FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General Questions
Is telemedicine as effective as in-person care?
Absolutely! Our expert team ensures you receive top-notch care from the comfort of your home. You work hand-in-hand with your provider and treatments are delivered to your door.
How do I know which treatment is right for me?
Our expert team and physicians tailor treatments to your specific needs and goals.
How is Premier Body different from my primary care doctor?
Premier Body offers comprehensive lab testing and treatments that are not typically accessible through primary care or health insurance. Premier Body specializes in hormone replacement (BHRT) and peptide therapies.
Testosterone Therapy Questions
What is testosterone therapy and what are its primary uses?
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a unique type of hormone replacement therapy designed to restore healthy testosterone levels in someone who suffers from low testosterone.
What conditions or symptoms might indicate a need for testosterone therapy?
Low libido , fatigue , low energy levels, brain fog , high blood pressure , demotivated and lack in strength.
What constitutes low testosterone levels and what should the levels be?
Male – total testosterone should be between 6 – 27 , Free testosterone – 200 – 685.
Females – under 2.7 but above 0.5. Free testosterone 6-55 ( Pmol)
What tests are typically performed to measure testosterone levels?
Blood tests , Total Testosterone ,free testosterone , Oestrogen , Lh , Fsh, SHBG- Please note there are additional tests which are also done to accompany this which is a comprehensive blood analysis specific to bodily Function ( thyroid , full blood count , metabolic markers , sugar , insulin , lipid profile , kidney , liver ,iron studies , vitamin D , Vitamin b12 and prostate markers in males.
Is there a best time of day to measure testosterone levels?
First thing in the morning
What are the different forms of testosterone therapy available?
Bio identical creams / gels, injectables and oral
What factors do you consider when determining the appropriate dosage and method of administration for a patient?
What a patient feels most comfortable with, patients come into our clinic weekly for their injections, certain patients medications are shipped to them and they administer this themselves after training is complete by a nurse. Dosages are determined from the various baseline levels of patients Depending on the level of the SHBG and total testosterone starting from a low dose and increasing the dose until one is at the upper range of normal.
What are the short-term and long-term effects of testosterone therapy?
Short term:
Water retention , stimulatory effects on the bone marrow resulting in a increased HB which may lead to venesection due to to many red blood cells.
Acne which is retrigered if you had this when younger.
Decreased ejeculation. ( males )
Shrinkage of testicles. ( Males )
Females – Breast enlargement and tenderness , cessation of menstrual cycle and acne.
Long term:
Males : if testosterone is used alone it may lead to sterility and impotence. ( Thats why it is not used alone)
Males – hair loss
Males – gynacomastia , worsen sleep apnea.
Males : prostate enlargement
Females:
Hairloss
Acne
Depression
Affecting menstrual cycle
Deepening of the voice and mood swings
What are the short-term and long-term effects of testosterone therapy?
Short term:
Water retention , stimulatory effects on the bone marrow resulting in a increased HB which may lead to venesection due to to many red blood cells.
Acne which is retrigered if you had this when younger.
Decreased ejeculation. ( males )
Shrinkage of testicles. ( Males )
Females – Breast enlargement and tenderness , cessation of menstrual cycle and acne.
Long term:
Males : if testosterone is used alone it may lead to sterility and impotence. ( Thats why it is not used alone)
Males – hair loss
Males – gynacomastia , worsen sleep apnea.
Males : prostate enlargement
Females:
Hairloss
Acne
Depression
Affecting menstrual cycle
Deepening of the voice and mood swings
How does testosterone therapy affect fertility?
It may affect fertility, we never use testosterone alone because long term mono ( alone ) therapy with testosterone will lead to sterility. Combination therapy is designed not to interfere with fertility. This is a discussion to have with your doctor and see what options are available.
Are there any cardiovascular risks associated with testosterone therapy?
If a patient is already compromised and has a underlying cardio vascular problem they may be at risk in the first year of therapy.
How might testosterone therapy impact mental health (e.g., mood, cognition)?
It creates a sense of confidence , it improves mental clarity , it alleviates anxiety and depression.
What are the potential benefits of testosterone therapy for individuals with low testosterone?
Increased libido , increased desire for your partner Benefits reducing bad cholesterol, decreases belly fat and reduces hypertension.
Increases strength , raises your self esteem , increases confidence , Gives you a feeling of youthfulness.
Are there long-term health concerns linked to prolonged testosterone therapy? How many times can you get this treatment?
The biggest long term concern is sterility , shrunken testicles and decreased sperm concentration , ( Males )
Females – hairloss balding on the scalp, development of hair in areas that are more common to males then females. Voice deepening and clitoral growth.
Testosterone replacement therapy is a treatment with careful follow up can be taken indefinitely under the supervision of a doctor in this field.
