If so, you’ve come to the right place! I have a special interest in TRT, in large part because the treatment results are so gratifying. I’ve witnessed again and again how a well-formulated testosterone replacement regimen can make all the difference in a man’s quality of life.
#1 Because, frankly, testosterone replacement therapy is often poorly managed. Time and time again, I’ve seen men being prescribed testosterone in ways that make little sense, leading to wildly fluctuating testosterone levels and symptoms. I have the knowledge base and experience to get it right the first time.
#2 I treat the patient, not his bloodwork. Many doctors refuse to prescribe testosterone to men who are very clearly suffering from symptoms of low testosterone simply because their testosterone level falls within the normal range, even if the testosterone level is at the very bottom end of the normal range. This isn’t good medicine. Diagnostic testing should inform a doctor’s clinical judgment, not replace it.
#3 I assess and address other hormonal disturbances that may be contributing to a patient’s symptoms. For example, while low testosterone can contribute to fatigue, so can hypothyroidism and HPA axis dysregulation (often erroneously referred to as ‘adrenal fatigue’).
#4 I’m familiar with the use of medications other than testosterone in the treatment of low testosterone. That’s right, sometimes a prescription for testosterone itself is NOT the best way of managing low T. I’m also familiar with and comfortable prescribing medications, such as clomid and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), to manage some of the adverse effects of TRT, including testicular shrinkage and decreased fertility.
#5 Although there is considerable evidence that low testosterone is a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common type of heart disease and still the number one cause of death in Canada, and that TRT can lead to improvements in multiple risk factors that contribute to the development of CAD some research suggests that TRT might pose a risk to heart health, especially in those men at higher baseline risk. I therefore include an integrative treatment plan for coronary artery disease (CAD) prevention as part of every private-pay TRT consultation.
Patients interested in pursuing TRT with have 2 options:
1)Private pay (recommended). This service includes a more comprehensive assessment of hormonal status and integrative treatment recommendations. Note that the total cost of private-pay TRT is $400 (special, limited-time rate for a 2-appointment initial consultation). This means that if you’re on TRT for 5 years, 10 years, or even longer, you’ll only pay $400. This is because follow-up appointments to tweak your TRT regimen are OHIP-covered. However, this requires that the first appointment takes place in person. In addition, at least one appointment must be conducted in person every 24 months. Follow-up appointments to address issues other than your hormone replacement regimen are not free of charge/included in this $400 fee.
2) OHIP-covered (starting summer 2024). This service includes straight TRT without a more detailed assessment of hormonal status or integrative treatment recommendations. In order to qualify, the first appointment must take place in person. Subsequent appointments may take place by videoconference but at least one appointment must be conducted in person every 24 months. Note that due to payment restrictions put in place by the Ministry of Health, I am only able to see a certain number of patients for OHIP-covered TRT per year. If you are interested in OHIP-covered TRT, please contact us at [email protected].
Visit my FAQ page for detailed insights into my integrative approach to medicine and comprehensive answers to all your health-related questions.
