Frequently Asked Questions

We're a network of physician-supervised men's health clinics right here in Virginia. We specialize in three things: Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), medical weight loss with GLP-1 medications, and erectile dysfunction treatment. We've been doing this since 2015, and we're LegitScript certified—which means we meet some of the strictest standards in healthcare. Everything we do is in-person at our clinics in Richmond, Newport News, and Virginia Beach. No telehealth, no mail-order pills, just real medical care from a team that gets to know you.

No, and that's by design. We've seen the online TRT mills pop up everywhere, and frankly, we think it's a bad way to practice medicine. You can't properly evaluate someone through a screen. You can't draw labs, do a physical exam, or build a real relationship with a patient over Zoom. All our care happens face-to-face at our Virginia clinics. It takes more of your time, sure—but it's the right way to do this.

A few big things. First, you'll see the same medical team every time—not whoever happens to be on shift. Second, we do labs on-site and get results the same day, not waiting around for mail-in kits. Third, we're LegitScript certified, which most online clinics aren't. And fourth, our pricing is all-inclusive. No surprise fees for labs, no extra charges for follow-ups. When an online clinic quotes you $99/month, ask what's actually included. With us, what we quote is what you pay.

We've got three locations across Virginia:

Richmond: 4050 Innslake Dr, Suite 360, Glen Allen, VA 23060 — Call 804-346-4636

Newport News: 827 Diligence Drive, Suite 206, Newport News, VA 23606 — Call 757-806-6263

Virginia Beach: 996 First Colonial Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23454 — Call 757-806-6263

Same-day appointments are usually available at all three.

Absolutely. Your records are accessible at all our locations, so if you're in Virginia Beach one week and Richmond the next, no problem. Just book at whichever clinic works for you.

Our clinics are open Monday through Friday, typically 8am to 5pm. Hours can vary slightly by location, so give your preferred clinic a call to confirm. We try to accommodate work schedules as much as possible.

We treat adult men 18 and older. That said, low testosterone is more common in men over 30, and that's who we see most often. If you're younger and experiencing symptoms, we'll evaluate you just like anyone else—but we're not going to put a 22-year-old on TRT unless there's a legitimate medical reason.

Easiest way is to call us at 866-344-4955—that's our main line and it'll connect you to the right location. You can also book online at menswellnesscenters.com, or call your preferred clinic directly. We respond to texts too if that's easier for you.

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. Your body produces it mainly in the testes, and it's responsible for a lot more than just sex drive. It affects your energy levels, mood, muscle mass, bone density, fat distribution, red blood cell production—basically how you feel and function as a man. When levels drop, you feel it across the board.

Low T, or hypogonadism, is when your body doesn't produce enough testosterone to function optimally. The clinical threshold is typically below 300 ng/dL, but symptoms can start before you hit that number. Some guys feel great at 350, others feel terrible. We treat the patient, not just the number—though the number matters for diagnosis.

The "normal" range is usually cited as 300-1000 ng/dL, but that's a huge spread. A 25-year-old at 400 is probably fine. A 45-year-old at 400 who used to be at 700 is going to notice the difference. We look at your symptoms, your history, and your labs together. The goal isn't to hit some arbitrary number—it's to get you feeling like yourself again.

The classic symptoms: fatigue that doesn't go away with sleep, low sex drive, trouble getting or keeping erections, brain fog, irritability, losing muscle even when you're working out, gaining fat especially around your gut, and feeling generally "off." A lot of guys chalk it up to aging or stress—and sometimes it is—but if multiple symptoms have been building for months, it's worth getting checked.

Testosterone peaks in your late teens to early 20s, then starts a slow decline—roughly 1% per year after 30. By 50, you might be at 70-80% of where you were at 25. Some guys barely notice. Others feel every percentage point. It's not just about age though—weight gain, stress, poor sleep, and certain medications can accelerate the decline.

It's complicated. Male pattern baldness is actually driven by DHT, which is derived from testosterone. Low T doesn't typically cause hair loss—in fact, some guys on TRT notice increased body hair. If you're losing hair on your head, that's usually genetics, not low T. We can discuss this during your consultation if it's a concern.

Yes, and it surprises a lot of guys. Hot flashes aren't just a menopause thing. Men with significantly low testosterone can experience flushing, night sweats, and sudden waves of heat. It's one of the less-talked-about symptoms, but it's real. TRT typically resolves this.

