Am I overpaying for treatment?

[Assist101]

Went to a anti aging clinic. Was prescribed test cyp, hcg, and anti-estrogen. They are charging $200 monthly for that. They have other options which include no hcg and/or no Anti-E. However, I am 30 and plan on having kids later in life and want to keep everything active and alert.

$200 monthly seems on the high side? Will I receive a script and get the meds for elsewhere?

Thanks!

 

[CoastWatcher]

Welcome to Excelmale. You are certainly paying far, far more for your treatment than is necessary. As for how you will receive your medication, you'll have to call and ask your clinic.

I suggest you investigate Defy Medical and Prime Body - two site sponsors. Many satisfied members.

 

[PAUL-E]

Welcome to Excelmale. You are certainly paying far, far more for your treatment than is necessary. As for how Younwill receive your medication, you'll have to call and ask your clinic.

I suggest you investigate Defy Medical and Prime Body - two site sponsors. Many satisfied members.

agreed both have good reputations and you will save $$$

 

[Periandros]

This is what I am paying too through Primebody. 200 mgs Test cyp split twice a week, 500 IUs of HCG twice a week, and Arimidex. One thing to note though, the price includes a couple of face to face doctor visits a year and all the necessary blood work which is pretty comprehensive. I know you probably an get cheaper with Defy but it is slightly different business model. In my view, when you are experienced enough and feel comfortable to self direct, Defy is probably the way to go but I am not there yet. I hope this helps.

Went to a anti aging clinic. Was prescribed test cyp, hcg, and anti-estrogen. They are charging $200 monthly for that. They have other options which include no hcg and/or no Anti-E. However, I am 30 and plan on having kids later in life and want to keep everything active and alert.

$200 monthly seems on the high side? Will I receive a script and get the meds for elsewhere?

Thanks!

 

[Assist101]

I called the clinic. So I'm paying $100 for test, $25 for anti-estrogen, and $75 for the hcg. Again I'm 30. I really don't have anyone to talk to about this stuff. I feel like crap and have the symptoms even though I'm eating right, don't smoke or drink.

Would going on this be the right decision? What if I decide to come off in 5 years? 10 years? They told me it's possible but is this true?

 

[CoastWatcher]

I called the clinic. So I'm paying $100 for test, $25 for anti-estrogen, and $75 for the hcg. Again I'm 30. I really don't have anyone to talk to about this stuff. I feel like crap and have the symptoms even though I'm eating right, don't smoke or drink.

Would going on this be the right decision? What if I decide to come off in 5 years? 10 years? They told me it's possible but is this true?

These are the questions that your doctor should have answered for you. At age 30, to start TRT...you're very young. Are you dealing with primary or secondary hypogonadism? What were your symptoms that suggested TRT? What are your blood test results? Do you have a history of anabolic or opiate use? What medications are you taking? Supplements? If you post up answers and labs you will generate good discussion and possible suggestions.

 

[davidrn]

You mentioned the $200 price, and what it covers. Do you pay for MD visits and labs separately? Is anything covered by insurance? If you need less meds, does the price go down?

 

[PAUL-E]

Like Coastwatcher said if you post blood work you can get feed back if you can post pre TRT blood work and current.

 

[Assist101]

I will post blood work when I get home. I've had 3 labs done. Last week total test levels were 400, Back in Feb it was 260, 2 years ago it was like 240. I've never done any kind drugs/alcohol. I've dapped in prohormones.

Also, my iron and vit d are low from the most recent labs.

 

[new_man]

I called the clinic. So I'm paying $100 for test, $25 for anti-estrogen, and $75 for the hcg. Again I'm 30. I really don't have anyone to talk to about this stuff. I feel like crap and have the symptoms even though I'm eating right, don't smoke or drink.

In my eyes 100$ for 800mg cheap cypionate (since it is cheaper than enanthate or the very long lasting ester) is way too much. I don't know how expensive HCG is in north america, but that's still very expensive => 75 $! Isn't it?

Would going on this be the right decision? What if I decide to come off in 5 years? 10 years? They told me it's possible but is this true?

Maybe 50 years ago some doctors told us that smoking is no problem and that we shouldn't worry too much about asbestos. What I want to say is that doctors can say a lot of things which aren't always true. Since everyone is different it is hard to say how it is gonna be in 5 years in your situation. Some people just can't restart after using it many years. Some people don't want to go without TRT since it improved their life a lot. Possible to quit.. for sure, but the question is: What's the price yoru are paying?

If I would be in your shoes, then I would only stay at this clinic when I would feel really really well. If not, then I would go to Defy (I don't have any experience with them, but lots of people are talking really good about it and some doctors (defy) are even very active in here. 100$ for Testosterone is way too much and I would better invest it in something else.

