What blood tests do I need to start testosterone Therapy?

What Blood Tests Are Needed to Start TRT?

Most doctors will not test for hormone levels and testosterone levels are rarely checked with routine bloodwork . If someone is interested in starting HRT they would need a series of blood tests to evaluate their endocrine health.The specific blood tests that one would need to start testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may vary among healthcare providers and clinics. However, most physicians typically order a series of lab tests from places like Labcorp , including free and total testosterone, estradiol, complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). 

Studies have shown that TRT will not cause a patient to develop prostate cancer, however its still important to ensure that a patient has normal PSA levels prior to starting TRT to make sure that they don’t already have developed prostate cancer.

These tests are tailored based on an individual’s medical history, health condition, and presenting symptoms. Further investigations, such as MRI or ultrasound scans, may be necessary to identify route cause of androgen deficiency , especially related to issues with the pituitary gland or testes.

Hormone testing serves as a critical tool to evaluate overall health and the functionality of key body systems, including the hypothalamus, pituitary, and testes. Within the scope of TRT, the following blood markers are essential for comprehensive evaluation:

What are some of the blood tests needed to check a patient’s hormone levels?

 

Testosterone Levels

1.    Testosterone Levels: Both total and free testosterone measurements help diagnose hormonal imbalances and assess factors affecting testosterone production. Factors such as diet, exercise, stress, medication, and health conditions can influence testosterone levels. Monitoring these levels over time aids in pinpointing potential causes of andropause.

2.    estrogen levels for men on TRT : Evaluating estrogen levels, specifically estradiol, is crucial to maintaining hormonal balance. Imbalances may lead to symptoms like fatigue or mood swings. It's important to establish baseline values and understand potential influencing factors.

3.    Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test assesses red and white blood cell counts, providing insights into overall health. TRT can impact red blood cell counts, hence monitoring these levels is crucial. Its important to evaluate hematocrit levels when on TRT

4.    Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): This panel assesses metabolism, electrolyte balance, and organ function. While not directly related to hormone evaluation, it offers a holistic view of health and potential organ-related issues.

5.    Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA): This test gauges prostate health. Elevated PSA levels may indicate inflammation or other concerns, including prostate cancer. It's essential to note that TRT does not cause prostate cancer, but it may accelerate its growth in individuals already diagnosed with the condition.

6.    Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): These hormones assess the function of the pituitary gland and testes. Measuring these levels helps understand if the hypothalamus is appropriately responding to hormone levels in the blood.

 

 

How do I get a prescription for bloodwork to start testosterone therapy?

To order labs from NovaGenix, simply follow these steps:

 

1. Visit our website and navigate to the lab order section.

2. Fill out the necessary information requested in the online form.

3. After submitting your order, you will receive a confirmation call/text or email within 24 hours.

4. We will reach out and collect payment for the labs and then write out a blood requisition form, generated specifically for you which will be emailed or faxed directly to you.

5. You will PRINT THIS OUT and take this lab order to any LAB CORP facility convenient for you. Here is a link to find the Labcorp located closest to you.

6. At the LABCORP draw site, their healthcare professionals will perform a blood draw as required for the specific tests included in your lab order form.

7. Results from the lab tests will be available within a few days to both the patient, and on our provider portal.

8. You will receive the results via email or any other preferred communication method. Once we obtain the results we will schedule a time to review them with Dr. Mackey.

 

By following these simple steps, you can easily order labs from NovaGenix and get your results promptly.

 

Detecting low testosterone or symptoms associated with andropause should prompt men to consider blood testing. Signs may include low iron levels, mood changes, decreased sex drive, fatigue, muscle mass loss, among others.

Obtaining a prescription for TRT-related bloodwork typically involves consulting a healthcare provider followed by an evaluation of the bloodwork.

