Going in for bloodwork next week.. need advice

[legbuh]

I am 38. 6'3" and 245-250lbs. I stumbled upon TRT/HRT by accident in another forum. I didn't even know what it was. But after reading so many people say "it made me feel like a new man" I became very interested.

I'm lactose intolerant and do consume a large amount of soy (in the form of Silk and soy protein for my shakes). So along with T, I want E tested too.

I can get 10 hours of sleep and still be tired. No motivation to do stuff (even go on vacation to Hawaii!). sore joints, hard gainer, waist and "chest" fat that I've had for years that won't go away no matter what I do. Takes a lot to get me horny (unless I'm drinking, then it's easier). I also want to "want" to play with my kids, roll around outside, go for walks, bike rides with them, etc.. but I just don't have the gumption.

The only time I feel "good" is when I'm drinking or working out. And just getting started working out takes a lot of willpower (but I'm always happy I do).

I do weights 2-3 times a week, and cardio (intervals on the treadmill) 2-3 times a week. Usually 4-5 sessions a week. In the past 3 years I've put on weight. Some muscle, some fat. But I've stagnated and plateaued big time. I do change things up often, but I seem stuck (and not even and that much weight.. for example, bench I'm stuck at 215 for sets of 10, 9, then 6-7). It is the most I've ever lifted, but still, I would think after a couple years I'd go higher. I got to that weight quickly, though.

So that's my story. I plan on walking in, telling the doc I've read about HRT/TRT and became interested since I have a lot of the symptoms others had before going on it, and that I want to get my blood work done. Is that the right way to approach? I don't want to go in acting dumb like I don't know what HRT/TRT is... I want to go in and express that I too want to feel like "a new man" and find out if low T is my problem.

Edit: I should also add I've had IBS for a few years now too... I've read some correlation between that and low T. Anyone have similar results where TRT helped this? also, I hate eating in the morning..

 

[tomw]

Talk to your M.D. about hrt when asking about blood test,this will let you know how he/she feels about the tx.and if they are predisposed against it or open to it.AS far as IBS I don't know but eating in the am is very important,skipping breakfast will slow metabalism make losing fat while maintaining solid mass very dificult

 

[legbuh]

I do try to eat in the morning. I'm hungry, but have no desire to eat. Usually it's a couple eggs on toast (with ketchup.. gotta make it more palatable) or a bowl of cereal (shreaded wheat, life, even kashi once in a while).

This weekend had a few friends over and a friend of a friend showed up. We were talking turns out she's a nurse at the clinic I'm going to. I asked if she knew my GP and she said ya, great guy. I then mentioned what I was going in for next week and she looked at me like "ha! no way in hell". I asked why she thought that way and she said the docs at the clinic aren't as liberal as most in "bigger communities". I also think she thinks I'm in my 20s.. I do have boyish features.. lol.. I tell people I'm 38 and they're shocked. Must be because I haven't been able to grow a beard my whole life.. lol..

Anyhow, I hope things go well. Otherwise I'm going to start asking around town for hopefully a more "open" doctor. But only if my T levels come back low. If they're at least midway as I said, I'll look elsewhere.

 

[goin on 4T]

I would not start out that way with your dr. I would tell him the symptoms and see which way he goes, the goal is to get the tests done, he will not commit to anything regardless. So you should be knowledgeable in the tests that you think need to be taken so that nothing is missed the first time.

 

[Dopamineloveaffair]

It sounds like you may benefit from TRT based on your symptoms, and lack of beard growth. Although the beard growth isn't completely indicitive.

I'd suggest getting some blood work, then go from there. If your numbers are and your doctor is uncooperative, then I'd get a second opinion.

Good luck!

 

[legbuh]

Should I lift the week of my test? What about the day of, or a couple days before? Would that artificially elevate my T levels?

 

[Tatyana]

I would also recommend that you get a thyroid function test.

 

[liquid1234]

I would also recommend that you get a thyroid function test.

I agree, all of these symptoms might be because you are hypothyroid!
good luck
Liquid

 

[thelion2005]

It sounds like you may benefit from TRT based on your symptoms, and lack of beard growth. Although the beard growth isn't completely indicitive.

I'd suggest getting some blood work, then go from there. If your numbers are and your doctor is uncooperative, then I'd get a second opinion.

Good luck!

Start with the blood testings.
And remember that a truely comprehensive HRT program starts with diet. For me that is ... lowering all sugars and upping all proteins and veggies.

 

[legbuh]

I already eat fairly clean already. I don't drink pop, coffee, or eat sweets (well, maybe a cookie or a couple graham crackers now and then). Sugar and caffiene jack me up way to fast and make me feel out of control (brain wise). All I drink is water, flavored mineral water, and now powerade zero once in a while when water gets old. And during UFC fights beer. I sip a scotch and water now and then too. Also, no dairy except for cheese (but very little, and cottage cheese at night) and yogurt now and then when I want something sweet. these two things don't seem to bother my lactose intollerance.

Just ate supper, and sat down to play with the girls (had scrambled eggs, sausage links and toast). Fell right asleep on the armchair.. lol.. happens every time!

Still wondering if I should work out as normal this week. Test is on thursday. I just got over a weekend stomach bug so I maybe could use a few rest days anyhow.