How to approach the doc about testing for low T etc?

[johngalt]

So I have an appt with a new PCP on Friday. I don't KNOW that I have low T or hypothyroidism or that anything is wrong with me. I might just need some sun or a B12 shot for all I know. However, I'm intuitive about my body and I know something is off and has been now for several years at least.

So, those of you with experience, how does one tell the doc "Hey test me for low T and do a full physical and all that jazz" without being too much of an asshole? I'm not the most diplomatic person and tend to lose "my cool" quickly.

Thanks.

 

[MOEGREEN]

John there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking your Doc for a blood test to check these levels, after all you are the patient, that is excatly what i did and I have been doing for the last year with him after all this is your body and dosent cost the doctor nothing to do this...Tell him your symptoms and what you have been doing and reading and just say DOC right me a script for the blood work and lets see where this is at.... ..easy as that.........

 

[willnorthwest]

Just tell him you havent been feeling well and you would like to request a comprehensive blood test. Tell him that you would like to have your testosterone levels and estrogen levels checked as well. I think if you ask nicely and not in an arrogant manner, i think he will oblige you!

 

[johngalt]

John there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking your Doc for a blood test to check these levels, after all you are the patient, that is excatly what i did and I have been doing for the last year with him after all this is your body and dosent cost the doctor nothing to do this...Tell him your symptoms and what you have been doing and reading and just say DOC right me a script for the blood work and lets see where this is at.... ..easy as that.........

Just tell him you havent been feeling well and you would like to request a comprehensive blood test. Tell him that you would like to have your testosterone levels and estrogen levels checked as well. I think if you ask nicely and not in an arrogant manner, i think he will oblige you!

MOE and will,

Thanks for the advice and positive support . I'm def not arrogant but I tend to get aggressive and start issuing orders real fast lol. But I was raised to be polite so I'll go that route first. I agree that it should be no sweat on the doc, all they need to do is put in the request for the labs. They don't ever have to see me again if they don't want to. I can have the labs sent to someone else if need be. I'll def request as much lab work as possible. Don't want this dude to think I'm just trying to get a Rx as I'm genuinely interested in an objective diagnosis. Hopefully, things will go smoothly. Thanks again guys!

 

[Megatron28]

Why not just test it yourself at Private MD - Buy Lab Tests Online for about $50 with the female hormone panel? You will have the results back in 24 hours. Lots of us use their services. Then you can show the results to your doc.

 

[johngalt]

Why not just test it yourself at Private MD - Buy Lab Tests Online for about $50 with the female hormone panel? You will have the results back in 24 hours. Lots of us use their services. Then you can show the results to your doc.

Megatron,

Thanks for the info and def a great suggestion! I was originally considering that route. However, I live in one of the five failed states of the union where businesses such as privatemdlabs cannot operate due to state tax laws etc. I had planned to drive to a nearby state where a friend lives, and the labs operate, and get my own testing. However, the female panel seems inadequate for what most doctors would need to diagnose any potential illness etc. Additionally, if the docs fall through, I'd like to check with IMT and they specifically stated they will not accept the female panel and may require a physical with full bloodwork as well. I've got good insurance coverage, and it saves me from having to drive to another state, so I'm going this route first. If it fails, I've got the trip to the nearest privatemdlabs as a backup.

 

[zephyr_987]

u just ask for it... say you r taking charge of your health . thats it. if you feel you need to give an explanation, just say you feel lethargic, almost depressed. low sex drive, like no interest however not depressed. and your nips feel sensitive

 

[THE-DET-OAK]

aslo tell him your not sleeping at night, this is one of the worst symptoms for men with LowT.

He may get you a sleep test, which would be good to have before/in conjunction with TRT.

 

[johngalt]

u just ask for it... say you r taking charge of your health . thats it. if you feel you need to give an explanation, just say you feel lethargic, almost depressed. low sex drive, like no interest however not depressed. and your nips feel sensitive

aslo tell him your not sleeping at night, this is one of the worst symptoms for men with LowT.

He may get you a sleep test, which would be good to have before/in conjunction with TRT.

Zephyr and OAK, thanks and great advice. I actually spoke with the doctor's office today as I will be a new patient. I told them I wanted a full physical with bloodwork and it turned into a big deal where they had to consult the doc etc lol. Apparently, in the civilian world these days, it's common for doctors to earn some extra money by pissing away your time with a meet and greet for your first appt. The nurse said we would talk about what was concerning me and my medical history then I would schedule a follow-up to come back to get anything done. I was like, WTF am I going on a date with this guy, ridiculous. I told them they would absolutely not convince me it was necessary to meet and chat with the doc when I already know exactly what I want and am in overall good health. No offense to those diagnosed with low T, but it isn't a life threatening disease so even if I do suffer from the symptoms and even if I do have it, I still consider my health to be good. Now my quality of life, that could def be A LOT better. I realize this is slightly off topic but it relates to my skepticism toward the American health care system. Our system makes it very difficult to take charge of our health bc we are at the mercy of the medical community, pharmaceutical industry, FDA, and other regulatory commissions. It's such a shame that doctors etc won't listen unless you have a serious disease or something.

Regardless of today's almost argument (see it's already happened and I'm not even IN the office yet lol) they called back and agreed to do the physical etc on our "first date" lol. Hopefully it goes well and I don't get pissed and start Fbombing the place lol.

Also, DET OAK, I was unaware actually that sleep disturbance is one of the symptoms. I have had ever increasing problems sleeping over the last 10 years plus. It's to the point now that I take melatonin every night and still wake up regularly and don't get back to sleep. More importantly, I aim for 7-8 hours every night including the weekends and have a good sleep routine yet wake up and NEVER feel rested. Could be sleep apnea as I've never had the sleep test. But it could be something else like low T or possibly Thyroid or something.

Anyway, thanks again for the advice.