TRT Help!

[ssaunders]

Hi Forum Veterans

I was hoping to get some direction/advice/support from you. I see how very helpful and knowledgeable this forums veterans are in regards to TRT. I've been on TRT for about 5 yrs and up until 5mths ago everything was ok (not great but workable). I went through some major issues (see my one and only post about it) which have subsided quite a bit. I'm attributing my problems to major stressors in my life (large business owner, recent death of a parent, etc.) and a nice but not very knowledgeable doc in terms on over all TRT understanding.
I see that the most requested information yourself and everyone asks for is a full BW. I live in Canada and our BW protocols are limited (ie, no Sensitve E2 just Estradiol) and are also based on what the doc requests but they are free which is a bonus. I feel if I challenge my doc to ask for more tests on my BW (ie, DHEA-S, DHT, Cortisol, Free T3 & T4) he will justify why I don't need it which I feel is only due to lack of education in this field being a GP (I like him a lot just just feel he is limited in his knowledge). I see him next week and will try to have a sincere heart to heart about doing more tests but I feel it may rock the boat and there are not main docs in my area willing to provide prescription for TRT. Discount Labs seems pricey to get a full BW ($400+) but if that's the price and yourself and others on this forum can provide better direction/guidance with my TRT protocol then my doc it obviously worth it.
At the end of the day I just want to feel normal (or better than I thought I would) on TRT. It's been so up and down that my recent issues really woke me up to the fact that I'm more than likely not on a proper TRT protocol and it's messing up my hormones on top on my life stressors which I'm improving BTW.
Thank you in advance. I appreciate any help.
Regards,
Steve

Current Protocol
E3D 50ml of Test Cyp (was on gel/cream for past 3 yrs and absorption rate was inconsistent)
E3D HCG (purchased on my own as my Doc feels its not great but did prescribe early on in my TRT regime)

[kelkel]

Have you had blood work on your current protocol? If so, what are your numbers?
Nothing wrong with 50 mgs twice per week with HCG on the same day for convenience. Just need to know your numbers.

[GearHeaded]

yep you need to know where your current dosage is putting you in regards to total and free test.

maybe its only putting you at 500 ng/dl and you'd feel way better at 900 ng/dl .


a buddy of mine on doctor monitored TRT was on 200mg per week of test and that was putting him at like 850 ng.dl . he didn't feel all that great there. his doctor worked him up to 1600 ng.dl , which is pretty darn high and really exceeds replacement dosage numbers, but he feels really good there.


but you gotta know where your at first and then slowly go from there making minor adjustments

[i_SLAM_cougars]

yep you need to know where your current dosage is putting you in regards to total and free test.

maybe its only putting you at 500 ng/dl and you'd feel way better at 900 ng/dl .


a buddy of mine on doctor monitored TRT was on 200mg per week of test and that was putting him at like 850 ng.dl . he didn't feel all that great there. his doctor worked him up to 1600 ng.dl , which is pretty darn high and really exceeds replacement dosage numbers, but he feels really good there.


but you gotta know where your at first and then slowly go from there making minor adjustments

^^^This. Around 5000ng/dL seems to be my happy place

[Windex]

Hi Forum Veterans

I was hoping to get some direction/advice/support from you. I see how very helpful and knowledgeable this forums veterans are in regards to TRT. I've been on TRT for about 5 yrs and up until 5mths ago everything was ok (not great but workable). I went through some major issues (see my one and only post about it) which have subsided quite a bit. I'm attributing my problems to major stressors in my life (large business owner, recent death of a parent, etc.) and a nice but not very knowledgeable doc in terms on over all TRT understanding.
I see that the most requested information yourself and everyone asks for is a full BW. I live in Canada and our BW protocols are limited (ie, no Sensitve E2 just Estradiol) and are also based on what the doc requests but they are free which is a bonus. I feel if I challenge my doc to ask for more tests on my BW (ie, DHEA-S, DHT, Cortisol, Free T3 & T4) he will justify why I don't need it which I feel is only due to lack of education in this field being a GP (I like him a lot just just feel he is limited in his knowledge). I see him next week and will try to have a sincere heart to heart about doing more tests but I feel it may rock the boat and there are not main docs in my area willing to provide prescription for TRT. Discount Labs seems pricey to get a full BW ($400+) but if that's the price and yourself and others on this forum can provide better direction/guidance with my TRT protocol then my doc it obviously worth it.
At the end of the day I just want to feel normal (or better than I thought I would) on TRT. It's been so up and down that my recent issues really woke me up to the fact that I'm more than likely not on a proper TRT protocol and it's messing up my hormones on top on my life stressors which I'm improving BTW.
Thank you in advance. I appreciate any help.
Regards,
Steve

Current Protocol
E3D 50ml of Test Cyp (was on gel/cream for past 3 yrs and absorption rate was inconsistent)
E3D HCG (purchased on my own as my Doc feels its not great but did prescribe early on in my TRT regime)

Which province? I have no problems in Ontario emailing my doctor a list of bloodwork and she replies in 1-2 days with a requisition.

