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Healthy aging
Can lifestyle changes or weight loss raise low testosterone without medication?
Yes, significant weight loss, resistance exercise, improved sleep, and metabolic optimization can naturally increase testosterone levels in many men with borderline deficiency.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Low testosterone
Can low testosterone cause brain fog, fatigue, and low motivation?
Yes, low testosterone is frequently associated with persistent fatigue, reduced mental sharpness, and diminished motivation, though these symptoms can also stem from other medical conditions.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Low testosterone
Can low testosterone cause erectile dysfunction, or are they separate issues?
Low testosterone primarily reduces sexual desire and libido, whereas erectile dysfunction is predominantly a vascular and neurological issue, though the two conditions frequently overlap.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Treatment and safety
Does testosterone therapy cause hair loss or acne?
TRT can accelerate male pattern hair loss in genetically predisposed men and may cause acne by increasing oil production in the skin.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Cost and what to expect
How do I transfer my existing TRT prescription to Men's Medical Institute?
Transferring your TRT care requires scheduling an in-person evaluation with Dr. Mimlitz and providing your prior diagnostic labs, treatment history, and current prescription details. Most times we can continue your treatment without interruptions.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Treatment and safety
How do physicians manage common gastrointestinal side effects from GLP-1 treatments?
Physicians manage GI side effects through gradual dose titration, smaller meal sizes, reduced dietary fat intake, and adequate hydration.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Low testosterone
How do sleep apnea and poor sleep affect testosterone levels and energy?
The majority of daily testosterone production occurs during deep and REM sleep, so sleep apnea and fragmented sleep directly blunt nocturnal hormone synthesis and cause daytime exhaustion.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Healthy aging
How does physician-monitored longevity care differ from buying supplements online?
Physician-monitored care relies on diagnostic blood testing, validated clinical evidence, pharmaceutical-grade sourcing, and safety surveillance rather than unverified online marketing.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Treatment and safety
How does tirzepatide support weight management?
Tirzepatide activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, affecting appetite and food intake, and the FDA-approved weight-management product is indicated together with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Low testosterone
How long after starting testosterone therapy do men typically notice changes in energy or libido?
Improvements in sexual interest and mood often begin within 3 to 6 weeks, while noticeable changes in energy, body composition, and muscle mass typically take several months.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Cost and what to expect
How much does testosterone replacement therapy cost at Men's Medical Institute?
At Men's Medical Institute, ongoing testosterone replacement therapy is $140 per month, with a discounted rate of $70 for the first month for new patients.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Treatment and safety
How often will I need blood work once my testosterone dose is stabilized?
After initiating therapy, MMi will check your bloodwork around 9-12 weeks and then consider adjustments. Once your testosterone levels, hematocrit, and PSA are stable on therapy, blood work is typically performed every 6 to 12 months.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Treatment and safety
What can cause erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction usually has more than one contributor — vascular disease, diabetes, blood pressure, medications, hormonal factors, neurologic conditions, sleep, alcohol, and psychological or relationship stress all play a role.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Cost and what to expect
What happens at a testosterone evaluation?
A focused conversation about symptoms, medical history, medications and goals, a physical examination where appropriate, and laboratory testing — followed by a visit to interpret the results together. An evaluation is not a commitment to treatment, and not everyone evaluated will be a candidate. Some men need additional testing or referral before any decision can be made. Results can take time; a careful answer is better than a fast one.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Treatment and safety
What happens if I decide to stop testosterone replacement therapy?
Stopping TRT causes circulating testosterone to decline to pre-treatment levels or temporarily lower, often accompanied by a transient return of fatigue and low mood while natural production restarts. Many of the issues that brought patients to seek replacement will return.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Healthy aging
What happens to weight and appetite when someone stops taking a GLP-1 medication?
Medications for chronic weight management are designed as long-term tools; stopping them removes the biological brake on hunger. Long-term success depends heavily on preserving lean muscle mass and establishing sustainable nutritional habits during active treatment.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Treatment and safety
What is gonadorelin and what is its role?
Gonadorelin is a form of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, the hypothalamic signal that prompts the pituitary to release LH and FSH. These hormones drive testicular testosterone production and sperm production. Gonadorelin is indicated for men seeking to maintain and preserve fertility, and to reduce testicular shrinkage—an uncommon side effect of TRT.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Treatment and safety
What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?
Semaglutide acts on the GLP-1 receptor, while tirzepatide acts on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors; their approved indications, labeling details and individual tolerability differ.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Low testosterone
What is the difference between total testosterone and free testosterone on my lab report?
Total testosterone measures all circulating testosterone in your bloodstream, while free testosterone measures the small fraction unbound to proteins that is immediately accessible to your tissues. A low free testosterone number can fluctuate significantly from moment to moment and must always be interpreted in the context of clinical signs and symptoms, not in isolation.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Low testosterone
What lab tests are required before starting testosterone therapy?
Required baseline tests include at least two morning total testosterone measurements, free testosterone, a complete blood count (hematocrit), PSA, and comprehensive metabolic and lipid panels.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Treatment and safety
What monitoring is needed during testosterone therapy?
Testosterone therapy requires ongoing follow-up: symptom review, testosterone levels, blood count, blood pressure, and prostate-related assessment appropriate to your age and history.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Cost and what to expect
What should I bring or prepare if I am transferring TRT from an online clinic?
Bring your original diagnostic lab results, recent follow-up blood work, current prescription details with exact dosages, and relevant medical records to your in-person visit.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Treatment and safety
What should I expect during my first 30 to 60 days on testosterone therapy?
During the first 30 to 60 days, your body acclimates to therapy, early improvements in mood and libido may appear, and routine follow-up labs are scheduled to verify dosing safety. Physique changes may take longer, and should be noticeable by 2 or 3 months.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Healthy aging
Who is a candidate for medical weight management with GLP-1 medications?
Candidates generally include adults with a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater with at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, or prediabetes.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Treatment and safety
Who is not a good candidate for testosterone replacement therapy?
Men with active prostate or breast cancer, unmanaged heart failure, untreated severe sleep apnea, markedly elevated hematocrit, or those actively planning near-term fertility are generally not candidates for TRT.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Treatment and safety
Why does my hematocrit or red blood cell count need to be monitored on TRT?
Testosterone stimulates red blood cell production, and elevated hematocrit can thicken the blood, potentially increasing cardiovascular and thromboembolic risks if left unchecked.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated
Cost and what to expect
Why is an in-person physical evaluation required before starting testosterone therapy?
An in-person physical exam is required by clinical safety standards to assess cardiovascular, prostate, and testicular health, and to comply with regulations governing controlled substances.
Reviewed by Michael “Ted” Mimlitz, MD · Reviewed · Updated