Let’s talk Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

[DrJonesUSA]

Only allows 3 .jpgs per post so here is the 4th and final

Thanks dude!!! Dang... that's crazy.... I had no idea at all!

 

[DrJonesUSA]

Can any of you that use online clinics that have you draw bloodwork throughout the year share where you go (and if you’re happy with them)? I’ve been reading up on this the past year but haven’t met anyone who’s actually gone outside their insurance with this. I’m just high enough levels that insurance won’t cover, so looking where to go out of pocket. Thanks!

Also; just reporting my situation; my testosterone is about $17.00 for prob. about a 4-5 month supply. Roughly. NOT covered under insurance, but that's my price.

Dirt cheap.

 

[DrJonesUSA]

Sure. And of course, everyone's programming is different & some bounce back depends on the individual genetics and lifestyle. Studied this 8-10 years ago. Knowing medical science constantly changes so wanted to update myself. About 50% of information in medical textbooks used in medical schools today is outdated + incorrect thus resulting into incalculable improper patient care (kinda scary). I'm not the biggest AI fan but I know it has some pros and it def made quick work of sharing some snapshots with you.

I also am dear friends with Dr. Anna Israel in Boston (and work with many Ivy League docs). She specializes in holistic wellness medicine and has given me some guidance she has given to the success of improving patients' health.

Wow man... that's really cool. Thanks for sharing all that ++the screenshots!

 

[bigRich22]

Can any of you that use online clinics that have you draw bloodwork throughout the year share where you go (and if you’re happy with them)? I’ve been reading up on this the past year but haven’t met anyone who’s actually gone outside their insurance with this. I’m just high enough levels that insurance won’t cover, so looking where to go out of pocket. Thanks!

I have been body building and strength training since 13 years young (Texas football) (245lbs 6'2") so naturally, didn't need help from trainers (was a trainer myself for a few}...also hard for me to trust people with my body when I'm hyper aware of changes and know what's best for it with my wealth of knowledge and experience... Until I started doing business with a devil dog tops marksman attorney in town; he's 4 years older than me and puts me to shame. we became good friends and he refered to me to his guy, who is now one of my closest (spiritual) friends. Class act, genuine guy from family of the same - https://www.instagram.com/akaashaesthetics?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== and as you can see, knows what he's doing.

First guy I met who knows more about the body, kind and soul than I do and he's 13? Years younger than me.

For blood work, he referred me to http://privatemdlabs.com. Priced well. And I like the information in the emails they provide afterwards. Was a breeze to schedule at a local lab. Results came in completely within 5 or 6 days, I think.

Hope that helps

-------------------------

Get fit | or die - one of my fav quotes I picked off Reno May's flag. Believe it came from Mike aka Garand Thumb originally but he probably picked it up from the AF. Simple and to the point. Fitness is beyond just physical. It's body, mind, soul, experience , knowledge, sharing - And that's why we are in this community together.

 

[DrJonesUSA]

Get fit | or die - one of my fav quotes I picked off Reno May's flag. Believe it came from Mike aka Garand Thumb originally but he probably picked it up from the AF. Simple and to the point. Fitness is beyond just physical. It's body, mind, soul, experience , knowledge, sharing - And that's why we are in this community together.

Love it!!!

 

[joefrank64k]

Bumping an old thread.

I exercise & weight/sleep/diet are good. Drink once in a blue moon. Don’t smoke or chew. No drugs.

Developed a post-surgical DVT about 2 years ago that was resolved with a 3-month Eliquis regimen.

SX that lead to me getting tested: Same as others have reported.

Late 50’s and numbers are:

Total: 448
Bio Available: 142
Bio Available %: 31
SHBG: 41.8
LH: 5.3
FSH: 4.8

Endocrinologist said numbers are all within range and doesn’t recommend TRT. Particularly because of the DVT. Said we’ll retest in 6 months.

How’s everyone else doing??

 

[ikeo1]

Bumping an old thread.

I exercise & weight/sleep/diet are good. Drink once in a blue moon. Don’t smoke or chew. No drugs.

Developed a post-surgical DVT about 2 years ago that was resolved with a 3-month Eliquis regimen.

SX that lead to me getting tested: Same as others have reported.

Late 50’s and numbers are:

Total: 448
Bio Available: 142
Bio Available %: 31
SHBG: 41.8
LH: 5.3
FSH: 4.8

Endocrinologist said numbers are all within range and doesn’t recommend TRT. Particularly because of the DVT. Said we’ll retest in 6 months.

How’s everyone else doing??

At late 50’s you’re doing really well! I haven’t checked in while but I’m likely around there, mid 40’s. This reminds me to get my levels checked.

 

[GenghisDong]

Anyone got a good recommendation in the Bay Area? Mid last year don't know what happened but I can't bounce back off it. Got 315 tested and denied any help from my insurance. I got strength of a gorilla but I'm really having a hard time getting the motivation. Not depressed or any of that stuff just lazy. I don't smoke or drink and eat healthy and not over weight at 210. I used to do kettle bells on the daily twice a day.

