Dr. Refuses To Give Testosterone Levels!!!

[ProStatus]

What's up everybody.
So I had a Doctor Appointment at the Veteran Affairs clinic today to get bloodwork done.
This is the standard CBC panel, and is only for a routine checkup.
6 months ago, I had this BW done, and everything was within normal ranges - which is great.

In the office today, I requested that I get my free testosterone levels & estrogen levels checked as well.
The nurse informs me that after speaking to my doctor, they are not going to do that specific test, because I am only 26 years old - and there is "no need" at my age.

I have a follow-up appointment in 2 weeks where I'll actually be able to speak with the doctor directly. What is the best approach to take in getting him to understand why I would like such a test done?? The way I see it, knowledge is power, and my body is my temple. IMO, I deserve to be very well informed about my body & what is going on with it, regardless of age.

Yes, I understand this is free healthcare & beggars can't be choosers. lol
I could pay to have an outside lab do my BW if it comes down to it - but obviously, I would rather it be covered by the VA.

Thoughts? Opinions? Suggestions?

[JAB1]

I think you may have hit the nail on the head. It is a government assisted program and due to budget strains they are prob under fire to only do necessary proceedures to keep cost down.

[ProStatus]

I think you may have hit the nail on the head. It is a government assisted program and due to budget strains they are prob under fire to only do necessary proceedures to keep cost down.

I can completely understand this. However - isn't it possible that in my family, men have a history of their testosterone levels dropping earlier than normal? I think it is within reason to know where my natural free test levels stand.

I live to train. I love every aspect of it. If the doctor still refuses in a couple weeks, I will feel like he is basically saying "I know you are interested in AAS, and although you might do it anyway without proper BW, I will not provide you with BW necessary to remain healthy ON and OFF".

I'm not saying I'm unwilling to pay for this BW elsewhere - but I wish my "Primary Care Provider" had my best interest at heart. (No pun intended)
This makes no sense to me. The best treatment is prevention right?

Any ideas on the best tactful way to go about making my doc more open-minded?

[Lunk1]

Your not symptomatic so why should I pay for your BW?

[Times Roman]

let's be realistic about the VA. you are 26 right? these tests represent a cost. the doc doesn't see the medical necesitty (sp?) of such a test, as you are not ill, injured, or have any other issues that would warrant such a test. How would he justify this test?

there are private labs you can use. I'd recommend that.

[ProStatus]

Your not symptomatic so why should I pay for your BW?

Point taken.
Although, my dumbass ran Deca250 by itself without PCT about 6 years ago 250/wk for 10 weeks because I was stupid, young, reckless, and simply unwilling to do the proper research. (Hindsight 20/20)
....so I'm VERY curious where I stand.

[Times Roman]

Private MD - Buy Lab Tests Online

[fit2bOld]

Your not symptomatic so why should I pay for your BW?

Have to agree and since you self medicated you should also self fund the blood work.

[jimmyinkedup]

Low Testosterone - $199 All-Included Testosterone Treatment

[ProStatus]

I appreciate the responses. Regardless of me wanting to hear it or not - some very valid points.

As stated above, I don't mind paying for outside BW results.
I really just wrote this on a semi-rant after my BW appt, because DAMN that would've been nice to have done for free.

I'm in no rush - I've got plenty more research to be drilled into my head.
When the time is right - I'll know. Thanks again.

[AD]

Point taken.
Although, my dumbass ran Deca250 by itself without PCT about 6 years ago 250/wk for 10 weeks because I was stupid, young, reckless, and simply unwilling to do the proper research. (Hindsight 20/20)
....so I'm VERY curious where I stand.

why are you worried about a cycle that you did 6yrs ago? if you didnt recover, i'm sure you would feel the effects of lowT by now. if you feel fine, you're probably fine.

if you still want your labs done for free, you can try to pretend to have the symptoms of lowT. but the doc probably will do your total test, at most. most doc wont do free test, or estro. which means, back to the private labs.

but like i said, if you're currently asymptomatic, and don't feel like spending the money, you don't have to.

[gymfu]

Wow you guys are kinda hard on the guy....... I say give him the lab test and let's take some leach of of welfare that has no intention of bettering himself.

[Honkey_Kong]

Point taken.
Although, my dumbass ran Deca250 by itself without PCT about 6 years ago 250/wk for 10 weeks because I was stupid, young, reckless, and simply unwilling to do the proper research. (Hindsight 20/20)
....so I'm VERY curious where I stand.