Not really. Your penis size was determined during puberty when testosterone was at its peak. Low T in adulthood doesn't shrink anything. What low T does affect is erection quality and sex drive—which might make things seem different, but the actual anatomy doesn't change.

More common than most people realize. Studies suggest about 2-4% of men have clinically low testosterone, but that number climbs significantly with age—up to 20% of men over 60. And those are just the guys who get tested. Plenty of men are walking around with low T and don't know it because they assume their symptoms are "just getting older."

Definitely. Being overweight, especially carrying belly fat, tanks testosterone. Poor sleep crushes it. Chronic stress raises cortisol, which competes with testosterone. Heavy drinking doesn't help either. We've seen guys make significant improvements just by losing weight and sleeping better—though if you're truly deficient, lifestyle changes alone usually aren't enough.

Hypogonadism is the medical term for when your body doesn't produce enough testosterone. There are two types: primary hypogonadism, where the problem is in the testes themselves, and secondary hypogonadism, where the issue lies with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus—the parts of your brain that signal your testes to produce testosterone. Most men we see have secondary hypogonadism, often related to aging, obesity, or other factors. The distinction matters for diagnosis but the treatment approach is similar: replace what your body isn't making.

There's usually not one single cause. Age is the big one—production naturally declines after 30. But plenty of other factors accelerate that decline or cause low T in younger men: obesity (fat tissue converts testosterone to estrogen), chronic stress, poor sleep or sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, opioid use, certain medications like steroids or antidepressants, heavy alcohol consumption, head injuries affecting the pituitary gland, and some genetic conditions. Sometimes it's a combination of several factors. That's why a proper evaluation matters—we're looking at the whole picture, not just one number.

TRT is exactly what it sounds like—we're replacing the testosterone your body isn't making enough of. If your levels are low and you're symptomatic, we prescribe testosterone to bring you back into an optimal range. It's not about getting jacked or becoming superhuman. It's about restoring what your body should be producing naturally but isn't.

Two things have to line up: symptoms and labs. If you're tired, your sex drive is gone, you're gaining weight, and your mood is in the tank—those are symptoms. Then we test your blood. If your testosterone comes back low, you're a candidate. We don't prescribe TRT to guys with normal levels who just want a boost. That's not what this is for.

When it works—and for most guys it does—the improvements are across the board. More energy, better mood, sharper thinking, stronger sex drive, easier time building muscle, easier time losing fat. Some patients tell us they feel like they got 10 years back. Results vary, but most men notice meaningful improvements within the first couple months.

When it's prescribed appropriately and monitored properly, yes. The key word is "monitored." We don't just write a prescription and send you on your way. We check your labs regularly, watch for side effects, and adjust your dose as needed. The risks come from doing this without medical supervision—buying testosterone online, using too much, not monitoring your bloodwork. That's when problems happen.

The common ones: acne, increased red blood cell count (which we monitor), fluid retention, and potential effects on fertility. Some guys notice their testicles get a bit smaller since they're not working as hard to produce testosterone. Rare but serious: blood clots if red blood cell count gets too high, which is why we do regular labs. Most side effects are manageable or avoidable with proper dosing and monitoring.

We primarily use injectable testosterone cypionate. It's the gold standard—effective, well-studied, and we can precisely control your dose. Some clinics push creams or gels, but they're less reliable, messy, and can transfer to partners or kids. Injections work better for most guys, and they're not as scary as they sound once you've done it a few times.

Injections give you consistent, predictable levels. You inject once or twice a week, and you know exactly how much you're getting. Gels and creams are applied daily, absorption varies wildly, and there's a real risk of transferring testosterone to anyone who touches your skin. We've had patients come to us after failing on creams who do great on injections. For most men, injectable is the better choice.

Typically in the gluteal muscle (your backside) or the thigh. Some guys prefer subcutaneous injections into the fat layer, which uses a smaller needle. We'll show you exactly how to do it, and after a few times, it becomes routine. Most patients self-inject at home—it takes about 30 seconds once you get the hang of it.

Most of our patients inject once or twice per week. The exact frequency depends on your protocol and how your body metabolizes testosterone. Some guys do better with smaller, more frequent doses. We'll figure out what works best for you based on your labs and how you feel.

For most men, yes. TRT treats a deficiency—it doesn't address the underlying reason your body stopped producing enough testosterone. If you stop treatment, your levels will drop back to where they were, and your symptoms will likely return. Think of it like blood pressure medication: you take it because you need it, not because it's going to fix the root cause.

