Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Jasksta · 23-02-2013 10:33am #1

So, I went to my gp and asked him to take bloods and test my Testosterone Levels. He point blank refused to test my Testosterone levels.

He did take blood to test my thyroid even though I do not have any symptoms of thyroid problems. I told him this but still he insisted on testing my thyroid saying it was a more accurate test? Well the results came back and everything was fine so I asked again to test my Testosterone levels.

Still he refuses to take bloods to test Testosterone Levels.

Anyone know why doctors in Ireland are so reluctant to test Testosterone Levels?

Better still, can anyone recommended a doctor that's maybe more open minded and will to do the test? Been looking for weeks now and no joy.

Lelantos · 23-02-2013 10:36am

Jasksta wrote: »

So, I went to my gp and asked him to take bloods and test my Testosterone Levels. He point blank refused to test my Testosterone levels.

He did take blood to test my thyroid even though I do not have any symptoms of thyroid problems. I told him this but still he insisted on testing my thyroid saying it was a more accurate test? Well the results came back and everything was fine so I asked again to test my Testosterone levels.

Still he refuses to take bloods to test Testosterone Levels.

Anyone know why doctors in Ireland are so reluctant to test Testosterone Levels?

Better still, can anyone recommended a doctor that's maybe more open minded and will to do the test? Been looking for weeks now and no joy.

No reason whatsoever for a doc not to do this. It's quite important, child reproduction, lethargy, to prevent osteo probs later. Change your GP, this is not a normal reaction bu him.

Jasksta · 24-02-2013 12:50pm

That's what I thought. He's exact words were:

"I don't believe in Low Testosterone - It's all in your head"

I was pretty adamant that I wanted this done but he just stood up, opened the door and told me to go on my way.

Have to say, i was really frustrated after talking with him.

Can anyone recommend a good gp in Limerick?

Appreciate any comments..

Lelantos · 24-02-2013 1:13pm

Jasksta wrote: »

That's what I thought. He's exact words were:

"I don't believe in Low Testosterone - It's all in your head"

I was pretty adamant that I wanted this done but he just stood up, opened the door and told me to go on my way.

Have to say, i was really frustrated after talking with him.

Can anyone recommend a good gp in Limerick?

Appreciate any comments..

Wow! Leave him asap, I suffer from low testosterone, am on gel to counteract the effects. Have been for approx 10 years. Benefits to my life have been immense since I started. I don't have a clue about the Limerick area, but I would ring some other practices Monday morn if I was you, its a simple blood test, at the very least it will place your mind at ease if you get tested

squod · 24-02-2013 2:30pm

Jasksta wrote: »

........ Low Testosterone - It's all in your head"

Bollox doctor, it's mostly made in your bollox.

Gummy Panda · 24-02-2013 3:36pm

This reminds me of a doctor who asked me was I american because I asked can I get tests done to check for allergies due to my brother having serve allergies to peanuts and penicillin.

Turns out years later that I was allergic to something and find out when a different doctor prescribed it. It was great fun having my face swell up like the elephant man and having trouble breathing due to penicillin.

Jasksta · 25-02-2013 8:05am

Lelantos wrote: »

Wow! Leave him asap, I suffer from low testosterone, am on gel to counteract the effects. Have been for approx 10 years. Benefits to my life have been immense since I started. I don't have a clue about the Limerick area, but I would ring some other practices Monday morn if I was you, its a simple blood test, at the very least it will place your mind at ease if you get tested

Yeh, it's just unreal that he simply refuses to do this simple test. Think I'll be making some calls this morning as this is just not on.

Like you said, at the very least it will ease my mind.

So you reckon the gel does a good job then? I've heard mixed reviews on it, some saying injections are much better?

Jasksta · 25-02-2013 8:07am

Gummy Panda wrote: »

This reminds me of a doctor who asked me was I american because I asked can I get tests done to check for allergies due to my brother having serve allergies to peanuts and penicillin.

Turns out years later that I was allergic to something and find out when a different doctor prescribed it. It was great fun having my face swell up like the elephant man and having trouble breathing due to penicillin.

