Post: #376

Personally I think it's a waste of time trying to get this handled through a MD to have your insurance take care of it. Most stories of guys on trt who go through insurance are horror stories. Docs don't know crap and make their test levels worse.

Just find a trt clinic that will give you a script. $60 every 2 months for the test cyp and probably 200 - 400 every 6 months for a checkup.

(09-04-2015 08:11 AM)PUA_Rachacha Wrote:  Biggest symptom is low libido. Have been suffering from dysthymia for months. Weight lifting has plateaued. Have added some fat to my gut over the last six months even though neither my exercise routine nor my caloric intake has changed. I have difficulty concentrating at work now.

I get erections if I concentrate. I don't think I have ED, just no desire to get an erection.

My diet is in check. I'm somewhat stressed, which is undoubtedly aiding the condition, but it's a low chronic stress of working and living in New York City. My living circumstances aren't going to change for the next few years, so I'm looking for something else to give me the energy and zest for life to make a change.

Post: #377

Yep. I had to find a Dr who specialized in T in the UK, as I wouldn't get treated on the NHS. Cost me money, but my health has improved considerably now I'm on TRT.

So find a Dr who knows his stuff (get recommendations from any androgen forums, etc).

Post: #378

(09-04-2015 09:16 AM)CleanSlate Wrote:  

(09-04-2015 08:11 AM)PUA_Rachacha Wrote:  Biggest symptom is low libido. Have been suffering from dysthymia for months. Weight lifting has plateaued. Have added some fat to my gut over the last six months even though neither my exercise routine nor my caloric intake has changed. I have difficulty concentrating at work now.

I get erections if I concentrate. I don't think I have ED, just no desire to get an erection.

My diet is in check. I'm somewhat stressed, which is undoubtedly aiding the condition, but it's a low chronic stress of working and living in New York City. My living circumstances aren't going to change for the next few years, so I'm looking for something else to give me the energy and zest for life to make a change.

Those are definitely among the classic symptoms of low T. Keep trying to find a doctor who is willing to work with you... with persistence, you will find a few.

What about morning erections? If you always or almost always get them, you probably don't have e.d. How is your sleep overall? For the first thirty-six years of my life, I'm pretty sure I had the worst sleep habits of anyone and it no doubt gave me testosterone problems. For the last year and a half, I've slept great except for days when I had to wake up early and got to bed late. I was at 556 total testosterone just under a year ago. I should be over 600 naturally by now.

Post: #379

600 is not even optimal IMO. When I am between 800 and 1000 ng/dL I feel like a god.

Post: #380

(09-05-2015 07:31 AM)roid Wrote:  600 is not even optimal IMO. When I am between 800 and 1000 ng/dL I feel like a god.

I agree. That's why for me it's a real catch 22. Naturally, I can get to the point where I'm not great, but not horrible. With TRT, I should of course be able to reach the optimal level.

Post: #381

It is not just about total testosterone levels. It is also about free testosterone levels. I increase my free testosterone by masteron and/or proviron. I feel much much better when I have testosterone propionate mixed with masteron propionate. Testosterone enantate just bloats my face. I need to be aesthetic when it comes to getting girls. And testosterone enantate doesn't meet the requirements.

Post: #382

Always interested when people state that a particular Esther attached to test has an effect. The base molecule is the same the Esther just determines the half life of the injection as it takes the body a specific amount of time to cleave the Esther off and make the test bioavailable.

I have experienced that a prop/enth Blend tends to raise my TT about 20% higher but it could have to do with timing on shots vis-a-vis blood draws.

Anyway I'm going to try Sustanon for the first time here soon should be fun. Anyone here on GH?

Post: #383

Got blood drawn today. Waiting for the results. Not sure when I'll get them.

Post: #384

(09-07-2015 11:42 AM)ThrustMaster Wrote:  Always interested when people state that a particular Esther attached to test has an effect. The base molecule is the same the Esther just determines the half life of the injection as it takes the body a specific amount of time to cleave the Esther off and make the test bioavailable.

I have experienced that a prop/enth Blend tends to raise my TT about 20% higher but it could have to do with timing on shots vis-a-vis blood draws.

Anyway I'm going to try Sustanon for the first time here soon should be fun. Anyone here on GH?

Had a chick mentioned I smelt of old cabbages just after the injections. I wonder if it's the carrier (i.e. castor oil in Nebido)?

Anyway, reading another book on T. TRT - A recipe for success, by Dr. Crisler.

Post: #385

The enantate ester plus testosterone bloat the face easily.

