I'm 29 yo. 1 1/2 years ago went to doc for yearly pysical. Told me blood work showed low t level (301). Sent me to endo, tested 293. Put me on hrt.After trying cream, then patch, he gave me test enanthate. First 200mg to start, then 400mg 2 weeks later.I was really worried about side effects of taking hrt, so I never went back. Never even retested blood. He wrote a quick memo to my doc saying he thinks my problems/symptoms (no energy, depression/anxiety, etc) were from medication I was on for a couple years prior
. I think the low t was/is the problem. Ironically, I’ve stopped taking meds since I saw him and… surprise! still have symptoms. Want to go back, have blood tested, and start hrt again.I’m really scared bout the side effects. To be honest, I really want to put on size. I’m 29 yo, 6’0", 180lbs, but look like 20 yo, 160lbs. EXtremely skinny arms & chest/upper body. Is it posiible to take hrt for 6-12 months, gain size, then stop and keep most of size gained?
I’ve heard there are things one should take with hrt besides test e to counter side effects, but have no clue what they are or why.What can I ask/tell him as far as treatment. I kno it’s prob wrong to go on hrt just to “get big” but it really bothers and effects me and I’m all for going the natural way for size, but have been told it’s impossible with my test levels. I’m really confused and lost and any help is greatly appreciated!!
just a bit of info i’ve picked up:make up your mind about test therapy,starting then stopping is worse for your system than not treating at all.basic lab tests to have done are cbc,cmp,psa(even if you are <50 y.o.),free testosterone,serum e2(high levels of estrogen may be the cause of your problem) and your doctor will probably want more.also,some of the side effects of low test are cardiac problems,diabetes,enlarged prostate to mention just a few.another piece of wisdom:if you decide to raise your test level,do it correctly-do not depend on over the counter ‘miracle supplements’.
There are no symptoms to restoring T to youthful levels. It has to be done right. It is often done wrong. There are symptoms of having low T and these can be serious. You have been misinformed.
Read the “protocol for injections” and the “estradiol” stickies.
I am sorry that they are rambling high-jacks, but they are what they are. If you have questions concerning your situation, you should be creating your own threads like this one. If you have general questions concerning the subject of the stickies ask there. As you learn, and there is a lot to learn, you will realize that the biggest problems is the doctors and that is why you have to become an expert yourself.
TRT done right will really change your life for the better. TRT is forever, when it works right, you will not consider going back.
Muscle gains will probably be limited to your genetics.
Try and figure out why your T levels dropped… as you read the stickies. Injuries, disease, medications etc.
Thanks for the feedback guys! I recently read KSman’s Protocol for injections and it was very informative. I actually have an appt w/ urologist in my area this fri. I’m going to request bloodwork and see if I can get mri on pituitary. I was in serious car accident when I was 17, sitting in back seat/no seatbelt, face slammed into side of interior front/back windows. Lip/cheek split from inside all the way to outside bcuz I wore braces at the time.
Maybe impact affected my pituitary? I don’t know. I want to find cause of my low t as well as treat it. After reading KSman’s protocol, I’m convinced it is the best hrt method. I guess hardest part is going to be finding a dr to prescribe the test+hcg+ai AND let me self administer. I live on LI, not far from NYC, so hopefully I can find one soon.
I won’t be able to get older labs to uro in time for friday’s visit, but will definately get them for next dr bcuz I’ll probably be seeing many more before I get one that sees things my way and will prescribe the protocol and let me inject myself. Since the uro’s and endo’s are no help, is there a specific type of dr I should be seeking? Anyone know any in LI/NYC area? If anyone knows, please PM me
In google earth, zoom to your region, in the ‘fly to’ search box, enter [compounding pharmacy], explore the web sites looking for:
-patient info
-offers for doctor referrals
-male HRT material
-patient health questionnaire
-offers to consult
Compounding pharmacies know the docs. Ask to talk to a pharmacist about male HRT. Explain your treatment goals and preferences and concerns about docs to take insurance.
BTW, lifeextensionRX.com has the cheapest T cream prices, $64 for 6 months, whatever strength. Free shipping, about 10 days from script to door depending on distance from Florida.
Last night, while combing through the forums, I came across website for anti-aging clinics. Put in zip code and found a guy with “D.O.” after name and is ABAARAM board certified. He is located in my own town too. Canceled uro appointment, made appt w/ him. Earliest available is in 2 weeks.
Lady on phone said bloodwork usually comes back in 2 weeks aka next appt. First 2 visits are expensive $150 and 135 and that’s with Medicare. Lady said $65 for all others after that. I’m definately going to look into google search/compounding pharmacy, but in mean time, am I on right track (w/ this guy). What is a compounding pharm. anyway. Are the prescribed drugs from there be generic or not as good from regular pharmacy.
Do the compounding pharmacies ask questions and get suspicious when you ask about drs and who prescribes what. I don’t mind bcuz I feel/know I legitamately need trt/hrt and am not trying to find a quick steroid hookup. Just wondering. BTW the question mark button isn’t working on keyboard lol
Good find, follow that. Finding a doctor who is not an idiot is something that compounding pharmacies understand all too well. No worry there.
Compounders make up things that pharmaceutical companies typically do not. What they make is good. They can make custom formulations for you as your doc requires. But for man HRT, the products are mostly single active ingredients.
Your DO will spend some serious time listening to you. This will not be a 10-15 minute appointment. Write down your history and add to day by day. These can be talking points. Print for the DO so he can mark it up and not be taking notes.
Ask to inject 100mg T cyp or eth per week in divided doses, EOD is a good fit with:
1.0mg Arimidex/anastrozole per week in EOD doses.
250iu hCG SC EOD
0.5ml 5% T cream ED to apply to, [hair clipped] scrotum. Put some on your penis, but many docs will not want to discuss that. You get that from a compounding pharmacy. You can choose what pharmacies are used.
Adjust anastrozole dose up or done as required to get serum E2=22pg/ml/. Use formula discussed elsewhere.
That was one of my biggest concerns. Having a Dr actually listen to me and what I’ve gone/going through (mentally, physically, emotionally). I just hope he goes for the protocol.
Do the Do's usually let the patients self inject? Would he show me how the first couple of times to start off? I read in the protocol sticky that it's not neccessary to inject test IM, that you can do it SC. If that's true why do most people do it IM? Which is better (IM vs. SC)?
I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but I'm just trying to gather and soak up all the info I can so when I finally find right Dr and everything's ready to go, I'll be ready.
Also, what is the purpose of the T cream on the scrotum? Is "Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy" the same as "regular" HRT? If I go to a compounding Pharmacy for my meds, will they accept insurance or is it a cash only thing? Sorry so many Q's. Having hard time finding answers. I really appreciate your help