Low Testosterone: What are the options? UPDATE:Testosterone megathread (Page 424 of 443)
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Originally Posted By TheRealSundance: What do you mean high? IF it isn't in the high 50s then it isn't high. Originally Posted By StarCityShooter: Donate blood Originally Posted By XJ: Also if you live at elevation it is going to be high naturally. I was near the top of the range before any T, and it has barely changed since. Lived in Florida for my whole life. My hematocrit has always been 50-52. My dad also has the same levels (48-55%). We both drink about 100-110oz of water daily. Hydration isn’t the issue. Now I’ve been on Test-C for 5-6 months, and it’s gone up. My E level also went up. Here’s my most recent results (early July) and I have another one coming up in 6 days. I’ve been taking Nattokanasse 4000fu every day for the last couple of weeks. Hopefully the new bloodwork results show some improvement in hematocrit. Current protocol is: .25ml x 3 days a week (MWF) Sub-Q of Test Cypionate 200mg/mL. .15 Sub-Q HCG 3 days a week (MWF) Attached File Attached File |
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Originally Posted By artimus009: Lived in Florida for my whole life. My hematocrit has always been 50-52. My dad also has the same levels (48-55%). We both drink about 100-110oz of water daily. Hydration isn’t the issue. Now I’ve been on Test-C for 5-6 months, and it’s gone up. My E level also went up. Here’s my most recent results (early July) and I have another one coming up in 6 days. I’ve been taking Nattokanasse 4000fu every day for the last couple of weeks. Hopefully the new bloodwork results show some improvement in hematocrit. Current protocol is: .25ml x 3 days a week (MWF) Sub-Q of Test Cypionate 200mg/mL. .15 Sub-Q HCG 3 days a week (MWF) https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/289111/IMG_3912_jpeg-3641798.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/289111/IMG_3913_jpeg-3641799.JPG Do you have more labs from your past to compare to those? |
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Originally Posted By StarCityShooter: Do you have more labs from your past to compare to those? Yup… April and July… Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Originally Posted By artimus009: Lived in Florida for my whole life. My hematocrit has always been 50-52. My dad also has the same levels (48-55%). We both drink about 100-110oz of water daily. Hydration isn't the issue. Now I've been on Test-C for 5-6 months, and it's gone up. My E level also went up. Here's my most recent results (early July) and I have another one coming up in 6 days. I've been taking Nattokanasse 4000fu every day for the last couple of weeks. Hopefully the new bloodwork results show some improvement in hematocrit. Current protocol is: .25ml x 3 days a week (MWF) Sub-Q of Test Cypionate 200mg/mL. .15 Sub-Q HCG 3 days a week (MWF) https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/289111/IMG_3912_jpeg-3641798.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/289111/IMG_3913_jpeg-3641799.JPG Do you have sleep apnea/use a CPAP? Do you do cardio? |
| On metoprolol and losartan. Cardio is minimum. I definitely need to lose weight. I was at 265 and snored like a chainsaw. I dropped down to 220 with eating clean and being a whole lot more active and stopped snoring. Had shoulder surgery and gained 15lbs and started snoring again. Once cleared to hit the gym again, I will incorporate cardio 3 days a week. I have all this energy now and I’m climbing the walls. |
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Originally Posted By artimus009: On metoprolol and losartan. Cardio is minimum. I definitely need to lose weight. I was at 265 and snored like a chainsaw. I dropped down to 220 with eating clean and being a whole lot more active and stopped snoring. Had shoulder surgery and gained 15lbs and started snoring again. Once cleared to hit the gym again, I will incorporate cardio 3 days a week. I have all this energy now and I'm climbing the walls. It seems pretty clear you may have sleep apnea and directly addressing that could allow you to continue TRT and even pursue a dose to raise your T into a more sought after range, should you feel the therapy isn't having worthwhile/desired effects. |
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Originally Posted By HappyCamel: With Losartan were looking at CYP3A4 and naringin is weak or negligible in that regard, so if you use it just monitor your BP to make sure it's not inhibiting metabolism of the Losartan into the active metabolites. It seems pretty clear you may have sleep apnea and directly addressing that could allow you to continue TRT and even pursue a dose to raise your T into a more sought after range, should you feel the therapy isn't having worthwhile/desired effects. Originally Posted By HappyCamel: Originally Posted By artimus009: On metoprolol and losartan. Cardio is minimum. I definitely need to lose weight. I was at 265 and snored like a chainsaw. I dropped down to 220 with eating clean and being a whole lot more active and stopped snoring. Had shoulder surgery and gained 15lbs and started snoring again. Once cleared to hit the gym again, I will incorporate cardio 3 days a week. I have all this energy now and I'm climbing the walls. It seems pretty clear you may have sleep apnea and directly addressing that could allow you to continue TRT and even pursue a dose to raise your T into a more sought after range, should you feel the therapy isn't having worthwhile/desired effects. Thanks for the info. At first, the brain fog went away and after a while, I started to feel a little moody but energized. Then it tapered off to somewhere at the 50% better range. On the naringenin (grapefruit seed extract), would 125mg be a decent dose? Should I also do the sea buckthorn, I found a 300mg capsule. I’ve been on BPC-157 for about 4 weeks now to help with healing. I’m probably going to do a GLP-1 cycle to lose the weight and then do a cycle of one of the ‘morelin peptides to get back to where I was prior to the shoulder surgery. Lose the gut and get some strength back. |