Post: #386

A tip:

When you plan on getting your blood drawn, you can either get an app for Quest or Labcorp (or whatever lab you use), or register on the website. This way, you can get your test results at the same time, or even before your doctor does.

No more phone tag with the doctor or his gatekeepers, and no more "your results are normal" without them giving you the actual numbers.

Post: #387

Got updated results today after my first 3 months of TRT:

Total - 219 went to 720
Free - 7.1 went to 23.8

I have tons more energy, sleep better, and made steady progress in my workouts despite an erratic schedule. Wish I would have started this long ago.

Post: #388

(09-11-2015 02:45 PM)Engineer Wrote:  Got updated results today after my first 3 months of TRT:

Total - 219 went to 720
Free - 7.1 went to 23.8

I have tons more energy, sleep better, and made steady progress in my workouts despite an erratic schedule. Wish I would have started this long ago.

And libido? Concentration at work? What's your regimen?

Post: #389

Also, any AIs or even elevated SHBG?

Post: #390

(09-11-2015 03:43 PM)PUA_Rachacha Wrote:  And libido? Concentration at work? What's your regimen?

Libido went from below average to above average, concentration and energy at work doubled (increased energy was the most noticeable effect of all of them). I'm on 0.4 mL (80mg) dose, 2x/week test prop IM inject and anastrozol, 46 years old.

Response to Druber: LH, TSH were normal, didn't measure SHBG or AI but estradiol was also normal.

I'm considering upping to ~0.5 mg for more effect and have a phone consult next week.

Side note, about 6 months ago I had low vitamin D, 25 ng/mL, and after taking 1500 mg/day and lots of outdoors exercise over the summer I'm now normal at 49 mg/mL.

Post: #391

Just an update guys, haven't been able to go get my full blood test done as things have been hectic at work, I'm going to go and get it done on the 22nd of this month.

Will update you with the results soon after.

Post: #392

Got my results back.

Total t was 592. They didn't check free t, so I'll have them do that next.

Pretty bummed, actually. I've had chronic fatigue symptoms for 3ish years and I was really hoping that this would be the problem so that I could fix it.

Gonna go back and have full blood work done. Iron, vitamin d etc. Already did my thyroid and it came back normal they said, but I'll get the actual levels from that and do my own research.

Post: #393

(09-15-2015 07:11 PM)RioNomad Wrote:  Got my results back.

Total t was 592. They didn't check free t, so I'll have them do that next.

Pretty bummed, actually. I've had chronic fatigue symptoms for 3ish years and I was really hoping that this would be the problem so that I could fix it.

Gonna go back and have full blood work done. Iron, vitamin d etc. Already did my thyroid and it came back normal they said, but I'll get the actual levels from that and do my own research.

Why are you bummed? The results tell you nothing. Do a whole hormone profile.

Post: #394

(09-16-2015 01:34 AM)Druber Wrote:  

(09-15-2015 07:11 PM)RioNomad Wrote:  Got my results back.

Total t was 592. They didn't check free t, so I'll have them do that next.

Pretty bummed, actually. I've had chronic fatigue symptoms for 3ish years and I was really hoping that this would be the problem so that I could fix it.

Gonna go back and have full blood work done. Iron, vitamin d etc. Already did my thyroid and it came back normal they said, but I'll get the actual levels from that and do my own research.

Why are you bummed? The results tell you nothing. Do a whole hormone profile.

I'm bummed because after feeling like shit for years I was hoping to finally have an answer.

I have a doctor appointment in a month, closest date they have available, and then hopefully I will have a full hormone panel done as well as anything else I can talk them into.

Post: #395

Get on it anyway, small dose and get your levels up to 1000. Having your levels between 800-1100 is pretty much a game changer.

Disclaimer: I'm no doctor but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night

Post: #396

(09-16-2015 06:54 AM)Cr33pin Wrote:  Get on it anyway, small dose and get your levels up to 1000. Having your levels between 800-1100 is pretty much a game changer.

Disclaimer: I'm no doctor but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night

I don't doubt that being between 800-1100 is a game changer.

But I strongly "get on it anyway" advice.

Rio's a young guy, and he's been feeling off for a few years.

That could be related to any number of things.

What if his thyroid is off kilter, or like Fisto, his gut biome is completely wrecked.

Don't you think it would be prudent to fix those underlying issues first before getting on the sauce?

He might feel better, but taking TEST won't fix his gut flora or repair his thyroid.

"Of each particular thing ask: what is it in itself? What is its nature?" - Marcus Aurelius

What is the nature of the issue, what are its root causes?

Fix those, and THEN consider more drastic measures.

