Looking for advice on TRT- questions to ask Dr.

[charles_bronson]

1st time poster here. I had my 1st physical in years last week, and as part of the blood work I had my Dr. look at my testosterone levels to establish a baseline since I am 33 (probably should have done that years ago to really have a baseline).

33 yo male
~238lbs (as of blood test)
5'11"

Results:
SBHG: 16.10 nmol/L
Free Testosterone: 4.85 ng/dL
Testosterone: 180.52 ng/dL
Tesosterone Free pct: 4.85

Low across the board, so I am having blood drawn again in a week, and have asked for several additional blood tests (FSH, LH, PSA, DHA, and Estradiol Sensative assay) and will be discussing TRT with him after those results. I was surprised because I eat relatively well, don't consume a lot of sugar (don't drink sodas, don't eat candy, baked goods every now and then, black coffee/tea, etc), and exercise regularly. After reading some of the symptoms of low-T there are some I noticed but hadn't though much of before (attitude, etc).

My wife and I did just have our first child, and I have read that a newborn can cause test levels to drop in males by as much as 30%, but even then my numbers would still be low.

Right now I am seeing an Internal Medicine Dr/PCP- should I see out a consultation with an endocrinologist for managing TRT, instead of my PCP?

What questions should I be asking when I go in to discuss TRT? Any advice or encouragement from guys with a similar starting point/where they are now would be great.

 

[appleton111]

have you tried to get in touch with IMT here? they will give you great advice on how to proceed. Increase My T |

 

[charles_bronson]

Updated Numbers:

Name Low High Result
SHBG 17.3 65.8 18.7
Test-Free 6 27 4.8
Test-Total 241 827 189.33
FSH 1.48 18.1 2.7
LH 1.5 9.3 1.94
PSA 0 4 0.35
Prolactin 2.1 17.7 7.1
Estradiol 0 40 24.6

My Dr is referring me to an Endocrinologist, but curious to see what this community thinks, and what I should be keeping in mind when talking with the Dr. It looks like the link provided above also provides a free consult, so I will contact them for a second opinion as well.

What stands out to me is it looks like the LH and FSH numbers are low, even though they are just barely in the lab's range.

 

[Mprtz]

The numbers suggest that you have secondary hypogonadism. You might consider looking into HCG or Clomid monotherapy before jumping into full-on TRT at 33.

Also look into factors like sleep and diet. Make sure blood was drawn in the AM.

 

[joecoolredbarron]

Welcome - You'll find a plethora of valuable information on TRT here on this board (I know I did).

I would recommend going to your endo consult armed with as much information as you can absorb. There's GREAT sticky's on the TRT forum - definitely read those. Be prepared to challenge information you feel that's not accurate or adhering to best policies. I've read stories from guys who's endo has them on a single 200mg shot every other week / every month - as well as lack of any consideration for E2 and / or HCG (testicular function).

Best advice - read your face off on today's TRT best practice and don't take the word of your endo just because they're an endo. It's worth noting there are some great one's out there and I hope you have fantastic luck. If not, the boards are here to help. As appleton mentioned, lots of guys like IMT and i'm a patient there as well.