New here with very low testosterone.

[IMT staff]

I WAS a potential customer who wanted more information and gave you an open door to sell me on your services and product. I was tired of your drive-by postings that were not answering my questions and weren't really adding anything to the discussion. I gave you the opportunity to tell me what you offer and you come back and tell me I need to relax? You obviously don't win any points on customer service.

Why would I call? You can't answer my questions on here, then why should I expect you to answer them on the phone?

We don't answer questions on the open forum, we are not aloud to advise those that are not our patients.......................................... Im not trying to win ANY points, you said you can't find a doctor to help you off testosterone, I extended a hand......

We are not Amazon and are not trying to win points on customer service, if you think you can get more attention about your needs elsewhere than what we offer our patients have at it.

 

[BigFella]

Finding a doctor who will prescribe testosterone is not a problem. Finding a doctor who will help me off of it is.

If you need testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) then you'll need it for life. There are two meanings there - you'll need it forever, and you'll need it for life.

And "lifelong fatigue, pretty low strength and performance" - tick.

IMT/Todd has a good reputation here, but if you want to find a local doctor who will work with you I suggest you go and talk to a couple of compounding pharmacies in the area. They will tell you - if you ask nicely - which doctors specialise in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which ones just prescribe stuff, and which doctors don't have a clue. Don't phone them - drive there and talk to them in person. In my case I was given a complete rundown of which local doctors knew anything, but that if I really wanted the expert he is three hours away. People really want to help. Including Todd - but as he says he is very limited in what he can do on this forum.

 

[ColoradoFlyer]

If you need testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) then you'll need it for life. There are two meanings there - you'll need it forever, and you'll need it for life.

And "lifelong fatigue, pretty low strength and performance" - tick.

IMT/Todd has a good reputation here, but if you want to find a local doctor who will work with you I suggest you go and talk to a couple of compounding pharmacies in the area. They will tell you - if you ask nicely - which doctors specialise in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which ones just prescribe stuff, and which doctors don't have a clue. Don't phone them - drive there and talk to them in person. In my case I was given a complete rundown of which local doctors knew anything, but that if I really wanted the expert he is three hours away. People really want to help. Including Todd - but as he says he is very limited in what he can do on this forum.

I have read several individuals who successfully increased their natural testosterone production through short term testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). They have a higher quality of life after the testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has stopped. Every doctor tells you it is permanent because they want a cash cow.

If someone can't speak in the open forum, then they can always PM. I am sure Todd knows what he is doing and gets a lot of people coming to him. However, I expect more from someone who wants me to give them my money.

 

[IMT staff]

I have read several individuals who successfully increased their natural testosterone production through short term testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). They have a higher quality of life after the testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has stopped. Every doctor tells you it is permanent because they want a cash cow.

If someone can't speak in the open forum, then they can always PM. I am sure Todd knows what he is doing and gets a lot of people coming to him. However, I expect more from someone who wants me to give them my money.

Again you do not understand the dynamics of what you are talking about. The HPTA is a tightly coupled dynamic feedback loop, and there are way too many factors involved to even attempt to tell someone short term testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can raise someone's natural production, doing so is inaccurate.

Can it occur? Sure, but was it the testosterone? or the new found diet, exercise program and reduced BMI that contributed to the rise in testosterone?

I may not know much but I would venture to guess that it is the latter.................

Keep Reading

 

[BigFella]

Lose your cynicism. Not everyone is out to get you. Listen to what you don't want to hear as well as what you do want to hear.

Stacks of good advice in this thread, but it sounds like you know it all anyway.

Bye.

 

[IMT staff]

If you need testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) then you'll need it for life. There are two meanings there - you'll need it forever, and you'll need it for life.

And "lifelong fatigue, pretty low strength and performance" - tick.

IMT/Todd has a good reputation here, but if you want to find a local doctor who will work with you I suggest you go and talk to a couple of compounding pharmacies in the area. They will tell you - if you ask nicely - which doctors specialise in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which ones just prescribe stuff, and which doctors don't have a clue. Don't phone them - drive there and talk to them in person. In my case I was given a complete rundown of which local doctors knew anything, but that if I really wanted the expert he is three hours away. People really want to help. Including Todd - but as he says he is very limited in what he can do on this forum.

it is illegal for any pharmacy to recommend a doctor........................Not saying I am for that, just saying.

Good Post, I know you were just trying to help.

 

[JOWS7]

Hey ColoradoFlyer: Have you checked out the AACE endocrinologist's guideline for the treatment of hypogonadism? It's a great file that breaks down everything for you and goes step-by-step along the diagnostic check list.

https://aace.com/files/hypo-gonadism.pdf

First part explains in detail what is at fault during hypogonadism and tests to rule out certain conditions. For treatment, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) (hormone-replacement therapy) is generally life-long but you could try a Clomid "re-start." I haven't really looked into this myself but going this route would in a sense, "jump-start" your HPTA axis if it has gone lazy and could be viewed as short-term testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

As far as doctors go, it's simply trial-and-error. I went through 3 different doctors before I found one that I am happy with and I'm afraid that's most of our experiences.