You can, but there's a right way to do it. Stopping cold turkey isn't ideal—your body needs time to start producing testosterone again, and that process can be rough. If you're thinking about stopping, talk to your physician first. We can help you taper off and potentially use other medications to jumpstart your natural production.

Gradually, with medical supervision. We typically use a protocol that includes tapering your dose and potentially adding medications like HCG or clomiphene to stimulate your body's natural testosterone production. The process takes several weeks to months. Don't just stop on your own—work with your physician to do it safely.

Several forms of testosterone are FDA-approved for treating hypogonadism: injectable testosterone cypionate and enanthate (what we primarily use), transdermal gels like AndroGel and Testim, patches like Androderm, nasal gels like Natesto, and subcutaneous pellets like Testopel. There's also an oral form called Jatenzo. Each has its pros and cons. Injectable cypionate has the longest track record, the most predictable absorption, and tends to be the most cost-effective—which is why it's our go-to.

Pellets are small testosterone implants placed under the skin, typically in your hip area, every 3-6 months. The appeal is convenience—you don't have to think about it between insertions. The downsides: it requires a minor surgical procedure each time, dosing is less flexible if you need adjustments, and removal isn't easy if you have a problem. Injections give us more control. We can adjust your dose week to week based on how you're feeling and what your labs show. Most men prefer that flexibility once they get comfortable with the injection routine.

No. Testosterone is a Schedule III controlled substance under federal law. Buying it without a valid prescription—whether online, from a gym buddy, or from overseas pharmacies—is illegal. Beyond the legal risk, you have no idea what you're actually getting. Counterfeit products, contaminated vials, and wildly inaccurate dosing are real problems in the black market. If someone online is willing to sell you testosterone without requiring labs and a legitimate medical evaluation, that should be a red flag, not a convenience.

Three main reasons: reliability, safety, and precision. Gels and patches depend on absorption through your skin, which varies dramatically from person to person and even day to day—sweating, showering, skin thickness all affect it. Some guys absorb great, others barely absorb anything. There's also the transfer risk with gels: testosterone can rub off on partners, kids, or pets with potentially serious consequences. Injections bypass all of that. You know exactly how much testosterone you're getting, it goes directly where it needs to go, and there's zero transfer risk. After a few weeks, most patients find injections easier than they expected.

Most guys start noticing something within 2-3 weeks. Energy and mood usually improve first. Sex drive typically picks up around weeks 3-6. The body composition changes—more muscle, less fat—take longer, usually 3-6 months of consistent treatment. Everyone's different, but if you're not feeling anything after 6-8 weeks, we need to look at your dose or your labs.

Here's a rough timeline based on what our patients typically report: Week 1-2, you might not notice much. Weeks 2-4, energy starts improving, mood lifts a bit. Weeks 4-8, libido kicks in, mental clarity improves. Months 2-3, you're feeling noticeably better overall. Months 3-6, body composition changes become visible. This isn't guaranteed—just what we commonly see.

It makes building muscle significantly easier, yes. Testosterone is anabolic—it helps your body synthesize protein and build muscle tissue. But you still have to put in the work. TRT isn't a magic pill that builds muscle while you sit on the couch. It gives you the hormonal foundation to actually see results from your workouts.

Indirectly, yes. Higher testosterone makes it easier to build muscle, and muscle burns more calories than fat. Many guys also find they have more energy to exercise. We see patients lose fat and gain muscle simultaneously on TRT, but it's not a weight loss treatment by itself. If weight loss is your primary goal, our GLP-1 program might be a better fit—or a combination of both.

For most men with low T, absolutely. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms, and it's usually one of the first things to improve. Guys tell us they stopped needing that afternoon nap, they're not dragging through the day, they actually want to do things again. It's not like drinking six cups of coffee—it's a more natural, sustained energy.

That's one of the primary benefits. Low testosterone kills libido—it's one of the most common complaints we hear. Most men on TRT notice a significant improvement in sex drive, usually within the first month or two. It won't turn you into a teenager again, but it brings back interest and function that you may have thought was gone for good.

First, we figure out why. Sometimes it's a dosing issue—too much, too little, wrong frequency. Sometimes other factors are interfering: thyroid issues, sleep apnea, medications. We adjust and optimize before giving up. True non-responders are rare. If TRT genuinely isn't working after we've tried everything, we'll be honest with you about other options.

