how to get a hormone test BEFORE you take Propecia?

[viceroy]

has anyone accomplished this?

my feeling is that a PCP would be very unschooled in the world of propecia/gyno/hormone problems, and it would be hard to convince him or her to refer me to an endocrinologist for expensive bloodwork just because i read some scary things on the internet.

(for those who would ask why i want to do this in the first place: some people who have experienced propecia's more severe side effects have commented that a preemptive blood test would have helped matters, such that they could have compared their pre-propecia hormone levels with their post-propecia messed-up hormone levels.)

 

[Rage]

however, your hormone levels is not a direct indication on how you will react to them. I.e the same increase in estrogen levels for one person may have no effects, while on another it will have major side-effects.

I think it serves only to increase your own stress hormone levels. That'll show up on the test

 

[GourmetStyleWellness]

The value of the baseline hormone tests is to help the Propecia user solidify the question in their mind as to the source of the side effects they're experiencing. A lot of times, guys don't know if its the propecia, and being able to document a dramatic increase in estrogen levels as compared to baseline, would answer that question and they'd know to stop taking Propecia.

As to how to get the test, you're right. I've had more than one Primary Care Physician look at me cross eyed when I asked for them and tried to explain why. They're idiots. Sorry. To be blunt.

They are expensive tests, and its smart to call your insurance ahead of time to ask if they cover it.

gourmetstylewellness.com

 

[hair mchair]

I agree it is a good idea to check your baseline hormone levels. Hopefully, you can find a physician willing to work with you.

If not, you can always check some of your hormones via a saliva test kit, which you can purchase online. But I think saliva tests aren't as accurate as blood tests, so that should be a secondary option.

 

[GourmetStyleWellness]

hair mchair, why don't you try Revivogen / spironolactone combo instead of the Oz brew. There's more evidence those two will work to replace Propecia than I think all of the oz brew has put together, isn't there? In the end its not really about opinions anyways, but maximizing your chances for results based on what we know about the ingredients. This combo has worked well for me since I dropped Propecia.

gourmetstylewellness.com

 

[hair mchair]

gourmetstylewellness.com,

I decided not to try OzBrew. Xandrox 15 gave me chest pains so I thought OzBrew was too risky. I'm still using Xandrox 15 - the chest pains went away when I stopped dampening my scalp prior to applications - but after dealing with those chest pains, I just don't think OzBrew is worth it. I'm now using minoxidil 5% mornings, Xandrox 15 nights, and spironolactone 2% mornings and nights. I'd use Revivogen too if not for the fact that it can't be applied with other topicals.

This reminds me I have to update my signature. Been a while since I posted!

Incidentally, I recently dyed my hair blonde. It looks kind of silly, but you can barely see my bald spot at all now. I'm like an early Norwood 4 and people can barely tell I'm balding.

 

[viceroy]

They are expensive tests, and its smart to call your insurance ahead of time to ask if they cover it.
gourmetstylewellness.com

gourmetstylewellness.com -- Do you mean ask the insurance company if they cover hormone tests IN GENERAL, or if they cover hormone tests FOR NO DEMONSTRABLE LIFE-OR-DEATH REASON...?

Also, in your experience, what seems like to best way to bring this matter to your Primary Care Physician?
Just make an appointment and then discuss your desire for a hormone test? Or fax your question? Or something else?

Thanks...