 

[new_man]

I will post blood work when I get home. I've had 3 labs done. Last week total test levels were 400, Back in Feb it was 260, 2 years ago it was like 240. I've never done any kind drugs/alcohol. I've dapped in prohormones.

Also, my iron and vit d are low from the most recent labs.

Low D isn't good for most people! I suggest you find a way to shoot the D-Level up! Some people feel more depressed with low D and many doctors recommend it (when the level is low).

 

[Assist101]

Actually I see that I live within 20 minutes of the Defy clinic. Is that a anti-aging clinic?

 

[davidrn]

I followed my Urologist when he moved, to his new office about 2 hours away. So, a 20 minute drive is as close as many people outside NYC or similar experience. Seems a simple decision to me, but, watch the MD instructional videos, then decide.
https://www.youtube.com/user/DefyMedicalClinic/videos

 

[Sean Mosher]

I am also with PrimeBody (www.primebody.com).
It's $200 a month but that includes everything, doc visits, etc...
I've always had access to them as well to discuss protocol changes, etc...without having to go back to the doctor everytime.
They have made themselves very available whereas my experiences in the past have been having to go back to the doc, endo, urologist, etc...each and everytime while also receiving sub par care.

 

[Assist101]

I've already paid $295 for the initial which included exam and labs. My first treatment will arrive probably tomorrow which was $200 of course. I can reach them at anytime and change the protocol if needed. I don't know if the monthly/quarterly bloodwork is included.

I called defy and was told their test could be used at 200mg weekly for 10 weeks @ $125 monthly. MUCH cheaper.

Can I try it for 3-4 months to see if I notice anything and if not, jump off? My understanding is since I'm taking HCG recovery should be smoother.

Also, what happens if you lose your job or whatnot and can't afford $200 for say 6 months?

 

[chrismez]

I am also with PrimeBody (www.primebody.com).
It's $200 a month but that includes everything, doc visits, etc...
I've always had access to them as well to discuss protocol changes, etc...without having to go back to the doctor everytime.
They have made themselves very available whereas my experiences in the past have been having to go back to the doc, endo, urologist, etc...each and everytime while also receiving sub par care.

$200 a month is insane..... Your insurance should cover blood tests and meds. Do some research, I pay $150 for a yearly visit out here in LA. Do the occasional quick blood test out of my own pocket just to see t and E2 levels. Doc has no problem answering questions if I have one....

 

[CoastWatcher]

I've already paid $295 for the initial which included exam and labs. My first treatment will arrive probably tomorrow which was $200 of course. I can reach them at anytime and change the protocol if needed. I don't know if the monthly/quarterly bloodwork is included.

I called defy and was told their test could be used at 200mg weekly for 10 weeks @ $125 monthly. MUCH cheaper.

Can I try it for 3-4 months to see if I notice anything and if not, jump off? My understanding is since I'm taking HCG recovery should be smoother.

Also, what happens if you lose your job or whatnot and can't afford $200 for say 6 months?

Yes, recovery "should be smoother" on HCG...but there are no guarantees, and, candidly, you don't sound emotionally committed to the idea of TRT. You have a lot of anxiety surrounding the process, and you have - more than likely - been prescribed a cookie-cutter protocol. I light of all of that, I would certainly not initiate therapy. I would seek a second opinion, from a respected, capable medical provider (such as Defy Medical).

 

[billyjr]

Hi Assist. I am in the same boat as you, I'm 31 and am only on Test Cyp for the past couple of months. I have been to a urologist, GC, and cardiologist (who specializes in TRT- was an ex bodybuilder) and I am setting myself up for Defy as we speak. I have the same concerns as you do, I just got married and would like to have kids in 2-3 years. The cardiologist did have me go for a sperm test just to see how my swimmers were doing after 2-3 months on TRT and mobility and count of sperm were high normal, I would reccomend doing that before treatment just so you can see how you're doing down there. I'm hoping to be out on HCG as my testis have shrunk about 1/3 of their original size. Apparently it hasn't effected my fertility.

 

[Assist101]

Billy - How has it been? Have you felt a significant difference?

 

[billyjr]

Billy - How has it been? Have you felt a significant difference?

Its better pretty good once I finally got some sound advice, in the beginning I was given 400 mg Test E shots by an urologist who basically didn't know what he was doing. So in the gym I felt like a beast, but my estrogen went through the roof and my nipples became sensitive and was very emotional...not fun... I seem to be getting closer to a stable point, but I am still trying to find the "magic" point, and that's why ive contacted Defy to try and figure out the correct protocol for me. I still am very nervous after infertility and I hope Defy can give me some suggestion/direction on my fear of that, i'll let you know what happens after I see them.