Hey everyone. New to TRT, haven’t had my first injection and deciding on where to go.

[MidwestNomad]

I’m 30 years old and generally just feel old and unmotivated most of the time. I feel like I’m living in a shell of myself and pretty depressed (could probably get put on some antidepressants, but don’t want to go that route)..

I’ve stupidly taken prohormone cycles years ago, and lost the gains due to not keeping up with the gym.

Anyways, yesterday I went to Low T Clinic and had my blood tested. I was at 255ng. I was shocked. The reason I was shocked was because I’ve always been a depressed kinda unmotivated kid, but muscle and strength gains came at a decent pace when I put my mind to it and really dialed everything in.

Anyways, they told me to come in again today for a second testing. Without insurance it would be $250 per month and that would cover the labs, dr consults, and injections. All injections are there though. Here are my questions:

1. I’d like to eventually have kids, I’m 60% sure. Would not taking HCG off the bat ensue that doesn’t happen? Low T Center doesn’t offer HCG.

2. I’d most likely switch to Defy due to reading about pricing and self-administering. How would the transition look coming from another facility after my T Levels are elevated?

3. Is it normal for people to pay a little more at first when they are new at the TRT process like I am and would like to go into a facility for the shots etc. instead of going straight to administering it at home?

4. Lastly, how bad is taking test C weekly? I’ve read Biweekly is better, but once every 2 weeks is horrible.

I’ve been on this site all day yesterday and appreciate the feedback from everyone. Thank you!

 

[CoastWatcher]

I'm 30 years old and generally just feel old and unmotivated most of the time. I feel like I'm living in a shell of myself and pretty depressed (could probably get put on some antidepressants, but don't want to go that route)..

I've stupidly taken prohormone cycles years ago, and lost the gains due to not keeping up with the gym.

Anyways, yesterday I went to Low T Clinic and had my blood tested. I was at 255ng. I was shocked. The reason I was shocked was because I've always been a depressed kinda unmotivated kid, but muscle and strength gains came at a decent pace when I put my mind to it and really dialed everything in.

Anyways, they told me to come in again today for a second testing. Without insurance it would be $250 per month and that would cover the labs, dr consults, and injections. All injections are there though. Here are my questions:

1. I'd like to eventually have kids, I'm 60% sure. Would not taking HCG off the bat ensue that doesn't happen? Low T Center doesn't offer HCG.

2. I'd most likely switch to Defy due to reading about pricing and self-administering. How would the transition look coming from another facility after my T Levels are elevated?

3. Is it normal for people to pay a little more at first when they are new at the TRT process like I am and would like to go into a facility for the shots etc. instead of going straight to administering it at home?

4. Lastly, how bad is taking test C weekly? I've read Biweekly is better, but once every 2 weeks is horrible.

I've been on this site all day yesterday and appreciate the feedback from everyone. Thank you!

Welocme to Excelmale. What about the rest of your lab work - can you post it (with the associated reference ranges)? Your free testosterone, your SHBG (a critical value), LH, FSH, estradiol/sensitive, and your full thyroid profile.

In response to your questions, HCG is critical if you want to maintain fertility.

People switch to Defy, or another provider, regularly. Having sought treatment elsewhere isn't an issue.

No reason in the world to pay a little more at the initiation of treatment. That's like saying, "Should I be happy I'm being shaken down financially for a while as this all gets sorted out?" Most of us, once we were placed on an injection protocoq, have self-administered from the get-go. Shots take no time to master.

How often you need to inject depends on your labs, specifically your SHBG. Few men are happy on a once weekly protocol, though some do find success with that schedule, and nobody does well getting shots every two weeks.

Provide us with more information and the conversation will be more focused.

 

[ratbag]

Also to add to this, a normal protocol if your SHBG is normal is typically 4 shots a week. 2 for testoserone and 2 for HCG. If that place doesn't offer HCG don't go to them. Go to Defymedical.com as Coastwatcher suggested. They are cheaper and the meds are delivered to your door by courrier. I'm in Canada and I use Defymedical and they are great.

85% of people who start TRT stop within 6 months because it doesn't work! So getting an MD who knows how to make a good protocol and get it working is the key to your success. If they don't use HCG they are clearly uninformed and you don't want to be following a bad protocol. Everyone knows and all the research supports using HCG as part of a successful protocol in TRT. Those who do not use HCG are clearly not up to speed.

