Low T Advice

[Waylander]

42 year old male - been suffering the many of the symptoms of low testosterone for the last couple years. (Lack of energy, weight gain, poor sleep, less sexual appetite, etc.) Finally had the doctor issue a blood test for low T....

Mine came back at 260. The doctor says normal range for my age is 300-860. He is proposing subscribing a pump gel (1.25) which would cost 33 a month with my insurance. (Wife got the information from the doc over the phone today - I go to see him tomorrow.)

What should I be asking him? Why gel instead of injectable? Would it be worth it for me to take a look at something like lowtestosterone.com? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

-way

[Bio-Active]

I would discuss all available options with your dr. Did he run any other tests besides total testosterone?

[Brett N]

LowT.com is $199 a month - insurance not accepted. They provide everything from syringes, alcohol pads, blood tests, test, hcg, ai (if needed)

I have read that gels do not necessarily work for all.

Personally, I like being in control of all my own injections. I also like having people work with me as a team against my symptoms instead of someone who just says "do as I say" Not all are like that. I like knowing LowT is on the cutting edge of treatment and uses new standards instead of ones that were thought good years ago.

[kelkel]

Personal choice. I've done gels and they worked ok for a while. But the daily grind of putting it on gets old fast. Some top doc's are proponents of it as it mimics the diurnal nature of your bodies endogenous testosterone production.

Twice weekly SQ test injections are becoming more popular as they are effective, efficient and just plain simple. Consider this option along with IM injections, which many also do twice weekly to maintain more consistent T levels.

Caveat is you need to find out why your T is low first, BEFORE you embark on TRT. Is it simply age related or is something else driving it such as a thyroid issue, pathology, etc. Get a copy of your BW from your Doc or the lab. Start maintaining them on your own. You paid for it.

Low T, as stated above is a very viable option. You know you will deal with experts in the actual HRT field if you go that route. Remember, most docs just are not trained in hormones unless they pursue it on their own.

[bass]

going to a family doc for low T is like going to a janitor for a legal advice. if you can afford to pay out of pocket my advice is to talk to LowT.com, this way you won't go though hell getting the right treatment. LowY.com consultation is free I believe!

[Low Testosterone]

Yes, you can call and talk about your situation and options for free. No charge, no pressure.

[Waylander]

You make a lot of sense. Do you recommend going to an endo to get the cause checked out before seeking TRT?

I'm assuming that lowtestosterone.com would only treat the symptoms and not the root cause - which is why I went to my MD first.

Personal choice. I've done gels and they worked ok for a while. But the daily grind of putting it on gets old fast. Some top doc's are proponents of it as it mimics the diurnal nature of your bodies endogenous testosterone production.

Twice weekly SQ test injections are becoming more popular as they are effective, efficient and just plain simple. Consider this option along with IM injections, which many also do twice weekly to maintain more consistent T levels.

Caveat is you need to find out why your T is low first, BEFORE you embark on TRT. Is it simply age related or is something else driving it such as a thyroid issue, pathology, etc. Get a copy of your BW from your Doc or the lab. Start maintaining them on your own. You paid for it.

Low T, as stated above is a very viable option. You know you will deal with experts in the actual HRT field if you go that route. Remember, most docs just are not trained in hormones unless they pursue it on their own.

[kelkel]

You make a lot of sense. Do you recommend going to an endo to get the cause checked out before seeking TRT?

I'm assuming that lowtestosterone.com would only treat the symptoms and not the root cause - which is why I went to my MD first.

The type of doctor is irrelevant. You just needs one who knows hormones and will treat you as a person based on how you feel and your symptoms, not a number on a chart.

LowT will tell you if TRT is not needed just as they'll tell you if it is.

[dreadnok89]

Not to be rude, but why is this doc talking to your wife? The guy didn't even go over any of the side effects haha. Jesus Christ's these Dr. Are just turning into pharma salesman

[Waylander]

I had asked the doctor to prescribe the blood test to check for low testosterone. Had the wife call today to get the results while I was at work so I could prepare for my visit tomorrow.

[dreadnok89]

Ahh OK good. I didnt know that was allowed. I thought just prescribing over the phone. My bad. Still a lot of information you need to know. I started hrt all willy nilly and thanks to this board figured a lot out

[dreadnok89]

Also if you can go lowt.com

[Waylander]

kekel thanks for all the info. This site is treasure of information.

dread - Totally need to a learn about this in hurry. I'm torn on going the lowt.com route because my insurance covers the gel so my copay would be much cheaper. 33/month vs 199/month. I'll probably call them anyway just to compare what they say versus what my normal doc says...