How To Get A Doctor To Prescribe Testosterone
Testosterone replacement therapy, just like many other procedures that are undertaken in order to correct a certain medical condition. While it is important in many ways, it has been under fire by a lot of individuals. A lot of people are skeptical about it, which includes medical practitioners.
Before most doctors prescribe testosterone replacement therapy to you as a long term solution to your low testosterone levels, they always opt for gels or injectable pellets that are small as a rice grain. Doctors tend not to be quick to start a patient on testosterone replacement therapy because they are always in constant denial that they might be faking it to get testosterone injection that has been used over time for muscle building. They will always opt do several tests on you, which in most cases are not cheap and health insurance does not cover testosterone deficiency.
How Do You Know If You Have Low Testosterone
The only way to know your testosterone level is with a blood test. You may talk to your healthcare provider about a testosterone level test if you have symptoms of low testosterone. Not everyone with low testosterone has symptoms but these can include low sex drive, hair loss, fertility problems or erectile dysfunction.
What Are The Problems Of Getting A Testosterone Test On The Nhs
Getting a testosterone test on the NHS is possible, but practitioners will look down other avenues first. As such, convincing your GP for a blood test can be a long-winded, challenging, and frustrating process.
Besides, there are several drawbacks and problems with going down the NHS route. Here is a closer look at some of the current issues with NHS testing for testosterone deficiency.
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Measures Total Testosterone Only
Initial low testosterone tests on the NHS measure the amount of total testosterone in blood samples. This is a great primary indicator of testosterone deficiency, but there is no consideration of the amount of calculated free testosterone in the body. According to research, men with healthy TT levels yet low cFT levels can experience androgen deficiency-related symptoms. Despite these clear clinical signs, these men would not be diagnosed with low testosterone through NHS testing.
What Do The Results Mean
Your test results may mean different things depending on which test was done, your age, your symptoms, the results of other tests, and other conditions you may have. So, it’s best ask your provider to explain your test results.
A testosterone level test alone can’t diagnose any health conditions, but abnormal results with symptoms may be a sign of a health problem.
- In males, low T levels may be caused by different conditions, including:
If your results are not normal, it doesn’t always mean you have a medical condition that needs treatment. It’s normal for testosterone levels to decrease with age. And certain medicines can affect your results. If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.
Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
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Where Should I Fit In On A Testosterone Levels Men Chart
Laboratories are not perfect and neither are doctors offices. Where should I fit in on a testosterone levels men chart is a very common question and the best answer is: It all depends. Charts are usually not constructed by age, medical conditions, height, weight and other conditions and do not take into consideration that all men are very different. We suggest that our clients remember that it is not the number on the testosterone chart that matters most, but it is the way they feel and function that is the driving force behind believing there is a problem or not. If a man with a lower number on the scale is feeling fine, then there is no issue.
If a mans sexual functioning is great, his erections are strong, his muscle mass continues to grow, he is energetic and vibrant and his heart health is intact, than there should be nothing to worry about. If a man if feeling unpleasant ailments, he should contact us, and we can help determine how to assist him. So, do not panic if you ask a doctor where should I fit in on a testosterone levels men chart and your numbers are not quite where he or she says they should be. There are a lot of factors to weigh before believing you have a problem. If a client is questioning their health, they should contact one of the best clinics in the US TRT Medical Center ® 305-5204)
Are Testosterone Tests Available On The Nhs
Testosterone testing is available on the NHS. These tests are used to assess whether or not you have low or no testosterone. If you are diagnosed with androgen deficiency, you may be a potential candidate for testosterone replacement therapy through the National Health Service.
To test for testosterone, your doctor requires two samples of your blood. Through the NHS, these blood samples are always collected by a healthcare professional. They will take the blood samples from a vein in your arm using a small needle and place them into test tubes or small vials. As per NHS protocols, samples should be taken at 9 am when testosterone levels are at their highest.
Your blood samples will then be analysed and the amount of total testosterone measured. This provides a good indicator of androgen deficiency.
The NHS often requires TT levels of both samples to be 8nmol/L or less to receive a low testosterone diagnosis and potentially qualify for TRT. This is despite the current guidelines set by the British Society for Sexual Medicine which allow treatment at higher levels.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Hyperandrogenism In Women
A range of symptoms and signs from hirsutism to virilisation may occur. The Endocrine Society recommends testing for hyperandrogenism in women with hirsutism that is moderate or severe, of rapid onset, or accompanied by menstrual dysfunction, obesity or clitoromegaly.19Other indications for referral are outlined inIndications for Referral.
