Testosterone therapy: what to know before you start
Medical review pending. This article is awaiting review by a qualified clinician.
Testosterone is a prescription, federally controlled substance. Professional guidelines describe diagnosing testosterone deficiency based on symptoms together with repeated morning blood tests, and recommend ongoing monitoring during treatment.
Treatment can affect fertility and blood counts and is not right for everyone. Ask how the clinic evaluates other causes of your symptoms and how it coordinates with your primary-care clinician.
Use this checklist
- Will a licensed prescriber examine me and order repeat morning labs before treatment?
- How will you monitor blood counts and other labs during treatment?
- How might treatment affect fertility, and what are the alternatives?
- Be cautious of clinics that promise results or sell long prepaid packages.
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General educational information only — not medical advice. Coverage, regulations and individual needs vary. Talk with a qualified clinician about your situation.