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Originally Posted By TheRealSundance: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/32522/IMG_4364_jpeg-3638358.JPG @TheRealSundance Been using a vial adapter since the beginning. Works great. |
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Originally Posted By artimus009: Thanks for the info. At first, the brain fog went away and after a while, I started to feel a little moody but energized. Then it tapered off to somewhere at the 50% better range. On the naringenin (grapefruit seed extract), would 125mg be a decent dose? Should I also do the sea buckthorn, I found a 300mg capsule. I've been on BPC-157 for about 4 weeks now to help with healing. I'm probably going to do a GLP-1 cycle to lose the weight and then do a cycle of one of the 'morelin peptides to get back to where I was prior to the shoulder surgery. Lose the gut and get some strength back. Originally Posted By artimus009: Originally Posted By HappyCamel: Originally Posted By artimus009: On metoprolol and losartan. Cardio is minimum. I definitely need to lose weight. I was at 265 and snored like a chainsaw. I dropped down to 220 with eating clean and being a whole lot more active and stopped snoring. Had shoulder surgery and gained 15lbs and started snoring again. Once cleared to hit the gym again, I will incorporate cardio 3 days a week. I have all this energy now and I'm climbing the walls. It seems pretty clear you may have sleep apnea and directly addressing that could allow you to continue TRT and even pursue a dose to raise your T into a more sought after range, should you feel the therapy isn't having worthwhile/desired effects. Thanks for the info. At first, the brain fog went away and after a while, I started to feel a little moody but energized. Then it tapered off to somewhere at the 50% better range. On the naringenin (grapefruit seed extract), would 125mg be a decent dose? Should I also do the sea buckthorn, I found a 300mg capsule. I've been on BPC-157 for about 4 weeks now to help with healing. I'm probably going to do a GLP-1 cycle to lose the weight and then do a cycle of one of the 'morelin peptides to get back to where I was prior to the shoulder surgery. Lose the gut and get some strength back. Maybe look for a different naringin formulation, seems like most people take up to 500mg. ETA: track your t3, naringin may inhibit some conversion of T4 to T3 Also a note, nattokinase does not lower HCT, it simple helps break down fibrin to prevent blood clots, so it just has a blood thinner like effect. But people parrot "high HCT take nattokinase" without understanding why or if it's a good idea. Another thing to check out is iP6, totally forgot about that one. Also this post has some good links about why people get a little too wrapped up about HCT. https://www.reddit.com/r/trt/comments/1fvrgyw/hematocrit/ |
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Originally Posted By artimus009: Yup… April and July… https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/289111/IMG_3916_png-3641890.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/289111/IMG_3917_png-3641891.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/289111/IMG_3918_png-3641892.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/289111/IMG_3919_png-3641893.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/289111/IMG_3920_png-3641894.JPG Are you doing TRT with your PCP, or an actual hormone optimization clinic? Might be worth looking for a hormone optimization clinic or specialist in your area to help get some of those markers back in line |
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Originally Posted By HappyCamel: The moodiness might be your estradiol. Some people feel perfectly fine towards the top of the range where you are, other people get bothered. As you lose fat, you will have less aromatase enzyme so it may become easier to manage, so if you put something in place to lower estradiol, keep tabs on it as you lose fat. Maybe look for a different naringin formulation, seems like most people take up to 500mg. ETA: track your t3, naringin may inhibit some conversion of T4 to T3 Also a note, nattokinase does not lower HCT, it simple helps break down fibrin to prevent blood clots, so it just has a blood thinner like effect. But people parrot "high HCT take nattokinase" without understanding why or if it's a good idea. Another thing to check out is iP6, totally forgot about that one. Also this post has some good links about why people get a little too wrapped up about HCT. https://www.reddit.com/r/trt/comments/1fvrgyw/hematocrit/ Thanks for the clarification. I did get the nattokinase info from a friend who’s been on high dose TRT for a LONG time. Originally Posted By StarCityShooter: Are you doing TRT with your PCP, or an actual hormone optimization clinic? Might be worth looking for a hormone optimization clinic or specialist in your area to help get some of those markers back in line Went with Was2Well. PCP said all my levels were in normal range and what was going on was normal for someone in my age group. I called BS and found them. |
