Need help finding DR in NorCal

[SD421]

Hi Everyone-

I am a 31 year old Caucasian male. 6'4", 250lbs. Fairly athletic in youth, never used any anabolic or really any supplements at all. I was on Accutane on two different occasions as a teen, the longest time from age 15-16 due to overwhelming cystic acne. Have been able to get weight down to 215-220 upon occasion, but never can get rid of the spare tire. In reading more about symptoms I have been experiencing for ~4-5 years: irritability/mood swings, complete lack of motivation at work and regarding exercise, insomnia, decreased libido, occasional difficulty finishing to orgasm, borderline/high blood pressure and glucose levels in previous blood tests I began talking to my PCP about investigating further for low testosterone, hence the first round of tests back in August. Of course, she didn't see anything out of the ordinary so I pressed for a referral to the endo. Currently only one endo in network for my insurance, and based on the August tests, he refused to schedule me, and instead I was referred to an internal medicine specialist. She ordered the 2nd set of tests earlier this month. And results came back 'all normal' to her as well. I am trying to get her to order more tests, for cortisol levels, SHBG, LH, E2, etc. but she has been non-responsive. I have also opened the discussion of adrenal fatigue, but she has again been dismissive of that. As my current state is influencing the demise of my marriage, I am desperate to find help of any sorts. Was prescribed Zoloft by a psyc, took it for 3.5 weeks before I just couldn't stand it, due to increased desire to consume alcohol, further impact on sleep, mental fogginess, inability to remember things/count/concentrate. Dr. then prescribed Wellbutrin instead, but I have not filled the prescription. I am taking 10,000 IU Vitamin D3, as well as a complex B vitamin containing B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12, in addition to a one-a-day men's multi. Also smoke marijuana 4-5 days/week.

As stated, I am desperate to find a physician that will at least discuss the option to prescribe TRT and will also be able to bill my health insurance. I would be open to an anti-aging clinic, but can't really afford those costs due to currently being unemployed. I am also open to securing my own test on the grey market, but I would really prefer to be monitored and have regular blood work done, and would also like to get any required supplementary medication, such as Arimidex, hCG, etc. Fertility is a concern as well, at least if I can save my marriage, as we would like to have more children. Also would prefer someone that is not pushing gels as I currently am a stay at home dad and take care of my 1 year old son full time.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Blood work below.

Thanks!


9/12/12

Total Testosterone: 384 ng/dL (range 160-728ng/dL)
Free Testosterone: 0.302 nmol/L (range 0.091-0.579 nmol/L)
Glucose: 102 mg/dL (range 70-100 mg/dL)
Creatinine: 1.3 mg/dL (range 0.8-1.3 mg/dL)
Vitamin B12: 374 pg/mL (range 211-911 pg/mL)

8/16/12
Total Testosterone: 405 ng/dL
Free Testosterone: 0.348 nmol/L
TSH: 1.16 uIU/mL (range 0.34-4.82 uIU/mL)
Vitamin D, Total 25-OHD: 23 ng/mL (range 30-100 ng/mL)
Glucose: 103 mg/dL
Creatinine: 1.4 mg/dL

[juice2012]

Send me a PM, I can help.

[SD421]

Thanks juice2012...not sure if its because I just joined, but I don't seem to have access to send you a PM. Maybe you could send one to me?

[Vettester]

SD, welcome to the forum. You are correct, you do not have enough posts to PM here. You need 50 to get that feature setup. In the meantime, read the sticky in this forum, "Finding a TRT Physician". Plenty of resources there to help you get yourself on the right track.

[JR3]

how far Nor-Cal are you? if you are in my are, there is one Dr. who is very knowledgeable, but pretty expensive; there is also another who seems to know what she is doing, and is more affordable.

[EZ E]

I have a good doctor in the south Sacramento area if that is close. Who is your insurance?

[SD421]

I have a POS plan with Blue Shield. I live in Dixon but I am willing to drive anywhere in California to get help that my current drs. aren't willing to offer.

[SD421]

And btw, thanks to everyone who has replied. I am desperate for assistance, my wife is just about out the door due to my irritability.

[juice2012]

SD,

I have a crappy Blue Shield HMO also. I go to Palo Alto Medical Foundation network in the South bay area. I just take the research I get from here and have my PCP order all the tests and prescriptions for me. When I asked for an AI he started to become a little reluctant but over all he's been great. I don't think I could really recommend him since he's not a TRT doctor, he probably wouldn't appreciate me recommending him for that.

