I Have Low Test Symptoms

Bigger Stronger Leaner Over 35 Lifter
21

I think that you would need to determine what range of treatments the various private clinics offer.

I have heard of all three, and when embarking intially, I considered these clinics too.

My experience has shown, and continues to do so, that the NHS is very flawed; treatments maybe ‘appropriate’ but are certainly not optimal. One big consideration is that it is a free, subsidised service. Thus cost is a huge consideration. Doctors and the various Primary Care Trusts (regional medical groups) have budgets to consier. If a treatment is considered unneccessary then, chances are, the treatment will not be given. Its a sad fact, but is what we have to work with, sadly.

Dont rule it out though! So, if you obtain a prescription for an injectible testosterone depot, such as enanthate or propionate, or even sustanon 250 that you can self administer, then you will have a prescription for a product at a set cost of £7.10 (or is it £7.30?), free periodic blood tests and free monitoring / consultancy.

Then, maybe if you visited a clinic, they could offer the additional HCG and AI.

Initially I contacted a private clinic in London who agreed to work in conjuntion with the NHS treatments I wanted to obtain. It maybe that these clinics may do the same. I wouldnt recommend this clinic however, as the treatment options they prefer would not fit with what I want (it is non of the clinics you mention).

I would imagine though, that these clinics exist to treat paying customers for a service, thus the level of service they will offer ‘should’ be better.

I currently have a nasy thyroid issue I am having to deal with that the NHS will not treat. It looks like I will be investigating private clinics for treatment too!

My advice, explore all opportunities, have a plan A, plan B and a plan C. Know what YOU WANT and what will work for YOU be explicit with what you want from a treatment, show that you have researched treatment options (using peer reviewed literature if possible). If you dont get the answers you seek from the NHS, dont be discouraged. You are in great position currently. You have access to a free service that may provide you with suitable treatment, however you also have access to some private clinics that may offer the treatments that the NHS wont. With my location I did not have access to the private clinics.

Keep your head up and seek the treatments that are right for you and your situation. The fact that you feel there is a problem and are actively seeking options highlights that you have a problem that requires treatment.

[quote]mancandy wrote:
Thanks for posting…

Dave:

Of course the TRT needs to be tailored to my needs, but yes, a combination of Testosterone injections, AI and HCG is probably what I will want. It seems to me that pretty much everyone who understands TRT well think these 3 elements are key to a good protocol.

If an NHS doctor cannot or will not prescribe these 3 to me - then I am just wasting my time with them. Or what do you say?

What about taking the private route?

Here in London there are British specialists in TRT, such as these:

http://www.menshealthcentre.co.uk/

Those are the ones I could find at least.

Do you know anything about them?

I’ve been in contact with all 3. They seem to know their stuff. The first 2 seem good to me - the third one is extremely expensive.

It seems like the most realistic option for good treatment.

Please comment…[/quote]

22

Dave,
That makes good sense. Maybe I could get the best of two worlds in that way.

Anyway, I am no longer so concerned about the costs of the treatment. I think I can live with those.

So I might go entirely private. I will see. I am a little fed up with the NHS by now.

Do you mean to say that there is a difference in price on the medicine depending on who prescribes it? Is it cheaper if it is prescribed by an NHS doctor than a private doctor?

I do happen to have quite a bit of gear also. I already bought it. I am very tempted to go on a cycle and after that go to a private clinic for long term TRT. Perhaps not the best approach, as BushidoBB mentioned but… tempting for sure.

So long,

23

UPDATE!!!

Hi folks,

I’ve now been to see a private doctor, a TRT specialist, here in London. He has taken many of the tests you recommended. Here are a the most important results:

Follicle stim. Hormone = 3.1 IU/L (0.27-4.20)

Luteinising hormone = 4.0 IU/L (1.7-8.6)

IGF-1 = 17.3 nmol/L (15.0-39.9)

Testosterone = 10.2 nmol/L (9.90-27.80)

Free testosterone/SHBG Ration = 28.3 (41-159)

I think these are the most relevant tests. There are many more I can write up if you think its important.

Anyway, testosterone levels are way too low as you can see.

Comments?

Early on, before even doing the bloodwork, I suggested a protocol to the doctor (Testosterone + AI + hCG). He said that could be appropriate - depending on test results.

Anyway, the doctor now wants me to do a few more tests (sperm analysis) and says he wants to consult with another doctor before he recommends a protocol.

He says my results definately warrant treatment, however, he is not so sure he wants me to go on a full-blown TRT protocol. He is talking about me taking some medicine “that will stimulate the testes to produce more testosterone”.

Comments?

Personally, I’d much rather get on a full-blown TRT plan asap.

Thanks to everyone for posting - please keep it up.

So long,
M.

24

[quote]KSman wrote:
Skip the clomid… it does not belong in HRT.

Maybe 125mg T cyp per week as two injections. Not 125*2

1.0mg adex per week in divided doses. Target serum E2=22pg/ml. With next lab work, adjust dose by new-result/22.

hCG 600x2 is ok, 250iu EOD is more typical over here lately.[/quote]

Real quick comment on the clomid. He’s right it doesn’t belong in trt but… this is what I was told when I asked the my doc why we were wasting time with it. That a course of clomid is used to kick start the testes again and then they test afterwards to see if that does the trick, somtimes it does.

25

[quote]KSman wrote:
Loss of muscle and/or strength? Any loss of hair on the lower legs?
[/quote]

I keep meaning to ask this - loss of hair on the lower legs - I’ve had this for as long as I can remember - a sign of low t?

It basically is the front of the leg starting at the ankle and going probably near mid-lower shin, only on the front.

26

[quote]NeelyDan wrote:
KSman wrote:
Loss of muscle and/or strength? Any loss of hair on the lower legs?

I keep meaning to ask this - loss of hair on the lower legs - I’ve had this for as long as I can remember - a sign of low t?

It basically is the front of the leg starting at the ankle and going probably near mid-lower shin, only on the front.[/quote]

It is one sign of lost T levels. But wearing wool slacks can do some of that, breaks off the hairs. You can see older guys, some not so old, that seem to be hairless below the knee. Your situation seems limited in that regard.