Honestly, I don't know. How ignorant can these doctors be??

Lelantos · 25-02-2013 8:26am

Jasksta wrote: »

Yeh, it's just unreal that he simply refuses to do this simple test. Think I'll be making some calls this morning as this is just not on.

Like you said, at the very least it will ease my mind.

So you reckon the gel does a good job then? I've heard mixed reviews on it, some saying injections are much better?

It all depends on the specific case. Gel works perfectly for me though. Dose can be increase or decreased as needed. But again, its the doc who will guide you thru the options

ReDdevil87 · 19-06-2013 5:31pm

Funnily enough I had a similar problem. I asked my GP to send me for a blood test and he had no problem with it, however he declined to put a test reading on it for some reason. I studied sports therapy and was a Personal Trainer for a few years so I know how to increase test naturally through exercise lifestyle and dietary supplements, but anyone who trains knows supplements are expensive, especially to someone out of work. I haven't worked in the fitness industry for years now and haven't really trained properly for a few years. Along with that and a few years of bad diet has it's effect on you both physically and mentally and with men low test levels that come with a bad lifestyle can seriously cause havoc with you, after all it is what makes men well men. How we look and also how we think. So I honestly don't know why GP's decline to check and treat this, it is madness. What I would recommend to anyone getting a test check done is to ask them to check your estrogen levels as well. Some of you may know and some of you may not, but your test can convert to estrogen through aromatization, something as simple as drinking alcohol can aromatize testesterone. Your test(production) levels might be okay but if you have a large percentage converting to estrogen you can still have a lot of negative effects. So something like TRT might not be a viable option and you would probably benefit more from taking an AI(aromatize inhibitor). I didn't bother visiting a different GP to ask them to send me to get a test check but if anyone here knows of one in Dublin that doesn't have any problem with sending you for this necessary and important check I wouldn't mind hearing a recommendation.

Noxin · 20-06-2013 8:14am

I hope you didn't pay him.

Cut him out and go find a new doc!

Tefral · 20-08-2014 1:19pm

I'd look up Stephen Lucey. He's a n ex limerick hurler and footballer. He's a doctor also. I'd say he would be more open to looking at this kinda thing!

kevpants · 20-08-2014 2:42pm

Lol.

How many people who approach a doc about a testosterone test aren't secretly really excited about the possibility of some totally legal steriods?

Let's not pretend it's anything else.

conzy · 20-08-2014 2:45pm

Not gaining a pound of muscle a week, must be a hormonal issue

arynne · 20-08-2014 4:07pm

I can help you with this if you care to PM me. GP are very reluctant to get involved with TRT.

Mellor · 21-08-2014 12:48am

kevpants wrote: »

Lol.

How many people who approach a doc about a testosterone test aren't secretly really excited about the possibility of some totally legal steriods?

Let's not pretend it's anything else.

I'd say a significant amount are thinking that, maybe even most.
But definitely not all of them.

Blackphoenix626 wrote: »

Yeah, it is something else.

Do you actually know you have low T or do you think you have low T?

Transform · 21-08-2014 6:56am

TRT is defo coming down the line.

What you are going to see are clinics opening up in much the same way you get your teeth whitened. Guarantee it will happen and dont see what the issue would be at all as women have been taking HRT for years and there is never a big fuss over that (in general)

Tefral · 21-08-2014 10:27am

Blackphoenix626 wrote: »

I know so.

Might be worth looking at this. http://www.discountsupplements.ie/index.php?route=product/product&filter_name=test&product_id=1191

kevpants · 22-08-2014 10:41am

I'd imagine any of the big boutique 5 star private hospitals like the Beacon or that will offer a service where testosterone would be monitored and tested because those places are pretty much willing to offer any treatment that will make them money.

What you can't expect is for the Irish public health system to support your requirement for more testosterone. You aren't going to get a referral from your GP for it.

