Tested low, prescription too expensive. Alternatives?

**TUnit** · 12-29-2015, 12:51 PM

So I went to the doctor and got some bloodwork done a few weeks ago. I had them basically do a full physical and check my test levels, and got my results back. My test is extremely low, Im 31 and my level was 320 on a normal scale of 350 to 1100. I made a follow up appointment and went in hoping to get prescribed trt, as they told me last time we could possibly do if its low. However they want to charge a ridiculous amount for a year supply, not sure if i can say amounts on here.

Anyways, I have done a few cycles in my lifetime but it has been years since I touched the stuff. Ive had low test levels all my life even before my first cycle, and now that Im 31 and its dropped below the normal range I would like to get on trt. But I find it silly to pay an arm and leg for it when I can get it for a fraction of the cost my "old ways". We're talking I can get a one year supply on my own for what this doctor would charge for one dose, literally lol. I did the math.

So my question is can I go that route, and for the guys on here that do that what would your suggestions be to make it easier on myself? Also is it best to use human grade for something like this? Now keep in mind I would still like to be monitored and I will tell the doctor what Im doing. That will be a fun conversation with the doc lol. Before I attempt this I'm going to try a few different doctors becausw I do have insurance. Im just really having a hard time grasping that it would cost me that much with insurance. Although the company I started with months ago uses UMR and i know nothing of them.

Are there any other suggestions that you all could recommend or to be careful of?

**Trapology** · 12-29-2015, 12:56 PM

of course you can use youre own gear there is nothing wrong with that

you can also try to go to another doctor maybe

What do you mena by saying "make things easier on myself"

THere is no difference between UG and human grade as long s the UG in good quality

**TUnit** · 12-29-2015, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by Trapology

of course you can use youre own gear there is nothing wrong with that

you can also try to go to another doctor maybe

What do you mena by saying "make things easier on myself"

THere is no difference between UG and human grade as long s the UG in good quality

Im pretty familiar with trt, Ive done some research and know some of the basics. But I will need and want to know everything about before doing it in my own. Then in the meantime while I'm researching Im going to keep looking at other doctors. I know I'll need hcg in case I ever want to get off or if I ever want to try and have a kid. I was just thinking if there were any tips or suggestions that people have to go along with doing it myself. Supplements or type of test or just anything that helped others who went at it by themselves. The doctor told me the testosterone they wanted to put me on was not synthetic, however I thought it was all synthetic. So thats why I was wondering if they meant human grade.

**bass** · 12-29-2015, 01:39 PM

many of us thought we knew everything there is about TRT but we keep learning new stuff everyday, i am on my fourth year and still learning! i highly recommend to seek a good doc to treat you. you need to see what your issue is first, low T at a young age could be anything. you say you are familiar with TRT, list the important t hings you need to take/do for proper TRT protocol.

**TUnit** · 12-29-2015, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by bass

many of us thought we knew everything there is about TRT but we keep learning new stuff everyday, i am on my fourth year and still learning! i highly recommend to seek a good doc to treat you. you need to see what your issue is first, low T at a young age could be anything. you say you are familiar with TRT, list the important t hings you need to take/do for proper TRT protocol.

Well I've had all my bloodwork done to make sure Im good and healthy, and also had my prostate checked out. Only thing that was just above normal was my bad cholesterol, so they did a more thorough blood test and waiting on the results back for that. I would run most likely 100mgs a week and get some more bloodwork done in about 4 to 6 week to see where my levels are at and check everything else. Id also do hcg at 500 a week and also have an AI on hand in case I bloat. I was also thinking of adding DHEA along with it as I hear its a good addition.

