question from a user
Would you say most clinicians are wrong for aiming for a total test level rather than regular high free testosterone levels? I had a clinic keep trying to get my total between 900-1300 but I felt awful. Looking at it now, my free test was extremely high and once I got free test in the upper range but not above, I felt good. I do have low shbg and am aware this is causing the higher free testosterone. So, 550 total testosterone gets my free test into the high end of the range, where I feel great. It might sound odd to some people.
AlphaMD's Answer
They're not 100% wrong but they're not right. The main reason some places harp on the numbers is because it's good for marketing. Men love numbers & being able to point at things to see "it's working" when TRT is vastly more about how it feels.
The goal is you should feel good. That can mean going lower in some cases. We have had men go up to 200mg from 160mg because they were convinced by the internet & their friends it was better. They eventually came back to 170mg because the side effects felt worse. It's better to start lower then go higher slowly to know when to stop. It's just so easy to give a blanket high dose & provide additional medication to counteract the side effects ahead of time (with upcharge) than to treat people individually.
Ready to get answers?
Ask your own question today.
Get $30 off your first month’s order
Enter your email address now to receive $30 off your first month’s cost, other discounts, and additional information about TRT.
Legal Disclaimer
This website is a repository of publicly available information and is not intended to form a physician-patient relationship with any individual. The content of this website is for informational purposes only. The information presented on this website is not intended to take the place of your personal physician's advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Discuss this information with your own physician or healthcare provider to determine what is right for you. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information contained herein is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge. The information should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of a visit, phone or telemedicine call, consultation or advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. Only a qualified physician in your state can determine if you qualify for and should undertake treatment.