You should just open your wallet and pay for some bloodwork. That link TR posted is very affordable. Consider this part of the cost of doing AAS. The gear and the bloodwork are still the cheap parts anyways. It's still the food that costs the fortune.

[ProStatus]

why are you worried about a cycle that you did 6yrs ago? if you didnt recover, i'm sure you would feel the effects of lowT by now. if you feel fine, you're probably fine.

if you still want your labs done for free, you can try to pretend to have the symptoms of lowT. but the doc probably will do your total test, at most. most doc wont do free test, or estro. which means, back to the private labs.

but like i said, if you're currently asymptomatic, and don't feel like spending the money, you don't have to.

I'm just lucky I only did 250/wk. Had I ran more than that without PCT, I have no doubt that i would have serious issues now.
I am only experiencing lack of libido, and not full strength hard-ons currently due to being on a caloric deficit for nearly 14 weeks straight. I should probably consider eating at maintenance for ~ a week or 2, and doing another de-load week....although i just had a de-load week about 6 weeks ago.
However - I probably needed more than just 1 week. Ughhhhhhh caloric deficits SUCK. lol

I should probably open a new thread for discussing diet/training in these past 3 months of "cutting".
Other than lack of "full" hard-ons, I feel fine tho....maybe I just need some horny goat weed & yohimbine? lol

[Pac Man]

It's VA, don't expect more than bad healthcare and zero customer service.

[calstate23]

What's up everybody.
So I had a Doctor Appointment at the Veteran Affairs clinic today to get bloodwork done.
This is the standard CBC panel, and is only for a routine checkup.
6 months ago, I had this BW done, and everything was within normal ranges - which is great.

In the office today, I requested that I get my free testosterone levels & estrogen levels checked as well.
The nurse informs me that after speaking to my doctor, they are not going to do that specific test, because I am only 26 years old - and there is "no need" at my age.

I have a follow-up appointment in 2 weeks where I'll actually be able to speak with the doctor directly. What is the best approach to take in getting him to understand why I would like such a test done?? The way I see it, knowledge is power, and my body is my temple. IMO, I deserve to be very well informed about my body & what is going on with it, regardless of age.

Yes, I understand this is free healthcare & beggars can't be choosers. lol
I could pay to have an outside lab do my BW if it comes down to it - but obviously, I would rather it be covered by the VA.

Thoughts? Opinions? Suggestions?

Well, even though it's free, you freakin served our country so why should you be limited?

Just tell him the truth that you ran steroids when you were younger and you truly believe your test levels are f*cked up and your getting the typical signs...

If you don't want to tell him just tell him you are getting signs of low testosterone...Limp d*ck, low energy etc etc....The fact is he doesn't know you ran steroids and there are other health issues that can cause low t which you think he would want to address/look into.....

[austinite]

If an endo refuses panels, fire them immediately. I ask for 10 times what they normally request and they say no problem.

[ProStatus]

Well, even though it's free, you freakin served our country so why should you be limited?

Just tell him the truth that you ran steroids when you were younger and you truly believe your test levels are f*cked up and your getting the typical signs...

If you don't want to tell him just tell him you are getting signs of low testosterone...Limp d*ck, low energy etc etc....The fact is he doesn't know you ran steroids and there are other health issues that can cause low t which you think he would want to address/look into.....

Yeah, I'll be speaking with the doctor in about a week and a half. I think he just assumed that I'm a healthy 26 y.o, who doesn't need test levels checked because I'm young, and they should be in the norm.

It'll be interesting to see how I approach this appointment, and what the doctor has to say about it.
I can totally see both sides. Sure, I served our country, and some free BW would be nice - then again, this was my own doing, and I was the retard in college that decided to do a cycle without proper research, and PCT.

HOWEVER - I am a beast in the sack with the ladies, and have been for the past 6 years - So I honestly belive my test levels are fine. These symptoms of limp dick stream from me being on such a long ass caloric deficit I'm sure. I'm not seriously considering a cycle until towards the end of summer - but I am very interested to see where my levels are. More than likely I'll pay for it myself eventually. Whatever.

[ProStatus]

If an endo refuses panels, fire them immediately. I ask for 10 times what they normally request and they say no problem.

Interesting. I'll definitely have to take your advice on that.
BTW - The only time I don't have limp dick symptoms is when you change your avatar up . lolz!

EDIT: What can I say? That pic with you rocking the assault rifle was sexy.

