Q: What’s a normal level of testosterone for a guy my age?
A: The scale is set by laboratories and insurance companies who base the range on statistics and not on clinical benefits and human performance. The laboratory range is from 300-1200. Depending upon your current level, most men would benefit significantly from being in the 600-900 range. Testosterone levels drop 1-2% per year throughout your lifetime, and this phenomenon is termed “andropause.” Everybody is different. At Hale Men’s clinic we titrate your testosterone level to your specific needs and benefits, not to a specific number.
Q: How is the medication given?
A: Testosterone is an oil soluble hormone given weekly as an intramuscular injection. It is extremely important to co-administer a medication that maintains and supports your own testosterone production. It is also essential to follow and modulate your estrogen levels, which naturally increase when testosterone levels are corrected.
Q: What should my testosterone level be?
A: Everybody is different, there is not a specific number that I can give you. Men should follow their levels throughout their life against the scale of andropause so that you can make an informed decision on when it is important to your health for you to replace your testosterone.
Q: I’m 32, why would somebody my age need to replace their testosterone (TR)?
A: Age is not important when it comes to replacing your testosterone. Absolute levels of testosterone, and the symptoms associated with low testosterone are the key components. At Hale Men’s Clinic we have men who benefit from TR from ages 22 to 72. Most people are surprised to discover that the age distribution is so large. It’s a known fact that younger males in North America have experienced steeper declines in testosterone than their older counter parts.
Q: I always thought that the reason guys started TR was that they had erectile dysfunction and/or low sex drive, but research shows there are other reasons a guy might want to start on TR. What is the most common reason a guy replaces his testosterone?
A: The most common reason for men to initiate TR and by far the most significant benefit experienced by men on TR are increased energy levels and mental clarity. However, it is also worth noting the many other medical benefits guys experience including TR is cardio protective, helps insomnia, depression, insulin resistance, arthritis, migraines, memory and more.
Q: So, are you saying it’s not beneficial for libido?
A: No, it is absolutely beneficial for the neuro biologic and physical components of intimacy and sex but this is not the number one benefit of TR in terms of patient priorities at Hale Men’s Clinic.
Q: Your website says that you are a Board-certified Surgical Oncologist and General Surgeon and that you’ve spent the last 24 years of your career operating on cancer patients, what got you interested in Men’s Health, specifically Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
A: Starting on it myself! Also, my older brother started on TR almost 10 years ago and immediately recognized the incredible health benefits. Male endocrinology is no less complicated and important than women’s endocrinology, yet men are told that when changes occur, and symptoms arise there is simply nothing that can be done. I have discovered that this is not the truth. It has been incredibly satisfying and interesting as a physician to be involved in a clinic where we see such fundamental and profound improvements in our patient’s lives.
Q: Why do I have to go to your clinic, why can’t I just see my primary care physician?
A: TR is only safe and effective if it’s delivered within a clinical system that has checks and balances. The goal is to achieve proper testosterone and estrogen levels, monitor side effects that can be unfavorable and maintain endogenous testosterone production. This takes a high level of dedication and infrastructure. Primary care physicians just aren’t equipped to deliver TR.
Q: Will my insurance cover the cost of TR? I have an HSA plan, am I allowed to use it for TR?
A: Most major insurance companies recognize the health benefits of TR and will pay for the services if minimum laboratory requirements are met. An HSA can be used to cover any out of pocket expenses. Our clinic will help you determine your specific insurance benefits.
Q: What if I don’t have insurance?
A: We have plainly published cash pay options. You can look on our website for the different plans we offer.
Q: I’ve heard some negative stuff out there about TR: “roid” rage, anger…what do you know about that and are there any health risks I should be aware of?
A: While it is true that anabolic steroids can cause mood and psychiatric changes and problems with aggression, that is not the case with testosterone replacement. There are side effects of TR such as elevated estrogen level, elevated red blood cell levels and the like. However, these risks are very effectively mitigated by proper monitoring and modulation as a part of the regular medical regimen administered at Hale Men’s Clinic.
Q: I read online about a guy who lost weight after starting on TR, is that common?
A: Absolutely. A large percentage of men at Hale Men’s Clinic have weight loss as one of their primary goals and many lose a significant percentage of their body fat with proper activities and dietary choices. When this is accompanied with better muscle tone it can literally be transformative. An improved level of testosterone helps to reset your bodies fat composition set point. How this happens is physiologically complex however one simple explanation is that patients on TR have more energy and therefore will burn off more calories.
Q: I like to work out, I’m in the gym 3-4 times a week, how will TR effect my work outs?
A: Proper levels of testosterone in an active male’s body are very helpful for building lean muscle and strength development. Men on TR discover that they get easier and faster results from their workouts and that they recover more quickly. These changes are very commonly noted by our patients at Hale Men’s Clinic.