**TUnit** · 12-29-2015, 02:04 PM

Id like my levels to be on the higher end if Im going to be on trt so I would see what 100mgs puts me at, and maybe bump it to 200 depending on my bloodwork. Im so ready to start now as I feel my levels have probably been low now for a few years. But I dont want to rush. I feel I've lost a lot of energy and sex drive, Ive also lost a lot of muscle and gained some fat around my midsection. It doesnt seem to change no matter how good my diet and workout is. Getting to the gym is even a task, where as a few years ago I couldn't wait to get to the gym. Although I think when I stopped waiting tables and started at more of a desk job was when I noticed the biggest change in my body lol. I almost miss waiting tables because of how easy it was to lose weight, I could drop 5 to 10 pounds in just a few days of working doubles

**< <Samson> >** · 12-29-2015, 02:57 PM

Do your research - lots & lots of research

Like mentioned above, there is always something more to learn when it comes to just about any medication - test supplementation is no dif

It would be nice to have a doc on your side while being on TRT. But, it's not an option for myself - so, I try my best to stay on top of every angle that I can think of. It's difficult for sure - just about everyone who asks me in person on exactly what I do & what I take can't make any sense of what I do.

**Mr.BB** · 12-29-2015, 03:19 PM

So your testosterone is low and the doctor just write a prescription without doing any other exams to diagnose the cause???

There's something weird in the way US doctors practice medicine IMHO...

**Trapology** · 12-29-2015, 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by Mr.BB

So your testosterone is low and the doctor just write a prescription without doing any other exams to diagnose the cause???

There's something weird in the way US doctors practice medicine IMHO...

Doctors in america are concerned with making money

We have a saying here "there is no money in the cure"

**TUnit** · 12-29-2015, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by Mr.BB

So your testosterone is low and the doctor just write a prescription without doing any other exams to diagnose the cause???

There's something weird in the way US doctors practice medicine IMHO...

Yeah, all they did was some bloodwork and a physical then reviewed it and offered a solution. This is a doctor I went to a while back when I was addicted to pain pills, they gave me some medicine for it and I remembered they said they did hormone replacement. What are the other causes of low testosterone ? Ive got an appointment with my family doctor next week and hopefully he can either offer help or refer me to another. That doctor did do another extensive bloodwork check up so I should hear back on that this week

**Simon1972** · 12-29-2015, 06:06 PM

What was the monthly cost? Get a copy of your results and start seeing other Dr's , you can tell them that your previous Dr tried to get you to buy direct from them and that you prefer a prescription. You just need to find the right Dr.

**TUnit** · 12-29-2015, 06:48 PM

Originally Posted by Simon1972

What was the monthly cost? Get a copy of your results and start seeing other Dr's , you can tell them that your previous Dr tried to get you to buy direct from them and that you prefer a prescription. You just need to find the right Dr.

Thats what Im thinking too. The monthly cost of it was suppose to be around $250. I would maybe pay that per 10ml bottle that would last me 5 months, but theres no way Im paying that amount per month. I have a copy of my bloodwork and Im getting copies of the extensive work they did. I have another appointment with a new doctor next week.

**Mr.BB** · 12-29-2015, 06:59 PM

Originally Posted by TUnit

What are the other causes of low testosterone? Ive got an appointment with my family doctor next week and hopefully he can either offer help or refer me to another. That doctor did do another extensive bloodwork check up so I should hear back on that this week

Cancer... among others...

**kelkel** · 12-29-2015, 07:28 PM

Post your BW up here when you get it please.
Many doc's simply don't know hormones or for that matter what other physiological processes may suppress them.
Find the cause before you put a band aid on it.

You say you've had low T even before your first cycle. Well, maybe you've had a thyroid issue before your first cycle, or a cortisol issue, prolactin issue, pathology issue, old trauma issue, testicular issue. In other words, figure it out first so you enter into TRT so you can do it with a clear conscience.

Using UGL gear would be an absolute last resort, imho. The quality of UGL gear can change from batch to batch, or bathtub to bathtub. If you're going to be injecting something for life I'd think you want it to be pharm grade. BTW, with a script you can get a 10 ml bottle of test at Costco for about $40 give or take.