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Originally Posted By ragedracer1977: My wife is the one with her ass out.  Originally Posted By ragedracer1977: Originally Posted By 2tired2run: Maybe he should give the wife a break and hit up that harem he has in his avatar.  My wife is the one with her ass out.  that narrows it down to 2
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Originally Posted By nsixone: @TheRealSundance Been using a vial adapter since the beginning. Works great. Originally Posted By nsixone: Originally Posted By TheRealSundance: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/32522/IMG_4364_jpeg-3638358.JPG @TheRealSundance Been using a vial adapter since the beginning. Works great. |
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Originally Posted By 20229mm: For drawing up, I just grabbed some 23ga needles. Draw with that, remove needle and discard. Thread on a 29ga and inject with that. Easy peasy I draw with 18ga and my wife injects me with 27ga. Tried 30ga but it was too hard for her to push the plunger. Will have to try the 29ga. |
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Originally Posted By artimus009: Thanks for the clarification. I did get the nattokinase info from a friend who’s been on high dose TRT for a LONG time. Went with Was2Well. PCP said all my levels were in normal range and what was going on was normal for someone in my age group. I called BS and found them. PCP and clinic both had me low. Difference was in administration: PCP: Test Cyp 200 1ml every 2 weeks Clinic: Test Cyp 200 .4ml 2x week (M & Th) Always seems PCPs are not the best at handling this situation |
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Originally Posted By StarCityShooter: PCP and clinic both had me low. Difference was in administration: PCP: Test Cyp 200 1ml every 2 weeks Clinic: Test Cyp 200 .4ml 2x week (M & Th) Always seems PCPs are not the best at handling this situation It’s not their specialty and so much misinformation is spun about TRT that it isn’t even funny. Add in that most of your PCPs are brain dead morons that just follow the care plans that the insurance company orders them to.. |
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Originally Posted By ragedracer1977: Does this help? https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/121843/IMG_0132-3642440.jpg  But.... Attached File |
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With 400+ pages of conversation with some really good info sprinkled in, is there anyone who can summarize how people should start the process of treating low-T, what things to look/test for, and the most recommended treatments? I'm 53 and I haven't "been to a doctor" in decades but based on what I hear guys say about what "having low T" feels like, I'm there. If i'm going to go to a doctor, I would like to know what specialty to go to and what to ask for, but man it's hard to distill it all out of this megathread. Any other resources for learning highly appreciated as well. |
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Originally Posted By kcobean: With 400+ pages of conversation with some really good info sprinkled in, is there anyone who can summarize how people should start the process of treating low-T, what things to look/test for, and the most recommended treatments? I'm 53 and I haven't "been to a doctor" in decades but based on what I hear guys say about what "having low T" feels like, I'm there. If i'm going to go to a doctor, I would like to know what specialty to go to and what to ask for, but man it's hard to distill it all out of this megathread. Any other resources for learning highly appreciated as well. |
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Originally Posted By HappyCamel: If you're 53 and haven't been to the doctor in decades there's a lot you should be looking at first/same time. TRT is an optimization if needed. General health comes first. Do you go to the dentist? ^^^This. Colonoscopy should get scheduled soon. My blood work (of which T was part) was done as part of a general physical, so I'd say would be a good idea to find a primary care doc and get a thorough look-over. If you have spent a decent amount of time in the sun in those 50+ years, not a bad idea to get into a dermatologist and get a screening for any potential nasties. |
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Originally Posted By HappyCamel: If you're 53 and haven't been to the doctor in decades there's a lot you should be looking at first/same time. TRT is an optimization if needed. General health comes first. Do you go to the dentist? Yup Start with finding a PCP. I recommend a direct primary care model. Cash pay. No insurance. You get to spend more time with the doc. It costs more, but life is better when insurance companies aren’t involved. Have them run Blood count Electrolytes Cholesterol Hormone panel (this includes testosterone and estrogen and such) Then schedule a calcium artery scan of your heart ($150-250) I shy away from colonoscopy and would do one of the tests where you send a turd in the mail. Just me. I have transported many people that went in for a regular procedure and ended up brain dead afterwards. Kinda puts me off them. Then make sure your ass is hitting the gym and eating real food. No seed oils Low carb Real food that you can read the label on and pronounce everything. |