In the interim go to defymedical.com and look at their videos. They explain why HCG is an important part of TRT. Lots of other good info there too.

 

[MidwestNomad]

Welocme to Excelmale. What about the rest of your lab work - can you post it (with the associated reference ranges)? Your free testosterone, your SHBG (a critical value), LH, FSH, estradiol/sensitive, and your full thyroid profile.

In response to your questions, HCG is critical if you want to maintain fertility.

People switch to Defy, or another provider, regularly. Having sought treatment elsewhere isn't an issue.

No reason in the world to pay a little more at the initiation of treatment. That's like saying, "Should I be happy I'm being shaken down financially for a while as this all gets sorted out?" Most of us, once we were placed on an injection protocoq, have self-administered from the get-go. Shots take no time to master.

How often you need to inject depends on your labs, specifically your SHBG. Few men are happy on a once weekly protocol, though some do find success with that schedule, and nobody does well getting shots every two weeks.

Provide us with more information and the conversation will be more focused.

I will be posting my blood panel when I receive the results. Thank you for the quick reply!

Also to add to this, a normal protocol if your SHBG is normal is typically 4 shots a week. 2 for testoserone and 2 for HCG. If that place doesn't offer HCG don't go to them. Go to Defymedical.com as Coastwatcher suggested. They are cheaper and the meds are delivered to your door by courrier. I'm in Canada and I use Defymedical and they are great.

85% of people who start TRT stop within 6 months because it doesn't work! So getting an MD who knows how to make a good protocol and get it working is the key to your success. If they don't use HCG they are clearly uninformed and you don't want to be following a bad protocol. Everyone knows and all the research supports using HCG as part of a successful protocol in TRT. Those who do not use HCG are clearly not up to speed.

In the interim go to defymedical.com and look at their videos. They explain why HCG is an important part of TRT. Lots of other good info there too.

After going to Low T Clinic today and REFUSING to continue with their services, I immediately called Jesse from Defy and started the process. I’ll be going to a Lab Corp today to see what my results look like.

Super glad I saw this post because I now know I made a better decision (and cheaper) going with them.

I wonder why 85% of people stop TRT if they need it though, that’s strange.

 

[Systemlord]

Your SHBG will dictate injection frequency, there's no way around it. I'm a low SHBG guy and only feel good when injecting small doses EOD, I inject using 27 gauge insulin syringes in the shoulder or outer quads and is painless. These T-mills often see men quitting TRT because of the less than ideal weekly injections that cause men to not feel well since it puts most men on a hormonal roller coaster.

If you don't find a knowledgeable hormone specialists in the beginning, you could spends years trying to figure it out on your own.

 

[CoastWatcher]

I wonder why 85% of people stop TRT if they need it though, that's strange.

Because they were seeking care from a T-Mill or another physician who hadn't a clue about male androgens. Six months in, money spent, they feel no better (frequently worse), and they give up and believe they are stuck feeling miserable. It's terrible.

 

[Vince]

Along with your complete testosterone panel, I would recommend getting a complete thyroid panel to. Get tested for TSH, FT4, FT3, reverse T3 and antibodies. I wish I would have my first started trt.

 

[MidwestNomad]

Along with your complete testosterone panel, I would recommend getting a complete thyroid panel to. Get tested for TSH, FT4, FT3, reverse T3 and antibodies. I wish I would have my first started trt.

I changed my Lab order and just got everything you mentioned (TSH was already on the panel) except for the antibodies.

Will be going to LabCorps tomorrow and post results when they come. Thank you for the suggestion.

Along with the low T I’m really just trying to get my health in check. I don’t even have a primary care doctor who regularly checks on me so I’ll be finding them soon too. Diabetes runs in my family so I also asked for a “Hemoglobin A 1 c” test done.

I’ll be reading the forums in the meantime trying to educate myself on how to prepare my soon to be new (and better) life!

 

[MarkM]

...........I’ll be reading the forums in the meantime trying to educate myself on how to prepare my soon to be new (and better) life!

Amen on self education. It will make a world of difference in understanding what is going on and will make it so much easier to communicate with your new doctor and be your own advocate.

 

[Jesse-Defy]

I will be posting my blood panel when I receive the results. Thank you for the quick reply!



After going to Low T Clinic today and REFUSING to continue with their services, I immediately called Jesse from Defy and started the process. I'll be going to a Lab Corp today to see what my results look like.

