How to make sure you're taken seriously
Many men leave a consultation being told "your levels are normal for your age" without a full workup. Here's how to ask the right questions and get a proper evaluation.
Come prepared with specifics, not just "I feel off"
Vague descriptions are easy to dismiss. A specific, written account of what's changed and when makes it much harder to wave away, and gives your doctor something concrete to work from.
Write down your symptoms and timeline
Note what's changed (energy, mood, libido, strength, sleep) and roughly when you first noticed it. "Over the last 2 years" is more useful than "lately."
Bring your symptom check result
If you've taken our free symptom check, bring the summary. It gives your doctor a structured starting point.
Ask for a morning total testosterone test specifically
Testosterone follows a daily rhythm and is highest in the morning, so a test taken later in the day can understate your levels.
What to ask for
Morning Testosterone Test
A morning total testosterone blood test.
A Repeat Test if Borderline
A repeat test if the first result is borderline.
Free Testosterone or SHBG
Free testosterone or SHBG, if total is inconclusive.
A Thyroid Panel
A thyroid panel, to rule out an overlapping cause.
A Lifestyle Discussion
A discussion of lifestyle factors alongside any test result.
If you feel dismissed
- Ask specifically: "Can we test my testosterone levels?"
- Bring your written symptom list to the follow-up
- Ask what a "normal" range means for your specific age
- Consider a second opinion from an endocrinologist
- Remember: persistent symptoms deserve a proper workup
Not sure where to start?
Take the free symptom check first, it takes 2 minutes.
Take the Free Symptom Check →