testosterone treatment: how to find a knowledgeable doctor
Once you have a sense that your testosterone level might be low and you want to have it tested, you will need to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about andropause symptoms and the issues associated with low testosterone level and aging. In some cases, your family doctor may be able to help you. A better bet might be to ask your doctor for a referral to an urologist, who may have more up-to-date knowledge in this area.
Ask for an initial appointment to become acquainted with the doctor
An alternative is to find an urologist on your own. If you go this route, make sure that the doctor is board-certified in urology and don't be afraid to ask for an initial appointment just to become acquainted with him or her.
During this initial visit, you will want to ask the doctor these questions:
- What kind of specialty training has the doctor undergone?
- Is the doctor familiar with andropause as a syndrome?
- Has the doctor been prescribing testosterone supplements to men with your symptoms?
- How often per year does the doctor attend conferences and medical training sessions?
- Is the doctor involved in any kind of clinical research? (Usually, a doctor who is involved in clinical research will be familiar with cutting-edge developments in the field of urology.)
It is also important that you feel comfortable with your doctor since you may be involved in an ongoing, long-term testosterone treatment program. This initial visit will help you decide if there is a good "fit" between the doctor's personality and your own.
Databases to help you find a doctor familiar with testosterone treatment
SEPHIA'sChoice™ is an online searchable database of pelvic health professionals for use by consumers, health care professionals and industry leaders. The database has been designed with a public interface on www.sephiaschoice.com where single searches can be performed. The website also offers health professionals, group medical practices and medical institutions the opportunity to perform unlimited searches. Specific information listed by pelvic health specialists includes:
- Contact and location information about the individual or group practice
- Names of key staff members at the facility
- Specialties including urology, geriatrics, nursing, primary care, internal medicine, gynecology, urogynecology and physical therapy
- Services available including assessment, evaluation, complex urodynamics, behavioral therapy, biofeedback therapy, medical therapy, electrical stimulation, surgical treatment, and alternative management
- Specific expertise including general urology, incontinence and other voiding dysfunctions, pelvic pain and vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis and bladder pain, pelvic surgery, pelvic prolapse, male and female sexual dysfunction, prostate health, and hormone imbalance.
The database is fully searchable on key variables including location, name, type of specialty, type of service and type of expertise and multiple variables can be indexed in one search. SEPHIA™ listings include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, physical and occupational therapists.
The American Urology Association also has an online Find a Urologist database where you can search for a board-certified doctor in your area.
References
Brawer, Michael K., MD. Androgen Supplementation and Prostate Cancer Risk: Strategies for Pretherapy Assessment and Monitoring. Rev.Urol. 2003;5 (suppl 1):S29-S33.
Caruthers, Malcolm, MD. The Testosterone Revolution. London: Thorsons; 2001
Heaton, Jeremy, P.W., MD. Hormone Treatments and Preventive Strategies in the Aging Male: Whom and When to Treat? Rev.Urol. 2003;5(suppl 1):S16-S21.
Matsumoto, Alvin M., MD. Fundamental Aspects of Hypogonadism in the Aging Male. Rev.Urol. 2003;5(suppl 1):S3-S10.
McCulloch, Andrew, MD. Case Scenarios in Androgen Deficiency. Rev.Urol. 2003;5(suppl 1):S41-S48.
Nieschlag, E., Behre, H.M., Nieschlag, S. Testosterone: Action, Deficiency, Substitution. Berlin: 1998.
Steidle, Christopher P., MD. New Advances in the Treatment of Hypogonadism in the Aging Male. Rev.Urol. 2003;5(suppl 1):S34-S40.
Notes
1. Matsumoto, Alvin M. Fundamental Aspects of Hypogonadism in the Aging Male. Urology. Vol. 5, Supplement 1. 2003;S3-10.
2. Morley, JE. J Gend Specif Med. 2001;4:49-53.
Posted February 2004
Updated August 2009
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