How long to get a TRT script?

[boisebeast]

Question for you guys on TRT... how many doctor's visits did it take before the doc wrote you a script? For example, if I go into the doc, we decide to do bloodwork and it comes back showing low T levels, will the doc write me a script on the spot? Or will I have to come back 2-3 times for blood work over a period of time before they'll write the script? Also would it make a difference if I have bloodwork through a private lab showing low test levels or would they just disregard that? Thanks in advance for your help guys

[Quester]

I don't think it matters where you get BW unless the doc's office is screwing it up. My doc first prescribed HCG. Both BW were between 400-500. It probably helps to mention quality of life factors (look up low T and low DHT). Also, probably better to avoid endocrinologists and urologists in favor of a TRT doc (best) or maybe a GP. Endo's focus on the number and they are conservative, quality of life factors seem to play much lower with them.

[boisebeast]

I don't think it matters where you get BW unless the doc's office is screwing it up. My doc first prescribed HCG. Both BW were between 400-500. It probably helps to mention quality of life factors (look up low T and low DHT). Also, probably better to avoid endocrinologists and urologists in favor of a TRT doc (best) or maybe a GP. Endo's focus on the number and they are conservative, quality of life factors seem to play much lower with them.

Thanks for that great info! Do you have any input for how many doctors visits/blood tests it usually takes before the doc will write you a script?

[Baxter35]

Well, for me it only took one visit, but I already had a known thyroid problem and my T levels were under 200. Honestly, a good doctor should take a few visits along with thourough blood work and as much effort as possible to determine the cause of the low T. In my opinion, a dr. who just looks at one set of bloodwork and throws someone on TRT isn't really the best doc. If you do in fact need TRT, you want someone who understands hormones and will do their best to get you the best results with the lowest T dose. More is not always better with TRT. Having said that, title doesn't matter, endo, urologist, gp, they can all be good or bad.

[charger69]

I don't think it matters where you get BW unless the doc's office is screwing it up. My doc first prescribed HCG. Both BW were between 400-500. It probably helps to mention quality of life factors (look up low T and low DHT). Also, probably better to avoid endocrinologists and urologists in favor of a TRT doc (best) or maybe a GP. Endo's focus on the number and they are conservative, quality of life factors seem to play much lower with them.

I second that. Stay away from endo's. My Doc did testing out the wazoo and finally prescribed the gel. I told him I had concerns with the gel because of possible transfer. He did not want to prescribe test himself so he sent me to an endo. I had test levels of less than 200, he asked for free test to be checked. I was right at the min and he said that the risk outweighed the benefit and I was within the range for free test and denied TRT. He not once resolved the issues (low libido/fatigue) and that was it.
Went back to my Dr. And he said that if a specialist had stated no, he was not going to stick his neck out and overide them. He basically stated that he was going to do bw upon bw to look for other reasons and this would continue until I left well enough alone. NOTE: he was not that blunt, I gave my interpretation of what he said.

[boisebeast]

Thank you for sharing your experiences guys. It sounds like going to a TRT/anti aging clinic may be a good route to go then? Again I appreciate your input, I know very little about how the medical process for this goes

[balin]

2 visits to the first Dr. One for blood work then the second to discuss it that is when he fired me as a patient. Took the results to a Urologist who gave me a script.

[charger69]

I am assuming that you are located in Boise, ID. US Dr's usually require a number of tests. Ingeneral, they are pretty conservative because they are prescribing a schedule III drug. I am sure that this is monitored in some form.
The other side is they are not really familiar with TRT and are afraid of the unknown.

[boisebeast]

Thank you guys, lots of really good info. And yes, it's a shame that test is considered a schedule 3 drug the US...

[Quester]

Also, not a a big marketing push and no pharma reps going out pushing test.

Endos suck, stay away. Go to the hrt doc. That's how he makes his money.

[LeeSin1]

It took me almost 6-7 bloodworks, and about 12 different visits before I was placed on TRT. Then I had to go into the office and pay them $50 a week for them to give me one injection, every week. Then, finally, I got them to give me the TRT as a prescription, and I started paying $50 every 2 months. Ridiculous price at first, but it's what my ENDO made me do... I switched to a general practitioner soon after.

[Quester]

I think after a specialist (an Endo) prescibes trt, a gp is much more comfortable doing it for you at a minimum of cost and time.

[charger69]

I think after a specialist (an Endo) prescibes trt, a gp is much more comfortable doing it for you at a minimum of cost and time.

So true. My gp basically said that the specialist did not prescribe it so he was going to do testing until I got tired. There s no way that he would overide a specialist.

[Rob L]

Originally, I saw a urologist. Bloodwork showed total test at 325, which was apparently "normal" to him since the range states 300-1100. Fast forward 1.5 years later and still feeling all of the textbook symptoms of low T but this time I saw an endo. T was actually lower, around 192 total. He wrote a scrip that day for TRT. I think it's going to depend mostly on who you see and if they are ok with just "normal" or if they will help you regain "optimal."

[boisebeast]

Thanks guys, I've been reading replies even though I haven't jumped back into the conversation. Lots of great info! I appreciate it!

[MTheoryFreak]

Question for you guys on TRT... how many doctor's visits did it take before the doc wrote you a script? For example, if I go into the doc, we decide to do bloodwork and it comes back showing low T levels, will the doc write me a script on the spot? Or will I have to come back 2-3 times for blood work over a period of time before they'll write the script? Also would it make a difference if I have bloodwork through a private lab showing low test levels or would they just disregard that? Thanks in advance for your help guys

I just started TRT. My GP did 2 sets of labs 2 weeks apart. She offered me the gel. It is the only form of treatment they offer. I took my lab work to a TRT clinic. They viewed my labs and put me on TRT that visit. Now I am just waiting ton get labs in 3 weeks. I was put on 100 a week of cypionate. They offer HCG if I decide to go that route. The use Arimidex to manage E2. All sounds great. The only drawback is the clinic doesn't accept insurance so I have to pay out of pocket. For me a clinic was the way to go.