Frequently Asked Questions
General
Please bring your most recent ID and insurance card to your initial visit. Feel free to download our NEW PATIENT forms, print them out, complete them and bring them with you to your appointment. Also, bring in a list of the medications you are currently prescribed. We look forward to seeing you.
If you are a new patient, please arrive 20-30 minutes early to give you plenty of time to complete the new patient paperwork. If you have printed out your new patient paperwork from our website and have it completed or you are an established patient, please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.
The interval between visits will depend on your treatment regimen. Most men being treated for low testosterone visit weekly to maintain optimal hormone levels. Stopping hormone replacement therapy treatment will cause testosterone levels to drop; which will lead to signs and symptoms returning to their baselines. For hormone replacement therapy for women, the frequency of visits may vary based on the treatment plan.
Hormone replacement therapy is a treatment to restore hormonal balance and hormone levels for men and women experiencing symptoms. Hormone doses are customized to the needs of each individual and can be adjusted as the body dictates. Apollo Men’s Health currently offers injection and pellet therapy to manage low testosterone and menopausal symptoms.
MEN’S HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
The benefits of testosterone replacement therapy and its effects vary from one individual to another. However, the initial benefits men tend to report include improved sleep quality, energy, and libido. These are usually present in the first few weeks of therapy. Improved cognition (focus, memory, clarity), mood and increased lean muscle mass and fat loss all follow in subsequent weeks. It is important to remember that hormone replacement therapy does not work overnight, and lasting results involve consistency and diligent management.
Therapy for low testosterone is done to replace, and not provide a cure. Therefore, the patient continues therapy as long as desired results are wanted. Treatment for low testosterone only provides a benefit while you are receiving replacement testosterone.
You will be returning your testosterone levels to where they were before starting treatment or even lower. This means the signs and symptoms you previously experienced will return. However, if you do cease treatment, you can always restart therapy to restore your hormone levels back to an optimal range and have you feeling great again.
Acne, bloating, and temporary weight gain are common. It is impossible to know what side effects you are likely to experience as every individual differs. To mitigate risks, we monitor hormone levels and symptoms recurrently throughout therapy to avoid or minimize any side effects.
Throughout treatment, we will monitor your estrogen/estradiol levels and your symptoms and prescribe an estrogen blocker or a supplement to help balance hormone levels.
No, testosterone does not cause prostate cancer. However, pre-existing cancer can be worsened by testosterone replacement therapy, which is why we conduct a baseline PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test prior to initiating hormone replacement therapy in order to evaluate your risk. This test is performed with a blood sample and is conducted every 6 months to monitor for changes.
Most individuals on testosterone replacement therapy do lose weight. However, it does not happen on its own. Increased testosterone levels will help to increase lean muscle mass. Increased lean muscle will help burn fat. We also like to complete a body composition analysis to track changes over time.
WOMEN’S HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
Synthetic hormones have been studied and shown to increase the risk of cancers and blood clots. Since the molecular structure differs, they bind to the receptor sites but shut off the production of your natural hormones. It can be unsafe to take bio-identical hormone replacement (BHRT) while on synthetic as it can put you at an increased risk for an adverse event.
As your body gets used to hormonal changes, it is common to experience water retention and bloating in the first few weeks of therapy. However, you will start to lean out over time. Other side effects can include mood changes and nipple sensitivity.
It is important to understand testosterone can cause male characteristics in some females. However, proper dosing and close follow-up significantly reduce your risk.
PELLET INSERTION PROCEDURES
Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) with pellets uses bio-identical hormones derived from natural, plant-based substances that are identical on a molecular level to those created by the body. Subcutaneous (in the fat under the skin) hormone pellets are often an ideal method of delivery as they metabolize in the body as the body intends. Hormones are released consistently over time and are less likely to cause fluctuations like other hormone treatment methods.
Hormone optimization is just as unique as each individual patient. Once the pellets are inserted a consistent dose of bio-identical hormones enter the bloodstream and BHRT will begin to work within 7-10 days after insertion. Most patients report some symptom relief within 2-4 weeks.
You will go to the exam room and have your insertion site cleaned and numbed. Most commonly this is the upper buttock. Once numb, a small incision is made for the pellets to be inserted and after pellets are placed, the insertion site is covered with a small bandage. This will take less than 15 minutes.
Since the pellets are all-natural and contain the hormones your body naturally produces, the pellets will be completely dissolved and absorbed, leaving none of the components behind in your body.
