Treatment of Low Testosterone
Treatment of low testosterone, or Testosterone Replacement Therapy (commonly known as TRT) is a medical treatment designed to address low levels of testosterone in men.
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Why do some men have low testosterone?
Some men may experience a decline in testosterone levels due to factors such as aging, certain medical conditions, or lifestyle choices. Treatment for low testosterone can help restore testosterone levels to a normal range, improving overall well-being and quality of life.
Testosterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including the development of male sexual characteristics, bone density, muscle mass, and mood regulation. So when a man’s testosterone levels aren’t where they should be, they can experience some associated health problems.
At Verve Men’s Clinic, we offer treatment of low testosterone to any patient over the age of 45, who has had the required blood work completed, and has been assessed by our GP and Urologist as a candidate for the therapy.
See below to plan the stages of your testosterone replacement therapy journey, or book a consultation with Dr Jonathan Fenton.
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Stage 1: Blood Work
Your TRT journey will begin by collecting in-depth blood work to get a clear picture of your overall health & hormone levels.
This is so we can identify causes of your symptoms and see if you qualify for certain treatments such as TRT.
Stage 2: Consultation
You’ll then book an initial consultation with our General Practitioner Dr Jonathan Fenton who will review your medical history & symptoms.
Dr Jonny will investigate the cause of your symptoms and create a holistic, individualised protocol for managing these symptoms.
TRT may be part of this plan if it is considered to be beneficial and safe in your circumstances.
Stage 3: Prescription
If TRT is an appropriate option for you, Dr Jonny will discuss the different options for how this can be administered. This can be via tablets, patches, gels or injections. Dr Jonny will then issue you with an initial prescription.
When TRT is initiated, to ensure your safety and continued treatment, it is a requirement that patients have a follow up consultation with a Specialist Urologist, Endocrinologist or Sexual Health Physician.
Our in-house Urologist Dr Philippe Wolanski can conduct this follow up. However if you prefer, we can contact your existing specialist, or another of your choice.
Stage 4: Treatment
If you’re suitable for TRT, we will create your treatment plan and see you in clinic to show you how to use the medication effectively.
If you opt for replacement via injections, these are usually given every 3-4 weeks or every 3 months, depending on the preparation you choose. If you prefer, injections can be administered by medical staff at our clinic.
During your treatment it is important that you attend follow up appointments to ensure that you don’t develop any side effects or other problems with the medication. Dr Jonny will discuss a follow up plan with you before you start your medication.
FAQs
DOES EVERY MAN WITH LOW TESTOSTERONE REQUIRE TREATMENT?
No. There are many different underlying causes of low testosterone, and TRT is not always required. Also for some men with certain conditions, TRT can be too dangerous. Often there are certain other factors that can be considered and adjusted, such as their lifestyle or certain medications they are taking.
In addition, some of the symptoms associated with low testosterone may be due to other issues, such as physical or mental health conditions, that need to be treated and managed first.
During your initial consultation with our in-house General Practitioner Dr Jonathan Fenton, he will go through your medical history, medications and blood results, and together you can formulate a plan that is effective and safe.
DOES TRT COME WITH RISKS?
Yes, testosterone replacement therapy can cause side effects with may or may not include:
(more common)
- Erythrocytosis (too many red blood cells, which can lead to blood clots)
- Acne and oily skin
- Growth of previously undetected prostate cancer
- Reduced sperm production and fertility
(uncommon but can still happen)
- Gynaecomastia (breast growth)
- Male pattern balding
- Growth of breast cancer in men
- Induction or worsening of obstructive sleep apnoea
SHOULD I AVOID TRT IF I HAVE CERTAIN CONDITIONS?
Not everyone is suitable for TRT. It is best to discuss this with our General Practitioner Dr Jonny at your initial TRT consultation as there are some conditions where TRT should not be given.
