Evaluation
How low testosterone is evaluated
Symptoms such as low sex drive, changes in erections, tiredness, low mood or poor sleep can have many causes. Symptoms alone do not show that your testosterone is low.
In men, low testosterone is diagnosed from symptoms or signs that fit, together with consistently low testosterone on at least two blood tests, usually taken early in the morning. Your provider gives you the testing instructions and considers things that can lower a result, such as a recent illness or some medicines. A single low result is not enough on its own.
If your levels are low, your provider also looks for the reason before discussing treatment.
If treatment fits
What testosterone therapy involves
Testosterone is a prescription medicine and a controlled substance. It is prescribed only after a medical evaluation, and it is not right for everyone.
If treatment is right for you, testosterone is given by injection: in the office, or with a prescription for injections at home, based on your evaluation. Your provider explains how the injections are given, how often you are seen and which blood tests are repeated while you are on it.
Treatment decisions are individual. A consultation does not mean testosterone will be recommended.
Who it’s for
Who testosterone therapy may suit, and who it does not
Testosterone therapy at our Frisco office is currently for men only. It may be considered for men who have symptoms that fit low testosterone and consistently low levels on repeat blood tests, once other causes have been looked at.
It is usually not the right choice when:
- Symptoms are present but blood tests are normal
- Testosterone is lower only because of age, without a medical condition causing it
- Joint or back pain is the only reason
- You have, or may have, prostate cancer or breast cancer
- You hope to father a child soon, because testosterone can lower sperm production
- You are pregnant or could become pregnant
We do not prescribe testosterone for bodybuilding, athletic performance or anti-aging.
Your provider decides with you after reviewing your evaluation and health history.
What to expect
What to expect at your first visit
Before your visit
Call 214-618-9600 to arrange a consultation, which is separate from a pain management visit, and ask about costs and coverage. Bring a list of your medicines and supplements, including any testosterone or other hormone products you use now or have used, and any recent lab results.
At your consultation
You talk through your symptoms, health history and goals with your provider. Your provider explains whether testing makes sense and gives you the instructions for it, including the time of day for blood draws.
After your results
Your provider goes over the results with you. If low testosterone is confirmed and treatment may be appropriate, you review the options, the possible risks and the follow-up plan before you decide. If it is not, your provider talks with you about what else may explain your symptoms.
Do not start, stop or change a hormone product based on this page. Talk with the clinician who prescribes it first.
Safety and monitoring
Safety and monitoring
Testosterone can cause side effects. They can include acne, soreness where an injection is given, swelling from fluid retention, breast tenderness or enlargement, mood changes, a higher red blood cell count, higher blood pressure, worse breathing problems during sleep, and joint or back pain. It can also lower sperm production and fertility.
That is why treatment comes with follow-up visits and repeat blood tests, such as testosterone levels, a blood count and prostate checks, as your provider recommends. Tell the team about every medicine and supplement you take.
Benefits and limitations
Possible benefits and limitations
When low testosterone is confirmed, treatment aims to bring levels into a normal range. Some men notice changes in symptoms such as sex drive or energy. How much changes, and how quickly, varies from person to person, and some people do not notice the change they hoped for.
Testosterone is not an established treatment for unexplained joint pain or chronic pain. If pain is part of why you are here, your provider can also talk with you about pain care at our office.
When to seek urgent care
Call 911 for chest pain, trouble breathing, or sudden weakness or trouble speaking. Get medical care right away for pain, swelling, warmth or redness in one leg, or an erection that will not go down.
Common questions
Questions about testosterone therapy
Your provider can talk through your own situation at your visit.
Where can I get testosterone therapy in Frisco, TX?
Lewis Pain & Physical Medicine offers testosterone therapy at our Frisco office, 11500 State Highway 121, Suite 810, Frisco, TX 75035. It starts with a consultation and an evaluation, separate from a pain management visit. Call 214-618-9600 to arrange one.
Do I need blood tests before testosterone therapy?
Yes. Low testosterone is diagnosed from symptoms that fit together with consistently low levels on at least two blood tests, usually taken early in the morning. Your provider tells you how and when to have them done, and reviews the results with you.
Can low testosterone cause joint or back pain?
Joint or back pain alone does not mean you have low testosterone, and it is not a reason to start testosterone. Achy joints have many possible causes, and an evaluation looks at those causes first.
How is testosterone given?
Testosterone is given by injection, in the office or at home with a prescription, based on your evaluation. Your provider explains how the injections are given and how often you are seen.
Do you offer testosterone therapy for women?
Not at this time. Testosterone therapy at our Frisco office is currently for men only.
Will I need follow-up visits?
Yes. Testosterone therapy comes with follow-up visits and repeat blood tests while you are on it, so your provider can check your levels and watch for side effects. Your provider tells you how often.
Is testosterone therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on your plan and the service. Call 214-618-9600 to ask about the consultation and costs before you schedule, and see Insurance & Billing.
Related care
Clinical references
Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. This page shares general information. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with a qualified clinician.