Got Testosterone?

[Irish]

I went in at 42 and my free T was 27. Started pellets and immediately lost 10lbs. Mood and sex drive improved. My doc says higher T leads to cardiac issues and checks for those every year.

Here's the abstract from a urology article dispelling the cardiac issues. I can link to numerous more if you'd like additional information for yourself and to present to your doctor.

http://www.goldjournal.net/article/S...106-1/abstract

Testosterone therapy (TTh) has become highly controversial. Yet there are important health consequences of testosterone deficiency, and meaningful benefits with treatment. There is level 1 evidence that TTh improves sexual function and desire, body composition, and bone density. Concerns regarding cardiovascular risk were based on two deeply flawed retrospective studies, and are contradicted by dozens of studies showing CV benefits of TTh or higher endogenous testosterone, including placebo-controlled studies in men with known heart disease (angina, heart failure). Prostate cancer should no longer be considered a risk of TTh. Testosterone is neither scourge nor panacea- it is just good medicine.

[yugo308guy]

Well, I have just taken the plunge. Thanks to all for the input in this thread. I went in today to a local Low T Center and found out that my T number is 113!! Free T was 2.2!! Needless to say, I am stunned. Looks like my insurance will cover the bulk of the treatments, with co-pay and deductible, I have to pay $47 per shot. The Dr is recommending a shot every week, to get the most even dispersment of the testosterone. I can opt for every 10 days or every 2 weeks at my choice, but the levels would spike a bit more if I chose that. He said most guys who opt for the longer time between shots will usually see a spike in the first week, then they will notice a tapering off the second week, but at $47 per shot, I may opt for that at a later date. Btw, I am 51 if anyone is interested.

I will attempt to keep everyone updated as to my progress with this.

[WillBrink]

Well, I have just taken the plunge. Thanks to all for the input in this thread. I went in today to a local Low T Center and found out that my T number is 113!! Free T was 2.2!! Needless to say, I am stunned. Looks like my insurance will cover the bulk of the treatments, with co-pay and deductible, I have to pay $47 per shot. The Dr is recommending a shot every week, to get the most even dispersment of the testosterone. I can opt for every 10 days or every 2 weeks at my choice, but the levels would spike a bit more if I chose that. He said most guys who opt for the longer time between shots will usually see a spike in the first week, then they will notice a tapering off the second week, but at $47 per shot, I may opt for that at a later date. Btw, I am 51 if anyone is interested.

I will attempt to keep everyone updated as to my progress with this.

A 10CC bottle of 100mg/ML of T without insurance runs around $100 give or take. So, someone is trying to take you for a ride some place or that fee includes additional services and or meds. With co pay, as you said insurance will cover it, should be far less than $47 per shot. See also:

How Is Testosterone Deficiency “low T” Diagnosed? – Things you need to know before going to your doctor

[yugo308guy]

A 10CC bottle of 100mg/ML of T without insurance runs around $100 give or take. So, someone is trying to take you for a ride some place or that fee includes additional services and or meds. With co pay, as you said insurance will cover it, should be far less than $47 per shot. See also:

How Is Testosterone Deficiency “low T” Diagnosed? – Things you need to know before going to your doctor

Thanks for the info! I have both a co pay as well as a deductible in that, also all the blood work and monitoring is included in that. I asked him what the cost would be without insurance and he said roughly $375-$400/month. I made a call to another clinic and he did not accept insurance and told me that the cost would be roughly $895 for a 10 week cycle.

What are your thoughts on the frequency and dosages of the shots? Is he correct that a larger dose spaced out over 2 weeks would be subject to a spike then taper?

[WillBrink]

Thanks for the info! I have both a co pay as well as a deductible in that, also all the blood work and monitoring is included in that. I asked him what the cost would be without insurance and he said roughly $375-$400/month. I made a call to another clinic and he did not accept insurance and told me that the cost would be roughly $895 for a 10 week cycle.

What are your thoughts on the frequency and dosages of the shots? Is he correct that a larger dose spaced out over 2 weeks would be subject to a spike then taper?

You'll find extensive discussions on dosing through the thread BTW. Weekly dosing using typical esters found in the US (cypionate or enanthate) gives steady levels and better overall effects than every two weeks for sure. If your GP (for example) gives you a script for T, and you give yourself the shots, and insurance covers it, costs should we well below what you're getting quoted by often questionable TRT/HRT clinics.

Few could afford the crazy costs you're getting quoted.

