First post here guys. I am a 50 year old guy, always been fitness minded and in the gym alot. I was about 215-220 pounds with low bodyfat but have dropped to about 205-210 with a bit more bodyfat. Still not fat by any means, the abs are still there just dont pop like before. I do have high cholesterol (its a genetic thing) and have been on a statin for the last ten years. So for the last few years I have really been feeling the effects of low T. When I go on a natural T booster (like max muscle 2tx) it gets a wee bit better so I knew it was T related.
I have Kaiser and really put off discussing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) with my doctor because I knew what kind of reaction I would get. Dec 2009 it was 345, Nov 2010 it was 344, and most recently it was 198. FYI, for this test I made sure that I had not taken any 2tx for the last 6 months. For those that get really pissed off about the ridiculous levels cited to be normal.......when I tested at 345 they said that above 250 was normal; when I tested at 344 they said that 220 was normal; and now at 198 they said that above 200 was normal. The position taken in regard to what is "normal" or acceptable is absurd. Anyway, even using the disengenuous Kaiser "norms", I am low.
Doc is ordering more tests. Thyroid, glucose and blood count were normal. She also ordered another T test, and hormone blood test for prolactin level and lutienizing hormone.
I said that I really did not approach my doctor for a long time to specifically discuss TRT. Until now. I did and she made me feel like shit. I have grown children and have been happilly married forever. Im not stressed or depressed but i do exhibit normal symptoms of low TRT.....low libido, lack of energy, etc. I am also self employed and told Doc that the condition was affecting my job and intimate relations with wifey. Well this young thirty something female doctor with small children was not receptive to TRT. She thought I should talk to a shrink. I tried to make it clear that I did not have a physical or emotional condition and after she peppered me with questions about erections I tried to make it clear that there was nothing to prevent me from having or maintaininng an erection. I wanted to say that I could give a sperm sample on the spot, but didnt.
Anyway, heres my question. Should I get another doctor? I could switch if desired. Perhaps to someone that is male and closer to my age so that perhaps they can relate. Should I ask for a referral to a urologist? or an endocrinologist? Finally, I'm tired of the BS in regard to what is normal and want the next test to show a low as possible level. Anything I can do (other than test later in the day) to get a low number?
I have Kaiser and really put off discussing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) with my doctor because I knew what kind of reaction I would get. Dec 2009 it was 345, Nov 2010 it was 344, and most recently it was 198. FYI, for this test I made sure that I had not taken any 2tx for the last 6 months. For those that get really pissed off about the ridiculous levels cited to be normal.......when I tested at 345 they said that above 250 was normal; when I tested at 344 they said that 220 was normal; and now at 198 they said that above 200 was normal. The position taken in regard to what is "normal" or acceptable is absurd. Anyway, even using the disengenuous Kaiser "norms", I am low.
Doc is ordering more tests. Thyroid, glucose and blood count were normal. She also ordered another T test, and hormone blood test for prolactin level and lutienizing hormone.
I said that I really did not approach my doctor for a long time to specifically discuss TRT. Until now. I did and she made me feel like shit. I have grown children and have been happilly married forever. Im not stressed or depressed but i do exhibit normal symptoms of low TRT.....low libido, lack of energy, etc. I am also self employed and told Doc that the condition was affecting my job and intimate relations with wifey. Well this young thirty something female doctor with small children was not receptive to TRT. She thought I should talk to a shrink. I tried to make it clear that I did not have a physical or emotional condition and after she peppered me with questions about erections I tried to make it clear that there was nothing to prevent me from having or maintaininng an erection. I wanted to say that I could give a sperm sample on the spot, but didnt.
Anyway, heres my question. Should I get another doctor? I could switch if desired. Perhaps to someone that is male and closer to my age so that perhaps they can relate. Should I ask for a referral to a urologist? or an endocrinologist? Finally, I'm tired of the BS in regard to what is normal and want the next test to show a low as possible level. Anything I can do (other than test later in the day) to get a low number?
