I’ve been with Defy in the past. Dr Saya was amazing, and did a killer job addressing other aspects of my health like my pituitary tumor. I felt he was good at keeping on top of new treatment in innovations too. I didn’t care for NP/PA appointments as much, they seemed way too focused on pushing supplements and deca.
I switched to Dr Rotman to cut costs (insurance covered him), and he was great until he stopped working with several pharmacies. The last straw was a tele appointment that was clearly actually the front desk lady, who had a very distinct accent. Maybe she’s also an NP, but I doubt it.
I then went to Marek per my psychiatrist’s recommendation. I have my regimen dialed in; it’s stayed the same for years and I prefer to keep it that way. They’ve been fine, but for the cost, I haven’t been thrilled with their lab ranges freaking me out and making me look like I’m in rough shape. I ran these by an NP friend who burst out laughing, and thinks they’re just trying to push supplements they sell. Multiple times I’ve had to tell them I don’t want to add a dozen supplements as an experiment, and that my prolactin is fine (long story, but trust me). Plus Marek or Empower keeps messing up my shipping address, leading to stolen deliveries. Not fun when T is controlled.
For the price, I’ve been considering going back to Dr Saya. I really trust my neuroendocrinologist and while she has offered to manage my TRT here, I’m moving and she can’t see me in NC even paying cash. She’s been awesome too, going as far as prescribing a non-FDA approved dopamine agonist from Canada to try. Unfortunately she won’t bend the rules on seeing me out of state though, understandably.
As a last option, my derm is on TRT, and speaks highly of his provider. I forget his name, but apparently he does work with Dr Shippen.
I did a few consults with someone at Marek, and besides the ridiculous wait times, they kept pushing $1000’s (literally) of products and extra lab work that I wasn’t interested in. I think you’re right; I think their methods and model are to extract as much information about you as possible to sell you every thing they can. Defy has a good history and track record (as far as I’ve heard), so I’d stay with them.
I wouldn’t be opposed to finding someone local and covered by insurance after moving (we’ll be near Duke and UNC), especially given my regimen is pretty much set and not in need of adjustment. But I’ve had mixed luck with doctors not specializing in TRT. My neuroendocrinologist is great overall, but wanted to do an experiment to see if 1mg/day of anastrozole would affect my prolactin. That was a big no.
I have no problem seeing a woman, but I’ve had more issues with them getting pissed when my total T is in the 800-900 range. 1000+ once and I though I was going to give her a meltdown. This was not Marek, just another doctor who ran a variety of blood tests and saw that.
At this point I just want the Rx written, I’ll figure the rest out myself lol. Them not freaking out about a little high TT would also be helpful. I’m seeing a local doctor in a couple of weeks just to see if he’ll take over so I can save some money not paying the clinic fee anymore. But I don’t have my hopes up
Good to know I’m not alone. The supplement part is what really drives me nuts. I posted over on reddit about it and Marek promptly replied…kinda messed up me just asking if others had experienced the same thing lol.
It’s crazy how many people are going to ugl because so many providers can’t get it right.
Forget if I mentioned (been sick all week) but my derm has a guy he likes, might try him next, or Defy again. I hate switching around, but it sure is a pain to get decent treatment it seems.
I have only used Dr. Saya at Defy as a provider for TRT/HCG regimen, but it’s been almost 6 years and I have no complaints. Defy can no longer directly provide the HCG due to a change in fed regulations, but they give me a prescription that I have been able to fill locally without any problems.