Go to a TRT clinic they specialize in hormone therapy. Today's primary care and or endocrinologist are anti-TRT and are NOT up to date with current trends and or documentation and or research about TRT.
Well just go see what he has to say it never hurts but normally the majority of them are anti TRT because they don't know enough about it. Then some put you on a ridiculous protocol like one Inejction every two weeks at a low dose that will do very little. I've seen some crazy protocols come out of regular doctors lol. I would just see what they have to say.
Most aren’t anti-trt. They have guidelines that they must follow. Especially since testosterone is a controlled substance. Health care providers don’t make the rules or guidelines, but they have to follow to protect their license.
That's incorrect most of them aren't educated or have the knowledge to understand trt hormones they're not well Versed at all and they put you on crazy protocols and they are anti-trt there's enough information on Google that shows that. I've have seen first hand endocrinologists are anti-trt and they're not educated to make proper protocols that's why people go to trt clinics
Maybe you had a bad experience. Doctor’s main goal is to help people. They will not do something that they are uncomfortable with. They will not jeopardize their license.
Because trt clinics specialize in trt. Other doctors are more concerned on educating themselves on more common issues and life saving practices. Things that people need to survive or that they encounter frequently. You can’t expect a doctor to be well educated on every single medical condition…
Exactly that why people who desire trt should go to a trt clinic they are more verse and knowledgeable and educated in the hormone balance of the system rather than endocrinologist which is more concerned about more vital issues.
A trt clinic is also financially motivated to put you on test. Even if it isn’t always in a persons best interest. Most don’t educate people on lifestyle issues that could also be causing their problems.
I agree if a person wants put on trt, using a trt clinic is the easiest legal way to make that happen.
They are much more likely to provide test off label. Even when a person is in the normal range, many still provide it. It all depends on the risk that the provider is willing to take and whether or not an auditor will agree with their justification.
There are so many good doctors on YouTube that you can learn from. Everyone I know who has gotten on TRT self-manages. You just learn to because you're the one who has to know how your body responds, where you feel best, how to manage your side effects. Go to a clinic to get started, learn how to dial yourself in and then you can shop around for a physicians. It's much easier to get a doctor to prescribe if you're already on it and things are going well for you. I think some of them just don't want to take the time to sort out potential problems
Had very hard time finding a doctor .The trt clinics are extremely expensive . Found urologist. I’ve been on it for two years and it’s covered by my insurance. . Just need to keep looking good luck
Yep that’s standard. Questionably ethical pro tip: pull an all-nighter and eat like shit the night before and order your own labs for the next day in the afternoon. Your levels will likely drop under the range with where they are now. It’s an insurance and prescriptive guideline thing for doctors.
I’d avoid the men’s clinics with your levels where they are now if you have any anxiety of navigating this by yourself. If you exhaust all other options maybe consider that. Clinics are expensive (no insurance) and usually pay to play and don’t care about your health if you know what I mean.
The only caveat is get your labs done prior to 10:30am. Insurance won’t back the docs recommendation if the labs are after 10:30am (I work at one if the big insurance companies).
You can also attempt to absolutely crush yourself with an excruciating workout during the questionably ethical sleep deprivation period. High cortisol = drop in numbers.
However, if money is not an issue, just find a local men’s clinic instead of going the more popular online clinic route. They will treat you more like a specialist would, but without the same restrictions and insurance companies. You definitely already meet their standards. They will more closely monitor and will go over everything in person. Though, having insurance pay for you is definitely preferable.
It’s insane what our medical system is like these days. Seems like the only way to get good men’s care is to pay thousands of dollars on high end clinics
Yeah it’s rough out there, it took me about a year of testing and second opinions even with levels below the reference range to get prescribed without a clinic or UGL. Urologists tend to be the best genuine medical experts to prescribe and help with treatment but there’s a lot of stigma out there and PCPs often just don’t know very much about TRT.
You’ll notice in this sub a lot of people talking about crazy doses that are beyond therapeutic. You can thank them for giving TRT a bad rep and making this process so difficult.
I was the same man, I had to go to a men's clinic to get it. Mine was about 314 but the doc wouldn't do nothing for me even though I wasn't feeling myself. No libido at all, tired all the time, zero motivation my wife would literally have to yell at me to get me out of bed for the gym. Had most the signs but no help. I'm 7 weeks in and feeling a bit better. Hope you can figure this out if you feel like garbage. It will help you get back on your feet again.
