Testosterone/Hormone Therapy

[replicant_argent]

the solution to losing 10% body fat that is much safer is to move more and take in less calories. Unless you have a "serious" problem, getting HRT because you want to solve a body issue perception problem isn't worth all the trouble you might get, IMO. It would pretty much take me growing a 3rd eye and having pustules and secretions spurting from my body before I took to using juice for laziness/vanitys sake. If a doc you see regularly and monitors it more than "by mail" suggests it for a life threatening or quality of life issue? So be it.

YMMV, and my opinion is my own, I don't know why I subject others to it.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by icehog3

Moses, your insurance won't cover any of the prescription costs even if you are diagnosed with low test (male menopause)?

No, I do not think they do. I should ask them, but according the clinic, insurance is generally not accepted, and I do not think the clinic has a contract with BCBS for instance. I do not think the local pharmacy has the drugs they perscribe either. If I go with it, I would certainly investigate.

[BigFrank]

Originally Posted by kaisersozei

On a related note, is there any value to the DHEA supplements?

This is supposed to be a natural precursor hormone, meaning it will help your body boost production of testosterone. It's not an anabolic steroid, so the affects are different, but when used as a nutritional supplement it is supposed to help get your hormone levels up to where they would normally occur naturally.

Not worth buying.

Some insurance companies will cover HRT. If your Doctor or a specialist has prescribed that you do it, most insurance companies will pay, but of course it really depends on who you have etc.

I would change my general physician to someone who is a little bit more open minded.

I dont understand why people feel sketchy about taking blood test then sending away for a prescription. Just about everyone I work with is on some type of medicine. They only see their Doctor 2-3 times a year and mail away for most of their meds, most commonly blood pressure medicine. They go to a lab every so often to get blood work done.
I think people need to quit being so leery and stereotypical towards HRT just because it involves steroids.

[yassin3]

Here is my experience: (50 Years old, overweight)

I started Testosterone therapy about 5 months prior to getting on CPAP. My T level was very low, (120). When diagnosed with sleep apnea, I had an AHI of 118.

That was almost two years ago -- now my AHI is averaging around 2-2.5 a night with CPAP. I have to get a T test every 6 months or so, and I am in the middle to low in my "normal" range.

About 6 months ago, I decided to forego my Testosterone therapy for a couple of weeks. During that time, I was still on cpap and my nightly AHI stayed around the same, but maybe a point /point and a half higher.

However, my Testosterone dropped significantly -- down to only 48, so i juiced back up and got it back in the normal range for myself.

I take T once a week, and what I noticed is that my AHI is slightly higher on the few preceding nights after injection, but gets back to average nearer the end of the week.

Just from my anecdotal experience,

Testosterone therapy may increase your sleep apnea. (This is a known side effect)

Sleep apnea made me extremely tired and listless, so I believe that was a causing factor in my low T, not from OSA

Now, I have also recently started exercising regularly and have adopted a plant based diet (for the most part). On my last T test, my levels were a lot higher -- also, my libido and stamina lasts a lot longer than it did before.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by BigFrank

Some insurance companies will cover HRT. If your Doctor or a specialist has prescribed that you do it, most insurance companies will pay, but of course it really depends on who you have etc.

I would change my general physician to someone who is a little bit more open minded.

There are Men's Health specialty clinics that geared HRT and any health issues that are specific to men. Most are just a referral from your primary.

The newest way for HRT is a pellet injection that last 10+ weeks. Much better than traditional testosterone injections with less effects.

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

There are Men's Health specialty clinics that geared HRT and any health issues that are specific to men. Most are just a referral from your primary.

The newest way for HRT is a pellet injection that last 10+ weeks. Much better than traditional testosterone injections with less effects.

Meaning less side effects, not positive effects, correct Moses?

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by icehog3

Meaning less side effects, not positive effects, correct Moses?

Side effects like acne and inherent hormone level swings due to "getting it all at once" as a liquid injection. Pellets dissolve in the fatty issue over the 10 weeks so it's like nothing ever happened (outside of the big bruises that can be caused by the injection).

The positive side effects of HRT; which there are plenty can be a lengthy thread.

Decent insurance pays for it, so why not take advantage?

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

Side effects like acne and inherent hormone level swings due to "getting it all at once" as a liquid injection. Pellets dissolve in the fatty issue over the 10 weeks so it's like nothing ever happened (outside of the big bruises that can be caused by the injection).

The positive side effects of HRT; which there are plenty can be a lengthy thread.

Decent insurance pays for it, so why not take advantage?

I have great insurance, might be something to look into after all the Shelter in Place restrictions are lifted. Thanks Moses.