It doesn't stop time, but it addresses some of the things that make men feel old: low energy, decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, declining mental sharpness. Restoring testosterone to healthy levels can make you feel more vital and functional. Is that "anti-aging"? Maybe. Is it the fountain of youth? No. It's good medicine for men who need it.

Yes, and this is important. Testosterone replacement can significantly reduce sperm production—in some cases to zero. If you're planning to have kids, you need to tell us before starting treatment. We have options: HCG can help maintain fertility while on TRT, or we might recommend holding off on TRT until you're done having children. This isn't something to figure out later.

They might get a bit smaller, yes. When you're getting testosterone from outside your body, your testes don't need to work as hard to produce it, so they can reduce in size—typically 10-20%. For most guys, it's not dramatic and doesn't affect function. If this concerns you, HCG can be added to your protocol to maintain testicular size.

It can if not managed properly. Testosterone converts to estrogen in your body, and elevated estrogen can cause breast tissue growth. This is why we monitor your estrogen levels and include an aromatase inhibitor in your protocol if needed. With proper monitoring, gynecomastia is preventable.

If you're genetically predisposed to male pattern baldness, TRT might accelerate it. Testosterone converts to DHT, and DHT is what causes hair follicles to miniaturize in men with the baldness gene. If you were going to lose your hair anyway, TRT might speed up the timeline. If baldness doesn't run in your family, TRT probably won't change anything.

This was a concern for years, but recent research is reassuring. TRT doesn't appear to increase prostate cancer risk in men with normal prostates. That said, if you have existing prostate cancer, TRT is contraindicated. We check your PSA levels before starting treatment and monitor them regularly. Any significant changes, we investigate.

No, the opposite actually. When you take testosterone, your body senses the higher levels and reduces its own production—sometimes shutting it down almost entirely. This is why TRT is typically a long-term commitment. Your natural production doesn't "learn" to make more; it lets the external source do the work.

There's no upper age limit. We have patients in their 70s and 80s on TRT who are doing great. The benefits—energy, strength, mental clarity, quality of life—matter at any age. We do screen more carefully for cardiovascular risk and prostate health in older men, but age alone isn't a disqualifier.

It depends on your specific situation. Recent large-scale studies have shown that TRT doesn't increase cardiovascular risk in most men—and may actually have some protective benefits. However, if you have severe heart disease, recent heart attack, or uncontrolled heart failure, we need to evaluate carefully. Be upfront about your cardiac history during your consultation.

Yes, and the combination often works better than either alone. Testosterone addresses the hormonal component of sexual function; ED medications like sildenafil or tadalafil address the mechanical component. Many of our patients use both. There's no dangerous interaction—they complement each other.

We don't treat men with truly normal levels. That's not what we do. But "normal" on a lab report doesn't always mean optimal for you. If you're at 350 ng/dL—technically normal but on the lower end—and you have symptoms, there's a conversation to be had. We treat patients based on symptoms AND labs, not just whether you fall within a reference range.

Most guys experience very little—maybe some mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two, similar to a flu shot. Occasionally there's minor bruising or a small lump under the skin that goes away within a week. Redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site can happen but aren't common. Serious reactions like infection are rare when you follow proper injection technique, which we teach you. Rotating injection sites helps prevent any buildup of scar tissue over time. If you notice anything unusual—increasing pain, spreading redness, fever—let us know. But for most patients, injections become routine and unremarkable pretty quickly.

It can, but it's not a psychiatric treatment. Low testosterone is associated with depressed mood, irritability, and anxiety—and many men notice improvements in these areas when their levels are restored. The brain has testosterone receptors, and the hormone affects neurotransmitter function. That said, TRT isn't a substitute for proper mental health care. If you have clinical depression or an anxiety disorder, you should be working with a mental health professional. What we often see is that TRT helps lift the fog, improves motivation, and gives guys more energy to engage with life—which can certainly help mental health. But if mood issues are your primary concern, we'll talk about whether TRT alone is the right approach or whether you need additional support.

It's weight loss supervised by physicians, using proven medical treatments—not just diet and exercise advice. Our program centers on GLP-1 medications, which have changed the game for weight management. We combine the medication with nutritional guidance and regular check-ins to help you lose weight and actually keep it off.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications that mimic a hormone your body naturally produces. They reduce appetite, slow stomach emptying so you feel full longer, and help regulate blood sugar. The result: you eat less without feeling like you're starving. You've probably heard brand names like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro. They work.