Good Luck!

 

[theguy9129]

Lose your cynicism. Not everyone is out to get you. Listen to what you don't want to hear as well as what you do want to hear.

Stacks of good advice in this thread, but it sounds like you know it all anyway.

Bye.

I agree take the tin foil off your head. I have heard of people getting boost of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and then going off of it and having a slightly better life, but overall that just wont happen specially if you are older. I have seen some theories where a little boost might stimulate your own system but overall its a life thing. There are other options as natural remedies such as using supplements or just losing some weight. Also you may try using just Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) or an anti estrogren. But everything I have read if your truely want a higher level and better life you need to be all in.

 

[Packgus]

I smell a troll

 

[ColoradoFlyer]

Hey ColoradoFlyer: Have you checked out the AACE endocrinologist's guideline for the treatment of hypogonadism? It's a great file that breaks down everything for you and goes step-by-step along the diagnostic check list.

https://aace.com/files/hypo-gonadism.pdf

First part explains in detail what is at fault during hypogonadism and tests to rule out certain conditions. For treatment, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) (hormone-replacement therapy) is generally life-long but you could try a Clomid "re-start." I haven't really looked into this myself but going this route would in a sense, "jump-start" your HPTA axis if it has gone lazy and could be viewed as short-term testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

As far as doctors go, it's simply trial-and-error. I went through 3 different doctors before I found one that I am happy with and I'm afraid that's most of our experiences.

Good Luck!

Hi JOWS7,

Thanks for the great info. I appreciate the constructive post. I have read some personal experiences of guys who have managed to boost their natural testosterone by using testosterone or other steroids, HCG, and clomid for one or two cycles. The science supports this as well, but indirectly. More lean muscle mass, less fat, more vascularity all can help increase natural testosterone levels.

The irony is that I have NOTHING to lose by trying a "re-start". In fact, I think it is criminal for any health professional to put someone on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) without trying other avenues. I think the best doctors are those who try and cure their patients, not those who want to "treat" their patients for life. Of course the standard practice in medicine today is to treat, not cure. Type II diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and dozens of other conditions are curable through nutrition. But doctors don't recommend lifestyle change, they recommend drugs. A cured patient provides no income. A permanently sick and treatable patient does. Too many people don't realize this and put too much faith in their doctors and don't do any research on their own. They would rather just pop a pill everyday, even if that pill is doing damage to their body.

Thanks again for the info.

 

[theguy9129]

Hi JOWS7,

Thanks for the great info. I appreciate the constructive post. I have read some personal experiences of guys who have managed to boost their natural testosterone by using testosterone or other steroids, HCG, and clomid for one or two cycles. The science supports this as well, but indirectly. More lean muscle mass, less fat, more vascularity all can help increase natural testosterone levels.

The irony is that I have NOTHING to lose by trying a "re-start". In fact, I think it is criminal for any health professional to put someone on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) without trying other avenues. I think the best doctors are those who try and cure their patients, not those who want to "treat" their patients for life. Of course the standard practice in medicine today is to treat, not cure. Type II diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and dozens of other conditions are curable through nutrition. But doctors don't recommend lifestyle change, they recommend drugs. A cured patient provides no income. A permanently sick and treatable patient does. Too many people don't realize this and put too much faith in their doctors and don't do any research on their own. They would rather just pop a pill everyday, even if that pill is doing damage to their body.

Thanks again for the info.

great point on doctors but it also seems many want to run to cure before they treat. For 5 years I was told to change my diet, sleep habits etc and my fatigue would get better. I was in the Army at the time and worked out every day ate descent and had little alcohol intake, and slept 7-9 hours a night. Now I was in shape but was always fatigued and probably 10-15lbs more than what I should have weighed, and in order to weigh what I wanted required me not NOT just diet but maintain a 1000-1200 calorie diet and work out for 1-2hours a day in desert heat. Well when I got out of the Army my diet didnt change, and I still remained active but just simply didnt have the activity that I once had in the Army. And ultimately was about about 30lbs over weight and it just wouldnt budge. Finally after persistance got it narrowed down to low T and been on it 7 weeks now, and magically dropped 12lbs without any changes to lifestyle. So you are right about curing but one must be treated as well. But a lot of it depends on what you want out of it. Im 29 and dont relish the idea of being tired and unable to maintain a certain weight but I dont relish the idea of being on medication for the rest of my days too. But the effects of low testosterone would probably kill me or affect me quicker or worse then taking the stuff. But if I was late 50's to 60's and felt ok and could find some alternatives I might do that as well, I know 60 is the new 50 but one is no longer a spring chicken and having a flashy body or being a stud in the sheets probably isnt a priority like it once was.

