Recommended doctor for "low normal" testosterone in Manitoba/Canada?

[T-Bone]

For the last couple years I've been trying to find a doctor to get on TRT and have had no luck.
I'm 33 years old, my testosterone levels range from 6 nmol - 11 nmol. Only a couple points above the bottom range. I have 4 years of tests, every year it's been below 11 nmol (325 ng/dl).

I've seen 3 doctors and 2 endocrinologists. They've all told me it's fine, there's nothing wrong.
I have all the usual low-t symptoms: no energy, no libido, ED, loss of strength, anxiety.

The main symptom that's become a big problem is excessive fatigue. No matter how much sleep I get i'm always exhausted. Lost my job because I was making too many mistakes from always being half asleep.


Does anyone know a doctor/naturopath/clinic that would prescribe TRT for levels at 6 nmol - 11nmol?

I'm in Manitoba and will travel if necessary. Don't have much money right now, but I have no problem with going into debt if I could finally fix this. Trying to get my life back. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Vince Carter]

We've got a few Canadians here I'm sure at least CoastWatcher will be along shortly to try and help.

 

[CoastWatcher]

As you've found, it's not going to be easy. Are you in Winnipeg?

 

[T-Bone]

Yep, Winnipeg.

 

[madman]

Yep, Winnipeg.

I live in Ontario so not sure about doctors in Winnipeg but any doctor in the know regarding trt would understand that if one was experiencing low t symptoms and their total t level was between 8-12 nmol/L they would qualify for a trial on trt as levels between 8-12 nmol/L are considered the GREY ZONE where most males will be prone to experiencing low t symptoms. If I can find the pub med article I will link it up as it explains when ones levels are in the 8-12 nmol/L range and is experiencing low t symptoms. One does not have to be under the low end of the total t range and flagged as low on blood work to receive treatment. You just need to find a doctor who is in the know and understands trt as most MD/ENDO/UROs are stubborn let alone ignorant!

 

[CoastWatcher]

I'm sorry it took a while, but - after making a number of calls - we've been unable to get a name of a doctor in the Winnipeg area. I spoke to a compounding pharmacist who told me that "most" of the prescriptions he sees for testosterone come from bio-identical practitioners. Consulting them is a gamble...to say the least. But it might be your only avenue. I believe Madman initially consulted a bio-identical practitioner in Ontario, and was less than impressed.

Do you feel your family doctor would be open to managing a protocol if he/she was presented with solid evidence that you are hypogonadal?

 

[madman]

T-Bone If I were in your situation your best bet would to be take CWs advice an try to convince your gp to treat you or recommend someone who can. I had a difficult time in the beginning trying to convince my family physician that my low/normal testosterone levels of 11.3 and 11.7 nmol/L(two different labs) were causing me misery and to refer me to a specialist. So I did some digging and came across a local Bio-Identical Practitioner close to where I live and decided to get a consultation but it was a big mistake that I truly regret as $600 later (initial consult/following consult/blood work and saliva testing) she agreed that my levels were not optimal for my age and wanted to start me on a low dose testosterone compounded cream which would give me 10mg testosterone per dose (lol as roughly 9-12% of transdermals are absorbed so basically I would be absorbing 1mg testosterone/day) and to top it off she said to take one day off a week and not apply the cream and of course she was against treating a patient with injections(far more effective for most than transdermal) go figure. I was disappointed to say the least!MAD

 

[CoastWatcher]

I know you have seen multiple doctors, and are still frustrated. Would you consider a one-time, advice-only consultation with Defy Medical? Yes, they are aa site sponsor, and, no, I am not a patient, but I respect the work they do for so many of our members. They would basically tailor a protocol for you that you could present to your doctor in Manitoba.

 

[T-Bone]

Thanks for the replies guys.

My current doctor does not acknowledge that my testosterone level is low, no chance of getting any sort of treatment through him. Wants me to go on anti-depressant medication. I've been down that path before, lost most of my 20's and it didn't help at all. It's been the same with the other doctors and endocrinologists "it's in range; you're fine".

I would go for a consultation with Defy Medical, but without a local doctor willing to prescribe TRT I won't be able to use the protocol.

 

[T-Bone]

I'm sorry it took a while, but - after making a number of calls - we've been unable to get a name of a doctor in the Winnipeg area. I spoke to a compounding pharmacist who told me that "most" of the prescriptions he sees for testosterone come from bio-identical practitioners. Consulting them is a gamble...to say the least. But it might be your only avenue. I believe Madman initially consulted a bio-identical practitioner in Ontario, and was less than impressed.

Do you feel your family doctor would be open to managing a protocol if he/she was presented with solid evidence that you are hypogonadal?

Hi CoastWatcher,
9 months later I haven't had made any progress with the doctors here.

Most recent testosterone level: 7 nmol. I also had a cortisol saliva test done and all the levels were very low.
My symptoms are a lot worse. The way things are going I feel like i'm going to end up bed-ridden by the end of the year.

Can you recommend a good doctor in Toronto or Vancouver that would accept a patient from outside the province?

 

[CoastWatcher]

Hi CoastWatcher,
9 months later I haven't had made any progress with the doctors here.

Most recent testosterone level: 7 nmol. I also had a cortisol saliva test done and all the levels were very low.
My symptoms are a lot worse. The way things are going I feel like i'm going to end up bed-ridden by the end of the year.

Can you recommend a good doctor in Toronto or Vancouver that would accept a patient from outside the province?

It's so frustrating to learn of your ongoing struggles. I don't have to remind you that inter-provincial health care here is a challenge. Let's see what can be done.