I am not a doctor and I do not give medical advice. I'm not recommending anything to anyone. The links provided here are for information and research only. Don't email me with questions about TRT or anything you find here. I've provided a list of forums where you can ask questions.
Discussion of pharmaceutical agents below is presented for information only. Nothing here is meant to take the place of advice from a licensed health care practitioner. Consult a physician before taking any medication.
Get your blood tested!
You can order your own blood tests through the Life Extension Foundation. If you are getting tested by your own doctor, make sure he tests for total and free testosterone as well as estradiol (E2). I highly recommend you get all the tests included in the LEF Male Hormone Panel:
Lipid Profile
Pregnenolone
DHEA Sulfate
Free Testosterone (with Total)
Estradiol
Progesterone
TSH
PSA (Total)
It is important that you insist that your doctor give you a photocopy of your blood tests for your own study and records.
Here's an article that will help you to understand blood test values:
A Comprehensive Look at Lab Tests
Included on your blood test results will be a "reference range" for every test. These numbers are determined statistically. What they mean is that 80% of all people tested will fall between these values. They DO NOT represent "normal" or optimum values. They simply mean that 80% of people tested fell between these values. That includs EVERYONE... young, old, helathy, and unhealthy. Do be fooled into thinking that any value within a reference range is "normal" for you or optimal.
Basic Information
There are a lot of misconceptions about the role of testoserone in the body, but make no mistake about it, low testosterone is a health risk. Here are a few articles that detail the health risks associated with low testosterone:
Low Testosterone Levels Can Mean High Health Risks
The Risks of Low Testosterone in Men
Low Testosterone Linked to Many Men's Health Problems
If you are just starting to learn about low testosterone and testosterone replacement therapy, here is an excellent place to start:
Patient's Guide to Low Testosterone
If you are thinking that testosterone replacement therapy may be for you, it is vital that you educate yourself as much as possible. I've collected the following links to help you educate yourself about all aspects of TRT.
Therapies
Dr. John Crisler is recognized as one the leading practioners of TRT. I highly recommend you read his treatment protocols:
My Current Best Thoughts on How to Administer Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) for Men
If you are currently on TRT and your doctor hasn't prescribed HCG and an aromatase inhibitor along with your testosterone, print out Dr. Crisler's protocols and give them to your doctor. Insist that he/she follow them.
More Therapy Resources
Testosterone Therapy in Adult Men with Androgen Deficiency Syndromes
Finding a TRT Doctor
Aromatase Inhibition & Estrogen Dominance
If your testosterone levels are low but not low enough to qualify for HRT, you may see improvement by simply reducing your estrogen (estradiol) levels. This can be done with diet and with research chemicals.
Testosterone is a steroid. Unfortunately, the passage of the Anabolic Steroids Control Act has had an adverse effect on Doctor's willingness to prescribe TRT for anyone whose testosterone levels are not so low that they fall outside the reference range.
The Demonization of Anabolic Steroids - What Makes These Hormones So Evil?
Research Chemicals
Testosterone Boosters
I personally take Tribulous, Maca, ZMA, fish oil, CLA, and a good multivitamin.
Self-Medicating
I only mention do-it-yourself TRT because for some people, it will be their only option. It can be done safely, but you seriously need to study and seach for information. If you are someone in this situation, I believe it is in your best interests for me to leave it up to you to find the information you will need. It is readily available if you look in the right places. I'll only say that for many people, the difference between "doing a cycle of steroids" and doing TRT is a matter of how much testosterone you use. In other words, if you want to research do-it-yourself TRT, you can glean a lot of your basic information from sites and forums dedicated to steroid using bodybuilders.
Be aware that self-medicating with testosterone can seriously impact your health and well-being in a negative way if you do it improperly. It can make you sterile. It can also land you in jail. Testosterone is a Schedule III Controlled Substance. Know what that means before you mess around with self-medicating.