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Originally Posted By 20229mm: I shy away from colonoscopy and would do one of the tests where you send a turd in the mail. Just me. I have transported many people that went in for a regular procedure and ended up brain dead afterwards. Kinda puts me off them. Same here. My mom has been hospitalized for this "regular" procedure three times. |
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Originally Posted By JThompson: Same here. My mom has been hospitalized for this "regular" procedure three times. Originally Posted By JThompson: Originally Posted By 20229mm: I shy away from colonoscopy and would do one of the tests where you send a turd in the mail. Just me. I have transported many people that went in for a regular procedure and ended up brain dead afterwards. Kinda puts me off them. Same here. My mom has been hospitalized for this "regular" procedure three times. Damn. I was getting ready to get my first one scheduled and you guys got me rethinking it |
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Originally Posted By StarCityShooter: Damn. I was getting ready to get my first one scheduled and you guys got me rethinking it Originally Posted By StarCityShooter: Originally Posted By JThompson: Originally Posted By 20229mm: I shy away from colonoscopy and would do one of the tests where you send a turd in the mail. Just me. I have transported many people that went in for a regular procedure and ended up brain dead afterwards. Kinda puts me off them. Same here. My mom has been hospitalized for this "regular" procedure three times. Damn. I was getting ready to get my first one scheduled and you guys got me rethinking it Not to make it better. But when I say “transported”. I mean in a critical care ambulance on a vent. For the rest of their lives. Some places have good anesthesia staff, some have terrible staff that forgets to breathe for the patient. Anoxic brain injury. |
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Originally Posted By 20229mm: Not to make it better. But when I say “transported”. I mean in a critical care ambulance on a vent. For the rest of their lives. Some places have good anesthesia staff, some have terrible staff that forgets to breathe for the patient. Anoxic brain injury. Originally Posted By JThompson: Shit  For some, its worth the risk as this type of cancer may run in their family. That type of cancer doesnt run in my family, but cancer does and with the rise of colon and GI cancers, I wanted to get checked since I have an 8yo girl I need to be around for. |
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Originally Posted By 20229mm: Not to make it better. But when I say “transported”. I mean in a critical care ambulance on a vent. For the rest of their lives. Some places have good anesthesia staff, some have terrible staff that forgets to breathe for the patient. Anoxic brain injury. Originally Posted By 20229mm: Originally Posted By StarCityShooter: Originally Posted By JThompson: Originally Posted By 20229mm: I shy away from colonoscopy and would do one of the tests where you send a turd in the mail. Just me. I have transported many people that went in for a regular procedure and ended up brain dead afterwards. Kinda puts me off them. Same here. My mom has been hospitalized for this "regular" procedure three times. Damn. I was getting ready to get my first one scheduled and you guys got me rethinking it Not to make it better. But when I say “transported”. I mean in a critical care ambulance on a vent. For the rest of their lives. Some places have good anesthesia staff, some have terrible staff that forgets to breathe for the patient. Anoxic brain injury. Couldn't this be said for any surgical procedure that you goto sleep for? |
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Originally Posted By captnstabn: Couldn't this be said for any surgical procedure that you goto sleep for? Originally Posted By captnstabn: Originally Posted By 20229mm: Originally Posted By StarCityShooter: Originally Posted By JThompson: Originally Posted By 20229mm: I shy away from colonoscopy and would do one of the tests where you send a turd in the mail. Just me. I have transported many people that went in for a regular procedure and ended up brain dead afterwards. Kinda puts me off them. Same here. My mom has been hospitalized for this "regular" procedure three times. Damn. I was getting ready to get my first one scheduled and you guys got me rethinking it Not to make it better. But when I say “transported”. I mean in a critical care ambulance on a vent. For the rest of their lives. Some places have good anesthesia staff, some have terrible staff that forgets to breathe for the patient. Anoxic brain injury. Couldn't this be said for any surgical procedure that you goto sleep for? Yes, but I have noticed the trend that they tend to happen in outpatient procedures. |
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Originally Posted By 20229mm: Yes, but I have noticed the trend that they tend to happen in outpatient procedures. On this note, I was able to shit in a box since on my first colonoscopy there were no issues. |
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Originally Posted By TheRealSundance: So basically any surgery that's outside a hospital. There are a ton of surgery centers around major cities. On this note, I was able to shit in a box since on my first colonoscopy there were no issues. Is it true you need a prescription to order this box? I wanted to order a bunch to wrap Christmas presents. 