They work on multiple fronts. First, they reduce appetite at the brain level—you genuinely feel less hungry. Second, they slow down how fast food leaves your stomach, so you feel satisfied longer after eating. Third, they help regulate insulin and blood sugar, reducing cravings. It's not willpower in a needle; it's biology working in your favor.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in several popular GLP-1 medications, including Wegovy and Ozempic. It's a once-weekly injection that's been shown in clinical trials to produce significant weight loss. It's FDA-approved and has become one of the most effective tools we have for medical weight management.

Results vary, but clinical trials show average weight loss of 15-20% of body weight over a year. That's 30-40 pounds for a 200-pound person. Some patients lose more, some less. It depends on your starting point, how well you tolerate the medication, and whether you make supportive lifestyle changes. We'll set realistic goals during your consultation.

Most patients notice appetite changes within the first week or two. Actual weight loss typically becomes noticeable within the first month—often 5-10 pounds in the first 4-6 weeks. The rate of loss usually continues for several months before stabilizing. We adjust dosing as needed to optimize your results.

The most common are GI-related: nausea, sometimes vomiting, constipation or diarrhea. These are usually worst when starting or increasing the dose, and they typically improve over time. We start with a low dose and gradually increase to minimize side effects. Serious side effects are rare but include pancreatitis—we screen for risk factors before prescribing.

People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Also not recommended if you have a history of pancreatitis or severe GI disease. Pregnant women or those trying to conceive should not use these medications. We screen for all of this during your evaluation.

That's the question everyone asks, and the honest answer: for many people, long-term use is needed to maintain weight loss. When you stop, appetite tends to return to baseline, and weight regain is common. Some patients successfully transition off after reaching their goal, but it requires significant lifestyle changes to maintain. We'll discuss long-term strategy as part of your treatment plan.

Research shows that most people regain a significant portion of lost weight after stopping GLP-1 medications—typically within a year. The medication was suppressing appetite and changing how your body processed food; without it, those benefits go away. This is why we emphasize building sustainable habits during treatment and discuss maintenance strategies.

Yes. While some GLP-1 medications were originally developed for diabetes, specific formulations like Wegovy are FDA-approved specifically for weight management in non-diabetics. You don't need to have diabetes to benefit from these medications for weight loss.

Yes. Wegovy (semaglutide) is FDA-approved specifically for chronic weight management. Zepbound (tirzepatide) is also FDA-approved for weight loss. These aren't experimental treatments—they've been through rigorous clinical trials and regulatory review. We only prescribe FDA-approved medications from licensed pharmacies.

Yes. It's one of our core services, and we approach it medically—not with gimmicks or "male enhancement" nonsense. ED is a real medical condition, often with identifiable causes, and there are effective treatments. Everything is handled discreetly at our Virginia clinics.

ED is the persistent inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sex. Occasional difficulty isn't unusual—stress, fatigue, alcohol can all cause temporary issues. ED is when it's happening regularly, affecting your relationship or quality of life. It affects millions of men and becomes more common with age, but it's treatable at any age.

Usually it's physical: blood flow problems, nerve issues, hormonal imbalances (like low testosterone), or medication side effects. Sometimes it's psychological: stress, anxiety, depression. Often it's a combination. The good news is we can usually identify contributing factors and address them. ED isn't something you just have to live with.

More common than you'd think. About 30 million American men deal with ED. It affects roughly 40% of men at age 40 and increases with age—but it's not just an "old man's problem." Younger men can have ED too, especially with risk factors like obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular issues.

There's no specific age. Some men notice issues in their 30s; others are fine into their 70s. Risk factors matter more than age: diabetes, heart disease, obesity, smoking, and certain medications all increase ED risk. If you're noticing changes, it's worth getting evaluated regardless of your age.

Sometimes, depending on the cause. If ED is caused by low testosterone, TRT can resolve it. If it's from a medication side effect, switching medications might fix it. If it's lifestyle-related—obesity, poor cardiovascular health—addressing those issues can help. For many men, treatment effectively manages ED even if it doesn't eliminate the underlying cause.

We offer oral medications (like sildenafil and tadalafil), injectable therapies for men who don't respond to pills, and hormone therapy when low testosterone is a factor. We also address underlying causes when possible. Your treatment plan is customized based on your evaluation—there's no one-size-fits-all approach.