 

[heronblades]

Risks and side effects are a bit lacking in the thread so far. please consider such before doctor shopping. blood clots and increased risks for strokes and heart attacks are well known. A lot of providers encourage men to stop in their 50s as not to reduce life expectancy. the gynecomastia is probably the part that a lot are not aware of and nearly all cases are irreversible except with surgery -the scars do NOT look good. for others with hair issues, TRT may be the nail in the coffin.

 

[Chattypath747]

Try lifting or being more active. You'll get more of a natural testosterone boost with that.

 

[H. Bowman]

Risks and side effects are a bit lacking in the thread so far. please consider such before doctor shopping. blood clots and increased risks for strokes and heart attacks are well known. A lot of providers encourage men to stop in their 50s as not to reduce life expectancy. the gynecomastia is probably the part that a lot are not aware of and nearly all cases are irreversible except with surgery -the scars do NOT look good. for others with hair issues, TRT may be the nail in the coffin.

All of that is pretty much wrong.

 

[SoCal326]

All of that is pretty much wrong.

What are the side effects?

 

[ikeo1]

Anyone got a good recommendation in the Bay Area? Mid last year don't know what happened but I can't bounce back off it. Got 315 tested and denied any help from my insurance. I got strength of a gorilla but I'm really having a hard time getting the motivation. Not depressed or any of that stuff just lazy. I don't smoke or drink and eat healthy and not over weight at 210. I used to do kettle bells on the daily twice a day.

Depending on your age and body composition, there’s two ways. Natural and Enhanced.

Personally I prefer natural but enhanced is reasonable depending on your age, lifestyle, and tolerance. Natural is the more difficult way to go since you need to adjust your life and requires discipline. 8 hours sleep, clean diet, lift heavy and regularly. Then monitoring your T levels to see if what you’re doing is working. If it doesn’t doing low dose T via non primary Dr. can be the next step. Main thing is to keep an eye on your bloodwork to see if you're a good candidate.

Natural way takes a really long time too in comparison and requires a lot of patience. I've had a similar issue after surgery, but at 315 your not too far off from being ok. Lifestyle changes can bring you back to ~500

What are the side effects?

 

[danny152]

I went with game day when they were having a special on pricing and locked in at $180 a month with free labs I’ve been on trt for three months started at 298 now I’m at 580 with 200mg a week and regular exercise I put on about 7lbs of muscle in week (I started at 128lbs ) now at a pretty lean 140lbs

 

[grandpapeepap]

Califorians with their gender affirming care

 

[doser]

Califorians with their gender affirming care

Honestly it’s a trend all around the country. We’ll see the long term effects in a few years.

Californians are trend setters in many ways.

 

[Swift]

If you can make the trip Dr Dominguez La jolla wellness San diego does BioTe pellets. pellets are much better absorbed then injections or creams. usually done aout every 6 months I think around $800 per session. What you need to watch is you red cell count elevating but regular whole blood donations help with that

Dude, hell no.. pellets are the worst option.. They pump you full of a huge dose and your levels spike and then come down over time. It's also going to leave scars in your ass or wherever they inject it. Bi-weekly injections are your best and cheapest bet.

 

[Swift]

I’m in my mid-late 30s. Noticed my energy levels decreasing horribly over the last couple years. I’ve started to research TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) in hopes to start getting some positive changes. I had my levels checked and I’m at 260. From what I’ve read, optimal is 650+.

I started by going to a local spot, GameDay Men’s Health. Their program starts at ~$225/mo for testosterone injections, averaging $56/week. Then $200/yr for bloodwork. These prices seem pretty high based on my research. I vaguely remember seeing somebody say they’re at about $10/week.

Which leads me to this discussion/question. Is anybody here on TRT? What are the advantages you have noticed? Costs associated? Do you have a Dr. you would recommend? (I am located in Riverside County FWIW)

If your levels are really at 260, and have insurance, and a primary care doctor, you should be able to get prescribed for very cheap.. I pay like $8 for like a 10 week supply with Aetna. If your levels are that low, the clinics are ripoffs.. they only benefit men that are higher than you who want TRT even though it's not exactly necessary. I still believe levels in the 8-900 are best but in your case, you're very low. I'd run not walk to a PCP and get tested through them. Benefits are numerous.. from less brain fob, more endurance, ability to add muscle, much stronger erections, ability to recover from workouts, etc.. I'm 48 and started at 46 and live in Riverside County as well (Temecula area)

 

[ikeo1]

I still believe levels in the 8-900 are best but in your case, you're very low.

8-900?! Depending how old are you? Lol. 450-650 is a solid range for 40+. 250 and below, I get it.

 

[H. Bowman]

I'm in early/mid 40s and a hair under 800. Anyone under 400 or even 5 should seriously consider it by doing a lot of their own research. All the "increased risk of heart blah blah blah" is a load of crap for legitimate therapeutic treatments. Just like anything, too much is a bad thing...but you can say the same about drinking water.