If I decide to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on my own??

[SJC]

If I decide to TRT on my own??

First of all, this stuff makes my head hurt with all the abbrevations and amount of info and #'s you need to know.

I went to the Dr for the first time last week in 12 years. Im 36, 5'11, 263lbs with approx 20-25%bf. No my diet is great, I do limited cardio but I do lift weights 4-5 times a week.

Anyway.. From being on hear and reading a lot over the past few months I had the GP also check my Testosterone. I've gained weight the past 2 years and have noticed a problem with libido.

My test level was at 259 and free test was 8.6, the Dr said that insurance won't cover me unless I'm lower than 200. He rescheduled me to come back in 2 months and re-do the test and if its still low "he will see what he can do". What exact tests should I make sure he gets taken? I see a lot about E2(Estradiol) on here.

If I do begin a program, I know I want injections. Does the Dr prescribe you a bottle and allow you to inject yourself weekly or do you have to see him every week? If so it seems expensive to pay my co-pay every week for a shot.

If and I stress If I decide to do it myself without a Dr's help and keep costs way down. What besides Test Cyp should I have for 150-200mg injections(meaning) something for sides such as gyno or will I see those particular side with such a low dose.

 

[willnorthwest]

259 Total Testosterone is very very low. I wouldnt necessarily trust your doctor as far as him saying that Insurance wont cover your treatment if your score is over 200. How does he know what your insurance company will and wont do? Point being, my Testosterone level was 218, and guess what....my insurance company covers it! Here is a quick thought though...instead of relying on your doctor, from what I have read so far, does not know much about optimum male hormone levels, why dont you give a quick call to IMT and see if they would be willing to help you. A lot of the users on this board, including myself have relied on them for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) treatment. Their website is increasemyt.com you can call 866-298-9197 and ask to speak with Todd or Eric. They have a no-nonsense approach to treatment, and will help you get your hormone levels back in step. Another positive of using IMT is that it will not show up on your insurance, so no worries about hypogonadism showing up as a pre-existing condition in the future!

 

[DrHouse]

Some doctors will allow self administration but some do not. Some will try gels as an alternative. I don't think a GP would prescribe anything other than testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). That would be more for an Endo to do. Unless your GP is super cool!

Try to do it the right way and let IMT help you out.

 

[Megatron28]

TRT isn't as simple as getting a vial of test cyp and injecting some into a big muscle. You led with the fact that all this stuff makes your head hurt. Take that as a sign you should get professional medical help with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). As an example, despite having the help of my GP, Endo, all the great guys on this forum, and lots and lots of research on my part; it still took me about a year to get my testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) protocol dialed in. I had lots of problems with balancing things out to get the desired level of test I wanted without having estrogen problems. It takes time and knowledge to get dialed in. Read through the stickies and other posts. You will see what I mean.

Get help and do testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) the right way.

 

[halfwit]

TRT isn't as simple as getting a vial of test cyp and injecting some into a big muscle. You led with the fact that all this stuff makes your head hurt. Take that as a sign you should get professional medical help with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). As an example, despite having the help of my GP, Endo, all the great guys on this forum, and lots and lots of research on my part; it still took me about a year to get my testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) protocol dialed in. I had lots of problems with balancing things out to get the desired level of test I wanted without having estrogen problems. It takes time and knowledge to get dialed in. Read through the stickies and other posts. You will see what I mean.

Get help and do testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) the right way.

^^^^ This.

I just want to add that the more you know BEFORE you start taking this journey, the better your results and experience will be. A lot of men don't even know if they're primary or secondary hypogonadal, which can make a WORLD of a difference; not only in your treatment, but with regards to insurance. My insurance does NOT cover my testosterone at all, but covers the visits even though I was at 120ng/dL -- which is WELL below the cutoff.

You may have a twitchy doctor that either is very familiar with your insurance company, or simply is trying to discourage you from seeking his help with balancing your hormones. You have to remember, testosterone has a very negative stigma, so many are very afraid of prescribing it, especially if they hear the words: fitness/weight loss/weight lifting/body building/muscles/libido. A second opinion may be warranted here as well as some serious time spent reading the forums.

Learn as much as you can, the better armed you are; the better equipped you will be when you have to deal with doctors that may be less than informed in the arena of male hormone replacement therapy.

My .02c

 

[MOEGREEN]

Agree with everyone on here...Read read and read some more..Mine has been a 2 year journey that ended with IMT getting me right..I have since found a doctor (endo) that has me doing my own shots and insurance covers this as well..Only cost me $15.00 for a bottle of cyp with my insurance....