It's going to cost you either via needing a really top insurance policy or by stumping up the cash yourself.

deadlybuzzman · 22-08-2014 2:25pm

cronin_j wrote: »

Might be worth looking at this. http://www.discountsupplements.ie/index.php?route=product/product&filter_name=test&product_id=1191

Not being funny but morning wood is a decent measure of having at least a basic level of test.
Can home tests be trusted all that much? Considering its a treatment for life a less DIY approach would be preferable.
Testing would also need to be done regularly for a while because levels can vary wildly. One late night of beer and meg ryan films with dido playing in the background would give you a very different reading to what's possible at the other end of the scale with good rest, diet etc

Alf Veedersane · 22-08-2014 2:34pm

deadlybuzzman wrote: »

Testing would also need to be done regularly for a while because levels can vary wildly. One late night of beer and meg ryan films with dido playing in the background would give you a very different reading to what's possible at the other end of the scale with good rest, diet etc

Misread that the first time around and was "WTF? :eek:"

Clark2014 · 08-09-2014 12:28pm

Jasksta wrote: »

Better still, can anyone recommended a doctor that's maybe more open minded and will to do the test? Been looking for weeks now and no joy.

Dr Andrew Rynne in Kildare is one of the few doctors in Ireland that prescribe TRT.

Check out testosterone.ie

Clark2014 · 08-09-2014 12:32pm

kevpants wrote: »

Lol.

How many people who approach a doc about a testosterone test aren't secretly really excited about the possibility of some totally legal steriods?

Let's not pretend it's anything else.

Most people who use TRT take it for medical reasons.

Jasksta · 08-09-2014 3:37pm

Agreed most people do indeed use TRT for medical reasons & I'm not a bodybuilder

At present I'm living in the U.K. due to work commitments and have had two tests to date but both came back within the "normal" range. Go figure..

However, there is a lot of conflicting and confusing information regarding the "normal" range and I'm still continuing to seek advice.

Mellor · 08-09-2014 11:48pm

Clark2014 wrote: »

Most people who use TRT take it for medical reasons.

He point was that a lot of people who go to the doctor looking to have their testosterone checked. Are probably hoping that their levels come back low. To justify something to themselves, to make sure they aren't missing out, or to get a "medical reason" for TRT.
I'd imagine the majority of tests comeback normal.

Jasksta wrote: »

Agreed most people do indeed use TRT for medical reasons & I'm not a bodybuilder

At present I'm living in the U.K. due to work commitments and have had two tests to date but both came back within the "normal" range. Go figure..

However, there is a lot of conflicting and confusing information regarding the "normal" range and I'm still continuing to seek advice.

You had concerns about your T levels, you've been tested twice. And it came back normal. This is a good thing, but you don't sound too happy about the results.
What did your levels come back at?

Clark2014 · 09-09-2014 1:35pm

Mellor wrote: »

He point was that a lot of people who go to the doctor looking to have their testosterone checked. Are probably hoping that their levels come back low. To justify something to themselves, to make sure they aren't missing out, or to get a "medical reason" for TRT.
I'd imagine the majority of tests comeback normal.

You had concerns about your T levels, you've been tested twice. And it came back normal. This is a good thing, but you don't sound too happy about the results.
What did your levels come back at?

TRT is not something you want to mess around with unless you absolutely need it.

Mellor · 09-09-2014 2:32pm

Clark2014 wrote: »

TRT is not something you want to mess around with unless you absolutely need it.

I'd completely agree with that tbh.

colossus-x · 13-09-2014 12:36pm

deadlybuzzman wrote: »

Not being funny but morning wood is a decent measure of having at least a basic level of test.
....

Phew, I thought I was a hard gainer and some kind of pervert..but I was wrong.
Being mis-informed is a terrible thing.

trt01 · 21-09-2014 2:40pm

kevpants wrote: »

Lol.

How many people who approach a doc about a testosterone test aren't secretly really excited about the possibility of some totally legal steriods?

Let's not pretend it's anything else.

And you're an authority on the endocrine system and necessity of trt?

If you would perhaps educate yourself a tad, you'd realise that trt replaces at scored physiological levels NOT supra physiological, and hence no benefits other than constant levels.

When you've actually walked the path on your ignorant statements, then you possibly try to input something constructive..........until then, you've no idea what you're talking about kiddo

trt01 · 21-09-2014 2:40pm

Clark2014 wrote: »

TRT is not something you want to mess around with unless you absolutely need it.