Oral medications typically work within 30-60 minutes and last anywhere from 4-36 hours depending on which medication you use. Sildenafil (Viagra) is faster-acting but shorter duration. Tadalafil (Cialis) takes a bit longer to kick in but can last up to 36 hours. We'll help you figure out what fits your lifestyle.

Absolutely, and many of our patients do. TRT addresses the hormonal component; ED medications address blood flow. They work through different mechanisms and complement each other well. There's no interaction to worry about—combining them is common and often more effective than either alone.

It can be a contributing factor, yes. Low T affects libido (desire) more than the mechanics of erections, but the two are connected. Many men with low T have ED, and restoring testosterone levels often improves erectile function. Sometimes TRT alone is enough; sometimes you need both TRT and ED medication.

Plan for about an hour. You'll meet with one of our clinicians who will review your symptoms, medical history, and goals. We'll do on-site blood work—testosterone, PSA, and other relevant markers. The best part: we get results same-day, so we can review them together and start building your treatment plan before you leave. If you're a candidate and want to start that day, some patients do.

About 60 minutes. We don't rush these visits. We need to understand your symptoms, get a proper history, draw labs, wait for results, and discuss options. Once you're established, follow-up visits are much quicker—often 15-20 minutes.

No referral needed. You can book directly with us. If you have records from your primary care doctor that you want us to review—previous lab work, medical history—bring them along. But it's not required.

Yes. Visit menswellnesscenters.com and you can book your consultation right there. Or call us at 866-344-4955. We also respond to texts if that's easier. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available.

Call our main line at 866-344-4955, book online at menswellnesscenters.com, text us, or call your preferred location directly. Richmond is 804-346-4636; Newport News and Virginia Beach share 757-806-6263. Pick whatever's easiest for you.

Often, yes. Because we do labs on-site and get same-day results, many patients are able to start treatment at their initial visit if they're a candidate. Not everyone—sometimes we need additional information or tests—but we try to minimize unnecessary waiting.

We see transfers all the time, especially from online clinics. Bring whatever records you have—recent labs, your current protocol, prescription information. We'll review everything, possibly run our own labs, and either continue your current protocol or make adjustments based on our evaluation. Transitions are usually smooth.

No. This is something some clinics tell patients, and it makes no sense. If you're currently on TRT and transferring to us, we expect your levels to be elevated—that's the point of treatment. We don't need you to suffer through weeks of low T just to prove you had a deficiency. Bring your records, and we'll pick up where you left off.

You can, but we don't operate that way—and there are good reasons. Telehealth TRT clinics have exploded in popularity, but the model has real limitations. You can't do a proper physical exam over video. Blood work through mail-in kits is less reliable than in-person draws. And the relationship tends to be transactional rather than medical—you're often talking to a different provider each time, if you talk to anyone at all. We've seen patients come to us after bad experiences with online clinics: wrong dosing, no monitoring, side effects that weren't caught. For something as important as hormone therapy, we believe face-to-face care with a consistent medical team is worth the extra trip.

More than just checking your testosterone. We start with a detailed health history—symptoms, medical conditions, medications, lifestyle factors. Then a physical exam. Then we draw blood for a full panel: total and free testosterone, estradiol, complete blood count, metabolic panel, PSA for men over 40, and other markers depending on your situation. We review your results the same day, discuss what they mean, and if treatment is appropriate, we outline your options. The goal is to understand the whole picture, not just one number. Plenty of clinics skip steps; we don't.

If you're currently using gels, patches, or pellets and want to switch to injections—or vice versa—it's straightforward. We'll review your current protocol, check your labs to see where your levels are, and transition you to the new method. Sometimes there's a brief overlap or gap during the switch, which we manage carefully. If you're coming from another clinic using a different delivery method, bring your records and we'll figure out the best way to make the change. Most transitions are smooth once we know what you've been on.

No. This is non-negotiable. We need to confirm you actually have low testosterone before prescribing it, and we need baseline labs to monitor your health during treatment. Any clinic that prescribes TRT without bloodwork is cutting corners you don't want cut. Labs protect you.

At minimum: Total Testosterone, Complete Blood Count (CBC), Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), and Estradiol. For men over 40, we add PSA for prostate screening. Depending on your situation, we might also check Free Testosterone, SHBG, LH, FSH, and thyroid function. The initial panel gives us a complete picture of where you're starting.

