TRT – Testosterone Replacement Therapy
If medically indicated, testosterone treatment may improve sexual function, energy, mood, muscle mass, strength, bone health, and body composition in appropriately selected patients.
At CH Medical, testosterone therapy is individualized and medically monitored for effectiveness and safety.
BEFORE STARTING TESTOSTERONE
Your physician will review your symptoms, medical history, medications, and risk factors.
Blood testing typically includes:
✓ Total Testosterone
✓ CBC — Hemoglobin & Hematocrit
✓ PSA — when appropriate based on age and prostate risk
✓ Additional hormone and metabolic testing as clinically indicated
Testosterone levels are generally confirmed with appropriate morning testing before treatment is started.
WHILE YOU ARE ON TESTOSTERONE
Regular monitoring is essential.
We generally reassess patients approximately every 3 months while treatment is being established or adjusted. Once treatment is stable, the interval may be extended based on your individual situation.
At follow-up we may monitor:
✓ Testosterone level
✓ Hemoglobin & Hematocrit
✓ PSA / prostate health when indicated
✓ Blood pressure
✓ Symptoms and treatment response
✓ Medication side effects
Additional testing may be ordered depending on your medical history and treatment.
IMPORTANT: TIMING YOUR BLOOD DRAW
The timing of your testosterone blood test matters.
Do not change your dose or injection schedule before your blood test unless instructed by CH Medical.
The correct timing of the blood draw depends on the type of testosterone treatment you use. We will tell you exactly when to have your blood drawn in relation to your injection or application.
WHY DO WE CHECK HEMOGLOBIN AND HEMATOCRIT?
Testosterone can increase red blood cell production.
If your hematocrit becomes too high, your physician may need to adjust or temporarily stop treatment and evaluate the cause.
This is one of the reasons regular laboratory monitoring is important.
WHY DO WE CHECK PSA?
For appropriate patients, PSA testing and prostate monitoring help us identify significant changes during treatment.
An increase in PSA does not automatically mean prostate cancer, but a significant change may require additional evaluation.
PLEASE TELL US IF YOU HAVE:
• Difficulty urinating or significant change in urinary symptoms
• New breast enlargement or tenderness
• Significant acne or other troublesome side effects
• Worsening sleep apnea symptoms
• Leg swelling
• Significant changes in mood or behavior
Seek urgent medical attention for symptoms such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or symptoms concerning for a blood clot or stroke.
SAFE TRT REQUIRES MONITORING
Testosterone therapy is not simply a prescription.
Our goal is to find the lowest appropriate dose that improves your symptoms and testosterone deficiency while monitoring your health and minimizing potential risks.
CH Medical
