That makes a big difference.
I'm aware of that. I was just doing what one of the doctors recommended.
No benefits here. OHIP only.
I have no doubt you are correct. That said, it does make me wonder what all the guys who blast and cruise for years on end do for their sourcing.
I didn't think I would need to spell it out, but I guess I do since you keep making errant assumptions.
1) Every blood test I have done was a pretty complete panel, according to what the stickies recommend. I don't have the list on hand but can provide one for you if you'd like confirmation.
2) Every test was done on the same day of the week and at the same time. My time is limited, and schedule is tight. The only exception is that I didn't train on the day of one of the tests. Results didn't vary much (aside from the higher Estradiol reading.)
Is that what you got out of everything I said? I'll try to make it more clear...
I was planning a first cycle, got my blood tested to establish a baseline (full panel of what is recommended in the "Planning & Executing Your First Cycle" sticky.) Noticed the rock bottom T/FT levels and abandoned the idea of a cycle to get this stuff looked at by my family doctor.
Family doctor gave me the runaround, will not provide TRT because it isn't a medically necessary treatment. I tried contacting a few endos, none of whom accept appointments unless you are referred by your family doctor. I contacted several family doctors in my area. Most are not taking new patients and wouldn't see me. Eventually managed to get appointments with 2 other doctors. Both gave me the same explanation as my family doctor. TRT is not medically necessary, it's only cosmetic/anti-aging. Eat healthy, get some exercise, take some natural test boosters, etc.
I did not just "listen to some hearsay from my family doctor about TRT". I searched for a doctor who would help me. None seemed interested. All gave me the distinct impression that I wouldn't find help for this issue in Canada. I told my doctor if I didn't find someone who would assist, I'd just do it myself. While she didn't like that, she said she'd help monitor my bloods to make sure things are good.
Your point is loud and clear. If you have another suggestion about how to get a doctor on board, I'm all ears. One doctor, I look for another opinion. 3 doctors saying the exact same thing? You can see why I came to the conclusion that "TRT isn't a thing in Canada." Not to mention, there were 2 TRT-friendly clinics that I knew of in my area. Both have been shut down. I also read a lot of articles like this one:
https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/e...rone-in-canada
It seemed the writing was already on the wall... After trying to do it the right way and being told it wasn't going to happen, my wife is actually the one who suggested I just do it myself (she knows/trains with some guys who do it because they couldn't find a doc either.) It's a suggestion I didn't take lightly, despite what you may think. I ran through all the concerns I had with her. What if my sources dry up? What about vacations? What if I get some garbage gear? Or worse, something tainted/dangerous? I even talked to her gym partners about how they do it. There have been many hours of discussion in our house about this. The decision was made, and now we're here.
Again... If you have another suggestion about how to get a doctor on board, I'm all ears.