Frustration with My Endocrinologist: Lack of Attention and Incomplete Testing
Age: 34 Gender: Male Height: 5 feet 10 inches Weight: 270 pounds Ethnicity: Caucasian Issue Duration: More than one year. Location: Canada Current Medications: Testosterone Replacement Therapy (100 mg/week), Minoxidil, and Finasteride for hair loss. --- I had an appointment with my endocrinologist a few weeks ago, and it left me feeling doubtful and less confident. There were no adjustments made to my medication. The hormone panel I received only included TSH and total testosterone. It's hard to overlook the fact that my feet have been severely swollen for over a year, causing me significant pain while walking. Regular shoes are unwearable for me, and this issue is constantly on my mind. --------- If you need further context, here are the key points: 0: My TRT is prescribed at 100mg per week. I’m a mature man, clearly past my prime, and I have no interest in superficial validations or social media conditioning. I focus on my career, not on achieving an unattainable body. 1: I have clinically confirmed low testosterone levels, having undergone four blood tests over two years prior to starting TRT 1.5 years ago. This situation has been persistent for nearly four years now. 2: Since starting TRT, I have often gone without proper testing. I had bloodwork done about a month ago, but I feel like I'm navigating this without guidance. 3: The blood tests requested by my endocrinologist were lacking crucial hormonal data. All I got were results for TSH and total testosterone. I have no details on estrogen levels (which is crucial), SHBG, free testosterone, or any other pertinent hormones. 4: The swelling in my feet began over a year ago, right after I started TRT. Currently, I can barely wear conventional shoes and have resorted to walking around in oversized crocs. My general practitioner has referred me to cardiologists for a range of tests, including echocardiograms. So far, there are no signs of heart failure or strokes. However, I do experience an elevated heart rate and slightly high blood pressure, which isn’t alarming yet, but my doctor warned me about a possible delay in my heart's conduction. 5: Conversations with friends led me to believe the issue might be linked to estrogen. Given how many men share their TRT experiences, I’ve realized how under-informed I am regarding my estrogen levels and overall hormonal state, especially considering my foot condition. Despite bringing up these concerns, my general practitioner is reluctant to conduct further tests. 6: Currently, I am on the same dosage and treatment plan, with no changes made. The thought of enduring another year with feet that can’t fit into proper shoes is incredibly disheartening. Moreover, if I am experiencing swelling in my feet, I can’t help but wonder what other underlying issues I might be experiencing that remain undetected.
Answers (1)
3/4/2026, 11:30:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're facing a very frustrating situation with your health care, especially concerning your persistent symptoms and the feeling of being unheard by your endocrinologist. Your primary concerns include significant foot swelling, the adequacy of your hormonal testing, and a lack of adjustments to your treatment plan. Here’s how to approach this situation moving forward.
Clarifying Your Main Points:
- Foot Swelling: You've had painful swelling in your feet for over a year without resolution.
- Testing: Your recent hormone testing was limited and did not include essential parameters, leaving you feeling unsupported.
- Current Treatment: You're on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) but feel it hasn't been adequately monitored or adjusted.
Explanation:
Persistent foot swelling is not just uncomfortable; it can indicate underlying issues that must be evaluated. It’s good that you've seen your general practitioner (GP), who has started exploring potential cardiovascular concerns. However, it’s also crucial to address your hormonal levels, especially since TRT can affect estrogen levels, which might contribute to your symptoms.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Document Your Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your symptoms. Note when the swelling occurs, any pain levels, and other symptoms (like fatigue or mood changes). This documentation can help you present a clearer picture when discussing your issues with healthcare providers.
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Seek a Comprehensive Hormonal Panel: Reach out to your GP and express your need for a broader hormonal evaluation. Request tests for:
- Free testosterone
- Estradiol (estrogen)
- SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin)
- Other relevant markers as needed.
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Consider a Second Opinion: If you feel consistently unheard, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion from another endocrinologist or a healthcare provider with expertise in hormone therapy. Sharing your experience and the need for a more thorough evaluation might lead to receiving better care.
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Explore Supportive Footwear: In the meantime, look into orthopedic shoes or custom insoles that could alleviate some pressure off your feet and provide better support as you navigate this situation.
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Maintain Open Communication: When discussing your concerns with your GP or endocrinologist, clearly communicate how the foot swelling affects your daily life and mental health. Emphasize the importance of thorough testing and an adjusted treatment plan that addresses both testosterone and estrogen levels.
Support and Reassurance:
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed and anxious given the chronic nature of your symptoms and the lack of resolution. Remember, you're advocating for your health, and it's entirely valid to seek the best care possible. Every step you take is a move toward finding relief and understanding your condition better. If you have any more questions or need further guidance, please feel free to ask.
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