Are Your Levels Lower Than Youd Like
Do you have lower testosterone levels than youd like to have?
Dont worry there are a number of things you can do to increase the natural testosterone production in your body.
The most effective way is taking in an all natural testosterone booster that contains ingredients scientifically proven to support and increase testosterone production. Top 3 recommended testosterone boosters
- You will build more muscle mass
- You will maintain your muscle mass better
- You will get leaner and more cut
- Your sex drive will increase as well as harder erections
- better mood and your confidence will increase
Many bodybuilders and athletes take in testosterone boosters due to their incredible benefits on performance.
Just make sure you go with a product that contains scientifically proven ingredients. See the best 3 testosterone boosters here.
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Testosterone Free & Total
Especially if youre new to this, no matter what blood test you order there are two things that you MUST make sure youre getting checked: total testosterone and free testosterone.
If youre on a budget and youre not sure where to start, make it as simple and cheap as possible: Testosterone Free & Total.
Its priced low via HTC at $99 before the discount.
You cant go wrong with that one, and its the most inexpensive option available anywhere for getting both your free and total testosterone levels checked at the same time.
Guys spend $99 after going out to eat a few times and theyll never miss that money in the weeks that follow, let alone even remember spending it.
Nobody likes spending money on things that arent fun but think of it as an investment in your health and vitality.
Your future self will thank you for it and if you are able to take a step closer to solving a health or sexual problem you have today, it will be worth the trivial cost of a blood test a thousand times over and more.
Speaking from experience, we can guarantee it.
How Much Do At
At-home testosterone tests can vary in costs, but most start at about $60 to $105. Some testing companies will offer bundles where you can have multiple tests for a lower price or special discounts for purchasing the test. These may vary by season and by the test you purchase.
Companies also may offer subscribe-and-save options where you can agree to get more testing kits at a duration of your choosing to receive a discount. If you are tracking your progress with testosterone supplements, this option may be cost-effective for you.
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How To Get Your Testosterone Levels Checked
Posted By: Michael
Theres no shortage of websites that will sell your testosterone supplements. But not a single one of them will tell you that you need to get your testosterone levels checked first. Its an important step. Call it a rite of passage.
Hell, even if you dont plan on taking a testosterone supplement, its good to know your numbers.
Why?
Because low-test levels can lead to a wide array of future problems.
Take for instance:
- Mood swings, emotional ups, and downs
- Problems sleeping
This is just a shortlist. And you can probably guess that supplement manufacturers make pills to tackle every single one of these issues. Proceed with caution there.
Many symptoms of low-T can be fixed by simply raising your test levels.
You dont need a supplement for every single ailment.
Its also increasingly sickening to see many publishers saying Your testosterone levels dont matter and scoffing at the idea that you want to be a man in his prime. Disgusting. T-level numbers matter as much as BMI, weight, and how much you can deadlift. Ignore this soy-garbage that is plaguing these woke medical journals.
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Case Study: What Happened The First Time I Got My Labs Done
A few years ago, after having become more familiarized with the epidemic of low testosterone among modern men, I decided itd be worth it to get my levels checked.
I didnt have health insurance or a family doctor, but I read about guys getting blood tests all the time so I just called up a local Quest Lab and told them I wanted to get my testosterone checked and asked how much it would cost.
Our conversation went like this:
Me: Hi Id like to come in and get a blood test to check my total and free testosterone levels.
Receptionist: OK, and who is your doctor requesting the test?
Me: Uh, I dont have a doctor, and no doctor sent me here I just want to find out what my levels are. I will pay cash for the labs, no problem.
Receptionist: Sir, we are required by law to see a doctors order for any kind of a blood test in order to provide that service.
Me: So I need a doctors permission to find out my own testosterone levels or to get my blood work done in general?
Receptionist: Yes, sir, thats correct, if a doctor has not requested the labs we cannot do it.
Aint that somethin?
I couldnt believe that the law prevented me from even obtaining the most basic knowledge of myself and my own health.
I knew something wasnt right there had to be a legitimate way around this absurdity.
What I discovered shortly thereafter was that, yes, there is a completely legitimate and 100% legal way to get around this ridiculous red tape: Health Testing Centers.
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Best Places To Get A Comprehensive Blood Test
To get a comprehensive blood test, I highly recommend you book an appointment with your local doctor or use a TRT clinic.
In the United Kingdom, I would strongly recommend Optimales Enhanced Testosterone Test.