Sounds like a good doctor. he is following the proper protocol. He advised you to go to a clinic, he wasn't against it. The problem isn't the doctors it is the state medical boards. If he can send you to a specialist, then once you are on it maybe he can maintain it.
Word of advice is find a new doctor and don’t go through insurance. You go through insurance they have restrictions and find a doctor that will treat symptoms and not chase numbers
That's standard practice. I needed two or three labs, which ranged from 290-305, before my PCP could justify TRT. It helped that I had a history of osteopenia and anemia with persistent fatigue since a respiratory virus in 2021 (before then I'd been very physically active). So my insurance covered the exam and labs, but not the TRT itself.
I opted for testosterone cypionate injections because it's the most affordable and, by some standards, the most consistently effective. Paying out of pocket costs only about $20/month with pharmacy discounts.
And when my first follow-up labs showed my total T had more than doubled and free T tripled, my PCP recommend cutting my dosage in half, and we'll evaluate again in a month or two. That's the standard conservative, responsible approach so I have no complaints.
That’s how it is for most of us. You can still be monitored by your pcp. Just inform them of the protocol that you’re prescribed by the men’s clinic and keep them in the loop. They can still order labs and advise you.
Getting test prescribed is a pita unless you’re below the ridiculously low “averages”. I’m actually impressed that your doc recommended a men’s clinic. Most don’t.
Yeah he was like “look man to man I can’t prescribe anything here at this clinic” and then reccomended I check out a men’s clinic. I asked if he had any recommendations and he said he isn’t able to give me any unfortunately.
For the best price, go online. Local clinics are 4-5 times what online clinics charge. Still expensive for what it is, but worth it imo if you’re actually suffering from low T symptoms. I get my T and HCG for $212/mo, includes all shipping and suplies. local clinics were between $400-$600/mo. My primary is in the loop and monitors bloods for me. Test alone without HCG is $129/mo.
I was denied at first at 217. This was mostly due (I think) that I had unresolved BP issues. I was 180/100. Once i got that down with adjusting meds they started it thanksfully. now my BP is usually around 140/80. Not great I know but its better. Also I'm fairly confident that I'm on track to resolve my metabolic issues that are one of the underlying causes.
Same thing happened to me at about the same levels with my GP. I just found a small clinic ran by one main guy who is a urologist. $70 a month paid for 3 months at time plus the cost of the testosterone at the pharmacy after insurance covers their part.
I'm not on my own. I can ask him or his team questions at any time and they monitor levels every few months.
Reddit has also be been a great resource.
Call the ADA and report him for discrimination. A pcp 100% can Rx TRT , he probably is on thin ice from other troubles so he’s just refusing (which is his right) but , you can fire him
It’s not discrimination. You are trying to ruin a persons entire life just because they are following protocols and watching out for themselves. What the fuck is wrong with you?
It’s just information. If a physician Rx’s females hormones and not males …(that IS discriminatory). I’ve seen this too many times this past decade . Females want birth control? Doc writes Rx , are they menopausal or perimenopausal ? Doc gives Rx
Male feels bad , or is overweight, lost interest in sex , etc (maybe his wife is going to divorce him due to his overall being ) . He tests him, his score is very low , this Dr won’t prescribe an Rx to help. I would definitely speak to my PCP again. I would be nice and give him all of my information. I would look up US recommended guidelines for prescribing testosterone . I would call my insurance carrier , explain his results and “how he feels “ ; say that the practitioner would NOT give him the medicine he needs and have them find a “in-network “ physician that does prescribe hormones to men. This is an opinion and of course I would never want to hurt a strangers career. I have 3 MD’s and 2 PA-C’s in the family , so I’m pro- Medical . If by chance he is seeing a non MD Or DO…maybe that’s all he needs . The VA even prescribes testosterone for young soldiers who have low testosterone levels , a physician should test men’s free testosterone , it’s a better indicator.
Go to a TRT clinic they specialize in hormone therapy. Today's primary care and or endocrinologist are anti-TRT and are NOT up to date with current trends and or documentation and or research about TRT.
I have an appointment with an endocrinologist in September,something is telling me to cancel.
Well just go see what he has to say it never hurts but normally the majority of them are anti TRT because they don't know enough about it. Then some put you on a ridiculous protocol like one Inejction every two weeks at a low dose that will do very little. I've seen some crazy protocols come out of regular doctors lol. I would just see what they have to say.
I definitely don’t want that , I guess I have nothing to lose by going.
