This may be it for me.

[Ricci82]

I am seeing an ENDO tomorrow that DOES specialize in hormone therapy. That does not fully say she knows what she is talking about but its a start. If i do not get the protocol that is the safest and most effective ( test cyp, HCG , AI) then i am throwing in the towel until i can find a doc that will treat me correctly. I am already in the mindset that i have to sell my condition rather than let my BW speak for it, and that may not be the best attitude to go in with but thats what i had to do with the BS doc's i have seen so far. From any of you guys that have seen ENDO's in the past is there anything i should be aware of or expecting them to say? I have never had to see an endo so i dont know. Thanks. I will update after my appt tomorrow.

[kelkel]

Just go there prepared with all your BW if you have it to prove your case. Know what your talking about and have a list of questions prepared. Know the answer to your questions before you ask it and if the answer is not what you've researched, ask why. The title endo in no way means they know hormones but hopefully in your case this one does! I knew more than the one I was originally sent to. Be respectful and nice but also get the point across that you've done your research and know how you want/need to be treated.

Let us know how you make out! Time to study for your appt!

kel

[ironbeck]

In many circumstances the more research you do and can actually talk to your doctor about the more they respect the fact that you are "PROACTIVE" this is something drs like and can respect! they will usually work with someone who is sincere and honest, level headed and responsible.

Basically what KEL said

[Ricci82]

I have BW dating back to last year when it was first discovered that LOW T was an issue. I also have DR Crislers HCG protocol and i did a lot of research in the half life of test cyp and the need for an AI. She should see my E2 is 75 on a range of 0-29. I have liquidex but i haven't used it yet in case she wanted to do BW. I hope this works out. Thanks guys.

[MickeyKnox]

Hang in there Ricci! Its a tough road for most of us, but there's light at the end of the tunnel.

Stay positive and above all, educate yourself.

[TennTarheel]

I totally empathize with you man. On one hand, some docs do actually like their patients to research and educate themselves, but then there are many docs that take it as an insult if you try to suggest anything. Some of them are just to arrogant to be open to any other idea than their own. I have definitely dealt with both, as a patient as well as professionally.

[steroid.com 1]

Are you covered by insurance?

If you're in range but not below the reference most (not all) insurance companies won't cover your protocol and most won't cover HCG let alone and AI.

IMO, insurance will cover a daily gel or cream in which case an AI is usually not needed.

You can get good quality HCG from a number of RS noted here from time to time.

Or, you can go to Dr. Crisler who does not accept insurance but he will give you the necessary codes to submit a claim on your own which many men do.

Hang in there, it can only get better and follow the advise of the guys above.

Keep us posted - in this thread - on your appointment.

gd

[Ricci82]

Are you covered by insurance?

If you're in range but not below the reference most (not all) insurance companies won't cover your protocol and most won't cover HCG let alone and AI.

IMO, insurance will cover a daily gel or cream in which case an AI is usually not needed.

You can get good quality HCG from a number of RS noted here from time to time.

Or, you can go to Dr. Crisler who does not accept insurance but he will give you the necessary codes to submit a claim on your own which many men do.

Hang in there, it can only get better and follow the advise of the guys above.

Keep us posted - in this thread - on your appointment.

gd

I am fully covered with insurance, i am in the Military so if i need certain medication my doc has to clearly justify the need for it. As far as the cream or gel, ive tried that for the past 5 months and i am not absorbing it. I have sources for HCG and Liquidex obtained from this site (thanks). I would go as far as paying Crisler to consult with my endo. Ill update tomorrow. Thanks again guys.

[Ricci82]

Went tot he endo today and was 98% a waste of time. We talked about the symptoms and LH and FSH, she kinda didnt like it or know what to say when i said that low LH and FSH would lead me to believe that my natural production of test was shutdown and that HCG would stimulate and bring back the natural production. I dont even know if she knows what a HPTA axis is. As far as my estrogen being 75 ona scale of 0-29, she said that was normal, test is going to aromatise, and that its nothing to worry about. She felt small masses of breast tissue under my nipples and still would not prescribe an AI. Her reasoning behind that was that HCG and Anastrolzole was experimental for this kinda stuff and that she was not trained on how to administer it. I think it was just the second part. At one point she told me that i dont know what to tell you. The only good thing to come out of it was that she is prescribing 200MG of cyp so i can get rid of the gel because of transferring to my 5 month old. I can get HCG and liquidex easily, i have some now. Do i go ahead witht he cyp and just procure the HCG and AI myself? or call it quits? I have no idea at this point.

[dan991]

Went tot he endo today and was 98% a waste of time. We talked about the symptoms and LH and FSH, she kinda didnt like it or know what to say when i said that low LH and FSH would lead me to believe that my natural production of test was shutdown and that HCG would stimulate and bring back the natural production. I dont even know if she knows what a HPTA axis is. As far as my estrogen being 75 ona scale of 0-29, she said that was normal, test is going to aromatise, and that its nothing to worry about. She felt small masses of breast tissue under my nipples and still would not prescribe an AI. Her reasoning behind that was that HCG and Anastrolzole was experimental for this kinda stuff and that she was not trained on how to administer it. I think it was just the second part. At one point she told me that i dont know what to tell you. The only good thing to come out of it was that she is prescribing 200MG of cyp so i can get rid of the gel because of transferring to my 5 month old. I can get HCG and liquidex easily, i have some now. Do i go ahead witht he cyp and just procure the HCG and AI myself? or call it quits? I have no idea at this point.

What state are you in? There are also PLENTY of out of state docs you can go see once/twice a year that a lot of us already use that can help you. In the long run... cheaper to fly out twice a year and do mail order than it is to get stuff underground and deal with all that especially since your in the military.

[kelkel]

Can't answer that as I don't recall seeing your BW nor do we know what caused the low T and whether it's correctable or not. Do you know by chance? I'd take the time to see a good doc. If you don't, I would not recommend starting with that dosage as it will wack your E even more. You should start low and titrate up based on BW. Even if that BW is done on your own.

[Ricci82]

Can't answer that as I don't recall seeing your BW nor do we know what caused the low T and whether it's correctable or not. Do you know by chance? I'd take the time to see a good doc. If you don't, I would not recommend starting with that dosage as it will wack your E even more. You should start low and titrate up based on BW. Even if that BW is done on your own.

THYROID PANEL
T3 UPTAKE: 33% Range 22-35%
T4 TOTAL: 6.3 Range 4.5-12.0
FREE T4 (T7): 2.1 Range 1.4-3.8
DHT: 35 Range 10-50
CBC
WBC: 5.2 Range 3.8-10.8
RBC: 5.31 Range 4.20-5.80
HEMATOCRIT: 49.1 Range 38.5-50.0
FSH: <0.7L Range 1.6-8.0
LH: <0.2L Range 1.5-9.3
PROLACTIN: 4.3 Range 2.0-18.0
CORTISOL: 9.5 Range 4.0-22.0
TESTOSTERONE TOTAL: 449 Range 250-1100
FREE TESTOSTERONE: 112.3 Range 35.0-155.0
ESTRADIOL ULTRA SENSITIVE: 75 H 0-29 PG/ML