Do You Care About the Type of Doctor?

**Metalject** · 09-10-2014, 10:00 PM

Just as the thread title says, do you care what type of doctor you go to for your TRT? I know a lot of you don't but for the every day guy, not some former steroid user, do you feel better because the doctor is an endocrinologist or urologist? Personally I'd go to a pediatrician if they had a basic understanding of TRT. It's not a complicated thing that some of these endos seem to make it out to be and I do not understand the idea many people hold to that it has to be an endo for it to be good TRT.

The reason for this thread - I was talking to an old college buddy the other day, he's never used steroids and not a meathead by any means, but it sounds like he may be a TRT candidate. I recommended a doctor to him but because that doctor is not an endocrinologist he had no interest and there is no changing his mind.

Anyway, just wondering what the thought process is for some of you who will only go to a specialist like this. That's obviously you're right to do so and I'm not here to knock anyone, I'd just like to know if anyone has a good reason other than "because he's an endo."

**Lifted1** · 09-10-2014, 10:44 PM

I think a certain title (specialist) makes a lot of people "feel" like they're going to get superior care, when we all know, that's usually not the case.

**Times Roman** · 09-10-2014, 10:47 PM

the difference between my endo and my GP is considerable

**2Sox** · 09-11-2014, 06:16 AM

I agree with Metal. It wouldn't make a bit of difference to me - as long as the provider really knew what he or she was doing. As time goes by, and as I speak to more men about TRT (and listen to their stories here), and hear their feedback about what their doctors think about it - the more I've come to see how sadly lacking in knowledge most doctors are in the basics of TRT. It is a job in itself finding competent practitioners let alone debunking the damage that last year's JAMA article did. It's absolutely incredible how ignorant so many doctors are on this subject. We all have more to learn but we are a fortunate minority who have been able to educate ourselves and each other - and continue to do so.

**APIs** · 09-11-2014, 08:46 AM

While my Doc is an Endo that specializes in TRT & Men's health exclusively, I suspect a GP could do the same if he applied himself to it in an effort to cover all the necessary bases...

**Low Testosterone** · 09-11-2014, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by APIs

While my Doc is an Endo that specializes in TRT & Men's health exclusively, I suspect a GP could do the same if he applied himself to it in an effort to cover all the necessary bases...

The GP and Endo would have to apply themselves the same. The endo isn't learning something in medical school that the GP is not or vice versa, not when it comes to TRT. The false sense of security many have because it's an endo is just that, false. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying endos are bad, there are plenty of good ones. Although when it comes to TRT, there are more that are lacking than not.

The false senses of security we all tend to carry is strange when you think about it. I'm sure there are some that will only buy name brand commercial testosterone , despite the generic or compounded being made from the same powders that were obtained from the same place. Even OTC meds are this way - we can buy generic ibuprofen for nothing, yet most will stay pay the extra few bucks because the box says Motrin.

**clarky.** · 09-11-2014, 10:33 AM

When i went to my doc with my case she ran bloods and refered me to the endo straight away. When i spoke to the endo she told me if i had any problems to contact her as she has more knowledge than the doc in trt.
This was a long time ago so just saying how it was for me.

**APIs** · 09-11-2014, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by Low Testosterone

The false senses of security we all tend to carry is strange when you think about it. I'm sure there are some that will only buy name brand commercial testosterone, despite the generic or compounded being made from the same powders that were obtained from the same place. Even OTC meds are this way - we can buy generic ibuprofen for nothing, yet most will stay pay the extra few bucks because the box says Motrin.

FYI Generics are not always an exact equivalent opposite what the industry would like you to believe. While a vast majority of the generic meds are equivalent to original patented formulations (i.e. Ibuprofen, Naproxen Sodium, Antibiotics etc.), there are some generics that are not as bioavailable/efficacious as the original med. Patented meds can sometimes contain unique carriers and/or dissolution technologies which are covered under separate patents which do not allow it to be 100% copied in the Generic versions.

**Chauffeur** · 09-11-2014, 05:27 PM

I don't care at all. I was just happy to finally have a doctor who realized that my testosterone levels sucked and acknowledge that low T was the reason I felt so shitty.

My doctor is a urologist. Good guy, knows TRT, and is good about getting back to me if I have any questions.

**luciuswillson** · 09-11-2014, 08:40 PM

I don't care as long as they know their shit. There are endo's who do diabetes all day and don't know what the hell is TRT is then there is the nurse practitioner who may have her shit really together and understand all things TRT. I think it depends on what they know and how they prescribe. Personally I go to a urologist just because he ask the right questions but not too many questions to get nosey.