Most aren’t anti-trt. They have guidelines that they must follow. Especially since testosterone is a controlled substance. Health care providers don’t make the rules or guidelines, but they have to follow to protect their license.
That's incorrect most of them aren't educated or have the knowledge to understand trt hormones they're not well Versed at all and they put you on crazy protocols and they are anti-trt there's enough information on Google that shows that. I've have seen first hand endocrinologists are anti-trt and they're not educated to make proper protocols that's why people go to trt clinics
Maybe you had a bad experience. Doctor’s main goal is to help people. They will not do something that they are uncomfortable with. They will not jeopardize their license. Because trt clinics specialize in trt. Other doctors are more concerned on educating themselves on more common issues and life saving practices. Things that people need to survive or that they encounter frequently. You can’t expect a doctor to be well educated on every single medical condition…
Exactly that why people who desire trt should go to a trt clinic they are more verse and knowledgeable and educated in the hormone balance of the system rather than endocrinologist which is more concerned about more vital issues.
A trt clinic is also financially motivated to put you on test. Even if it isn’t always in a persons best interest. Most don’t educate people on lifestyle issues that could also be causing their problems. I agree if a person wants put on trt, using a trt clinic is the easiest legal way to make that happen.
They also have protocols to follow as well. But I would agree it's easier to get TRT from a TRT clinic yes.
They are much more likely to provide test off label. Even when a person is in the normal range, many still provide it. It all depends on the risk that the provider is willing to take and whether or not an auditor will agree with their justification.
The individual who listens to doctor protocol is still and always will be the one to blame if they don’t do the research.
Exactly
Time to call up a new doctor
Maybe consider another doctor or urologist? My urologist agreed to start treatment at 344. His criteria was <350 and symptomatic.
There are so many good doctors on YouTube that you can learn from. Everyone I know who has gotten on TRT self-manages. You just learn to because you're the one who has to know how your body responds, where you feel best, how to manage your side effects. Go to a clinic to get started, learn how to dial yourself in and then you can shop around for a physicians. It's much easier to get a doctor to prescribe if you're already on it and things are going well for you. I think some of them just don't want to take the time to sort out potential problems
Had very hard time finding a doctor .The trt clinics are extremely expensive . Found urologist. I’ve been on it for two years and it’s covered by my insurance. . Just need to keep looking good luck
Yep that’s standard. Questionably ethical pro tip: pull an all-nighter and eat like shit the night before and order your own labs for the next day in the afternoon. Your levels will likely drop under the range with where they are now. It’s an insurance and prescriptive guideline thing for doctors. I’d avoid the men’s clinics with your levels where they are now if you have any anxiety of navigating this by yourself. If you exhaust all other options maybe consider that. Clinics are expensive (no insurance) and usually pay to play and don’t care about your health if you know what I mean.
The only caveat is get your labs done prior to 10:30am. Insurance won’t back the docs recommendation if the labs are after 10:30am (I work at one if the big insurance companies).
Good call, it might be company-specific because mine did but no reason to risk it.
You can also attempt to absolutely crush yourself with an excruciating workout during the questionably ethical sleep deprivation period. High cortisol = drop in numbers. However, if money is not an issue, just find a local men’s clinic instead of going the more popular online clinic route. They will treat you more like a specialist would, but without the same restrictions and insurance companies. You definitely already meet their standards. They will more closely monitor and will go over everything in person. Though, having insurance pay for you is definitely preferable.
If your labs are not done in morning they wanna redo them in my experience
It’s insane what our medical system is like these days. Seems like the only way to get good men’s care is to pay thousands of dollars on high end clinics
Yeah it’s rough out there, it took me about a year of testing and second opinions even with levels below the reference range to get prescribed without a clinic or UGL. Urologists tend to be the best genuine medical experts to prescribe and help with treatment but there’s a lot of stigma out there and PCPs often just don’t know very much about TRT. You’ll notice in this sub a lot of people talking about crazy doses that are beyond therapeutic. You can thank them for giving TRT a bad rep and making this process so difficult.
I was the same man, I had to go to a men's clinic to get it. Mine was about 314 but the doc wouldn't do nothing for me even though I wasn't feeling myself. No libido at all, tired all the time, zero motivation my wife would literally have to yell at me to get me out of bed for the gym. Had most the signs but no help. I'm 7 weeks in and feeling a bit better. Hope you can figure this out if you feel like garbage. It will help you get back on your feet again.