 

[SJC]

259 Total Testosterone is very very low. I wouldnt necessarily trust your doctor as far as him saying that Insurance wont cover your treatment if your score is over 200. How does he know what your insurance company will and wont do? Point being, my Testosterone level was 218, and guess what....my insurance company covers it! Here is a quick thought though...instead of relying on your doctor, from what I have read so far, does not know much about optimum male hormone levels, why dont you give a quick call to IMT and see if they would be willing to help you. A lot of the users on this board, including myself have relied on them for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) treatment. Their website is increasemyt.com you can call 866-298-9197 and ask to speak with Todd or Eric. They have a no-nonsense approach to treatment, and will help you get your hormone levels back in step. Another positive of using IMT is that it will not show up on your insurance, so no worries about hypogonadism showing up as a pre-existing condition in the future!

Thanks everyone for your input.

You say IMT won't show up on my insurance. Does that mean they don't take it?

 

[Good.2.Go]

Give Todd (IMT) a call & he will answer any questions that you have. I started with a Endo through insurance. My experience with a Dr. is that they start you out on a very small dose & string you along ie.. The Dr. may prescribe 100 ng/dl every two weeks & then state after 6 weeks to come in for a blood test. Three days after a blood test the Dr. will want you to come in again to discuss your results. Now, if your like many testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) patients, the dosage is not enough & you will request/demand your dosage to be increased or more frequent. Typically the Dr. may up you regimen to 150 ng/dl or something & you go through a longgggg drawn out process that typically can last 6 months or longer before you get close to a normal amount of T prescribed. Of course you as well as others may not need much to feel better but some do. Most Dr.'s don't prescribe Aromatase inhibitor (AI) or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) which may be needed. The more familiar & knowledgeable you become the more this will make sense to you. This can be a long/frustrating ride. I simply couldn't miss work as often as my Dr. wanted me to come in & I was tired of the ridiculous copays every time I visited. Yes, the actual script for my T was less than $10.00 but, all they time away from work, parking passes, copays, & etc. I was completely fed up. I decided to look into IMT because of all of the excellent feedback from their patients. I opened an HSA account (Health Savings Account) through my bank & allotted $xx.xx to be withdrawn from my checking each month (enough to pay for my 10 week prescription from IMT). Once my prescription needs to be refilled there is now enough money to pay for it plus any amount that you deposit into your HSA is 100% tax deductible. Problem solved. I can personally vouch for IMT & tell you that I feel like I'm in my 20's again. I can't remember a time in my life that I have ever felt so good. I now have a urge to workout, jog & perform extra curricular activities & it's no longer a burden or a struggle. I receive compliments now on how good I look & my confidence has grown. I have a better sense of well being & life is wonderful. I can not tell you how my life has changed since IMT. Good Luck!

 

[SJC]

Awesome. Time to make the call

 

[Megatron28]

Give Todd (IMT) a call & he will answer any questions that you have. I started with a Endo through insurance. My experience with a Dr. is that they start you out on a very small dose & string you along ie.. The Dr. may prescribe 100 ng/dl every two weeks & then state after 6 weeks to come in for a blood test. Three days after a blood test the Dr. will want you to come in again to discuss your results. Now, if your like many testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) patients, the dosage is not enough & you will request/demand your dosage to be increased or more frequent. Typically the Dr. may up you regimen to 150 ng/dl or something & you go through a longgggg drawn out process that typically can last 6 months or longer before you get close to a normal amount of T prescribed. Of course you as well as others may not need much to feel better but some do. Most Dr.'s don't prescribe Aromatase inhibitor (AI) or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) which may be needed. The more familiar & knowledgeable you become the more this will make sense to you. This can be a long/frustrating ride. I simply couldn't miss work as often as my Dr. wanted me to come in & I was tired of the ridiculous copays every time I visited. Yes, the actual script for my T was less than $10.00 but, all they time away from work, parking passes, copays, & etc. I was completely fed up. I decided to look into IMT because of all of the excellent feedback from their patients. I opened an HSA account (Health Savings Account) through my bank & allotted $xx.xx to be withdrawn from my checking each month (enough to pay for my 10 week prescription from IMT). Once my prescription needs to be refilled there is now enough money to pay for it plus any amount that you deposit into your HSA is 100% tax deductible. Problem solved. I can personally vouch for IMT & tell you that I feel like I'm in my 20's again. I can't remember a time in my life that I have ever felt so good. I now have a urge to workout, jog & perform extra curricular activities & it's no longer a burden or a struggle. I receive compliments now on how good I look & my confidence has grown. I have a better sense of well being & life is wonderful. I can not tell you how my life has changed since IMT. Good Luck!

