I'm not afraid of it anymore so I don't think I'll back out like the last time. I think he had me test my levels this last (third) time just to buy me time to think about it and have some fresh (low) #'s come in so I'll do it, he's very adamant that it'll fix my mental/sexual issues. As a bonus, while I'm not fat I should definitely lose another 10lbs and that'll make it easier so if that's the case it'll be a nice perk !

 

[Alpin]

I've never had my testosterone supplemented in any way before, but my urologist is thinking I should try to. I went there for a different reason by referral from my GP and while there he seen my #'s in my medical record. He started picking my brain and came to the conclusion I have symptoms of low T. He brought up testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) the last couple times I was there and I kept saying no but I've been doing a lot of research here and other sites so I'll most likely say "ok" at my appt today and start testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). I leave for my appt in about an hour and a half and afterwards I need to run a few errands so I may not be home for a few hours but once I am I'll be sure to let you know what the doc wants me to do. It is a little nerve racking for me, this is a huge commitment that the doc and I will probably decide on today. I've done enough research that I'm not afraid of it anymore so I don't think I'll back out like the last time. I think he had me test my levels this last (third) time just to buy me time to think about it and have some fresh (low) #'s come in so I'll do it, he's very adamant that it'll fix my mental/sexual issues. As a bonus, while I'm not fat I should definitely lose another 10lbs and that'll make it easier so if that's the case it'll be a nice perk !

At least he acknowledges your Low T bro. Good luck!

 

[Gibrone]

well, I started testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). I was right about him bringing up the gels when he could tell I was a little startled when he recommended testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). He actually prefers to do injections and not only that, he was strongly encouraging me to self inject because he can write up to a 6mo prescription and it'll only cost me that co-pay vs a $35 co-pay every visit to have them inject me. He said he'd give me 200mg every 2 weeks or 100mg every week so I took the 1 week intervals. He wants to do the next 3-4 for me as we monitor levels/see how I feel with 100mg. I do seem to have a doctor who's an advocate for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) which I think is a good thing, seeing how others who are in the same boat as me don't get the same treatment. I also have another thing going for me since this is something insurance will cover but truthfully, even if they didn't it's worth paying for if it really does help with my mood. I guess I won't know how it does there for another month or 2 but it's worth a shot(no pun intended).
Does 100mg/wk sound right? He didn't say that's where I'd stay, he said we'd see how I feel with 100mg over the next few weeks and adjust accordingly as long as I'm within the normal range which is up to 1080. If 100 works out good I'll follow the recommendation to split that into 2x50mg/wk injections. I really hope I'm not making a mistake, wish me luck!

 

[71Avido]

Does 100mg/wk sound right?

Yep, 100mg/wk seems to be a standard starting place and can be adjusted based on bloods.
Good luck!