Certain medications can be used along with testosterone like Enclomiphene, clomid and hCG, which may be needed to maintain fertility or combat unwanted side effects like testicular atrophy. Scheduling an appointment with a primary care physician or an experienced hormone therapy specialist is recommended. During the appointment, discuss symptoms and concerns to determine appropriate blood tests. After the evaluation, personalized treatment decisions can be made based on the test results and professional medical advice prior to starting TRT." 

Is Testosterone Cypionate or Testosterone Enanthate Better for Men on TRT?

 
What's The Best Testosterone To Take for TRT?

Testosterone cypionate stands as a synthetic derivative of the natural male hormone, testosterone. Its chemical structure mirrors the body's own testosterone, earning it the label of being bioidentical. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) involves using hormones that closely resemble those produced within the human body. These hormones are sourced from natural substances like plants, often from yams or soy. Testosterone cypionate, a prevalent form of bioidentical testosterone, is commonly prescribed to address conditions related to low testosterone levels, such as hypogonadism in men.

This medication is administered via intramuscular injections to supplement testosterone levels, striving to optimize these levels for men undergoing TRT. If you think you may have andropause (Low T production) you can start by taking a simple online test to detrermine if you have any of the tell tale signs and symptoms (test for Low T. )

Understanding Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) 

BHRT aims for a more personalized approach to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), tailoring treatment to an individual's unique hormonal requirements. Advocates argue that bioidentical hormones might offer advantages over synthetic ones by more closely mimicking the body's natural hormones, potentially resulting in fewer side effects and risks.

However, it's crucial to note that while BHRT often involves natural hormones, the safety and efficacy of these treatments can vary. Like any hormone replacement therapy, it should be prescribed and overseen by qualified healthcare professionals, taking into account an individual's health needs and circumstances.

Consulting specialists like endocrinologists, urologists, OBGYNs, and physicians specializing in hormone replacement therapy can offer the best guidance and help in assessing for Low T. An evaluation involving bloodwork tests, an analysis of symptoms, and a review of medical history aids in determining the unique medical needs of each patient prior to startling TRT. There will be bloodwork tests needed for TRT,  which can be done by getting a prescription from your physician to test for several important blood markers.

What is testosterone enanthate?

Understanding Testosterone Enanthate:

Testosterone enanthate, similar to testosterone cypionate, serves as a synthetic form of the male sex hormone. It's considered bioidentical and is also used to treat conditions stemming from low testosterone levels. Administered through intramuscular injections, testosterone enanthate shares the goal of supplementing testosterone levels to address low testosterone symptoms.

Distinguishing Between Testosterone Cypionate and Testosterone Enanthate:

The primary difference lies in their chemical structures and duration of action in the body. Both are synthetic forms of bioidentical testosterone, administered through intramuscular injections. However, they possess distinct esters attached, impacting the frequency of injection.

esters are compounds attached to the testosterone molecule, influencing its release rate and duration of activity in the body. Testosterone cypionate features the cypionate ester, while testosterone enanthate employs the enanthate ester. These esters affect absorption, metabolism, and the duration of testosterone's action after administration. Depending on the type of testosterone and individual patient needs or tolerance, the injection frequency may vary, ranging from once a week to twice a week.

Carrier Oils in Testosterone Medications:

Testosterone esters in medications like cypionate and enanthate are typically dissolved in specific oils for intramuscular injections. Commonly used carrier oils include cottonseed oil, sesame oil, grapeseed oil, and, less frequently, olive oil. The choice of carrier oil considers factors like stability, compatibility, and potential allergic reactions for patients. Additionally, it's determined by the pharmaceutical formulation regarding esters and total testosterone milligrams. Some pharmacies may combine testosterone with other medications like anastrozole (AI), complicating the adjustment of a patient's protocol as changes to one medication affect the other, limiting independent control.

test for Low T.  