Just want to add that not everyone can go open an HSA. You must have a qualifying high-deductible health insurance plan. If you don't qualify, a flex spending account may be an option. You should consult with your employer's Benefits department.

 

[Good.2.Go]

Just want to add that not everyone can go open an HSA. You must have a qualifying high-deductible health insurance plan. If you don't qualify, a flex spending account may be an option. You should consult with your employer's Benefits department.

I'm not debating having to have a qualifying high-deductible health insurance plan but, I have never heard that mentioned before or it being a requirement. I just called around to a couple of banks & credit unions to find out if they offered HSA accounts & opened one. Nobody ever even questioned if I had insurance or not. I attended a "Dave Ramsey" seminar & this is how I learned about a HSA. From my understanding it is even utilized for people that doesn't have insurance as well. Anyhow, it couldn't hurt to call around and ask. Best of Luck.

 

[Megatron28]

I'm not debating having to have a qualifying high-deductible health insurance plan but, I have never heard that mentioned before or it being a requirement. I just called around to a couple of banks & credit unions to find out if they offered HSA accounts & opened one. Nobody ever even questioned if I had insurance or not. I attended a "Dave Ramsey" seminar & this is how I learned about a HSA. From my understanding it is even utilized for people that doesn't have insurance as well. Anyhow, it couldn't hurt to call around and ask. Best of Luck.

An HSA is part of the US Tax Code. Here is what the IRS says on the matter.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) were created in 2003 so that individuals covered by high-deductible health plans could receive tax-preferred treatment of money saved for medical expenses. Generally, an adult who is covered by a high-deductible health plan (and has no other first-dollar coverage) may establish an HSA.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

So you can open and HSA, but if you want the tax benefits of one you must meet the above requirements.

Of course, you should consult with your accountant on all tax related matters.

 

[Good.2.Go]

An HSA is part of the US Tax Code. Here is what the IRS says on the matter.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) were created in 2003 so that individuals covered by high-deductible health plans could receive tax-preferred treatment of money saved for medical expenses. Generally, an adult who is covered by a high-deductible health plan (and has no other first-dollar coverage) may establish an HSA.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

So you can open and HSA, but if you want the tax benefits of one you must meet the above requirements.

Of course, you should consult with your accountant on all tax related matters.

My deductible is $500 per dependent or $1,300 per family. I allotted $2,000.00 to my HSA for 2012 & 2013. My taxes were filled out by my accountant & I was given credit for the tax benefits, therefore I would believe anyone that has a similar deductible would qualify for the HSA account & if you allot the generous cost that IMT charges over the course of a year; then I would believe you would also qualify for the tax benefits. This information is based on my personal experience & I'm not an accountant. I hope this information is helpful. G2G

 

[Megatron28]

My deductible is $500 per dependent or $1,300 per family. I allotted $2,000.00 to my HSA for 2012 & 2013. My taxes were filled out by my accountant & I was given credit for the tax benefits, therefore I would believe anyone that has a similar deductible would qualify for the HSA account & if you allot the generous cost that IMT charges over the course of a year; then I would believe you would also qualify for the tax benefits. This information is based on my personal experience & I'm not an accountant. I hope this information is helpful. G2G

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you need a new accountant. You don't qualify for an HSA deduction on your taxes. Time to file and amended tax return for 2012 and see what you can do to fix 2013. See below.


For 2012, the limits to qualify as a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) are as follows:

Self-only coverage:
--Minimum annual deductible $1,200
--Maximum annual deductible and other out-of-pocket expenses $6,050

Family coverage:
--Minimum annual deductible $2,400
--Maximum annual deductible and other out-of-pocket expenses $12,100

You can learn more at this IRS link:

Publication 969 (2012), Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans


You may want to refrain from dispensing advice on the tax code as well.

 

[Spunkey71]

Don't worry everyone, pretty soon we (Those of us in the US) will have Obamacare and everything will be wonderful.

 

[Good.2.Go]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you need a new accountant. You don't qualify for an HSA deduction on your taxes. Time to file and amended tax return for 2012 and see what you can do to fix 2013. See below.


