What should one expect for cost in having to go through a TRT specialist doctor or clinic instead of your primary care doc and urologist or endocrinologist? I like my PCP for general health but he's not supportive of TRT with levels anywhere in the "Normal" range -- this includes their network urologist. About 5 years ago I tested for total Test in the low 300's. PCP and urologist both said no, don't need TRT.
Now in my early 50's I find my symptoms related to mood/concentration/motivation worse than 5 years ago. I'd like to explore TRT again as it seems like a reasonable course of action. Does anyone have recommendations for a source of proper treatment in the Boston area? I'm not sure how much trust to put in the men's health clinics around here which seem to be more specialized in ED treatment than hormone optimization. I'd also like to avoid breaking the bank although it's hard to put a price on good health and feeling good -- although $4K on labs is not in the cards.
They advertise for ED treatment because that appeals to more customers, but any of the “men’s health” clinics will do TRT for you.
I was wondering about this. Jay dropped the names of 4 or so doctors nationwide and made it sound easy to get a telemedicine appointment with them and get going. Made me wonder if it might be quite economical: short and infrequent telemedicine appointments, occasional lab work, and testosterone itself is cheap. I had the impression that this telemedicine route might be cheaper than a men's clinic. But I was skeptical anything could be cheap when you are asking one of the top 4 people in the country to do it. Sounds like my skepticism is justified.
I gave this a try though a men's clinic before but gave it up: I didn't like doing the injections and was always falling behind on my schedule, and they gave me several other medications along with it which added to the complexity (and based on the podcast probably weren't necessary). And I didn't notice much difference in my quality of life. However, I didn't have follow-up lab work to see what my levels were (another thing I had trouble complying with, as it was quite a drive to get to a lab from where I was living at the time).
I want to give it another shot (so to speak). I like the idea of the cream under the scrotum, or I think I could manage subcutaneous injections better than IM.
What's the best way to go forward--find another men's clinic? Or an up-and-coming telemedicine doc who isn't in such demand? Jay's book has a resource for finding TOT doctors but I don't know how well-screened they are.
Thank you for this content Rip.
Do you have any recommendations for the journeyman moving out of the young stallion days? I'm 35, blood panel came back around 500 (a little low in my eyes but not sure I need needle intervention yet). I was "pole vaulting" around town in my teens/twenties and can feel that I'm slightly starting to slow down a bit. I'm hoping to keep my numbers up for a few more years before going to injections. All my research seems to indicate heavy barbell work and copious copulation are my best bets to stave off the needle. Check and check. Any other steps you can recommend?
I think you're doing a fine job.
You might try the supplement Diindolylmethane (DIM). It's a chemical found in vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower and is recommended for prostate health. I don't mean to say it has any effect on testosterone, but I find it is good for one's pole vaulting. Of the supplements I have tried over the years this is one of the few I swear by.
Thanks, Rip and tompaynter. I'll look into it.
Rip,
THANK YOU for turning my life around a second time! You are a wizard.
This SS Radio episode triggered a still ongoing research into the topic for me. Since the phases in my life when I feel low motivation and drive get more and more common in the recent years (I'm, approaching 50 now), I knew I had to look into that sooner or later. My father suggested having me checked for depressions. Nah, fuck that. I am not depressed. Never was.
But this - this feels EXACTLY like what might be the cause of what I am feeling. I tick most of the boxes. Just never really had the idea of looking into the T question. Even though I am well aware of how important this hormone is for our life.
I am about to change my life. The decision is a big one though, since I am quite sure that the chances of finding a doctor to support me are virtually zero here in Europe. If I go this way, I'm afraid I might have to go it alone and in my own responsibility 100 %.
I've started listening to all SS Radio episodes right from #1 now. There are quite a few gems in there!