List of questions to ask testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) doc

[TR2838]

List of questions to ask trt doc

This is my second post 8 days into testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) with an internist who prefers who gives EOW shots as standard protocol.. But he seemed flexible on that..I felt really crazy the first few days, but I am very relieved that those side effects subsided over the last five days.. I know everybody will say to call Chip, but I want to give this doc a fair chance considering he is 100% covered by my insurance..

I am making a list of questions to ask him to decide if I feel comfortable continuing w/ him:

1. Will you give me shots EW?
2. Will you administer any AI's?
3. Will you administer HCG?
4. How often will you check my levels?
5. Will you check SHGB, E2, Free T
6. Do you manipulate SHGB levels & how?
7. Do you treat according to symptoms or just by bloodwork?
8. What TT range do you like stay within?

These are some questions I would like to ask.. I'd appreciate if you guys could add to this list and also what kind of answers will be acceptable for me to trust him..

My goal is to feel good.. My wifes goal is to save money But I will get a second job if thats what it takes to get proper treatment and enjoy living this life!

Once again, any input greatly appreciated!

BTW I already saw Chips prices and they are very reasonable.. As I said above, I am willing to go to Chip if I don't get satisfactory answers for these questions and the questions you guys guide me to ask

 

[Bullseye Forever]

those all are excellent questions to ask your doctor,i wish i wouldve asked mine 4 years ago everything you just listed,please ask them and make sure you understand what he says,i didnt...and my endo has screwed me,and now,im in the process of starting over with another doctor....all the best my friend

 

[cjw2021]

Good luck bro. I bet you a swift kick in the ass he'll give you 300mg a month of test and no hcg and no Aromatase inhibitor (AI) and not have a clue what to do about a potentially high shbg and make you come to his office to frontload the shot once a month. But surprise me. Personally I like dealing with people that know what they are doing, so that every revisit is not a hassle and problems are actually treated.

 

[TR2838]

Good luck bro. I bet you a swift kick in the ass he'll give you 300mg a month of test and no Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) and no Aromatase inhibitor (AI) and not have a clue what to do about a potentially high shbg and make you come to his office to frontload the shot once a month. But surprise me. Personally I like dealing with people that know what they are doing, so that every revisit is not a hassle and problems are actually treated.

I'm going in skeptical also, CJW... But, If anyone wants to give me more questions to ask I would appreciate it.. I will post his responses after my visit to get feedback from you guys..He'll probably kick me out of his office half way through my questions..LOL.. But at least I can tell my wife that I tried for the cheap way out..

I want to go in armed w/ good questions..So if anyone has some for me Post em up!
Thanx

 

[cjw2021]

Most insurance companies won't even cover testosterone injections above like 100 mg a week, sometimes not even that. And most won't cover an anti estrogen or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) period. Chip is very affordable and for me is cheaper. There really is nothing left to ask.

 

[Dreaded Pirate Roberts]

Here is the one concern I have. You need to talk to him about the half life of the hormone he has prescribed. If it is 12 or 14 days then the hormone needs to be administered once a week to keep blood levels consistent. You don't want to be on a roller coaster.

 

[THE-DET-OAK]

OP every question looks reasonable, but honestly with SHBG and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) its is much more likely that your SHBG will be low than high, I would still get it tested, but I doubt it will be an issue.

 

[Bullseye Forever]

Most insurance companies won't even cover testosterone injections above like 100 mg a week, sometimes not even that. And most won't cover an anti estrogen or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) period. Chip is very affordable and for me is cheaper. There really is nothing left to ask.

this is true about the insurance,i know for a fact,well in my case anyway,also my endo says that the fda,and fed govt watch closely to the blood test levels that he keeps on file,making sure "he" isnt over presricbing testosterone and also they are "supposingly" watching the doses that he is presrcibing

 

[UserAt204]

If that was the case Bullseye, he was giving you way more then normal anyway.

TR you definitely want to work on more frequent injections. The whole purpose is to stabilize levels not to put them up and down. Looks like you covered the important questions.

 

[CHIP WADOWSKI]

TR...... Simple question. Simpler answer.

"Doc, are you currently on or ever have been on TRT"?

"Doc, im not ASKING YOU if my questions sound valid, im TELLING YOU that they are and id like you to break down the answers to me in terms that a fifth grader would understand".

If he cant, doesnt, or wont..... MOVE ON.

 

[TR2838]

TR...... Simple question. Simpler answer.

"Doc, are you currently on or ever have been on TRT"?

"Doc, im not ASKING YOU if my questions sound valid, im TELLING YOU that they are and id like you to break down the answers to me in terms that a fifth grader would understand".

If he cant, doesnt, or wont..... MOVE ON.

Thanks Chip, I like your style.. Thats exactly how I will ask/tell him.. I was a little nervous last time I was in his office and I let him get by with rushing in and out w/o answering many of my questions... I want to hear his expert knowledge explained to me in laymans terms before I can continue on w/ peace of mind..
I can't put a price tag on my health..

 

[TR2838]

Also, he drew my blood last visit.. I assume that he will have my bloodwork in his hands.. Is he required by law to let me have a copy?

 

[THE-DET-OAK]

i dont know the law, but he will give you a copy.

 

[Bullseye Forever]

If that was the case Bullseye, he was giving you way more then normal anyway.

TR you definitely want to work on more frequent injections. The whole purpose is to stabilize levels not to put them up and down. Looks like you covered the important questions.

well ive never thought about it like that,my dose is more like a cycle than TRT...

 

[guambomb]

Also, he drew my blood last visit.. I assume that he will have my bloodwork in his hands.. Is he required by law to let me have a copy?

Those are YOUR blood test results. YOU paid for them! The physician is certainly within their right to keep them (as long as you are still their patient) but they cannot withhold test results from you.

 

[cjw2021]

Interesting. I would consider a 130 to 8 drop in estrogen pretty significant though lol. Definitely more than 80%.

 

[Dreaded Pirate Roberts]

this is true about the insurance,i know for a fact,well in my case anyway,also my endo says that the fda,and fed govt watch closely to the blood test levels that he keeps on file,making sure "he" isnt over presricbing testosterone and also they are "supposingly" watching the doses that he is presrcibing

So this is wrong. It's BS fed to you by the Doc. With a low blood test the insurance is going to approve what the doctor prescribes. It just take a prior authorization to be approved. I go threw it one a year every year with My first prescriptions of the year.