Hello from southern Oregon.

[Roguejim]

My name is Jim, and I am a 60 year old. I work out 5 days a week at the gym, and feel that it's probably time to have my hormone levels tested. My primary physician will not check my testosterone levels, as of my last check-up a month ago. So, I must look elsewhere for another physician who is competent in HRT. So far I've found an FNP who will test my testosterone levels, but he's only been in practice since 2012...gulp. I seriously doubt there are any MDs/family practitioners here who are knowledgeable about HRT for men. We have a few endocrinologists in the area, but I'm not sure if that is the direction to go in. Anyway, I look forward to learning from the group here, and am open to any and all advice.

 

[Vince]

Jim, Welcome to ExcelMale. I hope you get all your questions answered.

 

[Sean Mosher]

It might be worth checking this list.
Also, if you're open to going outside of insurance I would be more than happy to talk with you.

https://www.excelmale.com/forum/sho...t-Prescribes-Testosterone-HCG-and-Anastrozole

 

[CoastWatcher]

Finding a capable doctor is the most important step one makes when setting out on the hormone highway. It's also the biggest challenge you likely to encounter. Your financial situation is your business, of course, but seeking treatment outside an insurance network opens many options for you.

 

[Systemlord]

You'll be hard pressed to find a knowledgeable insurance doctor who understands how to do TRT properly, I just saw my third endo at Kaiser today and basically told me I could run any tests I like, when I like and to get back to him when I found a dosage and injection frequency that agrees with me. This endo had impressive knowledge and surpassed most hematologist and excellent thyroid knowledge, he just didn't know squat about TRT. He refused an aromatase inhibitor to control excess estrogen production on the only protocol that relieved all my original low T symptoms because it's not standard of care.

What I need is guidance and not the keys to the Bugatti. A lot of guys in areas where finding a doctor is next to impossible are signing up with clinics (like Defy Medical) that offer services via Skype or by phone after a simple physical exam and a complete set of labs.

 

[Roguejim]

I was unaware that insurance is an issue. I carry federal Blue Cross

 

[ERO]

To get competent TRT, its almost a given that you will need to pay out of pocket.

Get your own blood tests without a doctor at discountedlabs.com and see where you stand.

 

[CoastWatcher]

I was unaware that insurance is an issue. I carry federal Blue Cross

It's a matter of training...or, rather, a lack of training. It's been established that very little time is devoted to antigen management in medical school, residency, or fellowship training. As a result the average doctor, even big-time, board-certified specialists, don't know how to play this game at the cutting edge. The vast majority of us have fallen down the rabbit hole of poor medical care at least once, wandered in the valley of medical ignorance, landed here, finally found proper care.