FAQ's

1. My doctor told me I have a normal T level, but I still have a lot of the classic symptoms of Low T. What should I do?

Make sure that your doctor checked both a free and total T and that he or she is using the normal ranges discussed in this book, and not the normal ranges listed on the lab report.

2. Can I be diagnosed with testosterone deficiency, even if I have a normal to elevated total T?

Yes, if you are one of the rare men who have too much SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) in your blood; then you could have an unusually high total T, but still a low Free T, and therefore a T deficiency that requires treatment.

3. How do I prevent getting my T gel accidentally on my wife or children?

After you put on the gel, wash your hands with soap and water and put on clothing that covers the affected area of skin. After two hours, the gel is sufficiently absorbed into your skin and you (and your family members) should be safe.

4. Does the time of day a blood test is performed affect the results in any way?

No, the fluctuations in testosterone during the daytime hours is minimal. T levels will be highest in the early morning, but they shouldn't be so pronounced that they would affect a diagnosis.

5. What are the benefits of being on testosterone replacement therapy?

In my opinion, there is no way that a man can be the best he can be without a healthy T level. Having a T level in the normal range will optimize sexual, physical, and mental function, as well as maintain a healthy mood and energy level. With TRT, sleep improves for most men, too.

6. What are the side effects of testosterone replacement therapy?

The most common side effects are increase in body hair growth (unfortunately it doesn't affect hair growth on the scalp), increase in red blood cell count, slight elevation in PSA blood test, acne, and increased appetite. These can be monitored by your physician, with the medication dose adjusted accordingly.

7. Will TRT cause my man to become too aggressive or mean?

This should not happen if his T level is not too high and in the proper range. If it does happen, then his T dose should be lowered. Sometimes at the very beginning of treatment, his levels may get a little high as his body adjusts. He may lose a little patience and be short tempered but this is temporary.

8. How long will I need to be on the medication?

It is highly likely that you will need to remain on testosterone replacement therapy for the rest of your life. Once you start using the medication, your body will produce even less T, since it is now getting the proper amount from another source. If you decide to stop the treatment for any reason, your body will again begin to make T, but your levels almost certainly will return only to their original, deficient level.

9. Will my testicles shrink?

Some men notice a slight decrease in size or fullness of their testicles after starting TRT. This is not harmful and just a sign that your body is relying on the medication.

10. Does TRT cause prostate cancer?

No, it is widely accepted that TRT does not cause prostate cancer or increase the risk of getting it. If anything, TRT will increase the chances of detecting prostate cancer, because men will undergo more frequent cancer screening during their course of treatment.

11. Will I become bald if I start testosterone?

No, TRT does not affect male pattern balding.

12. How much does the prescription cost?

Most insurance companies cover all forms of TRT, with a monthly co-pay anywhere from $30 to $100 per month. Injections are the cheapest form of TRT and cost an average of $30 per month, even without insurance coverage. Creams made at a compounding pharmacy can cost $30 to $75 per month, while gels cost $40 to $100 per month with an insurance co-pay; without insurance, they are very expensive, ranging between $250 to $400 per month.