Testosterone Therapy Assessment in Burnaby
Symptoms and blood tests reviewed by a physician
Low energy, mood changes and loss of muscle can have many causes, and low testosterone is only one of them. At Skin Art MD in Burnaby, a physician reviews your symptoms and blood tests, and explains the possible benefits, risks and monitoring of any treatment.
- Blood Tests
- Reviewed by a Physician
- Risks
- Explained Before Treatment
- Follow-Up
- Monitoring Throughout
- Blood Tests
- Reviewed by a Physician
- Risks
- Explained Before Treatment
- Follow-Up
- Monitoring Throughout
What Is Testosterone Therapy (TRT)?
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a prescription treatment considered for men whose symptoms and repeated blood tests point to low testosterone. At Skin Art MD in Burnaby (Metrotown), a physician decides whether it is appropriate, explains the risks, and arranges monitoring.
Symptoms such as fatigue, low mood or reduced muscle mass overlap with many other conditions, including sleep problems, thyroid disease and stress. The assessment therefore starts with your history and blood tests. Treatment is only considered if testing and symptoms support it, and it involves regular monitoring because it carries risks.
Assessment First
Symptoms and repeated blood tests are reviewed before treatment is discussed.
Risks Explained
Possible effects on fertility, red blood cell count, prostate health and cardiovascular health are discussed.
Monitoring
Follow-up blood tests and visits are arranged so the plan can be adjusted or stopped.
How Does a Physician Assess Testosterone?
The assessment looks at symptoms, other possible causes and blood test results.
Symptom and History Review
Your physician reviews sleep, mood, weight, medications, other conditions and fertility plans.
Blood Tests
Morning blood tests are usually repeated to confirm a result, along with other markers your physician considers relevant.
Other Causes
Other contributors to the symptoms, such as sleep apnea or thyroid problems, are considered.
Treatment Decision
If treatment is considered appropriate, the physician explains the options, risks and the monitoring plan.
Who Is Testosterone Therapy Considered For?
It is generally discussed for men with symptoms and repeated blood tests that point to low testosterone. A physician assessment decides suitability.
Often Discussed When
- +Persistent fatigue or low energy despite adequate sleep
- +Changes in mood, concentration or motivation without a clear cause
- +Loss of muscle mass or increased body fat
- +Symptoms accompanied by repeatedly low blood test results
- +Other causes have been looked at by a physician
May Not Be Suitable If You
- –Have prostate or breast cancer
- –Have severe untreated sleep apnea
- –Have uncontrolled heart failure or recent cardiovascular events
- –Have a high red blood cell count
- –Are trying to conceive, since treatment can affect fertility
Our Approach
Hormone therapy is a medical decision, so the approach is cautious and monitored.
Physician Assessment
A physician reviews your history, symptoms and blood tests before treatment is discussed.
Honest About Risks
Benefits cannot be promised, and risks are explained clearly before any decision.
Other Causes Considered
We look at other contributors to your symptoms rather than assuming a hormone cause.
Ongoing Monitoring
Follow-up tests and visits are part of any plan, and treatment can be adjusted or stopped.
What Is Reviewed?
The assessment looks at several areas of health that can be affected by low testosterone or by other conditions with similar symptoms.
Energy and Sleep
Fatigue, sleep quality and sleep apnea risk.
Mood and Concentration
Changes in mood, focus and motivation.
Body Composition
Muscle mass and body fat changes.
Metabolic Health
Blood sugar, cholesterol and weight.
Bone Health
Risk factors for low bone density.
Fertility Plans
Treatment can affect fertility, so plans for children are discussed.
What Happens at a Testosterone Assessment Visit?
The process starts with questions and tests, and any treatment is monitored.
Before Your Visit
Bring a list of current medications and supplements
Be ready to discuss sleep, mood, weight and any fertility plans
Morning blood tests may be requested, sometimes on more than one occasion
Bring any recent blood test results
Tell your physician about heart, prostate or sleep conditions
During Your Assessment
History
Your physician reviews symptoms, health conditions and medications.
Blood Tests
Tests are requested and reviewed once results are back.
Discussion
Results, other possible causes, options, benefits and risks are explained.
Plan
If treatment is appropriate, a plan with monitoring is agreed. If not, other next steps are suggested.
If Treatment Starts
Follow-up blood tests are arranged to check hormone levels and safety markers
Red blood cell count and prostate health are monitored as your physician advises
Report any new symptoms promptly
The plan is reviewed regularly and can be adjusted or stopped
Fertility plans are revisited if they change
**Individual results vary. Testosterone therapy carries risks and requires monitoring.
Testosterone Therapy in Burnaby: Common Questions
What happens at a testosterone assessment?+
Your physician reviews your symptoms, history and medications, and requests blood tests. Results, other possible causes, options, risks and a monitoring plan are then discussed.
Do symptoms alone mean I have low testosterone?+
No. Fatigue, low mood and reduced muscle mass have many possible causes, so blood tests and a physician assessment are needed.
What are the risks of testosterone therapy?+
Possible effects include reduced fertility, a higher red blood cell count, acne, sleep apnea worsening and effects on prostate and cardiovascular health. Your physician will explain these and how they are monitored.
Will it affect my fertility?+
Yes, testosterone therapy can reduce sperm production. If you plan to have children, tell your physician before any decision is made.
How is treatment monitored?+
Regular blood tests and visits are arranged, including checks of hormone levels, red blood cell count and prostate health as your physician advises.
How long would I stay on treatment?+
This depends on your response and monitoring. Treatment is reviewed regularly and can be adjusted or stopped.
Where can I get a testosterone assessment in Burnaby?+
Skin Art MD is a physician-led skin clinic at #101 – 4378 Beresford St, Burnaby, BC V5H 0H6, near Metrotown SkyTrain Station (Expo Line). We are open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00, and closed on Monday. Phone: +1 (604) 639-2581.
Is a testosterone assessment available near Vancouver?+
Skin Art MD is in Burnaby's Metrotown area within Metro Vancouver, close to Metrotown SkyTrain Station on the Expo Line. Consultations are available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Who may not be able to have testosterone therapy?+
Prostate or breast cancer, severe untreated sleep apnea, uncontrolled heart failure or recent cardiovascular events, a high red blood cell count, and plans to conceive are among the reasons it may not be suitable. A physician assessment decides.
Talk Through Your Symptoms
Book an assessment at our Burnaby clinic so a physician can review your symptoms and blood tests and explain the options and risks.
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