question from a user
My doctor is only testing free testosterone for medically prescribed TRT at my appointments. What other levels and things should I ask him to check? Additionally, how do I broach the topic of treatment for shrunken testicles (presumably HCG), in a way he’ll respond to? I tried before but he called it out as not a medical necessity and not something he’s expert in.
AlphaMD's Answer
Truthfully if you're only on a moderate dose of TRT, it is providing the benefits you're looking for, and you have no side effects - Basic Testosterone testing should be just fine.
The things you could also look at would be Estrogen & a CBC to check your RBCs. After that you could add a lipid panel, thyroid, and PSA.
It's true that unless you're looking for active fertility that HCG is more of a cosmetic concern than "necessary", it may be important to you all the same. The likelihood of them saying that is knowing that your insurance isn't likely to cover it. You could try telling him that it is important to you & you know that you would need to pay out of pocket for it. A simple dose of 500-1000 units weekly will probably provide what you're looking for.
If he isn't willing to at least try to fill it with you, you may need to get a second opinion & ask your insurance who else might be a covered provider you can speak to.
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