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Originally Posted By 20229mm: Yes, but I have noticed the trend that they tend to happen in outpatient procedures. Originally Posted By 20229mm: Originally Posted By captnstabn: Originally Posted By 20229mm: Originally Posted By StarCityShooter: Originally Posted By JThompson: Originally Posted By 20229mm: I shy away from colonoscopy and would do one of the tests where you send a turd in the mail. Just me. I have transported many people that went in for a regular procedure and ended up brain dead afterwards. Kinda puts me off them. Same here. My mom has been hospitalized for this "regular" procedure three times. Damn. I was getting ready to get my first one scheduled and you guys got me rethinking it Not to make it better. But when I say “transported”. I mean in a critical care ambulance on a vent. For the rest of their lives. Some places have good anesthesia staff, some have terrible staff that forgets to breathe for the patient. Anoxic brain injury. Couldn't this be said for any surgical procedure that you goto sleep for? Yes, but I have noticed the trend that they tend to happen in outpatient procedures. More likely to be using nurse anesthetists than actual MD's? |
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Originally Posted By 20229mm: Yup Start with finding a PCP. I recommend a direct primary care model. Cash pay. No insurance. You get to spend more time with the doc. It costs more, but life is better when insurance companies aren’t involved. Have them run Blood count Electrolytes Cholesterol Hormone panel (this includes testosterone and estrogen and such) Then schedule a calcium artery scan of your heart ($150-250) I shy away from colonoscopy and would do one of the tests where you send a turd in the mail. Just me. I have transported many people that went in for a regular procedure and ended up brain dead afterwards. Kinda puts me off them. Then make sure your ass is hitting the gym and eating real food. No seed oils Low carb Real food that you can read the label on and pronounce everything. How do you find these types? The only ones around here that do anything similar all want run a concierge model and $2-$5k per year fee just so you can schedule an appointment. |
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote."
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Originally Posted By 2tired2run: How do you find these types? The only ones around here that do anything similar all want run a concierge model and $2-$5k per year fee just so you can schedule an appointment. https://mapper.dpcfrontier.com/ Mine charges $60/month. I get an appointment within a day or two (compared to 5 weeks from my prior doc) I get meds cheap and typically whatever I want that is reasonable (I got 6 doxycycline for tick treatment by telling my doc that I hunt and camp and worry about Lyme disease. For $2.30) And I get a half hour appointment vs five minutes. Labs that I want. Scans that I want. Not a bad setup. |
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Originally Posted By 2tired2run: More likely to be using nurse anesthetists than actual MD's? Originally Posted By 2tired2run: Originally Posted By 20229mm: Originally Posted By captnstabn: Originally Posted By 20229mm: Originally Posted By StarCityShooter: Originally Posted By JThompson: Originally Posted By 20229mm: I shy away from colonoscopy and would do one of the tests where you send a turd in the mail. Just me. I have transported many people that went in for a regular procedure and ended up brain dead afterwards. Kinda puts me off them. Same here. My mom has been hospitalized for this "regular" procedure three times. Damn. I was getting ready to get my first one scheduled and you guys got me rethinking it Not to make it better. But when I say “transported”. I mean in a critical care ambulance on a vent. For the rest of their lives. Some places have good anesthesia staff, some have terrible staff that forgets to breathe for the patient. Anoxic brain injury. Couldn't this be said for any surgical procedure that you goto sleep for? Yes, but I have noticed the trend that they tend to happen in outpatient procedures. More likely to be using nurse anesthetists than actual MD's? Maybe. Or they don’t have the support. Imagine how big a pharmacy they have at an outpatient center vs an entire room available. Imagine how diverse their drug box is. |
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Originally Posted By JThompson: Is it true you need a prescription to order this box? I wanted to order a bunch to wrap Christmas presents.  PCP ordered mine so I don't know. |
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What would you die for? Unlikley for the average dipshit. Most people just ain't worth it.--drjarhead
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What would you die for? Unlikley for the average dipshit. Most people just ain't worth it.--drjarhead
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Hey guys, I’ve been off test-C for about 3 years because my BP & hematocrit were consistently too high (even with therapeutic phlebotomy). I got on a low dose valsartin and got BP under control, but without the test my energy was low, motivation was low, and I was getting injured more easily and frequently working out so I mostly stopped and weight creeped up. Tried ozempic to control appetite but after a month or two of good results it failed to work for the next 6+ regardless of dose so I stopped. PCP was able to get me on zepbound and it has worked well. I generally eat one meal/day plus a fairlife protein shake for lunch and drink 4-5 bottles of water a day with advanced hydration mix (without it, I will forget to drink and was only getting 10-30 oz/day). The results have been steady weight loss. I’ve restarted exercise and walk for an hour every morning, usually within an hour of waking. I’d like to restart weights because I can tell I’ve not only lost muscle, but I’ve lost the flexibility and strength that comes from a full body workout. I turn 56 in a couple of weeks and really feel my age (or older) quite a bit. I worked with Defy Medical before and was successful with them (after giving up on a local clinic who prescribed cookie-cutter program). Are they still one of the recommended go-to places? They’re going to want a physical exam plus the usual panels, but my physical isn’t until January and I’d like to take advantage of extra free time over the holidays. 