For 2012, the limits to qualify as a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) are as follows:

Self-only coverage:
--Minimum annual deductible $1,200
--Maximum annual deductible and other out-of-pocket expenses $6,050

Family coverage:
--Minimum annual deductible $2,400
--Maximum annual deductible and other out-of-pocket expenses $12,100

You can learn more at this IRS link:

Publication 969 (2012), Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans


You may want to refrain from dispensing advice on the tax code as well.

First let me say that from what I read you without a doubt appear to be right/correct. So awesome work Googlemister. Sounds like my accountant did fine. No worries, he is insured to pay any associated penalties plus interest which is why I utilize him. In the mean time I will continue to receive my prescription from IMT at the door & paying them with the HSA account that I don't qualify for with tax exempt money setting in the account.
Did I really dispense advice concerning the tax code or do you feel like you 1 upped me by posting that I did such? Your accusation would be like me stating to others that I got stronger performing squats & someone else tried it & broke a leg & then holding me liable for telling them how I got stronger. Should I refrain from giving advice on how I got stronger? I'll be the first to admit that I probably do not have a tenth of the knowledge you do concerning testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) & I am humble enough to admit that. I also often admire you for your helpfulness to nearly anyone that request it but then sometimes I'm just not certain if you get off on wanting to prove your always right or just wanting to prove that someone else is wrong. I'm not upset that you validated justifiable data & appear to be correct; it's more the way you done it & how you said it. You may want to refrain from dispensing advice unless you want some back ;-) Sorry for the Hi-jacking of this thread.

 

[halfwit]

Uhhhh. I have a belly button! Regardless of tax benefits, I do like that HSA idea as it helps you to keep track of expenses. I'm pretty sure as it is a health expense you can itemize it though. But then again, I'm not the one in the family that works for the IRS - I'd have to talk to my Mother about that.

On topic: Definitely can recommend IMT based on all the positive feedback. I know that's where I'm going to go once I have the disposable income to do so.

 

[Megatron28]

First let me say that from what I read you without a doubt appear to be right/correct. So awesome work Googlemister. Sounds like my accountant did fine. No worries, he is insured to pay any associated penalties plus interest which is why I utilize him. In the mean time I will continue to receive my prescription from IMT at the door & paying them with the HSA account that I don't qualify for with tax exempt money setting in the account.
Did I really dispense advice concerning the tax code or do you feel like you 1 upped me by posting that I did such? Your accusation would be like me stating to others that I got stronger performing squats & someone else tried it & broke a leg & then holding me liable for telling them how I got stronger. Should I refrain from giving advice on how I got stronger? I'll be the first to admit that I probably do not have a tenth of the knowledge you do concerning testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) & I am humble enough to admit that. I also often admire you for your helpfulness to nearly anyone that request it but then sometimes I'm just not certain if you get off on wanting to prove your always right or just wanting to prove that someone else is wrong. I'm not upset that you validated justifiable data & appear to be correct; it's more the way you done it & how you said it. You may want to refrain from dispensing advice unless you want some back ;-) Sorry for the Hi-jacking of this thread.

Yes, you did give out tax advice to people regarding HSA's. You said here is what I did so you can do the same thing. I would hate for other people to go do that and later get a nasty letter from the IRS and get hit with big penalties. I tried to provide you the information from the tax code so you could see why I was correcting you. And yes, I chided you about giving out bad tax advice. You seem a sensitive about that.

Might be time to check your estrogen.

P.S. Your accountant is probably going to counter that you told him you participated in a qualifying high deductible health plan thus making you eligible for an HSA. You could be on the hook for the taxes and penalties. My advice is to give him or her a call to sort this out. Don't wait for the IRS to figure it out.

 

[Megatron28]

Uhhhh. I have a belly button! Regardless of tax benefits, I do like that HSA idea as it helps you to keep track of expenses. I'm pretty sure as it is a health expense you can itemize it though. But then again, I'm not the one in the family that works for the IRS - I'd have to talk to my Mother about that.

On topic: Definitely can recommend IMT based on all the positive feedback. I know that's where I'm going to go once I have the disposable income to do so.

I like bellybuttons.

Yes, you can itemize your medical expenses. But they have to exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income to be able to take a deduction.

I love my HSA. A great way to go if you qualify. The high deductible health plans have MUCH lower premiums generally.

 

[Spunkey71]

I love my HSA. A great way to go if you qualify. The high deductible health plans have MUCH lower premiums generally.

If you do not use all of the money by the end of the year that has been set aside in the HSA don't you lose it?