Post: #397

(09-16-2015 02:15 AM)RioNomad Wrote:  

(09-16-2015 01:34 AM)Druber Wrote:  

(09-15-2015 07:11 PM)RioNomad Wrote:  Got my results back.

Total t was 592. They didn't check free t, so I'll have them do that next.

Pretty bummed, actually. I've had chronic fatigue symptoms for 3ish years and I was really hoping that this would be the problem so that I could fix it.

Gonna go back and have full blood work done. Iron, vitamin d etc. Already did my thyroid and it came back normal they said, but I'll get the actual levels from that and do my own research.

Why are you bummed? The results tell you nothing. Do a whole hormone profile.

I'm bummed because after feeling like shit for years I was hoping to finally have an answer.

I have a doctor appointment in a month, closest date they have available, and then hopefully I will have a full hormone panel done as well as anything else I can talk them into.

You're doing the right thing, taking care of the problem. Most people would ignore it, hope it goes away, self-medicate with ice cream, read People magazine, etc. You are addressing the issue directly and on a path to resolution one way or another. Suggest getting DHEA measured as well.


Update for me: After phone consult, I'm going from 0.4 mL to 0.5 mL per inject.

Post: #398

Happy to weigh in and give my TRT story.....finally got on Test in Late July...40 year old male in good shape but felt off, and tired a majority of the time, lower than normal libido even while getting laid on a regular basis here in Colombia.....I had researched TRT for some time and finally pulled the trigger.

I wanted to do everything on the up and up and hit in an anti-aging clinic in Ft. Laud this past Summer (Easy & Cheap flight from Colombia). I was Very pleased with my doctor and his staff, I did the full blood test (Hormones, lipids, cholesterol, Test, White/Red blood cell) Had a follow up consult, talked about all my issues with a very well informed doctor in the field for the past 16 years. He answered all my questions and was very professional and knowledgeable and simply "got it" and "got me".

Yes I paid for it....all in about $2000 included my blood work, 6 month supply of gear (Test, B12, HCG (prevent Test atrophy), DHEA supplement 25mg tablet (buy at GNC) and consultation fees) Was that expensive....yes....but I have the money and wanted to get everything done on the up and up......since I reside and work in Colombia and do not have a primary care specialist or health insurance anymore in USA.

Good news is now I am educated and live in a country where Test, B12 injectable are super cheap and readily available at numerous pharmacies on any corner (Bogota) Cost for one amp of Test 250mg $6 (1 week) B12 injectable $4. Along with cheap blood tests $6.

The only problem I am having is finding the HCG here in Colombia.... this is expensive in the USA. Brand names of HCG in regular pharmacies cost over $150 per 10,000 IUs (International Units). The same amount of IUs cost around $ 80 in compounding pharmacies. Many insurance policies do not pay for HCG since they consider its use for testicular atrophy while on TRT an off label use. So, most men using it for testicular atrophy pay for it out of their own pockets.

HCG is dispensed as a powder contained in vials of 3,500 IUs, 5, 000 IUs or 10,000 IUs or more. It comes with bacteriostatic water for reconstitution. I often have friends from Florida visit, so I may have to pay out of pocket and have them bring me 6 month supplies of the HCG.

So far after a few months on TRT I am noticing a much higher positive demeanor, clarity in decision making, increased energy, higher libido, and stronger workouts with better results and faster recovery.

The game changer for me is living in a country like Colombia where the red tape is non existent, and the amount of hot ass everywhere keeps me feeling alive and on point even at age 40.

Very happy I took the necessary steps to improve my health, and will keep you all posted on my upcoming blood results and consultation. I do plan on one more consult via Skype with my doctor in Ft. Laud and then going off on my own with regular 2 month bloodwork done on a regular basis here in Colombia.

Happy to answer any questions or concerns others may have....But as a middle aged man I am very pleased with my results........Best of luck!

Post: #399

(09-17-2015 10:30 AM)Tully Mars Wrote:  HCG is dispensed as a powder contained in vials of 3,500 IUs, 5, 000 IUs or 10,000 IUs or more. It comes with bacteriostatic water for reconstitution. I often have friends from Florida visit, so I may have to pay out of pocket and have them bring me 6 month supplies of the HCG.

Have you ever tried shipping your HCG from an U.S. pharmacy to Colombia? Any restrictions on that? (by restrictions I mean things like pharmacy ships within U.S. only... Colombia customs not letting it through... etc)

Post: #400

@Tilly; glad you did it. It's a real investment into your health, when most guys are becoming wrecks in their forties (even earlier) due to low T.

Re B12; which form are you using? I'm using hydroxy IM.