Men’s Testosterone- Q and A
MEN’S TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
The Consultation:
How long does the first appointment take?
The first appointment is usually 20-30 minutes or less.
What happens at the (first) Initial Appointment
After you fill out your medical questionnaire and forms, you will be seen by a clinician who will review your medical history, then ask you a series of questions to learn more about your symptoms, and your lifestyle and to make sure this medication can help you. The clinician then performs a brief physical exam and blood work for a Total and Free Testosterone level and PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen). You will also be given your first injection to treat your symptoms if you qualify. All of this is covered in initial consultation price $299.99.***
How long does it take to get my lab results?
2-3 business days
What happens at follow up appointment? (Usually 7-10 days after initial consultation, due to your 1st injection at your consultation)
The clinician will analyze and review your lab work with you, answer any questions or concerns you have about the treatment, recommend proper dosing and frequency, and also recommend nutritional supplements that will provide support for hormone replacement. Again, all of this is included in the Initial Consultation with no additional charge for the first follow up appointment.
What hours are you open?
New Patients: Tuesday 9am to 7pm, Thursday 2pm to 7pm and Saturday 8am to 3pm.
Follow Up Patients: Monday-Wednesday 9am to 7pm and Friday 9am to 5pm
How Do I Know if my testosterone is Low?
Unlike menopause in women, in which the body halts production of estrogen, men experience a gradual loss of sex hormones starting around 30. By the age of 45, more than half of men have testosterone levels that have fallen from optimum levels. Many men are feeling “older than their age” and more fatigued and don’t realize that this is a low testosterone level.
What are some symptoms of low testosterone?
• Erectile dysfunction (decreased erection strength or time of erection)
• Increased refractory time (time needed between erections)
• Decreased sexual libido and desire
• Loss of bone density
• Loss of muscle mass or more difficult to maintain muscle mass
• Reduced strength
• Increased fat mass or more difficult to keep the fat off in a central location (ie: love handles, spare tire, double chin)
• Decreased metabolism
• Decreased Aerobic Capacity
• Increased Fatigue
• Looking older than your Biological Age
• Hair Loss on body or change in hair quality
• Wrinkling and Drying of Skin
• Memory loss and decreased concentration
• Reduced motivation
• Mood changes and depression
• Decreased sense of well being
• Increased irritability
• Poor Sleep Quality and Insomnia
• Changes in Cholesterol and decrease in Red Blood Cells
• Increased risk of Heart attack
• Increased Insulin Resistance
Do you have any of the causes for decreased testosterone?
• age over 30 (testosterone declines as men age)
• Stress
• Chemo, Radiation for any type of cancer or Injury or Infection of the Testicles
• Genetic Diseases (hemochromatosis and Klinefelters)
• Medication Side Effects
• Chronic illness – kidney disease, cirrhosis , inflammatory disease
• Alcoholism
What are the potiential benefits of testosterone replacement therapy?
• Improve muscle mass and strength while decreasing fat, leading to a more lean physique
• Increase bone mineral density
• Thicken body hair and skin leading to less wrinkles and appearing younger
• Improve sexual desire and function
• Boosted energy with better sleep
• Decrease irritability and depression
• Improve cognitive function and memory
Clinical
What type of testosterone do you use?
We use testosterone cypionate, an injectable
Where is the injection given?
In the gluteal muscle on alternating sides with each injection.
What dosing schedule do you use?
We schedule injections every 7-10 days
How do I qualify for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?
A simple blood test drawn in our office will reveal your levels and a clinician will review your medical history and physical to make sure you qualify. Blood results are given usually within 24-48 hours and we also take symptoms into account.
Does TRT stimulate my body’s natural production of testosterone?
No. We are supplementing what your body is not producing in sufficient quantity.
How long does TRT continue?
TRT may continue indefinitely. Discontinuation will cause you to go back to your baseline symptoms.
What are possible side effects of testosterone replacement therapy?
In general, hormone replacement therapy is safe.
It is associated with some side effects, including:
• Acne or oily skin.
• Mild fluid retention.
• Stimulation of prostate tissue, with perhaps some increased urination symptoms such as a decreased stream or frequency.
• Breast tissue enlargement.
• Worsening of sleep apnea a (disorder that results in frequent night time awakenings and daytime sleepiness).
• Decreased testicular size.
In addition, their are some patients that will not qualify based on their medical history.
***most men will not experience any of these side effects. If they do start experiencing symptoms please make a follow up appointment as most of these are short term and treatable***
Who shouldn’t take testosterone replacement therapy?
Men who have prostate or testicular or breast cancer should not take testosterone replacement therapy. Other contraindications may include: swelling, shortness of breath, sleep apnea, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease or cirrhosis, alcoholism, untreated asthma, untreated copd or emphysema, untreated diabetes, adrenal gland disorder, prostate enlargement, untreated thyroid disorder, cancer or tumor of pituitary gland, lung, liver, hypothalamus, melanoma, current chemo or radiation therapy, surgery w/I 6 weeks, competitor in any type of sports including but not limited to professional, high school or college sports.
Cost & Insurance
Do you take insurance?
If you have something other than an HMO you should have a good chance of getting reimbursement. We do not take or file insurance. However, we will give you paperwork – paid receipts etc., –to support you submitting a claim to your insurance company and you can also submit this to your Flexible Health Care Spending Account. In addition, many insurances will cover all or part of the costs of your medications, but we do not submit the paperwork for you in order to be able to keep your costs lower.
How much does it cost?
The initial cost is $299.99 which includes Initial consultation with Physician, Lab work, Your first Injection, Analysis and Review of Lab work, and Follow up visit. You will then come in every 7-14 days as directed by the physician. We charge a monthly fee of 99.99 for your office visit and testosterone injection weekly. We also will need to perform 3-4 more lab tests throughout the first year to stabilize Testosterone level. After 12 months we will only need to do lab work every 6 months. The cost is discounted down to only $99.99 for each lab work.
Discounted rates on other services we are offer testosterone replacement patients ONLY:
• Phentermine $49.99 Monthly (Reg. $99.99)
• B12 Shots $7.50 Shot (Reg. $15)
• LipoLean $15 Shot (Reg. $25)
• LipoEnergy $15 Shot (Reg. $25)
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