Although the National Health Service in the UK will give you a free blood test, the NHS only test your Total Testosterone and Estrogen, without Free Testosterone, SHBG, LH and FSH which is not comprehensive enough.
In North America , I strongly recommend .
Marek Health offers comprehensive blood tests and telemedicine. It is run by Derek from More Plates More Dates who is an expert when it comes to hormone optimization & body building.
You Got Your Results Now What
If you ordered the Testosterone Total & Free test that we recommend as most basic and least expensive test that every man should get, itll look something like this:
From this lab, you can see that our test subject has levels that came back as 1032 ng/dL total testosterone and 96.1 pg/mL free testosterone.
The total test is at the very high end of the normal range uncommonly high for any man over 30 who does not take testosterone injections while the free testosterone, which is arguably more significant came back right in the middle of the normal range.
These are both very healthy levels for a man at virtually any age.
Because the total testosterone was considerably higher for our test subject on these blood tests compared to previous lab results, he is going to follow up in a month with another blood test to see if these results represented an aberration or not.
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Provide Your Gp With Current Guidelines
As mentioned, there is a lack of understanding of low testosterone and testosterone therapy among practitioners worldwide. This has been shown consistently throughout research. One US study found that as few as 9% of testosterone tests taken by practitioners complied with current guidelines, while another study that focused on the National Health Service had similar findings of noncompliance.
If you believe you qualify for a low testosterone test on the NHS, dont be afraid to provide your GP with the current guidelines. The UK policy statements on testosterone deficiency and guidance from the British Society of Sexual Medicine are good starting points.
Blood Test
Checking Your Testosterone Levels At Home
Lets face it, not many men like going to the doctors, and some of us hate needles so the thought of a blood test fills us with dread.
Now although a blood test is probably the most accurate, you can in fact check your testosterone levels at home.
There are companies that offer an at home blood test now these might suit some, but if you really dont like the thought of pricking your finger to get blood, you also have another option.
Saliva tests are available, now although these can be a great and simple way to get your T levels tested. They are however, not considered to be as accurate as blood tests.
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Identify And Address Possible Causes
Unfortunately, the symptoms of low testosterone in men are non-specific. Multiple lifestyle factors and psychological problems have comparable clinical signs. According to the NHS website, this includes depression and anxiety, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, and eating an unhealthy diet. As such, your NHS doctor will start by looking at these other possibilities that could be held accountable for your symptoms before suggesting you take a low testosterone test.
Therefore, it is worthwhile addressing the aforementioned causes before trying to get a testosterone test. If you are eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and arent drinking heavily, your GP is more likely to consider testosterone deficiency as a possible cause for your symptoms.
It Turns Out I Have Low Testosterone Where To From Here
If the results show that youre suffering from low testosterone, theres no need to panic. There are many options available. Depending on the specifics of your symptoms, your hormone doctor will sit down with you and work out a treatment plan thats specially tailored to your exact needs.
In the meantime, it can be worthwhile to read up and stay informed to ensure youre prepared for whats to come, as well as alleviate any fears or misconceptions you may have about testosterone replacement therapy.
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Testing For Testosterone Deficiency In Men
Serum total testosterone is the initial test of choice. Specimens must be collected in the morning,8 preferably before 10:00AM, or within 3 hours of waking, and preferably in a fasting state.5, 9 Testing should occur when the sleep-wake pattern is stable . Testing of serum total testosterone should be performed when patients are clinically well do not test during acute illness or hospitalization.
If the total testosterone level is below the lab-specific lower limit of normal , and 6 nmol/L in older men ),1013 and a diagnostic question remains, cBAT can be used to confirm or rule out hypogonadism. Total testosterone is determined in large part by the carrier protein SHBG, the latter of which can vary markedly between individuals.10That is, low SHBG can cause low testosterone, and this situation can be clarified with cBAT. SeeTable 2: Conditions associated with alterations in SHBG concentrations in men and women, for a list of conditions that may impact SHBG.
Particularly common conditions associated with alterations in SHBG levels
Note that testosterone is characterized by variable secretion. Healthy adult males will experience fluctuations in testosterone levels due to biologic variation meaning that two successive measurements on the same individual are expected to differ by up to, but typically not more than, 30%.
What Does A Testosterone Blood Test Show
Testosterone in your body exists as free testosterone and bound testosterone . Free testosterone is easier for your body to use. A testosterone blood test may show:
- Total testosterone, whichmeasures both free and attached testosterone.
- Free testosterone, whichshows free testosterone only. This test may be more helpful for diagnosing certain medical conditions.
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