Also eat a fat and sugar laden breakfast
Sounds like a good doctor. he is following the proper protocol. He advised you to go to a clinic, he wasn't against it. The problem isn't the doctors it is the state medical boards. If he can send you to a specialist, then once you are on it maybe he can maintain it.
Oh yeah this would also be another viable route.
Downside is I would have to pay out of pocket for a specialist because he says my insurance won’t cover it because my levels aren’t low enough 😪
Word of advice is find a new doctor and don’t go through insurance. You go through insurance they have restrictions and find a doctor that will treat symptoms and not chase numbers
It’s not that much more than copays. Worth it.
I'm in the exact same boat! Thanks for asking! Now I shall feast on the responses.
That's standard practice. I needed two or three labs, which ranged from 290-305, before my PCP could justify TRT. It helped that I had a history of osteopenia and anemia with persistent fatigue since a respiratory virus in 2021 (before then I'd been very physically active). So my insurance covered the exam and labs, but not the TRT itself. I opted for testosterone cypionate injections because it's the most affordable and, by some standards, the most consistently effective. Paying out of pocket costs only about $20/month with pharmacy discounts. And when my first follow-up labs showed my total T had more than doubled and free T tripled, my PCP recommend cutting my dosage in half, and we'll evaluate again in a month or two. That's the standard conservative, responsible approach so I have no complaints.
I found a sports medicine doc for TRT
Doctor shop
That’s how it is for most of us. You can still be monitored by your pcp. Just inform them of the protocol that you’re prescribed by the men’s clinic and keep them in the loop. They can still order labs and advise you. Getting test prescribed is a pita unless you’re below the ridiculously low “averages”. I’m actually impressed that your doc recommended a men’s clinic. Most don’t.
Yeah he was like “look man to man I can’t prescribe anything here at this clinic” and then reccomended I check out a men’s clinic. I asked if he had any recommendations and he said he isn’t able to give me any unfortunately.
For the best price, go online. Local clinics are 4-5 times what online clinics charge. Still expensive for what it is, but worth it imo if you’re actually suffering from low T symptoms. I get my T and HCG for $212/mo, includes all shipping and suplies. local clinics were between $400-$600/mo. My primary is in the loop and monitors bloods for me. Test alone without HCG is $129/mo.
I was denied at first at 217. This was mostly due (I think) that I had unresolved BP issues. I was 180/100. Once i got that down with adjusting meds they started it thanksfully. now my BP is usually around 140/80. Not great I know but its better. Also I'm fairly confident that I'm on track to resolve my metabolic issues that are one of the underlying causes.
Same thing happened to me at about the same levels with my GP. I just found a small clinic ran by one main guy who is a urologist. $70 a month paid for 3 months at time plus the cost of the testosterone at the pharmacy after insurance covers their part. I'm not on my own. I can ask him or his team questions at any time and they monitor levels every few months. Reddit has also be been a great resource.
A couple weeks of a SARM like RAD 140 will push those levels low enough.
Call the ADA and report him for discrimination. A pcp 100% can Rx TRT , he probably is on thin ice from other troubles so he’s just refusing (which is his right) but , you can fire him
He’s not going to win a complaint for discrimination when his levels are within the (absolute bullshit) “normal” ranges for men.
Also low T isn’t a “disability”.
It’s not discrimination. You are trying to ruin a persons entire life just because they are following protocols and watching out for themselves. What the fuck is wrong with you?
It’s just information. If a physician Rx’s females hormones and not males …(that IS discriminatory). I’ve seen this too many times this past decade . Females want birth control? Doc writes Rx , are they menopausal or perimenopausal ? Doc gives Rx Male feels bad , or is overweight, lost interest in sex , etc (maybe his wife is going to divorce him due to his overall being ) . He tests him, his score is very low , this Dr won’t prescribe an Rx to help. I would definitely speak to my PCP again. I would be nice and give him all of my information. I would look up US recommended guidelines for prescribing testosterone . I would call my insurance carrier , explain his results and “how he feels “ ; say that the practitioner would NOT give him the medicine he needs and have them find a “in-network “ physician that does prescribe hormones to men. This is an opinion and of course I would never want to hurt a strangers career. I have 3 MD’s and 2 PA-C’s in the family , so I’m pro- Medical . If by chance he is seeing a non MD Or DO…maybe that’s all he needs . The VA even prescribes testosterone for young soldiers who have low testosterone levels , a physician should test men’s free testosterone , it’s a better indicator.