Starting the TRT Journey: My AlphaMD On-boarding Experience
*Currently in the middle of week 10 on retatrutide, I made an important decision: it was time to address my clinically low testosterone.*
## The Realization Hit Hard
A few weeks ago, I shared my [lab results showing clinically low testosterone](https://retatrutidelog.com/posts/low-testosterone-adding-natural-support-to-my-protocol) - a concerning 243 ng/dL when normal ranges start around 264. Initially, I figured weight loss might naturally improve my levels. After all, dropping 42 pounds should help with everything, right?

*My LabCorp results showing testosterone at 243 ng/dL - clearly in the "Low" range*
But here's what happened: once I had a clinical explanation for symptoms I'd been experiencing, I couldn't unsee the pattern. The low energy, motivation issues, and general feeling that something was "off", it all suddenly made sense. This wasn't just about waiting for weight loss to fix everything. I want to fix this now.
## The Telehealth Hunt Begins
Like my retatrutide sourcing journey, I started researching testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) options. The criteria were simple:
- Accept existing lab work (I'd already paid for those LabCorp results)
- Reasonable pricing without hidden fees
- Minimal friction to get started
I emailed several telehealth clinics. The responses were disappointing:
- **High startup costs** ($300+ initial consultations)
- **Refused existing labs** (wanted me to pay for new testing)
- **Complex enrollment processes** with multiple steps and fees
## Discovering AlphaMD
Then I found [AlphaMD](https://www.alphamd.org/referral/ZYpEp). Their approach was refreshingly different:
**What stood out:**
- They accept uploaded lab reports
- Two clear options: free initial consultation OR direct booking with labs
- Transparent pricing upfront
- No hidden fees or complex enrollment
I chose the direct booking option at $49, why waste time with a preliminary call when I had the lab data they needed?
The process was straightforward: select appointment time, upload labs, add payment method. Done.
## Pre-Appointment Anxiety
I'll be honest - the week leading up to my Saturday appointment, anxiety crept in. The usual suspects:
- *What if they say I'm fine and don't qualify?*
- *What if there are hidden fees they haven't mentioned?*
- *What if this is another dead end?*
Classic overthinking, but understandable given how many roadblocks I'd hit with other providers.
## The Appointment: Professional and Current
Saturday arrived, and the doctor exceeded expectations. Key takeaways:
**Professional experience:** You could tell he'd been doing TRT for years, knowledgeable, current on treatments, and asked the right questions.
**Listened to my situation:** He understood the context of my weight loss journey and how low T was impacting my overall health goals.
**Evidence-based recommendations:** His suggested protocol wasn't cookie-cutter, it was based on my specific lab values and goals.
## The Recommended Protocol
**Target:** Bring total testosterone from 243 ng/dL to around 900 ng/dL
**Protocol:** 150mg testosterone cypionate per week
- **Delivery method:** 0.25mL subcutaneous injections
- **Frequency:** Three times per week (more stable levels than once/twice weekly)
- **Supply:** 13.3 week supply, refilled at 12 weeks
**What's included:**
- Testosterone cypionate medication
- All injection supplies (syringes, alcohol pads)
- Shipping to my door
## The Numbers: Surprisingly Reasonable
Here's where AlphaMD really differentiated themselves, transparent, reasonable pricing:
**Regular pricing:** $129/month
**Veterans discount:** 20% off
**My monthly cost:** $103.20
**With tax:** $109.91 total
Compare this to other clinics I researched that wanted $200-400+ monthly, plus separate fees for supplies, shipping, and consultations.
## The Follow-Up Plan
The doctor wants to see my labs and have a follow-up call in **12 weeks**. This timeline makes perfect sense - it gives my body time to adjust to exogenous testosterone and stabilize before making any dosing or treatment adjustments.
Too many providers want to tweak protocols after just 4-6 weeks, but testosterone cypionate takes time to reach steady state levels. The 12-week approach shows they understand the science behind hormone optimization.
## Why This Feels Right
After weeks of research and frustrating dead ends with other providers, AlphaMD checked all the boxes:
- **Accepted my existing labs** (saved $150+ in redundant testing)
- **Reasonable pricing** with veteran discounts
- **Professional, knowledgeable provider**
- **Evidence-based treatment approach**
- **All-inclusive pricing** (no surprise fees for supplies)
## Integration with My Retatrutide Journey
Starting TRT while on retatrutide actually makes strategic sense:
- **Energy optimization:** Better testosterone levels should support my increased activity goals
- **Muscle preservation:** Important during rapid weight loss
- **Overall health:** Addressing multiple health factors simultaneously
- **Motivation and mood:** Both compounds should work synergistically
This feels like the right decision at the right time. Sometimes the best health optimization comes from addressing multiple factors simultaneously rather than waiting for one thing to fix everything else.
## The Takeaway
Getting TRT doesn't have to be scary or complicated. At $110/month, professional testosterone treatment is more affordable than most people think - probably less than you spend on supplements that don't work.
How many men never get their hormone levels checked? How many are dealing with low energy, motivation issues, and feeling "off" without knowing there's a simple blood test that could explain everything?
If you're experiencing symptoms like I was, don't wait years hoping other changes will fix it. A basic hormone panel costs under $100 and could change your entire approach to health optimization.
Professional treatment is accessible, affordable, and straightforward when you find the right provider. Sometimes the best investment in your health is getting the data first.
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**Resources:**
- [AlphaMD TRT Services](https://www.alphamd.org/referral/ZYpEp) (referral link - you get $30 off, I get next month free)
- My previous post: [Low Testosterone Discovery](https://retatrutidelog.com/posts/low-testosterone-adding-natural-support-to-my-protocol)
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**Disclaimer:** The information provided on this site is for **educational and informational purposes only** and reflects my **personal experiences and opinions**. It is **not** intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Retatrutide is an **investigational drug** that is **not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)** for any use outside of clinical trials. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medications, supplements, or medical treatments.
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