Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

What different therapies are available?
Increasing evidence points to creams applied to the skin on a daily basis. Put on your deodorant, and then put on your hormone. This creates a steady delivery. But this may not be for everyone. Some people absorb less and others don't want to hassle with cream. Still others don't want to expose the people in their world to accidental contact with testosterone. In these circumstances a weekly or best bi-weekly shot is the best answer. 

Our complete therapeutic testosterone program consists of three main medications. *For example, a standard program usually consists of the following:

1. 1 cc per week of Testosterone Cypionate 200mg.

2. 50 units twice a week of HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin).

3. 2-6 pills twice a week of Anastrozole 1.0mg.

*Please, note that dosage may change depending on the patient's profile and doctor's guidelines.


Do the shots hurt?
Yes and no. It depends on a persons personal tolerance to pain.  

How do I pay?
We bill monthly. The initial fee of $125.00 covers the initial lab work and physical. Once you are cleared for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) the monthly fee is $195.00 per month. Unlike other facilities which require thousands of dollars up front for their services, we make it more convenient by allowing you to pay on a monthly basis.  


How often do I get lab work?
Great question, it depends on many, many factors. Age, weight, hormonal status at time of base line, all evaluated by your doctor. Generally you may expect follow up labs in two to three months. This gives ample time to see the new levels that result from our therapies. As time goes on and a steady regimen is formulated less and less labs will be required. Perhaps every six months

When do I see the doctor?
At the initial visit. No one will get medication without proper lab work and a physical exam. Thereafter it is a case by case situation. Typically, a follow up visit with the doctor will be done at the time of the follow up labs, two to three months. Once established, we will see you every six months.

Do I stop my regular medications?
Absolutely not! Although your requirements may and are likely to change careful monitoring is required between you and your prescriber. Changes to your regular medicines should be adjusted by your primary care giver. Discuss any changes with your primary care giver. Take for example insulin or metformin like drugs- studies do indicate that testosterone therapy does tend to alleviate the requirements of these medicines. This may go for many other medicines like anti-depressants. Let's be practical here, we are not saying testosterone will cure your diabetes or whatever ails you but the general trend is that many of these issues tend to improve. So work with your doctor to follow the potential benefits our therapy may offer.

What lab tests do you run?
Good question. Here's the breakdown for the initial evaluation panel: A complete blood count with an assay of the components. This is to make sure you’re not anemic, have infection issues or general problems with your blood.

Are you covered by insurance?
No.

Can I use the blood work from my doctor instead of yours?
We are testing for unique hormonal markers that your doctor is unlikely to routinely order. We also want accurate fresh results of our own to work from. Finally, the price of the blood work is included with the program.

Will you treat my wife?
Referrals to likeminded facilities will be offered, but this is a men's place. We speak our language and see things our way. We want to have a forum where andropause can be expertly addressed. No girls- sorry.

How quickly will I see results?
The sooner the better, but with safety at the fore front. Generally within a week to three weeks. At Royal Men's Medical Center we want to launch you like a rocket as soon as possible. Certainly if you don't see an improvement in three or more weeks contact the doctor as further evaluation may be required to meet your specific needs

Why this therapy all of a sudden?
There is nothing new here. Just the fact that hormone replacement in men has finally gotten the attention it rightly deserves in the healthcare of men.

Do you use Human Growth Hormone?
Absolutely not! Under no circumstances. First of all it is not FDA approved for our application. Secondly if you are truly growth hormone deficient which is the only reason the FDA approves of this medication you should be seeing an Endocrinologist. Plus the price for meaningful doses of growth hormone would be in the thousands of dollars per month- well out of the price range we are aiming to offer. The allure of growth hormone is there but we feel we can achieve just as much with safe doses of testosterone. Please bear in mind that growth hormone works directly on your pituitary gland and too much of it may cause permanent long term problems with your pituitary, and who wants to mess with that?

Is there a safer alternative to Human Growth Hormone?
We offer Somerlin on a case by case basis. This compound is used by the pituitary to make growth hormone. The pituitary remains in charge and working. Although not part of the testosterone replacement therapy it can be offered where it is proven to be helpful.

Is Somerlin expensive?
Not like growth hormone! Growth hormone costs thousands of dollars per month for minute doses. Somerlin is one fourth the price at appropriate doses.

What are the complications of testosterone therapy?
There are a few, like any medication. You will be given a list of what you should look out for at the time of your checkup. You must understand that you cannot over dose on testosterone and the side effects vanish as soon as the medication is stopped. And this is the name of the game: to have a doctor and lab available to insure not only the success of this program but your wellbeing as well.

I heard testosterone will cause my testicles to shrink, is this so?

Regrettably people receive testosterone without the benefits of medication that remind the testes (your balls) to work. Our program introduces medicines to help maintain testes size and function. We gain no benefit from having your testicles shrink.

Can you really help me with my chest fat; aka: bitch tits, man boobs?

In many cases, yes. It all depends on the levels of estrogen (female hormone) in your blood. There is an oral medication that will reduce your female hormone, the direct muscle building benefits of testosterone will help you regain the manly physique you are intended to have. But remember, you've got to do something... eat less junk and get out of the house and “TRT it.” Heck if you're going this far you might as well make a go of it and do it the right way.

I'm afraid to get zits again or lose my hair?
The unregulated excess levels of testosterone may cause bloating, hair loss and acne- this is true . Our TRT provides medicines to help contain the production of “bad testosterone” (di-hydrotestosterone) and estrogen both resulting from not using medicines to stop this.

Will testosterone cause prostate problems?
Initial lab studies will check for markers for prostate cancer (PSA). The history and physical exam will contribute to your general assessment. Studies have shown that testosterone does not provoke cancer of the prostate. In fact, elevated estrogen levels are now seen in cases of prostate enlargement. Our estrogen reducing medicines may even help with prostate enlargement. Unfortunately, men with a history of prostate cancer should not receive TRT. Careful surveillance via lab studies and doctor exam should insure the safety of testosterone replacement therapy in men.

What ages do you accept?
Without question persons between 30 and 65 showing signs and symptoms of needing TRT will be helped. Younger and older persons will be seen as well as long as they fall within our safe zone. Generally older men will have more health issues and at times we will require a clearance from you primary care doctor as well in order to participate. All men must have a primary care doctor to help address their health care issues. We encourage you to tell your doctor.

Can your labs be used for my regular doctor's visit?
He or she may or may not accept our lab results. This is their call. Generally the labs we get are the types of labs your healthcare professional monitor on your annual checkup. If you desire a copy of your labs will be provided and you can forward them to your provider.

What labs do you get?
Blood count, a metabolic profile, we check your thyroid, we check markers for prostate cancer, we will check marker for hear inflammation, and of course your testosterone and female hormone levels. Pretty comprehensive.

What labs do you get later on?
We keep a close eye on the prostate, so prostate levels are checked. Along with this we keep an eye on the hormones components and the blood count. Any areas of concern in the initial evaluation will be followed as well.

What if something is wrong?
We would be unable to proceed without a healthy start. You would be advised to see your primary doctor and correct the problem. Once cleared you may then participate in testosterone replacement therapy or TRT. Provided our doctors feel confident there is no risk in your participation.