Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?
The benefits of testosterone replacement therapy vary based upon several factors, but may include increased energy, improved sexual desire, improved cognitive function, decreased irritability, and possible improvement in erectile function.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No, Columbus T Clinic is a private medical clinic, so you can self-refer.
Do I have need to have a testosterone value below 300ng/dL in order to get Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?
No. Not all men respond to testosterone the same. For example, a man who has testosterone level of 500ng/dL may not exhibit signs and symptoms of Low-T, while another man with the same testosterone value of 500ng/dL may have significant signs and symptoms of Low-T. A clinical judgement can be made that a man can still be on testosterone replacement therapy even if their serum testosterone value falls within the normal reference range.
What is the goal testosterone level a clinician should try to achieve when administering testosterone replacement therapy to a male patient?
In healthy men, testosterone levels between 350 ng/dL and 1000 ng/dL are referred to as “normal”. If the goal of therapy is to alleviate symptoms of Low-T, some men may require a higher goal to be reached such as 750-1000ng/dL to achieve the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy. Goals of therapy should be individualized and tailored to the patient’s symptoms rather than to an exact number. At Columbus T Clinic, our clinicians will work with you to optimize your levels and alleviate your symptoms of Low-T.
Where do I get my medication?
As one of our patients, we can provide you with most, if not all, of your prescribed medication directly to your home from our partnered pharmacy.
If you would prefer a prescription, or are prescribed something that our partner pharmacy is unable to provide, you will be issued with a private prescription which can be dispensed to your preferred pharmacy.
Should HCG Be Part Of My TRT Protocol?
YES. Human Chorionic Gonadptropin (HCG) used alongside testosterone:
- Increases fertility
- Maintains/restores testicular size
- Improves libido and penis sensitivity
Who Is Not a Suitable Candidate For TRT At Columbus T Clinic?
Only our providers can fully answer this question, however some of the conditions where TRT is contraindicated in males include:
- Locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer
- Male breast cancer
- Severe chronic heart failure
- Unexplained PSA elevation
- Untreated Severe Sleep Apnea
- Severe Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia
What Are The Potential Side-Effects Of TRT?
It stands to reason that if your androgen levels have been ‘optimized’, you shouldn’t have any negative side effects. The goal of TRT is restoring and optimizing your androgen levels so that you feel ‘normal’. If you have a true deficiency and need TRT, we can provide the perfect TRT protocol.
Side effects tend to reflect a level of unbalance. As already discussed, most side effects can be simply managed with alteration of dose and/or frequency of your protocol, looking at possible aggravating factors and the sparing use of ancillary medications.
Potential side effects include:
- Oestrogenic (E2) – Nipple tenderness, breast tissue swelling, water retention, loss of libido, anxiety.
- Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) – Acne, oily skin, male pattern baldness, lower urinary tract symptoms.
- Free Testosterone – mood disturbance, loss of libido, deterioration of lipid profile, raised hematocrit
Injection side effects – Infection, bleeding, nerve damage, possible scar tissue development.
As with any medication, allergic reactions to any of the ingredients of the preparation may also occur. It is therefore essential that you read the information leaflet that comes with the medication prior to administration.