HRT Help

[doctnj]

Been on compounded Androgel for about 11 weeks. I was on 50 mg for six and had Free test checked. It was 3.07 w range 4 - 30. They upped it to 100 about 3 weeks ago. Still no improvement in symptoms. I have been reading this forum and many others for the past few months when this journey started. Oh and my original total test was 245. Low end of this labs range 350. I talked with the pharmacist and he thought I would need to double yet again but my urologist's nurse stopped him dead in his tracks and said the dr. thought I should wait at least 8 weeks on 100mg before considering increasing. I have had all the classic symptoms for several years and finally had things checked. I had no idea it was as bad as it is. I see the test.com and considering trying the injectable route. I have read and seen crisler (sp) webfomercials etc. anyone ever go through the hgh bz website. They claim dr.s from florida will watch things and can use my labs since they are recent. oh and psa 0.5. When I called two days ago to ask for my labs the gal that helped me said " I dont see why that would be a problem" REALLY. They never once told me what any of my values were!! I just want to know if I ditch my doc, that whom ever takes over my care will be there. Life time decision and all!!

Thanks

[kelkel]

Welcome doctnj!

What put you on TRT in the first place? Meaning what was the exact diagnosis beyond just low T? Primary, secondary, trauma, age related...
How old are you and estimated body fat level?
If you have pre-TRT blood work please post it up with ranges. It will help us help you.
Is HCG in the picture or an AI if needed?

Now, not all people absorb gels well. You may be one that just plain doesn't and may need to switch to injections. When it comes to checking BW on gels you do not have to wait 8 weeks. You should see a difference in BW in two weeks.

When it comes to Crisler he is one of the most respected men in his field when it comes to HRT. Please avoid clinics such as what you described. Most tend to put you on cycle doses and then not monitor you properly. Other than how much you pay. If your doc does not work out for you check out lowT.com and give them a call. It's put together by people who understand exactly what we need in the TRT world.

Again, welcome and post up more info if possible.

[doctnj]

To start off with I am 46. And those were all the numbers I was given. By the looks of the lab sheets those were the only numbers on them. I have had very low libido, ed, depression, lethargy, etc etc etc. plain just dont want to do anything. pcp has been treating me with for ed and antidepressants for number of years The site I was referring to asked to have me get labs done. and me being me, doctorate degree and all, I would be SURE to keep up on my lab values. Endocrinology is not my field.

[doctnj]

Oh and on the topic of hcg and aI no nothing. I asked about the ai at our first visit and he said I dont have to worrie about that. poorly monitored locally and wrong stuff or poorly monitored from afar and mostly the right stuff. ????

as far as body fat. I am 6 ft and about 195. A little extra padding around the mid section but not too bad. Not fat by any means.

[Rusty11]

Of course, kel is right in the money with his questions/comments. So, nothing really to add except to say that your labs are yours. I don't understand why some docs guard them as if it's a matter of national security. I don't get bw at my doc's lab. I go to a local hospital, fill out a short form to have my bw mailed to me, get my results in a week, then wait three weeks for the nurse to call and say, "Everything looks good". I just roll my eyes and say,"thanks".

[kelkel]

Well, you really need to acquire copies of your BW pre TRT. There are many things that can cause low T beyond just age. Hypothyroidism will cause low T as can pituitary tumors, varicoceles and cortisol, just to name a few. In other words, you may be on TRT unnecessarily, or it could very well be age related. Most docs just don't understand hormones unless they take an interest in it or are A4M Certified. It just really would have been nice to have had a proper diagnosis before embarking on this journey.

That said, TRT is for life (usually) so choose carefully. Take the time to read all the sticky threads at the top of this forum and self-educate. Particularly regarding HCG and Aromatase Inhibitors. Remember, less is more in this world. In the Finding a Doc Sticky is a list of recommended blood work for you as well.

Keep us posted on this thread please!

kel