How the Program Works
Dr. Rogers’ hormone replacement team will work with you to personalize a blend of bio-identical hormones to fit your individualized needs and lifestyle. Simply put or goal is to restore your hormone levels to where they were during your early reproductive years and when you felt your best.
The hormone replacement program is designed to conveniently meet the needs of patients in office and virtually. Lab work can be completed on site as well.
Testosterone Deficiency Symptoms
Men who experience testosterone deficiencies usually complain of decreased libido, sexual dysfunction, weight gain in the abdominal area, loss of muscle mass and fatigue with depression. Treating the deficiency will usually help all symptoms.
Hormone Replacement Strategies
Cost:
Testosterone pellets are placed every 6 months and cost $799. Very convenient and supply a steady balanced dose of medication. The pellet is safe for family members to avoid cross exposure.
Intramuscular injections are dosed once a week typically. Shots can be administered in the clinic or at home.
- Your medication stored at the clinic- $10 per shot
- IM Testosterone- @ $60 a month or @ $90 for a 3 month supply.
- Compounded cream- @ $55 a month and @$105 for a 3 month supply.
- Compounded RDT/Troche- $45-$55 a month
- Compounded RDT/Troche- $125- 90 day supply
Clomid is another option for patients who still desire to have children. Dosing is 50 mg two or three times a week.
Testosterone Lab Draw Considerations
HRT lab work does not require fasting.
Lab must be performed at a minimum of every 3-6 months to monitor cholesterol, estrogen, prostate specific antigen and blood counts levels.
Pellet Therapy – Prior to the patient’s first hormone pellet treatment, lab work will be completed in order to determine the pellet dose to be inserted. Thereafter, lab work will be completed, as needed usually one month after insertion.
Creams – Prior to beginning hormone replacement cream therapy, lab work must be completed in order to determine the individual’s initial hormone levels. Thereafter, when lab work is ordered, do not apply the hormone replacement cream on the arms until your lab has been drawn for the day. Lab work must be drawn one week before scheduled appointment to have results in time for discussion at follow-up in clinic or virtually.
Troches/RDT – Prior to beginning hormone replacement troche therapy, lab work must be completed in order to determine the individual’s initial hormone levels. Thereafter, the best timing is at least 4 hours after taking the troche in the morning or the lab draw can be in the morning if only dosing at night. This timing gives us a snap shot of your peak levels. The lab needs to be drawn at least one week before planned hormone visit.
Testosterone Injections – Prior to beginning hormone replacement testosterone injection therapy, lab work must be completed in order to determine the individual’s initial hormone levels. Lab needs to be drawn at least one week before planned hormone visit. The timing of the lab draw is important. The lab should be drawn before next dosing.
Example: If you administer your injection on Saturdays then draw your lab on Friday. If you administer on Monday, then draw labs before injection on Monday.
Where Can I Use My Hormone Cream?
Hormones creams are very versatile. The creams can be applied inner thigh, behind the knees, on top of the feet, shoulders or abdomen.
Make sure you do not get the cream on any family members or pets. Remember that the cream can vaporize to your partner when sleeping. Most men report applying creams after their shower in the morning.
How Do I Take My Troche or RDT?
Both the troche and the RDT need to completely dissolve in the mouth when taken orally. Most patients either place the troche or RDT under their tongue or between their check and gum. You should only swallow your salvia and none of the troche or RDT to prevent liver distress.
The troche or the RDT may be dosed once or twice a day to maintain consistent levels of hormone.
Considerations of Testosterone Therapy
Side effect of testosterone treatment can be sterility so if you are considering having more children then testosterone treatment is contraindicated.
Also with testosterone therapy there can be shrinkage of the testes. Some men want to avoid this side effect and choose to supplement with HCG. HCG will be dosed at weekly intramuscular injections.
- HCG can be given in-office at Dr. Rogers Centers. HCG can no longer be compounded at your local pharmacy secondary to the new FDA ruling.
Some men will require Arimidex to prevent high levels of estrogen secondary to the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. Taking the estrogen blocker will help to prevent gynecomastia.
Blood donations may be required because testosterone therapy can increase the red blood cell count, which can increase the viscosity of the blood creating an increased risk for heart attack and stroke.
Prostate cancer is always a concern and monitoring the PSA is important as well as yearly digital rectal exams.
Increase in aggressive personality tendencies needs to be monitored.