[Irish]

The Dr is recommending a shot every week, to get the most even dispersment of the testosterone. I can opt for every 10 days or every 2 weeks at my choice, but the levels would spike a bit more if I chose that. He said most guys who opt for the longer time between shots will usually see a spike in the first week, then they will notice a tapering off the second week, but at $47 per shot, I may opt for that at a later date.

With your testosterone levels you shouldn't have an issue getting a legit script from your doc, or get a referral to a specialist, and you will save a ton of money versus going through an anti-aging type clinic. Most things I've read indicate a 3 1/2 day shot interval being a much better protocol than once a week as well.

Disclaimer: I am not on HRT/TRT currently. The whole thing really interests me, I've read a lot about it, and am simply passing on what I've learned through many hours of study.

[yugo308guy]

You'll find extensive discussions on dosing through the thread BTW. Weekly dosing using typical esters found in the US (cypionate or enanthate) gives steady levels and better overall effects than every two weeks for sure. If your GP (for example) gives you a script for T, and you give yourself the shots, and insurance covers it, costs should we well below what you're getting quoted by often questionable TRT/HRT clinics.

Few could afford the crazy costs you're getting quoted.

Thanks again. I don't currently have a regular doctor. I need one. What I think I am going to do moving forward is, continue the course of treatment with the Low T Center, temporarily. I have no problem investing $200-$400 over the next 2 months to see how this affects my life, and in the meantime, start my search for a regular GP. I know that usually takes a little time. Any advice on screening GPs by the ones who might be more receptive to THT? Also, if I am currently using testosterone, how will that affect a new GP's assessment of my levels?

[usmcvet]

Well, I have just taken the plunge. Thanks to all for the input in this thread. I went in today to a local Low T Center and found out that my T number is 113!! Free T was 2.2!! Needless to say, I am stunned. Looks like my insurance will cover the bulk of the treatments, with co-pay and deductible, I have to pay $47 per shot. The Dr is recommending a shot every week, to get the most even dispersment of the testosterone. I can opt for every 10 days or every 2 weeks at my choice, but the levels would spike a bit more if I chose that. He said most guys who opt for the longer time between shots will usually see a spike in the first week, then they will notice a tapering off the second week, but at $47 per shot, I may opt for that at a later date. Btw, I am 51 if anyone is interested.

I will attempt to keep everyone updated as to my progress with this.

A 10CC bottle of 100mg/ML of T without insurance runs around $100 give or take. So, someone is trying to take you for a ride some place or that fee includes additional services and or meds. With co pay, as you said insurance will cover it, should be far less than $47 per shot. See also:

How Is Testosterone Deficiency “low T” Diagnosed? – Things you need to know before going to your doctor

With your testosterone levels you shouldn't have an issue getting a legit script from your doc, or get a referral to a specialist, and you will save a ton of money versus going through an anti-aging type clinic. Most things I've read indicate a 3 1/2 day shot interval being a much better protocol than once a week as well.

Disclaimer: I am not on HRT/TRT currently. The whole thing really interests me, I've read a lot about it, and am simply passing on what I've learned through many hours of study.

A three month prescription of testosterone cost me $25. I buy my syringes and other the supplies online. But it's still less than $47 for three months. I was going to the doc every two weeks for injections. It prob cost about $47 because a tech was giving me the shot and there is a fee to be seen. Every two weeks sucks! I've been doing every five days but my new doc just said to Change to Tuesday morning and Thursday evening for s steadier level.

[usmcvet]

I had my phone consultation yesterday with Dr. Sayah at Defy Medical.

I took four pages of notes and I'm still a bit overwhelmed. Looks like I will be adding HCG and Lipo C injections. He said to include a DHEA supplement and changed my T dose to .4ml/80mg twice weekly. He suggested Tue morning and Thursday evening for the steadiest levels. Monday and Wednesday work better for me.

I think the T will continue being covered by my insurance but don't think HCG will be covered. The .4ml confused me. I was taking 200mg/1ml injections every five days so would this mean draw to .4 on the syringe? This is a reduction isn't it? I have an email and call in to the office to clarify.

He also told me to add 1/2 an anti E tablet twice weekly.

[Irish]

He also told me to add 1/2 an anti E tablet twice weekly.

If you can 1/4 those pills with a splitter I'd start with that. Obviously I'm not your doc but I've read more of more than a few people who've crashed their estrogen levels and felt like utter shit due to it. Different folks respond to AI's differently. Are you exhibiting any symptoms? Tingling or itchy, puffy nipples? What was your E2 level?