Low testosterone
Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, is diagnosed from symptoms together with laboratory testing — not from symptoms alone. A TryGenesis evaluation begins with a baseline hormone panel, which a licensed provider reviews alongside your history before determining whether treatment is appropriate.
What a provider evaluates
- Total and free testosterone, drawn on an appropriate morning schedule
- Estradiol, SHBG, LH and FSH to distinguish primary from secondary causes
- CBC and haematocrit, which are monitored throughout therapy
- PSA where age-appropriate, plus a comprehensive metabolic panel
- Symptom history, medical history, medications and fertility intentions
What treatment may involve
- Testosterone cypionate by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection
- Enclomiphene, where preserving fertility is a priority
- hCG or gonadorelin as part of a provider-directed protocol
- Anastrozole, only where clinically indicated by laboratory findings
- Scheduled follow-up bloodwork and dose review
Whether any of these is appropriate is determined by a licensed provider after reviewing your history and laboratory results.
Medications a provider may consider
Testosterone cypionate
Testosterone cypionate is a long-acting injectable form of testosterone. Learn how it is dosed, what monitoring it requires, and who a provider may consider it for.
Enclomiphene
Enclomiphene raises the body's own testosterone rather than replacing it. Learn how it works, who providers consider it for, and how it compares to TRT.
Gonadorelin
Gonadorelin is a GnRH analogue sometimes used alongside testosterone therapy. Learn what it is and what a provider assesses before prescribing.
Anastrozole
Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor occasionally used in men's hormone therapy. Learn when a provider may consider it and why it is used sparingly.
Markers on this panel
What each marker measures and why your provider tracks it.
Questions about low testosterone
How is low testosterone diagnosed?
Low testosterone is diagnosed from laboratory testing interpreted alongside symptoms — not from symptoms alone. Guidelines generally call for total testosterone measured on at least two separate morning draws, since levels vary through the day. A provider will typically also review free testosterone, SHBG, LH and FSH to establish whether the cause is primary or secondary, and order a CBC and metabolic panel as a baseline.
Do I need bloodwork before starting testosterone therapy?
Yes. A baseline hormone panel is required before a provider can determine whether testosterone therapy is appropriate. Prescribing testosterone without baseline laboratory work is not consistent with accepted practice. Baseline results also establish the reference point every later result is compared against.
Is testosterone therapy lifelong?
Not necessarily, but it is generally an ongoing therapy rather than a short course. Because exogenous testosterone suppresses the body's own production, stopping usually means levels return toward — or briefly below — their pre-treatment baseline until the axis recovers. Any decision to stop should be made with your provider rather than abruptly.
Does testosterone therapy affect fertility?
Yes. Exogenous testosterone suppresses the hormonal signals that drive sperm production, and this can reduce or halt spermatogenesis while on therapy. If you intend to conceive now or in future, raise it before starting. Providers may consider alternatives such as enclomiphene, which raises endogenous testosterone without the same suppressive effect, or adjunct protocols alongside testosterone.