Frequently Asked Questions: Testosterone Replacement Therapy

COMMON QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS ABOUT TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY FOR MEN

What is Testosterone?


Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It is naturally produced by the testes.
 

What does it do?


Testosterone helps a man maintain

  • Sex drive and sexual function
  • Muscle mass and strength
  • Bone strength
  • Mood and energy
  • Sperm production
  • Normal sleep patterns
  • Normal weight

 

How do I know if my testosterone levels are low?


Begin by using our symptom checker. If you have any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from low testosterone.


What if I have symptoms?

  • A decrease in libido (sex drive)
  • A lack of energy
  • A decrease in strength and/or endurance
  • Erections that are less strong and/or less frequent
  • A decrease in your enjoyment of life
  • Sad/or grumpy moods
  • A recent deterioration in your ability to play sports
  • A recent deterioration in your work performance
  • Falling asleep soon after dinner
  • A loss of height
  • Increasing abdominal fat

*If you experience any of the above symptoms associated with low testosterone, contact one of our clinics for a complete medical exam, and testosterone level lab check. Regular checkups and age-appropriate screenings can improve your health and extend your life.

What benefits will I get from the therapy?

Testosterone replacement therapy can help:

  • Build lean muscle and lose body fat
  • Improve libido and sexual performance
  • Increase energy
  • Improve mood
  • Improve mental clarity and quickness of thought
  • Protect against heart disease
  • Restore the zest for life
  • Decrease or resolve depression
  • Decrease stress levels

How did my levels get low in the first place?

Low T can occur due to many different factors.

Testosterone normally declines as men get older. During puberty and early adulthood, testosterone levels are at a lifetime peak. These levels begin to decline around the ages of 25-30 years old.

Certain pre-existing medical and environmental conditions can also cause low testosterone levels. These include:

  • Diabetes–Men with diabetes are up to twice as likely as non-diabetics to have low testosterone levels
  • Obesity–Obese men are twice as likely to develop low testosterone levels
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Asthma/Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Chronic high stress, i.e. medical workers, law enforcement, public safety, military personnel
  • Fatigue and erratic sleep schedules

How long before I see results?

Symptoms will start to improve in as few as 7 to 14 days. If you also practice a healthy lifestyle, you can totally transform your life.

Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy safe?

Yes! It is very safe. As internal medicine physicians, the health of our patients is our number one priority. We will monitor your labs regularly, use only FDA approved medications, and we are always available to serve you.

What type of Testosterone do you use?

We only use bio-identical testosterone cypionate approved by the FDA.

How is it administered?

It is administered by intramuscular injection to the gluteal or deltoid muscle.

How often do you administer the injections?

Injections are scheduled every 7 days.

I think my levels are low. Now what?

You know the symptoms. You’ve used our symptom checker to determine your risk. It’s time to schedule an evaluation by calling your local office, or by making an appointment online. We also accept walk-ins, so come see us at any time!
All information submitted online is sent to our offices using data encryption and secure servers. Your privacy is HIPAA protected

How much does the treatment cost?

Most insurance plans cover testosterone replacement therapy if the patient meets the insurance company’s specific criteria (i.e. low testosterone lab levels).
Many patients choose to have greater treatment flexibility which is available by paying our affordable cash prices.

Do you take my insurance?

By calling ahead, insurance coverage can be verified prior to your first office visit

What insurance providers do you accept?

Aetna, AZ Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Coventry, GEHA, GreatWest Health, HealthNet, Humana, TriCare, United Healthcare, and Medicare. If your insurance company is not on the list, you may still have benefits. Please call one of our offices to verify your insurance.

I don’t have health insurance. Do you offer an out-of-pocket option?

We certainly do! Many patients opt for the much greater treatment flexibility provided by paying our affordable cash prices.

I made my first appointment. What can I expect?

You will fill out standard medical forms, including a health history questionnaire. Thereafter, one of our physicians, physician’s assistants, or nurse practitioners will review your medical history and perform a thorough physical exam. Finally, we will draw your blood to evaluate for low testosterone levels.

How long will it take?

Your initial visit takes about 60 minutes.

When will I know my lab results?

Each patient will receive a phone call within 24-48 hours to review their lab results.

What are your hours of operation?

Please visit our locations page to view the hours of operation for a clinic in your area.

*No prescription will be provided unless a clinical need exists based on required lab work, physician consultation, physical examination and current medical history. Agreeing to lab work and physical exam does not guarantee a finding of clinical necessity and/or a prescription for hormone therapy, treatment, or hormone medications including testosterone or HCG.