[tigerspawn]

Prostatus getting test done at private lab is cheap. However, if you want the VA to pay for the test start complaining that you feel excessively fatigued, weaker, depressed, and that you have lost your sex drive. These are common symptoms of a drop in testosterone and should cause your doctor to check hormone levels.

[ProStatus]

Prostatus getting test done at private lab is cheap. However, if you want the VA to pay for the test start complaining that you feel excessively fatigued, weaker, depressed, and that you have lost your sex drive. These are common symptoms of a drop in testosterone and should cause your doctor to check hormone levels.

Good to know and I appreciate it. In all honesty, there's no way I am starting this without plenty of money for clothes, food, gear, supps, pct, BW, etc etc etc. Going to definitely do this the right way.
When the time is right, I think I'll just go through a private lab, as I think I will be able to be much more open to my doctor, & in exchange, have a doctor that reciprocates much better than the current VA doc.
Probably the best route is to find a private lab, with a good doc who I feel I can trust and be open & honest with.

[ProStatus]

I'm in the best shape of my life. I've given up smoking and drinking completely about 6 months ago, and I've never felt better.
It's time to get serious.....sometime fairly soon.

[lovbyts]

I'm just lucky I only did 250/wk. Had I ran more than that without PCT, I have no doubt that i would have serious issues now.
I am only experiencing lack of libido, and not full strength hard-ons currently due to being on a caloric deficit for nearly 14 weeks straight. I should probably consider eating at maintenance for ~ a week or 2, and doing another de-load week....although i just had a de-load week about 6 weeks ago.
However - I probably needed more than just 1 week. Ughhhhhhh caloric deficits SUCK. lol

I should probably open a new thread for discussing diet/training in these past 3 months of "cutting".
Other than lack of "full" hard-ons, I feel fine tho....maybe I just need some horny goat weed & yohimbine? lol

I'm not sure where the logic is in that. Being shut down with 250 or 500+ a week makes no difference. That's kind of like being a little bit pregnant.

Good advice given. Although I pay for my healthcare I still do 2-3 labs myself a year through privatlabs listed above.

[ProStatus]

Well, running a higher amount could increase chance of gyno & neg sides correct?
I wouldn't have had anything to prevent/treat any issues.
Only thing my dumbass had on hand was deca.
Not the proudest moment of my life.
*Facepalm* lol

[austinite]

Well, running a higher amount could increase chance of gyno & neg sides correct?
I wouldn't have had anything to prevent/treat any issues.
Only thing my dumbass had on hand was deca.
Not the proudest moment of my life.
*Facepalm* lol

Your post that lovbyts referenced indicates that you didn't think you were shut down from 250mg. Which is also how I took it.

[lovbyts]

Well, running a higher amount could increase chance of gyno & neg sides correct?
I wouldn't have had anything to prevent/treat any issues.
Only thing my dumbass had on hand was deca.
Not the proudest moment of my life.
*Facepalm* lol

True about the gyno but most other sides are not really mg related as much such as ED and HPTA recovery.

[ProStatus]

True about the gyno but most other sides are not really mg related as much such as ED and HPTA recovery.

Good to know. Just been cramming my brain with knowledge over the past year.
Love this place! Lots of extremely knowledgeable people to ensure the rookies are successful.
(Provided the noob isn't a total idiot)
There's only so much the experts can do across the computer screen - but it's much appreciated & I'm taking this a million times more serious than the good ol college days.

[lovbyts]

With age comes wisdom; most of the time.
Ive been here 5 years and learning daily.

[ProStatus]

My hunger for more knowledge will never cease.
Knowing is half the battle!
Other half is getting shit done!!!

[tigerspawn]

True about the gyno but most other sides are not really mg related as much such as ED and HPTA recovery.

Most medications have side effects that are related to the amount of medicine taken. These side effects are said to be dose related because the number of side effects noted and the level of discomfort they cause increase as the dose of the medicine is increased. Why would AAS be different?

[ProStatus]

Most medications have side effects that are related to the amount of medicine taken. These side effects are said to be dose related because the number of side effects noted and the level of discomfort they cause increase as the dose of the medicine is increased. Why would AAS be different?

Yeah, I mean I have heard that there is no need to up dosages because it will really just add more sides....
but whatevz.

[analovz]

Your not symptomatic so why should I pay for your BW?

What the hello bro? Really?


OP tell your doctor that your an athlete and these numbers are important to you because of the legal supps your taking. Also, your coach wants to know these numbers as well to see how the supps affect them.