Non-TRT Friendly Doctor -- Thinking of Ordering something on my own -- Opinion?

[The Mayor]

Hi, first post, although I've been reading some threads here.

40 years old, been feeling really tired/shitty for a couple years, no libido, etc. etc. I'm in pretty good shape; decided to hit the gym for about a year and a half before I approached the doctor in case it was because I just got lazy.. 5'10", 175-180, not sure about body fat but probably around the 13-15% range (I like pizza...sue me!)

I finally decided to ask my PCP for a blood test to check my T level, although since I've never had it checked before I don't know what my levels were when I felt "normal." I think my first test came back about 360 TT, then a retest showed about 340 TT. According to the "normal range" I am at "low normal." That doesn't mean a lot to me because I have read that low-normal numbers might just as well apply to a healthy 70 year old, which wouldn't surprise me based on how I feel.

Anyway, after practically begging, PCP agreed to let me try Androgel and he wrote me a prescription for one 2.5 packet per day. I didn't realize until I got home from the pharmacy and read the insert that that was only 1/2 of the recommended starting dose. That doesn't surprise me though, based on how hard it was to get anything from him. I've been using it for 4 days now and I can't say I really feel anything. Maybe a TINY bit less lethargic, but that could very well be placebo or even just in my imagination altogether.

The PCP wants me to keep on this for 2 months then get another blood test. I have no idea if he'll bump me up to 2 2.5 packets per day after that, but I'm not holding my breath.

So, I put out an inquiry and got a few responses back from some places in China and I'm wondering if anyone here can give me some pointers on just the basic "get back to normal levels" stuff I should consider purchasing. I'm not looking to get some big endurance and muscle-building boost from this--I just want to start off getting to mid-range or upper 1/3 range and then I'll reconsider if I want to hazard anything additional.

I'm fine with injections. I'm fine with powder, provided I can just mix it with that SPMO or whatever it's called (get the initials mixed up...) and apply it topically, but I'm no chemist and don't want to break out the centrifuge, flasks, and beakers!

Thanks in advance,

TM

[steroid.com 1]

You indicate that you got blood work done which included Total Testosterone . Can you post your entire blood work here in this post complete with ranges?

The likelihood that you got all the necessary hormonal panels is probably not good I am sure; but it will be a start.

Four days on a transdermal is not enough time to "feel" anything yet. While transdermals get into the blood stream faster then other modes it still take a week or so before serum levels reach a peak.

Also note, transdermals are hit and miss with many men as absorption rates and amounts vary with many men so temper expectations.

I would follow you Physician's advise and wait till next blood work; in the mean time, study (not just read) the stickies at the top of the forum and be prepared and educated the next time you see him...this is very important.

As for purchasing controlled substances from foreign lands and self medicating is up to you but you should know the legal and health consequences and make an informed decision.

I will tell you this purely from a personal perspective; you don't have any knowledge whatsoever about how to self medicate by reading your post and you will end up hurting yourself in a bad way...in other words...probably not a good idea right now.

Find a TRT Clinic or TRT Doctor that will do the proper medical eval and put you on the proper course of treatment; this is the best advise I can give you my friend.

gd

[SD421]

Mayor-

I am in the same boat as you with the PCP, but this site and its knowledgable members have been enough to dissuade me from self treatment despite the availability of all the necessary items online. Without regular blood work, you'll never know what is working and what is not. I have further considerations at my age, since I plan on having more children also. There is also the consideration of whether or not you ever need to travel with your items without a script.

[Brazensol]

His under dosing you may be a blessing in disguise! I say this because I also started on the gel and it cut my total testosterone in half. If you are producing any test. naturally the gel will most likely cause your natural production to stop. Your next blood test will almost certainly be lower and probably will put you into the low category. If this happens and you are offered injections I would recommend you take those over the gel but you may prefer the gel.