Frequently Asked Questions

It is rare to have measurable side effects from low testosterone therapy if the prescription protocols provided by your doctor are followed. As with any medication there could be side effects. Your doctor will closely monitor your blood hormone levels and your symptoms and modify your medications accordingly should any problems arise. We are aiming for physiological levels of testosterone (upper normal range for men and women) here. Potential adverse effects of testosterone are mostly reversible and treatable skin symptoms (hair loss, acne, increased facial and body hair growth). If a man has an undiagnosed prostate cancer, the rise in testosterone level can “unmask” the cancer leading to an earlier diagnosis of the prostate cancer. It can also potentially lead to an increase in red cell production and high levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit (polycythemia).

It is rare to have measurable side effects from low testosterone therapy if the prescription protocols provided by your doctor are followed. As with any medication there could be side effects if not taken carefully. Your doctor will closely monitor your blood hormone levels and modify your medications accordingly should any problems arise.

In many cases, Testosterone Replacement Therapy is often continued indefinitely due to the tremendous benefits one usually experiences during treatment. However, there are protocols that can be followed to safely stop taking the medications if so desired.

There is no evidence that the risk of either prostate cancer or benign prostatic hypertrophy increases with testosterone therapy. This myth about testosterone Replacement being linked to prostate cancer has been rooted deep in medical consciousness for over 60 years, however recent studies have dispelled these myths and the data is actually showing that testosterone therapy is good for your prostate. It should be noted there is no evidence that men with higher testosterone levels are at higher risk of prostate cancer or that supplementing Testosterone increases this risk. In fact, it should be recognized that prostate cancer becomes more prevalent exactly at a time in a man’s life when testosterone begins declining. Testosterone treatment is actually beneficial for the prostate, not bad. If a man has undiagnosed prostate cancer at the start of treatment with testosterone, testosterone can “unmask” the prostate cancer leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Injectable Testosterone is by far the most effective means of testosterone therapy. It is is much more convenient to use (generally injected only 1 time a week) and is relatively painless. Our doctors prefer injections over creams and gels because of how they are absorbed. In addition, creams and gels tend to increase DHT (harmful metabolites of testosterone) much more than injections. You can also risk person to person transfer with creams and gels, which can potentially cause serious side effects to those exposed, especially women and children.

HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is a natural occurring substance in the body that is used in men to stimulate the testicles to produce and boost your body’s natural production of testosterone and sperm. HCG is commonly used in low testosterone therapy for men to allow the testes to maintain function and size and to avoid their atrophy. We can also use clomiphene in conjunction with testosterone injections to achieve similar results as with HCG, but HCG weekly injections remain our preferred option. We can also offer or patients with sexual dysfunction medications such as Cialis (tadalafil) to support and enhance blood flow (different doses for men and women).

Usually within one to three weeks, although in some men it can take longer. If improvements are not noticeable within a month, your physician may modify your dose and perform a follow up exam to determine why.

NO! Everything you need for the Testosterone Therapy Program, including ALL medications and supplies, as well as ALL follow up labs and doctors visits, is covered in your all inclusive fee. You will NEVER pay anything additional, ever for the testosterone and HCG treatment. There will be a separate charge if you opt for taking Cialis (tadalafil).