 

[ColoradoFlyer]

great point on doctors but it also seems many want to run to cure before they treat. For 5 years I was told to change my diet, sleep habits etc and my fatigue would get better. I was in the Army at the time and worked out every day ate descent and had little alcohol intake, and slept 7-9 hours a night. Now I was in shape but was always fatigued and probably 10-15lbs more than what I should have weighed, and in order to weigh what I wanted required me not NOT just diet but maintain a 1000-1200 calorie diet and work out for 1-2hours a day in desert heat. Well when I got out of the Army my diet didnt change, and I still remained active but just simply didnt have the activity that I once had in the Army. And ultimately was about about 30lbs over weight and it just wouldnt budge. Finally after persistance got it narrowed down to low T and been on it 7 weeks now, and magically dropped 12lbs without any changes to lifestyle. So you are right about curing but one must be treated as well. But a lot of it depends on what you want out of it. Im 29 and dont relish the idea of being tired and unable to maintain a certain weight but I dont relish the idea of being on medication for the rest of my days too. But the effects of low testosterone would probably kill me or affect me quicker or worse then taking the stuff. But if I was late 50's to 60's and felt ok and could find some alternatives I might do that as well, I know 60 is the new 50 but one is no longer a spring chicken and having a flashy body or being a stud in the sheets probably isnt a priority like it once was.

Sounds like you had a similar experience as myself. You didn't get doctors trying to cure you, you got doctors who didn't diagnose you well. And unfortunately, many stories I here about the VA are similar. I know a couple veterans who won't ever step into a VA hospital again because of poor, or dangerously wrong treatment. It can happen in the civilian world, but the doctors tend to be more personally liable. I actually had to diagnosed myself and I ordered my own blood tests to give me confirmation.

I am curious what your numbers were before going on test?

 

[theguy9129]

I was 210 and one 173 on two seperate test for an average of 191 both test taken before 11am. Thyroid was fine and prolactin was fine. After 4 weeks on patches I was only at 234. Now I am 29 and 300 should be low for me so I was off the charts. Im still not where I want to be based off of feel and doc agreed to let me go every six days from 7 days and I was 100mg per injection now I am doing 140mg per injection, have to see where I am at in a few weeks. I also need to add an Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) as I have noticed my balls are shrinking and I also think Im gaining water weight now so probably need an E2. So after 8 weeks I feel better, but not even close to be there, but I am getting there.

As for the Va I think their diagnosis has been sound so far, the problem being is the time to get appointments and changes has been atrocious, but I have an appointment with an Endo in the next month so Im hoping for a more proactive approach from that angle. The va I think is much better than it once was, one thing with health care one must take control of their fate to a certain extent.

 

[vpi]

ColoradoFlyer, I understand your frustrations with the situation and the medical community's inability, or rather unwillingness, to do enough to help you and me with this common issue we face but I hope you will try to look past the things you hear you don't like or the ways you may hear them.

Glean what you need from all sources until you can make a very informed decision that best fits your needs. It can be very easy to get frustrated by this issue and even depressed but push on and keep looking for the right answer.

I hope you find what works best for you.

 

[Megatron28]

Hey ColoradoFlyer: Have you checked out the AACE endocrinologist's guideline for the treatment of hypogonadism? It's a great file that breaks down everything for you and goes step-by-step along the diagnostic check list.

https://aace.com/files/hypo-gonadism.pdf

First part explains in detail what is at fault during hypogonadism and tests to rule out certain conditions. For treatment, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) (hormone-replacement therapy) is generally life-long but you could try a Clomid "re-start." I haven't really looked into this myself but going this route would in a sense, "jump-start" your HPTA axis if it has gone lazy and could be viewed as short-term testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

As far as doctors go, it's simply trial-and-error. I went through 3 different doctors before I found one that I am happy with and I'm afraid that's most of our experiences.

Good Luck!

Thanks for posting this link. This is great information!

 

[Mr.Maceo]

If you need testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) then you'll need it for life. There are two meanings there - you'll need it forever, and you'll need it for life.

And "lifelong fatigue, pretty low strength and performance" - tick.

IMT/Todd has a good reputation here, but if you want to find a local doctor who will work with you I suggest you go and talk to a couple of compounding pharmacies in the area. They will tell you - if you ask nicely - which doctors specialise in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which ones just prescribe stuff, and which doctors don't have a clue. Don't phone them - drive there and talk to them in person. In my case I was given a complete rundown of which local doctors knew anything, but that if I really wanted the expert he is three hours away. People really want to help. Including Todd - but as he says he is very limited in what he can do on this forum.

If being on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is for life wouldn't it be worth trying a PCT to get his test back up? It couldn't do him any harm... right??