Low testosterone? “Getting older” isn't a diagnosis.
Flat energy, low drive, stalled progress in the gym, a fuse that keeps getting shorter. These symptoms have many possible causes. Testosterone deficiency is diagnosed from compatible symptoms plus consistently low, accurately measured levels, followed by evaluation of the cause before treatment is considered.
More than symptoms. More than one test.
One hormone. Several body systems.
Testosterone supports sexual function, bone, red-blood-cell production, and body composition. Symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, poor concentration, erectile changes, and reduced strength are nonspecific, so symptoms alone cannot diagnose testosterone deficiency.
So what causes low testosterone?
Testosterone can change with age, but age alone is not a diagnosis. Low values may be associated with health conditions, medications, sleep disorders, or pituitary or testicular disease. Evaluation confirms the result and looks for reversible or underlying causes:
- 01Obesity or significant metabolic illness
- 02Opioids, corticosteroids, and certain other medications
- 03Acute or chronic illness
- 04Untreated sleep disorders
- 05Pituitary or hypothalamic disease
- 06Testicular injury, disease, chemotherapy, or radiation
Low testosterone symptoms: sound familiar?
Sexual symptoms, changes in body hair or muscle, low-trauma fractures, hot flashes, or other compatible findings may justify an evaluation. Fatigue and changes in mood, concentration, erectile function, or body composition are nonspecific and can arise from sleep, medication, metabolic, cardiovascular, mental-health, and other causes.
- Low sex drive (low libido)
- Fewer spontaneous erections or ED
- Infertility or reduced sperm production
- Breast discomfort or enlargement
- Decreased muscle mass and strength
- Low bone density or low-trauma fracture
- Reduced body or facial hair
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue, low mood, or poor concentration (nonspecific)
- Increased body fat (nonspecific)
What treatment may change when deficiency is confirmed
In men with confirmed hypogonadism, testosterone therapy may improve selected symptoms and clinical measures. Individual response varies, and evidence is inconclusive for several commonly advertised benefits.
Sexual symptoms
May improve low sexual desire and erectile function in some men with confirmed testosterone deficiency.
Bone and anemia
May improve bone density and unexplained anemia in appropriately selected patients.
Lean body mass
May increase lean mass, but TRT is not a weight-loss treatment and does not replace exercise.
Mood
Depressive symptoms may improve for some patients; testosterone is not a primary treatment for depression.
Energy and cognition
Evidence is inconclusive. Fatigue and concentration problems require evaluation for other causes.
Individual response
Benefits are not guaranteed. Response and adverse effects are reviewed throughout treatment.
Weight concerns are evaluated and treated separately through our medical weight-management program.
More than one way to treat it
FDA-approved testosterone is available in several forms. No route is best for everyone; choice depends on the diagnosis, expected hormone levels, adverse effects, dosing burden, transfer risk, cost, and patient preference.
Each method has different dosing, convenience, skin-transfer, peak-and-trough, and monitoring considerations. Dosing aims for an appropriate physiologic range and clinical response, not supraphysiologic “optimization.”
Three steps to an informed plan
Initial consultation
- Comprehensive health history review
- Honest conversation about your symptoms
- Physical exam and blood draw
- Accurate testosterone testing and other targeted labs
Lab review & treatment plan
- Repeat fasting morning testing when needed to confirm the diagnosis
- Review possible causes, fertility plans, contraindications, and risks
- Choose a treatment and delivery method only if clinically appropriate
Membership care
- Visits and routine monitoring specified by the membership
- Eligible TRT medication and supplies
- Non-urgent messaging between visits
- Member discounts on supplements & services
Monthly membership. Clear inclusions.
Base prices and membership inclusions are published below. The clinic confirms the specific medication, supplies, routine monitoring, and any additional cost before enrollment. A 15-minute informational phone consultation is offered at no charge. TRT visits are in person with Dr. Brown at our Gresham and Beaverton clinics, serving men across the Portland metro.
TRT Membership
Exact inclusions depend on the membership you select
- Office visits
- Routine monitoring
- Eligible TRT medication
- Related supplies
- Non-urgent messaging
- Member discounts on supplements & services
New Patient Visit
Initial 60-minute visit; follow-up terms confirmed in advance
- Full health history and physical exam
- Specified baseline laboratory work included
- Lab-review follow-up timing and cost confirmed in advance
- Personalized treatment plan
- Free 15-minute informational phone consultation available
Men's TRT FAQs
How soon will I notice results?
Response and timing vary by symptom, formulation, underlying cause, and individual patient. Some changes may occur over weeks or months; other symptoms may not improve and may need a different evaluation. There is no guaranteed timetable. Treatment is monitored for response, adverse effects, and appropriate levels.
What risks and monitoring should I know about?
Testosterone can suppress sperm production and is generally avoided when near-term fertility is desired. It can raise hematocrit and blood pressure and may cause acne, fluid retention, breast symptoms, or worsening sleep apnea. Certain prostate findings, elevated hematocrit, untreated severe sleep apnea, uncontrolled heart failure, recent heart attack or stroke, thrombophilia, and other conditions require avoidance, deferral, or specialist evaluation. Ongoing clinical and lab monitoring is important.
Are labs included, or billed separately?
The baseline laboratory work specified for the $395 new-patient evaluation is included. Routine monitoring described in the membership is also included. Additional or specialty testing, if needed, is discussed before ordering.
Who manages my clinical care?
Dr. Brown leads clinical evaluation and treatment decisions. Clinic staff may assist with scheduling, intake, vitals, laboratory work, records, and other non-prescribing tasks. Between-visit messaging is available as described by the membership and is not an emergency service.
Do you take insurance? What about HSA/FSA?
We do not bill insurance. HSA and FSA cards are accepted for eligible expenses; your plan administrator or tax adviser can confirm whether a particular charge qualifies for reimbursement.
Ready to understand what's contributing to your symptoms?
Start with a free 15-minute informational phone consult, or book a full evaluation. Treatment is considered only when symptoms and repeat testing confirm testosterone deficiency.