 

Understanding Half-Lives of Testosterone Esters:

The half-life, or duration of activity, differs among testosterone esters. For instance:

Half-Life of Testosterone Ester Injections

Testosterone Ester Injection	Half-Life
Testosterone cypionate	8 days
Testosterone enanthate	4.5 Days
Testosterone propionate	2 days
Testosterone undecanoate	20-34 Days

*The total milligrams of testosterone injected may impact the duration the medication stays in the body

Pharmacy Processes in Testosterone Production:

Compounding pharmacies  prepare testosterone formulations based on specific prescriptions from healthcare providers. This involves:

1.     Receiving the prescription specifying the type, dosage, and instructions.

2.     Selecting appropriate ingredients like the testosterone ester and carrier oil, considering patient preferences and allergies.

3.     Precisely weighing and mixing these ingredients in a sterile environment.

4.     Sterilizing the compounded solution for safety.

5.     Subjecting the product to quality control measures and packaging it with relevant information.

Compounded medications are tailored to individual patient needs when commercially available formulations aren't suitable. This ensures safe, customized options for receiving appropriate medical care otherwise unavailable.

Does Testosterone Therapy Cause Prostate Cancer?

The Relationship Between Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and Prostate Cancer: What You Should Understand

Is There a Link Between TRT and Prostate Cancer?

Navigating the connection between testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and  prostate cancer involves understanding a complex interplay. While increased testosterone levels don’t directly cause prostate cancer, they can influence the growth of existing prostate cancer cells.

Consulting a healthcare professional is essential before initiating TRT, ensuring personalized advice based on individual health and medical history. An essential preliminary test is the PSA test  (PSA blood test). Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by both normal and cancerous prostate cells, is analyzed in the bloodstream. Elevated PSA levels can signify prostate cancer and warrant further investigation.

Initially approved by the FDA in 1986 to monitor prostate cancer progression, the PSA test later gained approval in 1994, alongside a digital rectal exam (DRE), for detecting prostate cancer in men aged 50 and older.

The American Association of Urology underscores that testosterone therapy isn’t linked to prostate cancer development. Randomized controlled trials suggest no significant rise in prostate cancer diagnosis rates in older, testosterone-deficient men treated with testosterone compared to a placebo.

According to the American Association of Urology

“Clinicians should inform patients of the absence of evidence linking testosterone therapy to the development of prostate cancer.”

“There is accumulating evidence against a link between testosterone therapy and prostate cancer development. Randomized controlled trials have shown that there is not a significant increase in the rate of a prostate cancer diagnosis in older, testosterone deficient men who were treated with testosterone compared to placebo”

Understanding the Prostate:

The prostate, a small gland in the male reproductive system situated under the bladder and in front of the rectum, surrounds the urethra. Its primary role involves producing fluids contributing to semen along with sperm from the testes and other gland secretions.

Identifying Prostate Cancer Symptoms:

Early-stage prostate cancer may lack noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, signs may include urinary changes, blood in urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, discomfort in the pelvic region or lower back, and unexplained weight loss or fatigue. These symptoms may indicate other medical conditions, emphasizing the importance of medical consultation and regular screenings, particularly for those at higher risk.

Prostate Cancer Treatments:

Treatment approaches vary based on cancer stage and overall health. Treatments encompass surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and active surveillance—monitoring without immediate medical intervention. Decisions on treatment involve collaborative discussions between patients and healthcare teams comprising various specialists.

Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer:

Hormone therapy often involves reducing androgen levels like testosterone that could accelerate prostate cancer cell growth. Medications block testosterone production or its effects, slowing cancer growth. This approach is common for advanced prostate cancer and may be used alone or combined with other treatments, tailored to individual patient needs.

Detecting Prostate Cancer:

Methods for detection include digital rectal exams, PSA tests, biopsies, and imaging studies. Regular screenings and discussions with healthcare providers are pivotal, especially for those with risk factors or symptoms, enabling early detection and proactive management.

Visit us online at www.NovaGenix.org to learn more or call/text us at 561-277-8260 to schedule an appointment to speak with a licensed and experienced doctor