Are you on it?

trt01 · 21-09-2014 2:47pm

Jasksta wrote: »

Agreed most people do indeed use TRT for medical reasons & I'm not a bodybuilder

At present I'm living in the U.K. due to work commitments and have had two tests to date but both came back within the "normal" range. Go figure..

However, there is a lot of conflicting and confusing information regarding the "normal" range and I'm still continuing to seek advice.

You're conversing with ignorance on here.

ROI is still stuck in the dark ages unfortunately, a friend just self medicates and gets reg blood work, he is on 125mg test e per week which is around 90mg test after the ester weight is discounted. In the UK you would get Nebido after a trip to a specialist via your GP, as did I.

Good luck.

trt01 · 21-09-2014 2:51pm

cronin_j wrote: »

Might be worth looking at this.

No, just no. Do you actually believe in this BS???!!!

Here's a hint, once scientists discovered that things actually worked, they were grouped as 'medicines', the stuff that didn't work (at all, or needed refined) is what you get conned (if you're stupid) into buying at supp and holistic shops.

top madra · 22-09-2014 8:38am

trt01 wrote: »

And you're an authority on the endocrine system and necessity of trt?

If you would perhaps educate yourself a tad, you'd realise that trt replaces at scored physiological levels NOT supra physiological, and hence no benefits other than constant levels.

When you've actually walked the path on your ignorant statements, then you possibly try to input something constructive..........until then, you've no idea what you're talking about kiddo

Here we go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Clark2014 · 23-09-2014 12:48am

trt01 wrote: »

Are you on it?

No but I have used it under medical supervision.

Mellor · 23-09-2014 3:55am

Clark2014 wrote: »

No but I have used it under medical supervision.

Temporarily? Do you no longer need it?

Clark2014 · 23-09-2014 6:20pm

Mellor wrote: »

Temporarily? Do you no longer need it?

No I got very limited benefit from it. But after I had a 2nd injection of TRT I noticed no effects what soever.

I took it for medical reasons but for many people it is now becoming a "lifestyle drug".

JJayoo · 23-09-2014 8:07pm

Don't sleep for 50+ hours, get blood tested, bingo

trt01 · 23-09-2014 8:38pm

top madra wrote: »

Here we go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here what go, what? Providing medical fact v silly little boys? Not much of a contest..........

trt01 · 23-09-2014 8:42pm

Clark2014 wrote: »

No I got very limited benefit from it. But after I had a 2nd injection of TRT I noticed no effects what soever.

I took it for medical reasons but for many people it is now becoming a "lifestyle drug".

Can you provide details? What exactly were the benefits you needed/sought?

What ester/product? What was the administration protocol?

I find this a tad strange, not in an argumentative basis but in a physiological basis.

trt01 · 23-09-2014 8:44pm

JJayoo wrote: »

Don't sleep for 50+ hours, get blood tested, bingo

Absolute rubbish, sorry to burst your bubble.

Clark2014 · 23-09-2014 8:47pm

trt01 wrote: »

Can you provide details? What exactly were the benefits you needed/sought?

What ester/product? What was the administration protocol?

I find this a tad strange, not in an argumentative basis but in a physiological basis.

I took nebido for a hormonal problem. It did not fix the problem but it did improve my mental state other than that I got no real benefits from it.

I think middle eged men are the ones who get the most benefit from TRT.

wiz569 · 23-09-2014 8:59pm

Clark2014 wrote: »

I think middle aged men are the ones who get the most benefit from TRT.

Or those who can no longer produce their own,mind you I'm middle aged but that's just a coincidence lol

trt01 · 24-09-2014 8:51am

Clark2014 wrote: »

I took nebido for a hormonal problem. It did not fix the problem but it did improve my mental state other than that I got no real benefits from it.

I think middle eged men are the ones who get the most benefit from TRT.

That's what I am on, I bet the GP didn't follow the loading protocol?

Should have been:

Nothing to do with age, testosterone is testosterone period, if it's low or missing its effect will be pronounced at any age from puberty onwards.