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Originally Posted By D_J: Hey guys, I've been off test-C for about 3 years because my BP & hematocrit were consistently too high (even with therapeutic phlebotomy). I got on a low dose valsartin and got BP under control, but without the test my energy was low, motivation was low, and I was getting injured more easily and frequently working out so I mostly stopped and weight creeped up. Tried ozempic to control appetite but after a month or two of good results it failed to work for the next 6+ regardless of dose so I stopped. PCP was able to get me on zepbound and it has worked well. I generally eat one meal/day plus a fairlife protein shake for lunch and drink 4-5 bottles of water a day with advanced hydration mix (without it, I will forget to drink and was only getting 10-30 oz/day). The results have been steady weight loss. I've restarted exercise and walk for an hour every morning, usually within an hour of waking. I'd like to restart weights because I can tell I've not only lost muscle, but I've lost the flexibility and strength that comes from a full body workout. I turn 56 in a couple of weeks and really feel my age (or older) quite a bit. I worked with Defy Medical before and was successful with them (after giving up on a local clinic who prescribed cookie-cutter program). Are they still one of the recommended go-to places? They're going to want a physical exam plus the usual panels, but my physical isn't until January and I'd like to take advantage of extra free time over the holidays. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/174335/IMG_6012-3647454.jpg |
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Originally Posted By HappyCamel: Your cookie cutter places aren't going to care about anything other than a low-T test. A place that can provide better guidance (if you want that) may indeed want to to have, or attest to having a PCP relationship/recent physical. Regardless, if whatever place you're using is recommending therapeutic phlebotomy as a first line treatment, you need a new place. If you can control your BP I don't see why you shouldn't go back on. Have you been checked for sleep apnea? Probably #1 cause of high hematocrit (not even getting into how "high" hematocrit isn't typically an actual issue). Originally Posted By HappyCamel: Originally Posted By D_J: Hey guys, I've been off test-C for about 3 years because my BP & hematocrit were consistently too high (even with therapeutic phlebotomy). I got on a low dose valsartin and got BP under control, but without the test my energy was low, motivation was low, and I was getting injured more easily and frequently working out so I mostly stopped and weight creeped up. Tried ozempic to control appetite but after a month or two of good results it failed to work for the next 6+ regardless of dose so I stopped. PCP was able to get me on zepbound and it has worked well. I generally eat one meal/day plus a fairlife protein shake for lunch and drink 4-5 bottles of water a day with advanced hydration mix (without it, I will forget to drink and was only getting 10-30 oz/day). The results have been steady weight loss. I've restarted exercise and walk for an hour every morning, usually within an hour of waking. I'd like to restart weights because I can tell I've not only lost muscle, but I've lost the flexibility and strength that comes from a full body workout. I turn 56 in a couple of weeks and really feel my age (or older) quite a bit. I worked with Defy Medical before and was successful with them (after giving up on a local clinic who prescribed cookie-cutter program). Are they still one of the recommended go-to places? They're going to want a physical exam plus the usual panels, but my physical isn't until January and I'd like to take advantage of extra free time over the holidays. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/174335/IMG_6012-3647454.jpg I don't think hematocrit went much above 52-53, but that's past the end of the Labcorp scale. Sounds like, from skimming the thread recently, that's not considered a real issue these days. BP was averaging 130-133/85-90 on good days, had readings of 140+/100+ more than a couple of time; 122/78 Friday. I'm not sure exactly what you mean by guidance, but I do want someone who help me get to the right levels (600-700 felt fine for me, don't need to be 1000+) with a multi-day/week schedule. I don't want the peaks and valleys of once/week. I looked around locally and there are more clinics than 5-6 years ago when I started, but I don't want someone who requires me to come in for weekly or monthly visits, I just want someone who can prescribe the meds, handle my labs and help me adjust dose as needed so mail order was a better fit last time. Just looking for some recommendations. |
