u/Advanced_Seesaw_3007

I think I have decided to go for an online clinic after getting another test. Here's my game plan and hope to hear some suggestions:

• Primary goal is to lose weight and blood work has shown I have a low T, at least in the lower range.
• Getting to TRT is my way of jumpstarting/accelerating my weight loss journey. I am already on GLP-1 but the drive is really low. My doctor agrees to this one as well but I might not go for him because he charges in total higher than online clinics charge.
• I am thinking that with an increase T, the drive to workout and increased strength would fast track my weight loss (of course together with workout and food control).
• If I would be able to lean out, then T might be reduced. Given this, I am thinking on getting to a 6-month program only. Adjust if needed.
• I am in my early 40s and still wishes to have kids later on. Do I need to consider HCG even if I am planning to be on T for 6 months only (at least)?

I went back to my doctor today after the initial conversation that I had before and I was surprised on how much his treatment plan is. My blood work came with satisfactory results with my testosterone around 310ng/dL and my free T is 12pg/mL. Since my level is not under 300, insurance will likely not cover it. He is quoting me roughly $200 per month for testosterone, and "retainer" consultation. Blood work every 3 months is not covered and should be through insurance, if not out of pocket.

I was surprised because I had a conversation with AlphaMD (their paid preliminary non-committal session) and the arrangement with them is almost similar but for a cheaper cost (given at their current plans which is 129/mo as the most expensive). I thought going through a doctor route would be cheaper because (just my assumptions):

• Doctor's instructions are based on a 3 month prescription. So for as long as with a valid prescription, I can get my meds through the pharmacy. Testosterone Cypionate is no more than $32 for 1ml of 200mg/ml
• Blood work is every 3 months so I don't see the need to "retain" a doctor for that period. Probably the worst case scenario is when I feel bad, I might need to see him per se.

What I might be proposing to him is if it's possible to get a quote without the meds but with the "retainer" services since it's cheaper to get it from goodrx. Is there any concern specifically when sourcing test cyp even if I am getting it from walgreens/cvs?

I had a root canal 3 years ago from my primary dental care that had intermittent pus build-up in the gums.

When I am suppose to graduate from invisalign last year, the dentist (not primary) did a 3D scan and noticed that there's an infection in my tooth that had a root canal. Went back to primary and was referred to an endodontist. Primary said he'll install replacement crown for that tooth after treatment with endodontist. Endodontist told me that there were 4 canals and only two were cleaned by my primary so he cleaned up mine and paid $450. Crown had to be broken to clean up.

Went back to primary for crown, made a mold for the replacement crown. When crown was about to be installed, turns out I still have to pay $200 despite initial promise of being free. Also, primary noticed that the gum in the tooth that was for crown replacement was swollen, said that the "front bones" of my tooth is gone and that is the reason why it gets swollen. They recommended me to go for implants. Didn't install crown and now waiting for pre-authorization from insurance for the procedure. Primary just cleaned up the temporary crown at the moment.

Question is - the tooth has been xrayed several times. Are the missing bones that my primary dentist told me wasn't really present in the previous xrays? I feel like I am being scammed for doing unnecessary procedures. Since covering the temporary crown, my gum never got swollen again.