Don't waste another 5 years if your current doctor is inadequate. Endocrinologists are a dime a dozen in Canada.

[ssaunders]

Which province? I have no problems in Ontario emailing my doctor a list of bloodwork and she replies in 1-2 days with a requisition.

Don't waste another 5 years if your current doctor is inadequate. Endocrinologists are a dime a dozen in Canada.

Ontario (Windsor). Willing to go to a proper Endo if you can recommend one. In Toronto at least once a week. Anywhere in 401 corridor.

[ssaunders]

Have you had blood work on your current protocol? If so, what are your numbers?
Nothing wrong with 50 mgs twice per week with HCG on the same day for convenience. Just need to know your numbers.

I have had bloodwork done every 3-4mths but limited to Test, Free Test, CBC, Estradiol (not sensitive - not available in Canada), prolactin, PSA (ranged from 2-3.5 during my TRT the last 5 years, most recent 3.2), LDL, etc. No DHT, SHBG, DHEA-S, TSH, T3, T4. I can request these from my doc but don't think it will provide any value aside showing you #'s all over the board based on the type of medical help I was getting. I have new bloodwork joined up for tomorrow (my own according with Labcorp in Detroit) and just did BW for my doc today. With both sets I should have everything you need. Tomorrow BW is exactly 72 hrs from last pin.

[kelkel]

I have had bloodwork done every 3-4mths but limited to Test, Free Test, CBC, Estradiol (not sensitive - not available in Canada), prolactin, PSA (ranged from 2-3.5 during my TRT the last 5 years, most recent 3.2), LDL, etc. No DHT, SHBG, DHEA-S, TSH, T3, T4. I can request these from my doc but don't think it will provide any value aside showing you #'s all over the board based on the type of medical help I was getting. I have new bloodwork joined up for tomorrow (my own according with Labcorp in Detroit) and just did BW for my doc today. With both sets I should have everything you need. Tomorrow BW is exactly 72 hrs from last pin.

Post it when you get it please.

[ssaunders]

Here's my BW. Everything seems ok (I think) except my PSA which has always fluctuated between 2-3.5 since started my TRT protocol. Besides stopping TRT is there a way to get this down as I'm now suffering the symptoms of BPH lately and it's not fun by any means.

Protocol:
Every 3.5 injections of 50ml Test Cyp (100mg/ml)
Every 3.5 250 HCG

Please any insight or direction would be a tremendous help. See my doctor again tomorrow.

[ssaunders]

BW Posted. Seeing my doc today to go over BW I did with him. Need to push him to dig a little deeper. Please have a look at my BW and see if anything is off aside from my PSA.

[Windex]

The GTA has a bajillion doctors - there are some that even specialize in HRT for men. Just google away and cold call their offices. The secretary should be able to tell you whether they are General Endo, Menopausal/HRT for women, Diabetes, HRT for Men / Anti - Aging, etc.

Most drug plans will not cover HCG, some do cover Test, and almost 0 will cover HGH.

You can apply for Trillium and fill out an escalation form to have it covered. It's a giant headache of a process and depending on what your time is worth - may not even be worthwhile.

[kelkel]

Here's my BW. Everything seems ok (I think) except my PSA which has always fluctuated between 2-3.5 since started my TRT protocol. Besides stopping TRT is there a way to get this down as I'm now suffering the symptoms of BPH lately and it's not fun by any means.

Look into low dose Doxazosin for your prostate. It's an alpha blocker, smooth muscle relaxer and will help.

[ssaunders]

Look into low dose Doxazosin for your prostate. It's an alpha blocker, smooth muscle relaxer and will help.

Thank you. Any known sides to be concerned about?

What are you thoughts on my results? Anything else standout as too high or low? Really at the end of the day I feel if I can get the BPH symptoms in check I would feel good.