New Here and overwhelmed

[Ramrod]

Well I've had my blood tested a couple of times over the last few years. It's been a couple of years since I last tested. I do have some AAS, Pro-Hormone and Insulin use from years ago. I think that use from my early 20's is what put me here now. I have always been an above Normal Athlete. I've ran Div1 Track and Powerlifted. I hold 5 records in these sports. I'm only 34yrs old and I'm seeing it all disappear so fast. Over the last few years I have had signs of low T, but never dropped before that 270 mark to get treatment. My first test I had done was when I was 28-29ish. It was after AAS use, but was off and on PH at that time. I tested 600's when I was off PH for a stretch. I tested again when I was 31 and off everything since last test. I was 451. I got tested a 2nd time b/c I was feeling depressed, High Blood Pressure, Weak Erections and not in the mood for sex much at all. The Endo at that time kept blaming all this on my marriage. I said I'm very happily married and that is not it. He also compared me to another patient and said his levels are the same as mine and he was feeling great. Then he made the comment that my arms are bigger then his own and I was fine... So I left unhappy.. Never went back and dealt with my issues on my own. 3yrs later it's getting worse. The last 16 months it has been a struggle. I have lost 20lbs and so much strength I can't stand it. I was 189lbs and 10% BF.. I'm sitting 165lbs and 16% BT right now. Since that 2nd test. I have been put on HBP meds and a sleeping pill.+

I have tried changing diets, works from 5 to 3 days a week and other things. I just cant recover like I should be.

I'm just talking to my regular IM Doctor right now. (Well on Tuesday) Does being an Athlete have any sway in what Test levels are? I need something to take to him to help me out and get us on the same page. I'm guessing I'll get tested again Tuesday and I can actually figure it out, but I'm leaning its low T.

Should I mention my past use of AAS, PH and Insulin or not?

 

[Vince]

Ramrod weicome, there are many knowledgeable people here that will help you. I'm on my 6th week of TRT using defy medical, I'm in wisconsin and they are in Florida. I found them at this site and happy I did.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Ramrod

You seem to have a typical HPTA dysfunction after anabolic,etc use that has not been managed by doctors you have seen.

What city do you live in?

You may want to explore a simple protocol like this one to keep your T blood level and testicles healthy:

https://www.excelmale.com/?s=149-Ho...o-Preserve-Fertility-Libido-and-Testicle-Size

If you think you may want to try a HPTA reset (assuming you will never cycle again), please read this info. The folks from Defy Medical help people attempt to reset their hormonal axis after circumstances like yours.

https://www.excelmale.com/forum/sho...olics-You-May-Want-to-Read-this-HPTA-protocol


You may also want to read this since it is key information we need to help you out.

https://www.excelmale.com/forum/sho...-After-Initiation-of-Testosterone-Replacement

 

[Gene Devine]

Ram - You need a complete workup by a Physician trained in hormonal loops in men.

Most PCPs and Endos are not trained in hormonal management in men as you have learned first hand.

Defy Medical here on our site is one resource for you.

In the forums we have a sticky on how to find TRT Physicians.

You need to get the right care and that right now is the most important thing for your health and wellbeing.

 

[Ramrod]

Thanks everyone. I sent Defy Medical my contact info.

 

[Ramrod]

Got my lab work back, but just talked over the phone to a secretary..


Total Test 412 Range - 250-1100
Free Test 4.5 Range 0.7-11.1

Said my Thyroid was a little low, but not enough to need medication. Didn't get a number. Said everything looked good and was in normal ranges. Isn't 412 low for a 34yr Showing sides from low T. My Test has dropped 30% in the last 4yrs.

They weren't going to give me another appointment to talk about the results since everything was in normal ranges. I had her make one for next Friday.... I want to be prepared when I go in. What do I need?

 

[Gene Devine]

That's low for a 34 year old.

I had those scores when I was 48, had symptoms, and Doc started me on TRT.

Reference ranges don't hold much water around here; we like "optimal" ranges and yours are NOT optimal by any stretch.

 

[Vision]

I want to be prepared when I go in. What do I need?

Don't worry Dr Saya will be your partner not your foe... My numbers were lower than yours but still within normal. I was ready for the "every thing looks normal" talk...
Doc went over the numbers and what we were gonna do to move them to the top of the normal scale...

Don't worry, the entire team are really nice!!
Steve

 

[Brian963]

I'm in week 16 of TRT with Dr. Saya and his team. I've been very pleased with my interactions with them. And I'm happy with my progress so far.

 

[Vince]

Ramrod, I also use Defy Medical, let us know how everything turns out on friday.

 

[Ramrod]

Ramrod, I also use Defy Medical, let us know how everything turns out on friday.

Does insurance help cover any of the cost?

 

[Phoenix]

HRT is so much more than a blood test numbers evaluation.
I take a version of the ADAM questionnaire every office visit.
http://www.landerurology.com/pdf/adam_questionnaire.pdf
My total T number was in the upper "normal" range, but my
weekly dose of T was raised based on how I was feeling.

 

[Vince]

Ramrod, deft medical is out of network for me, my insurance will only pay 60% ( aetna insurance) and does not cover any of my scripts.

 

[Vince]

Phoenix, question number 4 - lost of height. Low testosterone causes loss of height? first time I ever read that.

 

[Phoenix]

Phoenix, question number 4 - lost of height. Low testosterone causes loss of height? first time I ever read that.

Decreased Height
Since testosterone plays a significant role in bone strength, it is no surprise that low testosterone levels are associated with slightly reduced height. Beside loss of height, back pain may also occur and both issues are related to osteoporosis induced by low testosterone.

http://www.testosteroneproblems.com/common-low-testosterone-symptoms/

 

[CoastWatcher]

Phoenix is on the mark. At the initiation of treatment I underwent a bone scan - thankfully, all was normal - as it was clear I'd been hypogonadal for some time.

 

[Vince]

what role does estrogen play in bones loss for men? i did a search and found this http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/living-with-osteoporosis-7/male-men

 

[Ramrod]

Well a year later and it looks like I might be finally getting treated... 7yrs of declining Numbers and I finally have one showing my rock bottom now. Just have to retest again in 6 weeks to confirm it for insurance to cover it. Which sucks and makes for a long 6 weeks, plus a week to get results back and then we can start treatment...

Not sure on the others and was just given this over the phone. Will talk more with the Doc on the rest. Numbers seem odd to me. They have dropped a lot since last time. But last time could have been a high point and over a year ago. But the only difference I feel is a bit of fat added I haven't been able to kick and tried all the time. Knowing my numbers now is a Happy and sad thing at once. Can't wait to get treated, but these insurance hoops are stupid.

Total 56
Free 10.7

 

[Helboi]

Wow...56...and I thought I was the lowest I'd ever seen before treatment (mine was 61). Glad you're finally getting treatment! Who are you seeing?

 

[Ramrod]

Went with though 3 Dr's before finding one, but it wasn't their fault as my results never showed this low. But I show a pattern of a large decrease over the years now. Found a local Clinic that actually knows. This one isn't in network, so Labs aren't covers, but they are the same as my co-pays. So no different. Plus if I jump through all the hoops. insurance will cover it.