What needs to be monitored while on TRT?

[X99]

According to my research, while on Testosterone Replacement Therapy, the things that need to be checked regularly are:

1. Estradiol levels
2. Red blood cell count (to prevent blood clots)
3. DHT
4. T levels (of course)
5. gonad shrinkage (if concerned about this; HCG can prevent/reverse)

My doc neglected to discuss any of these with me before prescribing 175 mg/ml T compound cream (1 ml applied every morning), which I've been using for about 2 weeks. Is there anything else to monitor that I should be aware of? Also, he did prescribe me anastrozole (0.5 mg, 3 times per week) to prevent estradiol increase, but to my knowledge he did not test my estradiol levels before I began using the cream. My research hasn't turned up anything alarming about anastrozole, but I have noticed that some docs refuse to prescribe it for some reason - why is that?

Lastly, this is a shot in the dark, but does anyone know if there's a relationship between thyroid dysfunction and T levels?

Thanks much!

[The Deadlifting Dog]

Many on this forum claim that hypothyroidism can cause hypogonadism.

I myself have both.

However, I have yet to have a doctor tell me that hypothyroidism can cause hypogonadism. (I have asked my GP, 2 endos, and two online doctors.)

[bass]

many doctor are not HRT specialist, and that's why you get these kind of answers and stupid protocols. usually gels do not convert to E2 as much as injections, and its utterly stupid for your doc to put you on 1.5 mg AI per week blindly, its malpractice in my opinion. if anything gels tend to increase DHT more so than e2. you should demand e2 test, specifically the sensitive assay test to see where you're at then treat accordingly. once you start feeling muscle and joint aches, and low libido then you know you crashed your e2. I highly suggest to find another doc, and if you are paying out of pocket look no further than LowT.com.

[X99]

many doctor are not HRT specialist, and that's why you get these kind of answers and stupid protocols. usually gels do not convert to E2 as much as injections, and its utterly stupid for your doc to put you on 1.5 mg AI per week blindly, its malpractice in my opinion. if anything gels tend to increase DHT more so than e2. you should demand e2 test, specifically the sensitive assay test to see where you're at then treat accordingly. once you start feeling muscle and joint aches, and low libido then you know you crashed your e2. I highly suggest to find another doc, and if you are paying out of pocket look no further than LowT.com.

Thank you -- I'll do that. I took a look at LowT.com; is it supposed to list qualified specialists somewhere?

[bass]

best thing is to call them or simply contact LowT Mike.

[powerlifterty16]

Thank you -- I'll do that. I took a look at LowT.com; is it supposed to list qualified specialists somewhere?

lowt is a clinic of doctors who are up to date on trt treatment..which is important bc most drs arent up to date and can hurt you.
lowt is 2500 per year though.

[powerlifterty16]

best thing is to call them or simply contact LowT Mike.

i lowtestosterone.com is so good i have to wonder why mike hasnt changed his name to high t if the founder isnt high t who is ?

[X99]

Thanks very much guys, this is exactly what I need to know going forward. I'm going to make sure I get these tests done, and I'm probably going to switch to doing shots. Exposure concerns aside, having to apply the cream every single morning is a hassle, and I usually sweat some in the morning which of course can interfere with absorption. I found recommendations for a few andrologists near me over at tnation.com, one of whom is in network for my insurance. I would post the URL, but the spam software won't let me.