Srh1968 - no need to apologize - we are all learning here. I would just encourage you to read every thread posted for a couple weeks. Most topics are covered daily here, so doing that will give you great insight into the proper protocal and possible pitfalls to look out for, such has high estradiol, high or low SHBG, low vitamin D, thyroid issues, etc.
Also - the clinical guidelines the doctors and endocronologists follow are terrible. This is not the doctors fault. Try to educate your doctor. Print things out or even better ask if you can email them links so you can show them examples of why specific tests are needed, etc. That is exactly what I'm doing with my doctor (a 2nd year Family Medicine Resident). I'm his 1st TRT patient, and we are learning together. Lucky for me he is open to learning.
Note, I started TRT in November, but never had Estradiol - sensitive, Free T, SHBG, DHEA-S, etc. So I've actually gone off TRT for the last 4 weeks to recheck everything. I'm getting full baseline numbers now so can fully understand what is going on in the future. I'm also switching from weekly to E3.5D schedule, and may add HCG too. Living & learning...
Be sure to share the 2 links above: Nelson's list of recommended bloodwork, both pre & during TRT. + Dr. Saya's HCG Case Study. Good luck!