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Hey guys, I hope this question isn't stupid so here goes. Is it possible that TRT and the increased testosterone levels could increase the risk of stroke? My Hematocrit levels are high and I've been donating blood but not as often as I would like, my Dr. doesn't want to write a note so that I can donate blood more often because they aren't prescribing the TRT. I've been having some weird symptoms lately once of which is temporary vision degradation - which while it doesn't sound bad is pretty scary. It could just be eye strain. I also developed gout a few months after starting TRT and have been having problems with arthritis. I am 43 years old. |
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If it is a sudden vision issue, you could be having an occular migrane! I had one and it scared the piss out of me. Thought it was a stroke oncoming. My brother is a Doc and walked me through it. It went away in about 1/2 hour. WHEW! I'v had three of these in the last 3 years. |
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Originally Posted By 20229mm: https://mapper.dpcfrontier.com/ Mine charges $60/month. I get an appointment within a day or two (compared to 5 weeks from my prior doc) I get meds cheap and typically whatever I want that is reasonable (I got 6 doxycycline for tick treatment by telling my doc that I hunt and camp and worry about Lyme disease. For $2.30) And I get a half hour appointment vs five minutes. Labs that I want. Scans that I want. Not a bad setup. Originally Posted By 20229mm: Originally Posted By 2tired2run: How do you find these types? The only ones around here that do anything similar all want run a concierge model and $2-$5k per year fee just so you can schedule an appointment. https://mapper.dpcfrontier.com/ Mine charges $60/month. I get an appointment within a day or two (compared to 5 weeks from my prior doc) I get meds cheap and typically whatever I want that is reasonable (I got 6 doxycycline for tick treatment by telling my doc that I hunt and camp and worry about Lyme disease. For $2.30) And I get a half hour appointment vs five minutes. Labs that I want. Scans that I want. Not a bad setup. Found one...yeah probably not that could be awkward Attached File |
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote."
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Originally Posted By 20229mm: https://mapper.dpcfrontier.com/ Mine charges $60/month. I get an appointment within a day or two (compared to 5 weeks from my prior doc) I get meds cheap and typically whatever I want that is reasonable (I got 6 doxycycline for tick treatment by telling my doc that I hunt and camp and worry about Lyme disease. For $2.30) And I get a half hour appointment vs five minutes. Labs that I want. Scans that I want. Not a bad setup. I didn't think I would ever pay a Dr $60 a month to be their patient, but guess what, it may be worth it for some. In the beginning it was well worth it with constant e-mails going back and forth and simply stating "lets do a phone call" would be scheduled within a week or two and phone calls were lasting 30-60 minutes. Things are stabilized so now meeting every 3 months. Phone calls are shorter now but she still allocates 60 minutes. Prescriptions for just about anything are sent to the pharmacy by sending an e-mail making a request. The virtual visits alone are well worth it. |
This upgraded web site sucks!!!
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Originally Posted By djkest: Hey guys, I hope this question isn't stupid so here goes. Is it possible that TRT and the increased testosterone levels could increase the risk of stroke? My Hematocrit levels are high and I've been donating blood but not as often as I would like, my Dr. doesn't want to write a note so that I can donate blood more often because they aren't prescribing the TRT. I've been having some weird symptoms lately once of which is temporary vision degradation - which while it doesn't sound bad is pretty scary. It could just be eye strain. I also developed gout a few months after starting TRT and have been having problems with arthritis. I am 43 years old.  Does a high hematocrit change your blood's clotting profile? High altitude vs TRT? |
McCarthy was right.
