If you’ve read a newspaper, turned on a TV, or listened to the radio any time during the last five years, you’ve probably heard of low-T. The condition known as hypogonadism, or low-T, has been making headlines across America for the last few years. Men who suffer from erectile disfunction, fatigue, weight gain, and many other symptoms are finding that low-T may very well be the answer.
This onslaught of new diagnosis has caused a boom in the low-T industry with clinics opening all over the country. As with any new diagnosis trend, the wave of new low-T clinics is not without its risks. Many of these clinics are churning out testosterone prescriptions without their due diligence and that’s a problem.
The Problem
Hormone prescriptions of any kind should not be provided unless a licensed physician has performed the proper tests and screenings beforehand. For example, a hormone level test should be performed before any prescriptions, followed by routine screenings to monitor the drug’s impact. These Low-T clinics often skip the necessary tests prior to prescribing hormone drugs. In addition, many men seek out these quick fix factories to avoid their family physician or urologist due to the sensitive nature of their symptoms.
The Solution
Thankfully, the FDA has already began cracking down on low-T prescriptions. According to the FDA website, “We are requiring the manufacturers of all approved prescription testosterone products change their labeling to clarify the approved uses of these medications.” However, this intervention by the FDA does not fix the entire issue. Men should seek out expert physicians who will thoughtfully address their condition, and the potential underlying causes, rather than charge exorbitant fees for a quick fix shot.
Be Smart, Seek Help from Licensed Professionals
As with anyone seeking treatment, individuals should look for high quality specialists who have their patient’s best in mind. By now it should be obvious that if you are suffering from low-T symptoms then you should seek diagnosis and treatment from a licensed urologist or physician. If low-T treatment is not regularly monitored by physician, the potential risks can have devastating effects.
Urology of Virginia recently launched a new division called Men’s Health Virginia. The focus of Men’s Health Virginia is to treat the origin of the issue as a medical condition; treating the entire man. With this new initiative, men can be treated for their most sensitive of health conditions with confidence.