**Simon1972** · 12-30-2015, 04:09 AM

Originally Posted by TUnit

Thats what Im thinking too. The monthly cost of it was suppose to be around $250. I would maybe pay that per 10ml bottle that would last me 5 months, but theres no way Im paying that amount per month. I have a copy of my bloodwork and Im getting copies of the extensive work they did. I have another appointment with a new doctor next week.

thta dr is simply preying on your vunerability, keep knocking on doors, one dr will be able to help you, antiaging drs can help, they tend to also be expensive. But as kel said if you can get a script supplied $40 a vial , thats cheap. Good luck and keep persisting and look at that thyroid. .

**< <Samson> >** · 12-30-2015, 08:28 AM

Here in AZ you will "never" get a script for test. In the last few years even the anti aging clinics will not provide a script - they require you to go in for shots once weekly.

Throughout all of my juicing so far, I have not seen anyone here get a script for test.

**kelkel** · 12-30-2015, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by < <Samson> >

Here in AZ you will "never" get a script for test. In the last few years even the anti aging clinics will not provide a script - they require you to go in for shots once weekly.

Throughout all of my juicing so far, I have not seen anyone here get a script for test.

It's time to move.

**TUnit** · 12-30-2015, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by kelkel

Post your BW up here when you get it please.
Many doc's simply don't know hormones or for that matter what other physiological processes may suppress them.
Find the cause before you put a band aid on it.

You say you've had low T even before your first cycle. Well, maybe you've had a thyroid issue before your first cycle, or a cortisol issue, prolactin issue, pathology issue, old trauma issue, testicular issue. In other words, figure it out first so you enter into TRT so you can do it with a clear conscience.

Using UGL gear would be an absolute last resort, imho. The quality of UGL gear can change from batch to batch, or bathtub to bathtub. If you're going to be injecting something for life I'd think you want it to be pharm grade. BTW, with a script you can get a 10 ml bottle of test at Costco for about $40 give or take.

Thank you, will do! What numbers are you interested in most or do you want to see them all? I have a copy of my first blood panel and testosterone bloodwork. The extensive bloodwork wont come back till end of the week. They were a little concerned with my cholesterol being a little above normal, the bad cholesterol (LDL i think), and my glucose levels being on the higher end of normal, and also my blood pressure was just above normal during my first visit. Doctor said I may have diabetes. I told her I go to the bathroom a lot throughout the day, and especially at night. Ill get up in the middle of the night 2 to 6 times, it sucks. Also Im more thirsty at night, but thats also when Im more active and awake. So i dont know this doctor may not know what shes talking about.

Ive got an appointment set up next week with a doctor my parents like and go to, so Im hoping the can shed some light on this and see what they think or what they want to do. They want to see all the bloodwork that Ive had done over the last month. But your right and that is what I plan on doing, only as a last alternative. I havent been to the doctor in a long time so I dont know what is all going on with my body and it would be nice to before I do anything drastic. Last time I went to the doctor was 3 years, and that was for my addiction, thats when my test levels were low but not below. Then the last time before that was 5 years before that, my test levels were also low. But like you all are saying, I want to make sure there is nothing else underlying

**Simon1972** · 12-30-2015, 04:15 PM

Originally Posted by < <Samson> >

Here in AZ you will "never" get a script for test. In the last few years even the anti aging clinics will not provide a script - they require you to go in for shots once weekly.

Throughout all of my juicing so far, I have not seen anyone here get a script for test.

Samson, Is that the law or a policy? im not aware of the laws in the USA, here in Australia i get scripts and inject myself. Although the majority of guys on trt in OZ go in for their pins at the dr. (and pay per visit-so i assume its the same)

If it is then that sucks- i bet diabetics dont have to visit a dr for each pin.

**kelkel** · 12-30-2015, 04:18 PM

Tunit post it all up when you get it. Just redact your personal info, etc.

