SHORT VERSION:

I am looking to go on TRT. My PCP just recently tested my Total Test at 525 ng/dL, Free Test at 72.1 pg/mL. This is right in the middle of "normal" for a man my age (55 yrs old). He won't put me on TRT. I am not going to the UGL route. So, I have looked at a local TRT doc, and he's very supportive of getting me to 1,100 to 1,300 ng/dL of total test. As expected with a TRT doc, this is an expensive route, running $160 to $200 per month, no insurance involvement. Obviously it would be cheaper to go with a PCP that would prescribe $40/mo test through CVS (my insurance sucks, so I would still need to pay). However, I just don't see it being likely that I could find a PCP in Portland, OR that would be willing to do this when my test levels are normal. Are there any recommendations for a PCP in this area that might work with me? Should I maybe try to get some lower blood work results to be able to work with a PCP? Right now, I am thinking that the TRT doc might be my best option. That $160-$200 is all inclusive (test-cyp, needles, bloodwork, etc.). I can afford it, but I am also retired and want to save where I can and be smart!


BACKGROUND:

I did three, ten week cycles about 20 years ago at moderate doses and saw some great gains. Over the years I have been able to maintain most of those gains naturally. I lifted heavy for 8 years, but then took a break for 8 years. I have now been back to hitting the gym hard - 1 hour of cardio, 1.5 hours of weights per day, 4-5 days per week. I lift with a vengeance, pushing myself very hard. I have also been more active in the last year since I've retired and used a GLP-1 to help me lose 40 lbs. I am 5'7" and at 205 lbs now, 26% body fat. I am still on a GLP-1 and looking to lose another 20 lbs. My diet is super, super clean - minimal sugar, seed oils, and ultra-processed foods, no soda, no alcohol, no junk.

My goal is simply to be healthy as I age - a longevity focus. I don't want to bulk out, as I did 20 years ago. I want to be able to hit the weights super hard and be able to see some gains and have good recovery. As it is now, I know that I will over-train if I continue as I am. I also do not currently see gains in the gym, but I am maintaining what I have. The goal of TRT would be to optimize my health, support muscle retention as I diet with the GLP-1, and then once I am at my ideal weight maybe put on 5-10 lbs of muscle, long term.