If you need some one to talk to I can help you with whatever advice I can give.

Hang in there, I understand the wife thing. I just got mad at my girl today for waking me up so many times this morning while I was trying to sleep before work. The only reason I get so pissed is because everyday is a struggle to get through work because I'm so tired all the time.

[SD421]

Thanks for the info juice. I'm not sure I could even get my stupid insurance to cover something like that out of network. We had a hell of a time getting them to cover a necessary referral for my son to an out of network gastroenterologist when the only one available in our network couldn't see him for 6 months. I had to fight with my PCP to get a referral to the internal med since the only available endo in network refused to see me based on my total test of 381, despite being only 31 yrs old. It's so frustrating when I feel like I and others here in the forums know more than the drs that are supposed to be able to help.

[SD421]

Finally got word back from the internal med specialist that she is going to order the additional lab work, so hope to be getting a draw in the next day or two for testosterone again, FSH & LH, DHEA & DHT, estradiol, cortisol and prolactin. Will update once I have the results.

[sparverius]

Smoking weed decreases your T. http://www.peaktestosterone.com/test...marijuana.aspx
It also causes mental fogginess and inability to remember. Quit smoking and drinking, clean up your diet, get exercise and sleep. See what happens in six months. It shouldn't be too terrible as your free T is not bad.

Being on TRT is for life, is a pain in the ass and it's not as good as natural hormones. You should find out why you are low and see if you can fix it before you start on a medication that you can never quit.

[SD421]

Thanks for the info virus, I've definitely read all the info peaktest has to offer. Have decreased the frequency of both marijuana and alcohol quite considerably since initial post. Though I am aware of the potential impact, the other symptoms of low t persisted through a two year period where I only smoked about 5x total. Thanks again for your input, any and all is appreciated!

[SD421]

Oh and virus, the mental fogginess and remembering issues were definitely caused by the Zoloft, as it was not something I had issues with before and haven't had issues with since stopping the medication. Thanks again for the link though.

[optionsdude]

Hi Everyone-

I am a 31 year old Caucasian male. 6'4", 250lbs. Fairly athletic in youth, never used any anabolic or really any supplements at all. I was on Accutane on two different occasions as a teen, the longest time from age 15-16 due to overwhelming cystic acne. Have been able to get weight down to 215-220 upon occasion, but never can get rid of the spare tire. In reading more about symptoms I have been experiencing for ~4-5 years: irritability/mood swings, complete lack of motivation at work and regarding exercise, insomnia, decreased libido, occasional difficulty finishing to orgasm, borderline/high blood pressure and glucose levels in previous blood tests I began talking to my PCP about investigating further for low testosterone, hence the first round of tests back in August. Of course, she didn't see anything out of the ordinary so I pressed for a referral to the endo. Currently only one endo in network for my insurance, and based on the August tests, he refused to schedule me, and instead I was referred to an internal medicine specialist. She ordered the 2nd set of tests earlier this month. And results came back 'all normal' to her as well. I am trying to get her to order more tests, for cortisol levels, SHBG, LH, E2, etc. but she has been non-responsive. I have also opened the discussion of adrenal fatigue, but she has again been dismissive of that. As my current state is influencing the demise of my marriage, I am desperate to find help of any sorts. Was prescribed Zoloft by a psyc, took it for 3.5 weeks before I just couldn't stand it, due to increased desire to consume alcohol, further impact on sleep, mental fogginess, inability to remember things/count/concentrate. Dr. then prescribed Wellbutrin instead, but I have not filled the prescription. I am taking 10,000 IU Vitamin D3, as well as a complex B vitamin containing B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12, in addition to a one-a-day men's multi. Also smoke marijuana 4-5 days/week.

As stated, I am desperate to find a physician that will at least discuss the option to prescribe TRT and will also be able to bill my health insurance. I would be open to an anti-aging clinic, but can't really afford those costs due to currently being unemployed. I am also open to securing my own test on the grey market, but I would really prefer to be monitored and have regular blood work done, and would also like to get any required supplementary medication, such as Arimidex, hCG, etc. Fertility is a concern as well, at least if I can save my marriage, as we would like to have more children. Also would prefer someone that is not pushing gels as I currently am a stay at home dad and take care of my 1 year old son full time.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Blood work below.

Thanks!


