FAQs - Tier 1 Health & Wellness

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive regarding testosterone replacement therapy and hormone replacement therapy for men and women.

TRT FOR MEN | HRT FOR WOMEN

What is testosterone replacement therapy?

Testosterone therapy, also known as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), is a treatment primarily used to address conditions associated with low levels of testosterone. Various methods of administration are available and Dr. Nichols works with patients to determine the best method of delivery for each individual’s situation.

Is testosterone replacement therapy safe?

Testosterone replacement therapy has been safely administered to both men and women since the 1940’s. It has an excellent safety profile and is efficacious when prescribed and monitored by experienced physicians who utilize evidence-based practices.

At Tier1 Health & Wellness, we don’t use cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all protocols.

We understand that each patient is unique and as such, treatment plans are individualized based on signs and symptoms, past medical history, current health conditions,lab results, and response to treatment.

How do I know if I have low testosterone?

A simple blood test will reveal a patient’s level of testosterone. However, the normal reference range is a reflection of the average testosterone ranges of the population of men or women tested. People that have blood work performed are generally older unwell people or those having issues which is why they are visiting clinics and hospitals. Normal ranges are not necessarily optimal ranges. At Tier 1 we not only consider lab results but also consider how our patients feel. Patients with low testosterone frequently exhibit signs of low libido, decreased motivation, fatigue, weight gain, depression, loss of lean muscle, decreased stamina and endurance, insulin resistance, increased visceral and subcutaneous fat, and elevated lipids.

How much does TRT/HRT cost?

Our services are offered on an annual basis which may be renewed each year. The enrollment fee covers: all office and/or telemedicine visits, unlimited phone calls, unlimited access to our patient portal where patients may send messages and ask questions.

The enrollment fee covers Dr. Nichols’ monitoring, adjusting, and prescribing hormone therapy, ordering lab work, and our availability for your optimization needs Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM (ET).

We will be happy to send you a copy of our contract if you would like for your review, and to make sure that you understand all of the costs involved in our program.

We’re also pleased to offer a generous discount on our annual enrollment fees to military, police, and firefighters.

I’m a woman in my 30s. Do I need hormone replacement therapy?

Possibly!

Many women begin to experience signs and symptoms of hormone deficiency or hormone imbalance in their mid 30’s. Women are more “hormonally complicated” than men, and require extra care and expertise when balancing their hormones. Tier 1 Health & Wellness has extensive experience treating women with hormone replacement therapy during all stages of the life cycle.

Symptoms of hormone deficiency or imbalance include: Irritability, hot flashes, low libido, fatigue, irregular menstrual cycles, severe PMS, cold intolerance, mental fogginess, dry skin, brittle nails, hair loss, night sweats, anxiety, depression, and difficulty losing weight.

Women on hormone therapy have an easier time during pre-, peri- and post-menopause. Women on hormone therapy have an easier time during pre-, peri- and post-menopause, and reduce or eliminate the difficulties associated with that period of their lives.

In addition to the above, we also treat younger women dealing with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS.) Some women display signs and symptoms of PCOS as early as in their teens.

I’m a man in my 20s with low testosterone. Can you treat me?

Men under 30 are considered on a case by case basis.

How fast will I see results when I start TRT/HRT?

How quickly patients see results is determined by several factors. Consistency is the key to getting the best results. Patients that take their hormones consistently as prescribed and have blood work performed in a timely manner will get the best results in the shortest time frame. Some symptoms will improve more quickly than others, but generally we ask that patients give therapy a good 6 months to a year to work.

Will I get “Roid Rage” when I start TRT?

Anecdotal reports of “Roid rage” and violent crimes by anabolic steroid users have brought attention to the relationship between anabolic steroid use and angry outbursts. Simply put, roid rage is a overreaction to stimulus. People that experience this are usually people with a prior history of violent behavior, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other psychiatric disorders.

There’s also a great deal of polypharmacy and substance abuse in many people that utilize anabolic steroids

Anabolic Steroid abuse and testosterone therapy are two completely different worlds, but unfortunately, they get mixed together.

The FDA changed the label for testosterone in 2016 to include a warning regarding the risks associated with abuse and dependence of testosterone and other anabolic androgenic steroids. One of those warnings stated that it could cause hostility, and aggression.

We contacted the FDA to request the references used to create their warnings. They were unable to provide them as they said the warnings were based on anecdotal reports.

Studies have shown that even supra-physiological doses of testosterone, when administered to normal men in a controlled setting, do not increase angry behavior.

Tier 1 Health & Wellness has not seen any evidence personally, or in the literature that testosterone therapy causes roid rage.