What common misconceptions do patients have about testosterone therapy?
The biggest misconception is that Trt is used as a performance enhancing treatment and its specifically designed with all the indications pointing to the symptoms patients come in with.
That TRT is a banned substance and that its going to cause prostate cancer , increases risk of a cardiovascular event , increases blood pressure and makes you aggressive.
What are the most common concerns or questions you hear from patients considering testosterone therapy?
Root of administration , some people have problems self administering injections , is it going to cause high blood pressure and females ask is it going to turn me into a man which it will not.
Is testosterone therapy recommended for women, and if so, under what circumstances?
All contraceptive devices that is the combined contraceptive pill results in a decreased testosterone level therefore decreases sex drive which is alleviated by TRT.
postmenopausal women that are battling with menopausal syndrome issues often get significant improvement if one adds testosterone Therapy , but blood tests are required always.
How do lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and sleep influence testosterone levels?
Lack of sleep, smoking , alcohol and lack of excercise lowers testosterone.
Are there natural ways to boost testosterone that you recommend in conjunction with or instead of therapy?
Based on the patient blood results , there are fairly good products that can increase the normal production of testosterone therapy Ie : certain natural supplements.
How does stress affect testosterone levels, and what role does stress management play in therapy?
High stress may be having a bigger impact on your health than you realize. Stress can directly affect your body in many ways, including your hormone levels. It has been linked to a corresponding drop in your normal testosterone levels, leading to imbalance. When your hormones are out of balance, activities that require stamina, concentration, and energy can become increasingly difficult due to reduced mental and physical strength
What kind of follow-up is required for someone undergoing testosterone therapy?
Frequent blood tests and doctor visits.
How frequently should testosterone levels be monitored during treatment?
Every 3 months.
What are the signs that testosterone therapy is effective, and what should patients look out for to know if it's working?
Increased confidence , increased energy levels , increased libido and more desire.
What symptoms or changes should be reported to a healthcare provider during testosterone therapy?
Males:
Testicular shrinkage , loss of libido, development of breastt tissue , hair loss, depression
Females :
Mood swings , changes in menstrual cycle , stopping normal cycle, hair loss, and weight gain.
What are the alternative treatments if testosterone therapy is not suitable?
Peptide therapy
Natural supplements
When TRT is contra indicated one can switch to natural supplements and peptide therapy
How do genetic factors influence an individual's response to testosterone therapy?
Some men may inherit genetic variations that increase the risk of low T. These genetic factors can affect testosterone production, transportation, or response to testosterone. It’s like a code written into their DNA that impacts hormone production.
For instance, specific gene variants can interfere with the hypothalamus and pituitary function. These areas of the brain control testosterone production. If genes mutate and affect this control system, the result could be low testosterone levels.
Recent Genetic Research
A study published in Nature Genetics in 2023 identified new genetic variants associated with low testosterone levels. The researchers analyzed the genomes of over 200,000 men and found several novel loci that influence testosterone production and regulation, providing deeper insights into the genetic underpinnings of low T.
What role do comorbidities (e.g. diabetes, obesity) play in the effectiveness of testosterone therapy?
The more co morbidities the less effective TRT is.
Trt is usually a great option for obese patients as they tend to have low testosterone levels. HOWEVER, it usually has to be combined with other medications for weight management based off of their blood results.
Can testosterone therapy be customised based on a patient's unique hormonal profile?
TRT is customised per patient based off of their blood results and assessment.
Everyone’s protolol is different at our clinic.
Are you able to give us some information how testosterone therapy compares with other hormone replacement therapies, such as growth hormone or thyroid hormone therapy?
Testosterone therapy has extremely positive responses from patients.
Can you give us some insight into the latest advancements in testosterone therapy or any history about the evolution of testosterone therapy methods etc?
TRT has become an extremely safe therapy when done correctly and based off patient blood results IF REQUIRED. TRT is not for everyone its only given to patients who require it based off of their blood tests.
TRT has progressed with respect to the oral route of administration because it can be taken orally and it is not absorbed by the liver.
Another significant shift has been the development of custom-compounded bio-identical hormones that closely mimic the molecular structure of hormones produced naturally within the human body. This high degree of similarity means that the body can more effectively use these hormones without the side effects often associated with synthetic alternatives.
The growing preference for natural and personalized medicine has catapulted the demand for BHRT. This surge is attributed to its touted benefits of reduced side effects and improved patient outcomes compared to synthetic hormone replacements. The latest innovations in BHRT for testosterone replacement involve precise hormone level assessments through advanced diagnostic testing that allows for customized hormone doses tailored to each individual’s requirements. These systems ensure a steady hormone delivery, avoiding the peaks and troughs associated with traditional methods ,the result is a more balanced hormonal state throughout the day, leading to better patient satisfaction.