9/12/12

Total Testosterone: 384 ng/dL (range 160-728ng/dL)
Free Testosterone: 0.302 nmol/L (range 0.091-0.579 nmol/L)
Glucose: 102 mg/dL (range 70-100 mg/dL)
Creatinine: 1.3 mg/dL (range 0.8-1.3 mg/dL)
Vitamin B12: 374 pg/mL (range 211-911 pg/mL)

8/16/12
Total Testosterone: 405 ng/dL
Free Testosterone: 0.348 nmol/L
TSH: 1.16 uIU/mL (range 0.34-4.82 uIU/mL)
Vitamin D, Total 25-OHD: 23 ng/mL (range 30-100 ng/mL)
Glucose: 103 mg/dL
Creatinine: 1.4 mg/dL

What's your calcium level and phosphorous level? Had any kidney stones recently? Any other levels at high end or low end but not out of range? Try to find another dr in your network as well,trying to find one that listens to you and takes you seriously is hard to do but worth it.

[system admin]

With Luck... our hormone clinic will be up and running within a few months!

[SD421]

Did not get phosphorus test. Calcium was 9.4 mg/dL on 8/16 and 9.1 mg/dL on 9/12, on a range of 8.2-10.2 mg/dL. Never any issues with kidney stones. Blood pressure and glucose have been high/borderline for about 3 years.

[optionsdude]

I asked because my dr overlooked a condition that I've probably had for years. One of the PA's was going over my BW and said I had high calcium (10.4),no big deal just cut back on the milk and don't take any calcium supp's. I don't drink milk and the only calcium was in my multi vitamin. So I stopped taking that the next year not only did my calcium level go a little higher (10.6)but phosphorous was low,this should have been a big red flag for hyperparathyroidism. So 2 more years went by and all of the time my symptoms of lethargy,depression, and exhaustion kept slowly getting worse. My T level was also low so I brought that up and felt good for a while but after another 18 months starting feeling bad again and started getting wrist thumb and forearm pain,kidney stone,and dizzy spells. They thought it was gout at first then the BW showed high calcium,different PA this time,she recognized the calcium and phosphorous levels and did a parathyroid test and it was very high. So to sum it up the dr could very well be missing something,general BW from a MD is not as thorough as it should be. Sorry to get off topic a little there but not feeling right and dr not taking you serious sucks I've been there. If the endo won't see you stay on your dr's ass until they call the endo. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. It's so unfortunate that we all have to squeak so loud sometimes.

[chrisb39]

Hi, I live in the Roseville area and I have been having extreme difficulty as well finding a doctor who is willing to address my concerns and prescribe HRT despite multiple blood tests
verifying a high estradiol level, testosterone of 320, and free testosterone of 62.4 nd/dl.

Who is your doctor in the South Sac area? I would really appreciate a refferal.

[SD421]

Chris- please work on your posts and get to the level required to receive PMs, and I will send the I info.

[EZ E]

There is a reason we don't post doctors names on the open forum and use PMs instead. These doctors tend to be more cutting edge and aren't always following the establishment when it comes to prescribing treatment, that is why everyone has a hard time finding a good doctor. The doctor DOESN'T need the publicity. If you want to help someone then they can spend the time to become PM eligible so you don't jeopardize my care and yours.

Can a MOD remove the above post naming the doctor?

Thanks

[SD421]

At EZ E, sorry didnt know I was breaking the rules. Post has been edited. Thanks.

[EZ E]

Thanks, much appreciated.

[chrisb39]

Oh alright. I understand completely, thanks for the reply and I will get back to both of you after becoming PM elgibible

[likelifting]

Oh alright. I understand completely, thanks for the reply and I will get back to both of you after becoming PM elgibible

Chris, There is also a TRT doc in Rocklin. PM when you can and I'll give you his name for a second option.

[chrisb39]

Hey appreciate the help, I've reached my 50+ posts however I have seen around the forum that your account needs to be active a minimum of 30 days as well.
Is it possible for me to just post my email or is that against rules?

[chrisb39]

Chris, There is also a TRT doc in Rocklin. PM when you can and I'll give you his name for a second option.

Thanks for the info, that would be great for me being in Roseville

[likelifting]

PM when you can and I'll give you the info I have on him. I don't use him personally, but people who do use him like him.

[chrisb39]

PM when you can and I'll give you the info I have on him. I don't use him personally, but people who do use him like him.

Thanks for the help

[rooftop]

With Luck... our hormone clinic will be up and running within a few months!

Keeping my fingers crossed for you guys, my trt is a bit pricey.

[bk13332]

Can you guys PM me the docs you are recommending? Especially the one in Rocklin. thanks