Blood test prelim and newbie questions

[busadude]

Decided to start with HRT clinic. Just received my prelim blood work. Will review full results in a few days.
Testosterone: 520
Growth Hormone: 140

Stats:
-40 yrs old
-5'11
-235 lbs.
-Body fat? Have the gut and average physical health. Fairly active lifestyle.
-1st time user of any steroid. I have thought long and hard about starting a treatment. In the last 2 years my body has been feeling OLD.

Goals:
-Lose weight
-Feel better overall. I legitimately have all of the classic low T symptoms.
-Resume exercise program (been off a program for about 4 months) and eat clean

Questions:
Are these Test/HGH results normal for my age?
What kind of HRT program should I expect from the clinic?
Do I have the ability to "negotiate" with the clinic as to what dose(or type) of Test I should take? Are they open to this? They want me to be in the 1000 range for Test.
They mentioned HGH as well. Necessary for me? Benefits of taking compared to high cost?
Should I ensure I am prescribed HCG for any sides that pop up? Any others?

Sorry guys. Lots of questions. I have been reading everything I can get my hands on. I want to feel educated before I commit to this.

Thanks for any help!!

[SlimmerMe]

Welcome to the HRT forum!

The guys will be around to chime in. As far as HGH? It is a long term compound which should be taken for at least 6 months so keep this in mind while you consider it.

[Vettester]

Well, the thing is, most PC doctors at places like Kaiser follow guidelines on the total serum range, which in their case is 280-850. Going off of most places guidelines, you would not qualify for TRT, because you are indeed within the range. 520 tells me that you're brain is still producing a semi-normal amount of LH (would be curious on that score), which is getting the testes to manufacture a fair amount of "T". Yes a fair amount, not great, fair. And depending on your free "T" score, your actual bio-available could be equal to guys that are 600 or 700 on their total serum score, but have a fair amount of "T" tied up in SHBG.

Not saying TRT is the way to go, that's a choice you've got to make. However, just know that if you do it, you won't return to 520 if you stop taking the meds. The LH you are getting now will stop and you will need some HCG to stimulate the testes, or you will see them start shrinking. A future score might be 200 or 150, and it's a life long ordeal with shots every week. There's some clinics that love the $$ sales $$, and if you're 40 or over they want you on TRT. I don't necessarily agree with that practice just as much as the majority of conservative doctors who won't do crap for their patients who sit at 250 total serum. IMO, 1,000 is kind of high number to stay steady at throughout the course of a TRT regiment, but everyone is different.

Look at both sides closely and choose wisely. Clinics are great, I won't dispute it, I go through one, but I do know most of them are in business for one reason and one reason only. Wait til they quote you that HGH, you're going to feel your balls get sucked into your stomach!

Best!

[bass]

Well, the thing is, most PC doctors at places like Kaiser follow guidelines on the total serum range, which in their case is 280-850. Going off of most places guidelines, you would not qualify for TRT, because you are indeed within the range. 520 tells me that you're brain is still producing a semi-normal amount of LH (would be curious on that score), which is getting the testes to manufacture a fair amount of "T". Yes a fair amount, not great, fair. And depending on your free "T" score, your actual bio-available could be equal to guys that are 600 or 700 on their total serum score, but have a fair amount of "T" tied up in SHBG.

Not saying TRT is the way to go, that's a choice you've got to make. However, just know that if you do it, you won't return to 520 if you stop taking the meds. The LH you are getting now will stop and you will need some HCG to stimulate the testes, or you will see them start shrinking. A future score might be 200 or 150, and it's a life long ordeal with shots every week. There's some clinics that love the $$ sales $$, and if you're 40 or over they want you on TRT. I don't necessarily agree with that practice just as much as the majority of conservative doctors who won't do crap for their patients who sit at 250 total serum. IMO, 1,000 is kind of high number to stay steady at throughout the course of a TRT regiment, but everyone is different.

Look at both sides closely and choose wisely. Clinics are great, I won't dispute it, I go through one, but I do know most of them are in business for one reason and one reason only. Wait til they quote you that HGH, you're going to feel your balls get sucked into your stomach!

Best!

excellent response! if my level was 520 naturally i wouldn't start HRT, it is a life time commitment and its not cheap! you can also increase your levels naturally by lifting and increasing your muscle size, i bet you can kick up to 600 once you start lifting, regular exercises and good diet. best of luck to you whichever way you choose!