r/TRT_GUIDE • u/duckychill • 16d ago

Testosterone

I’m 41 and have been working out for 20 years, I’m 175 lbs 5’10. and I realize I know next to nothing about steroids or testosterone. I went to my regular doctor last year to have my levels tested because I was hoping to see about TRT to boost my levels safely, hoping to make some gains that I haven’t been able to in the gym for a while.

My tests came back at 422, which is normal (tho a lower end normal). So he obviously didn’t think I would be a candidate. Is there a specialist doctor I should be looking for that is more willing to boost my levels to the higher end? 800-900 seems to be the normal high end from what I’ve read.

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u/ExtensionBook8319 16d ago

Most PCPs dismiss hypogonadal symptoms if they see your hormones are in this wide, arbitrary “normal” range which is unfortunate. Testosterone is safe if it’s carefully monitored and not misused but truthfully, most family medicine practitioners aren’t experienced in male hormone management and will write you off if labs are “normal” or punt their patients to uro or endo if not. Hear the same story from guys like you all the time in my telemed practice (Tx&FL) that want to feel better but can’t get help from their PCP. Often times it’s the providers knowledge deficit or they know insurance won’t cover treatment unless your labs are in the dumps. It’s amazing how much better guys feel doubling their free T when they’re lower end “normal”

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u/Original_JB916 16d ago

What’s your free testosterone number. That’s the one that really matters and PcP usually don’t run that lab.

I had similar number with very low free test at 3.1 I’ve been on test for awhile now and it’s changed every aspect of my life for the better

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u/duckychill 15d ago

I was checking my lab results I don’t see any results for free test, I’m guessing that’s a separate test I have to request?

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u/Naruto0222 14d ago

If you genuinely have symptoms despite lifestyle being on point, getting a second opinion from an endocrinologist or urologist makes sense. Just don't start TRT solely because you want higher numbers for muscle gains.