TRT after 5 weekls and Dr.'s appt today

[jj341]

I'm new and have been reading through all the great info here. 6 weeks ago my blood work came back as Total Test 440 (250-1200) and Free Test as 5.6 (5.1-56). My Doctor prescribed Androderm Patch 4 Mg. and I had to pay for it myself as my health insurance would only cover Testim which I want to avoid because it's messy and it smells. Since then, my health insurance has agreed to cover Androderm 2 mg. Today I have an apt. with my doctor and I'll have him give me a script for Androderm 2 Mg. and he wants to take my blood work again to check on the Prostrate and Test levels since I started the Androderm.
I would like to know what else should be tested along with what I just mentioned? What about Estrogen? That's been mentioned here in several posts. So far the Androderm has been working. Thanks.

[kelkel]

Welcome jj! Take a look at the Finding a TRT Physician Sticky at the top of the forum and copy down the recommended blood work in it. Curious what your age is and if there is anything in your initial pre-TRT blood work that would cause the lower T levels. Did your doc discuss this with you and tell you what the cause is? Honestly most doc's do not understand hormones and to quickly place patients on treatment effectively putting a band aid on the problem instead of searching for, and correcting, the actual issue.

Gels/creams can work well for some people but many eventually end up on injections and they just seem to be more effective and efficient. They are also the cheapest route to go so I'm betting your insurance would clear them as well.

Many things can cause low T including hypothyroidism, pathologies, cortisol issues, etc. TRT is a god-send for those in need but it should be avoided as long as possible.

Welcome to the forum!

[jj341]

Thanks for the reply. I'm 62. The overall test wasn't that bad but I'd like to get it up to about 800 or so. The Free Test was at the low end so that's the one that may take time to address. I'm in good shape. 5' 11" 175 lbs and I work out everyday either lifting or cardio. I eat right and get enough sleep. All the other parts of my blood results were great. My blood test today is going to cover total and free test along with Prostrate. I'll get the results in 2 days. The isurance covers Androderm 2 mg. I picked up the script so I'll start using that instead of the Androderm 4 mg.
I figure if this course of treatment isn't helping I can go on the injections.