Super glad I saw this post because I now know I made a better decision (and cheaper) going with them.

I wonder why 85% of people stop TRT if they need it though, that's strange.

I'm glad that we are able to help, let me know if you have any questions!

 

[MidwestNomad]

Getting my physical (Issues avoided)

I’ve read about people who have issues with getting their physical for Defy due to facilities being scared, making up lies, or just straight up refusing to administer a physical.

Im glad I read one post that stated if you don’t want any issues, white the part out on the form that has Defy, then tell the facility it’s for a job.

Im currently waiting in an urgent care facility to be called back but when I got here I gave them the form (whites out of course) and they asked “Why do you need this done”. I said, for a job. The lady then asked two other staff members while holding the paper up, “does this look right?”. They said yes.

Hopeully there are no issues but WHY is this such an issue. I didn’t even mention TRT/Hormones, or anything and the form doesn’t indicate any of that either. Wish me luck!

 

[Jesse-Defy]

I’ve read about people who have issues with getting their physical for Defy due to facilities being scared, making up lies, or just straight up refusing to administer a physical.

Im glad I read one post that stated if you don’t want any issues, white the part out on the form that has Defy, then tell the facility it’s for a job.

Im currently waiting in an urgent care facility to be called back but when I got here I gave them the form (whites out of course) and they asked “Why do you need this done”. I said, for a job. The lady then asked two other staff members while holding the paper up, “does this look right?”. They said yes.

Hopeully there are no issues but WHY is this such an issue. I didn’t even mention TRT/Hormones, or anything and the form doesn’t indicate any of that either. Wish me luck!

One piece of advice is to make sure you receive a copy of the records. They may offer to fax it, but in my experience, it often takes quite a while for us to actually receive the fax.

 

[Deleted member 16042]

Yes, I got the run around trying to get my physical for Defy. Walgreens shut me out and it seemed once I tried one, I was in their system with a red flag. I ended up getting a DOT CDL based exam. It was a total joke but got me in the door with Defy. If I am paying good money, I actually want the benefit of a comprehensive well done PE.

 

[Fizzypopcorn]

Yes, I got the run around trying to get my physical for Defy. Walgreens shut me out and it seemed once I tried one, I was in their system with a red flag. I ended up getting a DOT CDL based exam. It was a total joke but got me in the door with Defy. If I am paying good money, I actually want the benefit of a comprehensive well done PE.

Why is it an issue? What type of physical is needed that makes places uncomfortable?

 

[Deleted member 16042]

Why is it an issue? What type of physical is needed that makes places uncomfortable?

Well can you sort it out based on their reaction?

I was told essentially, "We don't do exams for that sort of thing, we can't be held responsible."

Which is absolute BS. They are responsible for doing a physical exam, that's it. From there it's none of their business. They are not responsible for anything other than reporting your physical condition.

 

[Jesse-Defy]

Why is it an issue? What type of physical is needed that makes places uncomfortable?

Sometimes providers may not feel comfortable signing our form as they believe that they are making the decision for us to begin TRT. There's a lot of misconceptions regarding HRT and providers can let that be known when asked for a physical. It's not clearing you for treatment with us, but rather providing information on your physical health in lieu of an an in person consult.

 

[CoastWatcher]

My good friend Vince Carter takes the Defy form, prepares a photocopy without any identifying data (no mention of Defy) and tells the clinic/practitioner that h needs a company physical.

 

[MidwestNomad]

TEST RESULTS ARE IN. Really not sure what I am looking at though.




Not too happy about my lipid panel, but I've been pretty depressed this past month and know my diet has been pretty crap (junk food, sweets, alcohol, low protein) and working out hasn't been done in a month. When I was working out it would be consistent, in addition to eating right (I believe I am pretty knowledgeable on nutrition). I also notice that my Free T is 5% of my total T (279), and read somewhere that it should be closer to 2%, so I am not sure what to make of that.

I did get Thyroid tests and they all seem to be normal, figured it would help the doctor doing my consultation to have more information to make a decision on where to start.

Aside from all this, what stands out to everyone? If more answers are needed feel free to ask me whatever you'd like. I figure the more honest I am, the better care I can receive when I get this ball rolling. Thanks for all the comments and replies thus far.


LINKS TO LAB RESULTS:
1. http://imgur.com/a/KPv9E2v
2. https://imgur.com/a/ZHMHD5z