**2Sox** · 01-03-2016, 04:49 PM

Others have said all that is necessary. Find a doctor and get tested until you find what is causing your condition.

When you find out, get a script, go to GoodRx online, and get a coupon for T Cyp to bring to your local Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, etc. Cost is as low as $43 at Walgreens. In fact get the app for your smartphone and just show them the coupon on the phone.

By the way, this is the cost WITHOUT your insurance. In other words, tell the pharmacy that you are paying for this in cash and not to put it through your insurance company.

Samson,
To my knowledge the FDA no longer permits doctors to keep supplies of T in their offices so I'm surprised (and doubtful) about the fact you state about your state. This is a fairly recent development. A very well known doctor I go to here in NYC with a huge TRT practice is no longer permitted to do this, so I know this firsthand. But patients can always bring in the vial to the office to have the doctor inject them but why they'd opt to do this is beyond me.

**bigdil511** · 01-03-2016, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by 2Sox

Others have said all that is necessary. Find a doctor and get tested until you find what is causing your condition. When you find out, get a script, go to GoodRx online, and get a coupon for T Cyp to bring to your local Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, etc. Cost is as low as $43 at Walgreens. In fact get the app for your smartphone and just show them the coupon on the phone. By the way, this is the cost WITHOUT your insurance. In other words, tell the pharmacy that you are paying for this in cash and not to put it through your insurance company. Samson, To my knowledge the FDA no longer permits doctors to keep supplies of T in their offices so I'm surprised (and doubtful) about the fact you state about your state. This is a fairly recent development. A very well known doctor I go to here in NYC with a huge TRT practice is no longer permitted to do this, so I know this firsthand. But patients can always bring in the vial to the office to have the doctor inject them but why they'd opt to do this is beyond me.

I'm on Long Island and still my dr office has 10ml bottles of test all over the place.

**2Sox** · 01-03-2016, 08:15 PM

Originally Posted by bigdil511

I'm on Long Island and still my dr office has 10ml bottles of test all over the place.

I'm not surprised. So does mine. Each has a patients name on it. Patients come in for their shots.

Meanwhile, if he's not following FDA protocol, he'll regret it. .

**bigdil511** · 01-04-2016, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by 2Sox

I'm not surprised. So does mine. Each has a patients name on it. Patients come in for their shots. Meanwhile, if he's not following FDA protocol, he'll regret it. .

That's probably how they get away with it but they use it for everyone.

**Metalject** · 01-04-2016, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by < <Samson> >

Here in AZ you will "never" get a script for test. In the last few years even the anti aging clinics will not provide a script - they require you to go in for shots once weekly.

Throughout all of my juicing so far, I have not seen anyone here get a script for test.

I can think of three places off the top of my head that write RX's for testosterone in AZ and allow for self-administration.

**MalibuRockstar** · 01-05-2016, 02:30 AM

At 320, you're unlikely to find a doctor who will prescribe.

Did you get checked for Thyroid (TSH, T3, T4) and adrenal fatigue (Cortisol, DHEA)?

At 31, I would bet this is a thyroid or adrenal fatigue issue.

If you don't want to pay the monthly payments, you're going to have to order overseas. Not the worst thing, but I would look into Adrenal Fatigue, Thyroid, exercise, sleep more and eat better - good luck!

**2Sox** · 01-07-2016, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by MalibuRockstar

At 320, you're unlikely to find a doctor who will prescribe.

Did you get checked for Thyroid (TSH, T3, T4) and adrenal fatigue (Cortisol, DHEA)?

At 31, I would bet this is a thyroid or adrenal fatigue issue.

If you don't want to pay the monthly payments, you're going to have to order overseas. Not the worst thing, but I would look into Adrenal Fatigue, Thyroid, exercise, sleep more and eat better - good luck!

You can always find a doctor with a different philosophy regarding blood levels of T and treatment. You hear it all the time on this forum. Don't give up. But as Malibu makes clear, it's a must to check out the cause of your condition when you find one.