1st, week 1 400mg
2nd, week 6 400mg

Then every 9-12wks depending on blood level.

You haven't stayed on it anywhere near long enough, for some strange reason Nebido steadily improves over a 6mth period for the majority.

What do you use now?

trt01 · 24-09-2014 10:55am

wiz569 wrote: »

Or those who can no longer produce their own,mind you I'm middle aged but that's just a coincidence lol

Yep very true, can be secondary through using AAS or off the shelf prohormones, or it could have been low to start with, and waning steadily.

Clark2014 · 24-09-2014 10:58am

trt01 wrote: »

That's what I am on, I bet the GP didn't follow the loading protocol?

Should have been:

Nothing to do with age, testosterone is testosterone period, if it's low or missing its effect will be pronounced at any age from puberty onwards.

1st, week 1 400mg
2nd, week 6 400mg

Then every 9-12wks depending on blood level.

You haven't stayed on it anywhere near long enough, for some strange reason Nebido steadily improves over a 6mth period for the majority.

What do you use now?

I'm not on anything now. The problem with TRT is that if you take it for a long time you may need it forever. So I'm glad I didnt take it any longer.

generic2012 · 24-09-2014 11:11am

Trt01, you seem very defensive and very easily provoked. The last thing I want to do is rub you up the wrong way but your posts are ridiculous and ill-informed, you obviously don't know what you are talking about and I think you are bring down this thread.

wiz569 · 24-09-2014 12:52pm

trt01 wrote: »

Yep very true, can be secondary through using AAS or off the shelf prohormones, or it could have been low to start with, and waning steadily.

Or through having your testicles removed,as in my case

daithi1003 · 24-02-2016 3:36am

arynne wrote: »

I can help you with this if you care to PM me. GP are very reluctant to get involved with TRT.

I got my get checked 2 months ago the doctor was reluctant as he says a lot of men ask for this test yet the Dr isn't paying for it mine came back at 4.6 which for my age 36 should be aroundc20-25 per mg I was shocked but not surprised as my libido was gone no energy so he refired me to an endocrinology dept 6 MTV's wait plus the 2 MTV's testing I'm feeling suacidal I've a 10yr old daughter I don't want to move from my house and I'm a natural size not over weight I can buy inj steroids but who knows what's in them can you help I live in south county Dublin thanks David

Transform · 24-02-2016 9:05am

daithi1003 wrote: »

I got my get checked 2 months ago the doctor was reluctant as he says a lot of men ask for this test yet the Dr isn't paying for it mine came back at 4.6 which for my age 36 should be aroundc20-25 per mg I was shocked but not surprised as my libido was gone no energy so he refired me to an endocrinology dept 6 MTV's wait plus the 2 MTV's testing I'm feeling suacidal I've a 10yr old daughter I don't want to move from my house and I'm a natural size not over weight I can buy inj steroids but who knows what's in them can you help I live in south county Dublin thanks David

can we resolve this though - diet, training, more sleep?

What are those three areas like for you?

JJayoo · 24-02-2016 11:16am

I really hate the 'this is the appropriate level for your age group' philosophy.

I mean you get older and your eye sight fades, can I get glasses?/no fcuk you your old and don't deserve to see.

You get older and your hearing fades, can I get a hearing aid?, go fcuk yourself your old and don't deserve to hear.

I was thinking about putting a stair lift in my house as I find it tough going up and down.......No cnut your old

I need a hip replacement...no you need to hurry up.and die

It's the same story when it comes to test, there should be a optimal healthy amount used as a guide instead of well the average 60/year old has this level DERP and ya we will ignore that life expectancy has increase significantly in the last 20/years DERP and these figures haven't been revised.

davmol · 26-02-2016 3:18pm

trt01 wrote: »

If you would perhaps educate yourself a tad, you'd realise that trt replaces at scored physiological levels NOT supra physiological, and hence no benefits other than constant levels.

Excuse my ignorance on the subject but are you saying TRT administered by ,say a doctor, will only be administered at physiological levels or that you cant increase test levels beyond what would naturally occur in the body even if you try?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

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