Some of these conditions include, but are not limited to:
- Severe untreated obstructive sleep apnea
- Severe lower urinary tract symptoms, such as urinary frequency and urgency, associated with an enlarged prostate, or BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
- Uncontrolled or poorly controlled heart failure
- Above-normal red blood cell counts
Men who are considering starting or expanding their family should avoid TRT, as it can reduce fertility.
At Verve Men’s Clinic, we assess men aged 45years+ for TRT. Men under the age of 45 years, should seek a referral from their GP or treating physician.
CAN TREATMENT FOR LOW TESTOSTERONE TREAT ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION?
If you have low testosterone, treatment may help restore your ability to have healthy erections and can boost your sex drive.
But erectile dysfunction has many other possible causes. Low testosterone may not be the whole story behind your erectile dysfunction.
By booking either an TRT initial consultation, or an erectile dysfunction initial consultation, you can discuss all these concerns with Dr Jonny.
HOW LONG DOES THE TREATMENT TAKE?
Our TRT treatment appointments are 30 minutes in length, however the length of your appointment will be determined after your initial TRT consultation.
HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO CONTINUE TO RECEIVE TRT?
If the treatment is effective with an improvement in symptoms, TRT is usually given long term. However as you get older, or if you develop other medical conditions, sometimes the risks associated with TRT start to outweigh any benefits.
Long term follow up and review is important to ensure that TRT is still suitable, and that you are not developing any side effects or other problems with the medication.
DO I NEED A REFERRAL?
If you are over 45 years of age, no referral is required. Simply book an initial TRT consultation with the GP Dr Jonathan Fenton.
If TRT is deemed suitable, it is a requirement that a follow up appointment is made with a Specialist Urologist, Endocrinologist or Sexual Health Physician. This enables them to “double-check” that the medication is suitable and helps ensure your safety.
Our in-house Urologist Dr Philippe Wolanski, can arrange this follow-up quickly and easily via telehealth, or if you prefer we can arrange an appointment with your existing specialist or another of your choosing.
If you are over 45 years of age, we require that you obtain a referral letter from your GP or treating physician before attending your initial TRT consultation.
HOW MUCH DOES TRT COST?
At Verve Men’s Clinic, we charge at standard $250 initial consultation fee. At this appointment, your doctor will assess your unique health needs and history, before deciding on a course of treatment.
If you have a valid medicare card, your consultation and subsequent treatment and follow-up shall attract a medicare rebate depending on the length of your appointment.
The consultation required at the precription stage, costs $200 and is also medicare rebatable at a price of $81.30.
The TRT procedure itself costs $125 for an initial treatment and $85 for subsequent treatments at Verve Men’s Clinic. Both initial and subsequent treatments attract a medicare rebate, the price of which depends on how long the treatment takes.
Please contact our friendly reception staff if you have any questions.
DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?
Please speak to our reception staff if you require a payment plan.
We require that full payment of the procedure is paid before your appointment.
Please contact our friendly reception staff for more information.
IS THE PROCEDURE MEDICARE CLAIMABLE?
Some procedures may be medicare claimable. Please detail your medicare card information when completing your patient intake form, and reception staff will advise you of where medicare claims are applicable.
If your appointment or procedure is medicare claimable, the rebate will be processed at the time of your consultation and will be paid into your nominated bank account.
Contact our friendly reception staff for more information.
CAN I CLAIM VIA PRIVATE HEALTH?
We do not process private health claims, however you are welcome to check with your private health cover.
Please contact our friendly reception staff, if you require consultation or procedure item numbers.
Pricing
We’re committed to transparency and will ensure that you have a clear understanding of all associated fees.
TRT requires the patient to take their prescription to their local pharmacy in order to collect items required for their procedural appointment.
Verve Men’s Clinic are not responsible for the pricing of these items and therefore cannot provide an estimate of these costs.
Start your testosterone replacement therapy journey today by booking an initial consultation with Dr Jonny.
Book a TRT consultation
Every patient is unique and results may vary. Invasive procedures carry risks which need to be discussed with your doctor to ensure you are fully informed and realistic outcomes have been explained. We recommend seeking a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner for all medical procedures.
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