No. Home test kits have accuracy issues, and there's no way to verify who actually took the test. We need reliable, verified results from an accredited lab. We do our blood draws on-site, or you can bring recent labs from a certified lab like LabCorp or Quest—but not mail-in home kits.

Same day for most tests when drawn at our clinic. We have the results within an hour or two, so we can review them during your visit. If you're bringing outside labs, those obviously depend on when you had them drawn.

We recheck labs around 8-10 weeks after starting treatment to see how you're responding and make any dose adjustments. After that, typically every 6 months, then annually once you're stable. More frequent if we're adjusting your protocol or if something needs monitoring.

We accept recent labs from accredited labs like LabCorp, Quest, or hospital laboratories. They need to include the tests we require, and ideally should be within the last 6 months. If your labs are older or incomplete, we may need to run additional tests. Bring whatever you have—it might save you time.

Ideally within 6 months for initial evaluation. Testosterone levels can change, so older labs might not reflect where you are now. If you're transferring from another clinic and have recent labs showing your current levels on treatment, those are helpful regardless of age. We'll let you know if we need fresh labs.

Regular lab work shows us the numbers, but we also track how you're feeling. We'll ask about energy, mood, libido, and other symptoms at each visit. The goal is for both the labs and your subjective experience to improve. If the numbers look good but you still feel bad, something needs adjusting.

Yes, and ideally get your blood drawn in the morning. Testosterone levels naturally peak in the early morning and decline throughout the day. Eating can also affect certain markers we're measuring. We recommend fasting for at least 8 hours before your appointment—water and black coffee are fine. Staying well-hydrated actually helps; it makes the blood draw easier and can slightly affect how concentrated your blood sample is. Schedule your lab appointment before 10am if possible for the most accurate testosterone reading.

Not reliable enough for clinical decisions. Those mail-order saliva or finger-prick kits you see advertised have significant accuracy issues. Saliva tests measure a different form of testosterone than blood tests and don't give you the complete picture. Finger-prick blood spot tests can be affected by how you collect the sample, temperature during shipping, and they typically only measure total testosterone—not the full panel we need. Beyond accuracy, there's no verification of who actually took the test. For an initial screening out of curiosity? Maybe. For making treatment decisions about hormone therapy? We need proper lab work from an accredited facility, drawn by a trained phlebotomist, processed under controlled conditions.

All our medications are prescribed by our licensed Virginia physicians and dispensed from FDA-registered pharmacies in the United States. We don't use overseas pharmacies or compounding pharmacies with questionable quality control. You're getting legitimate, pharmaceutical-grade medication.

Contact us when you're getting low—we recommend reaching out when you have about 2 weeks of medication left. We'll verify you're current on your monitoring requirements and send the refill to the pharmacy. It's a straightforward process once you're established.

Not from us. Testosterone is a controlled substance, and prescribing it requires a proper medical evaluation. Anyone offering TRT without requiring a consultation and blood work is operating irresponsibly—or illegally. We don't cut those corners.

Yes. Keep your medication in its original labeled container, and carry a copy of your prescription if you're flying. TSA allows medically necessary liquids and syringes. For international travel, research the specific country's regulations—some countries have restrictions on controlled substances. We can provide documentation if needed.

We primarily dispense medication at our clinic locations. If shipping is arranged, it's through secure carriers with proper temperature control when needed. You'll receive tracking information and can monitor your shipment.

If your medication is being shipped, you'll get tracking information via email or text. Most patients pick up at their clinic visit, so there's nothing to track. If you're waiting on a shipment and haven't received tracking, call us and we'll look into it.

Absolutely. Everything you share with us—medical history, lab results, treatment details—is protected by doctor-patient confidentiality and HIPAA regulations. We don't share your information with anyone without your explicit consent. Our clinics are designed with privacy in mind; you're not sitting in a waiting room with your condition on display.

Yes. We follow all HIPAA requirements for protecting your health information. Your records are stored securely, access is limited to authorized personnel, and we have procedures in place for handling your data appropriately. Privacy isn't optional—it's built into how we operate.

Yes, we are LegitScript certified. This is a third-party certification that verifies we meet strict standards for healthcare providers—legal compliance, patient safety, prescription practices, and more. It's the same certification required by Google and major platforms for healthcare advertisers. Not every clinic has it; we do.

You'll be treated by our team of Virginia-licensed clinicians who specialize in men's health. Unlike many practices where you see a different provider every time, you'll see the same medical team at each visit. They'll know your history, your goals, and your progress. That continuity matters for good care.