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Originally Posted By D_J: I don't think hematocrit went much above 52-53, but that's past the end of the Labcorp scale. Sounds like, from skimming the thread recently, that's not considered a real issue these days. BP was averaging 130-133/85-90 on good days, had readings of 140+/100+ more than a couple of time; 122/78 Friday. I'm not sure exactly what you mean by guidance, but I do want someone who help me get to the right levels (600-700 felt fine for me, don't need to be 1000+) with a multi-day/week schedule. I don't want the peaks and valleys of once/week. I looked around locally and there are more clinics than 5-6 years ago when I started, but I don't want someone who requires me to come in for weekly or monthly visits, I just want someone who can prescribe the meds, handle my labs and help me adjust dose as needed so mail order was a better fit last time. Just looking for some recommendations. Originally Posted By D_J: Originally Posted By HappyCamel: Originally Posted By D_J: Hey guys, I've been off test-C for about 3 years because my BP & hematocrit were consistently too high (even with therapeutic phlebotomy). I got on a low dose valsartin and got BP under control, but without the test my energy was low, motivation was low, and I was getting injured more easily and frequently working out so I mostly stopped and weight creeped up. Tried ozempic to control appetite but after a month or two of good results it failed to work for the next 6+ regardless of dose so I stopped. PCP was able to get me on zepbound and it has worked well. I generally eat one meal/day plus a fairlife protein shake for lunch and drink 4-5 bottles of water a day with advanced hydration mix (without it, I will forget to drink and was only getting 10-30 oz/day). The results have been steady weight loss. I've restarted exercise and walk for an hour every morning, usually within an hour of waking. I'd like to restart weights because I can tell I've not only lost muscle, but I've lost the flexibility and strength that comes from a full body workout. I turn 56 in a couple of weeks and really feel my age (or older) quite a bit. I worked with Defy Medical before and was successful with them (after giving up on a local clinic who prescribed cookie-cutter program). Are they still one of the recommended go-to places? They're going to want a physical exam plus the usual panels, but my physical isn't until January and I'd like to take advantage of extra free time over the holidays. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/174335/IMG_6012-3647454.jpg I don't think hematocrit went much above 52-53, but that's past the end of the Labcorp scale. Sounds like, from skimming the thread recently, that's not considered a real issue these days. BP was averaging 130-133/85-90 on good days, had readings of 140+/100+ more than a couple of time; 122/78 Friday. I'm not sure exactly what you mean by guidance, but I do want someone who help me get to the right levels (600-700 felt fine for me, don't need to be 1000+) with a multi-day/week schedule. I don't want the peaks and valleys of once/week. I looked around locally and there are more clinics than 5-6 years ago when I started, but I don't want someone who requires me to come in for weekly or monthly visits, I just want someone who can prescribe the meds, handle my labs and help me adjust dose as needed so mail order was a better fit last time. Just looking for some recommendations. |
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Originally Posted By JThompson: I didn't think I would ever pay a Dr $60 a month to be their patient, but guess what, it may be worth it for some. In the beginning it was well worth it with constant e-mails going back and forth and simply stating "lets do a phone call" would be scheduled within a week or two and phone calls were lasting 30-60 minutes. Things are stabilized so now meeting every 3 months. Phone calls are shorter now but she still allocates 60 minutes. Prescriptions for just about anything are sent to the pharmacy by sending an e-mail making a request. The virtual visits alone are well worth it. It’s about the quality of care. I get a half hour appointment any time I want. Typically I can get in the next day or maybe second day. My last doc (insurance model) had a 5 week wait for a 7 minute visit. |
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Originally Posted By SnoopisTDI: I don't know the answer to your question but I recently watched this video about the subject.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=359ts44R05MOriginally Posted By SnoopisTDI: Originally Posted By djkest: Hey guys, I hope this question isn't stupid so here goes. Is it possible that TRT and the increased testosterone levels could increase the risk of stroke? My Hematocrit levels are high and I've been donating blood but not as often as I would like, my Dr. doesn't want to write a note so that I can donate blood more often because they aren't prescribing the TRT. I've been having some weird symptoms lately once of which is temporary vision degradation - which while it doesn't sound bad is pretty scary. It could just be eye strain. I also developed gout a few months after starting TRT and have been having problems with arthritis. I am 43 years old. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=359ts44R05MIm not a Doctor or a know it all but I do believe that you have to mitigate the increased blood thickness while on TRT if your hematocrits are high. Besides blood donations every 8 weeks, I take Nattokinase and Tumeric which have some blood thinning properties. Some choose a baby aspirin (81mg) regimen which may be a little harder on your stomach lining. You have to stop taking the Nattokinase a few days before blood donations since it’s a natural blood thinner. There are many risk factors in what causes a stroke besides hematocrit like arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure etc. Best you can do is eat clean, keep your hematocrits in check as best as possible and take supplements/meds to mitigate risks factors. Get checked by a Doctor for your symptoms as they may not be related at all with your TRT regimen. |