FAQ — TRT & Peptide Therapy Questions | Gables Men's Health

Question 1

What is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?

Accepted Answer

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a physician-prescribed treatment that restores testosterone levels to a healthy, optimal range. It is used to address low testosterone (hypogonadism), which can cause fatigue, low libido, muscle loss, brain fog, and mood changes. TRT is administered via injections, topical gels, or subcutaneous pellets depending on your protocol.

Question 2

How do I know if I have low testosterone?

Accepted Answer

Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, reduced sex drive, difficulty building muscle, increased body fat (especially around the abdomen), brain fog, mood swings, and poor sleep. The only way to confirm low testosterone is through a blood panel measuring total and free testosterone, along with other hormones. We order comprehensive labs at your initial consultation.

Question 3

What testosterone levels are considered low?

Accepted Answer

Standard lab reference ranges list anything below 300 ng/dL as low, but many men experience symptoms at levels between 300–500 ng/dL. We evaluate your labs in the context of your symptoms and overall health — not just a number on a page. Optimal levels for most men fall between 700–1,000 ng/dL.

Question 4

How long does it take to feel results from TRT?

Accepted Answer

Most men notice improved energy and mood within 3–6 weeks. Libido improvements typically follow at 4–8 weeks. Body composition changes — more muscle, less fat — become noticeable at 3–6 months with consistent training and nutrition. Full optimization often takes 6–12 months as your protocol is dialed in through follow-up labs.

Question 5

Will TRT shut down my natural testosterone production?

Accepted Answer

Yes — exogenous testosterone suppresses your body's own production via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. This is expected and manageable. We monitor testicular volume and, when appropriate, include hCG or other supportive agents in your protocol to maintain testicular function. If you wish to discontinue TRT, we provide a structured restart protocol.

Question 6

Does TRT affect fertility?

Accepted Answer

TRT can reduce sperm production because it suppresses the hormones that drive spermatogenesis. If fertility is a concern, we discuss fertility-preserving options such as clomiphene citrate or hCG monotherapy before starting TRT. Always disclose fertility goals at your consultation so we can design the right protocol.

Question 7

What are peptides and how do they work?

Accepted Answer

Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the building blocks of proteins — that act as signaling molecules in the body. Therapeutic peptides mimic or amplify natural biological signals to stimulate growth hormone release, accelerate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, improve metabolic function, or enhance sexual health. They are highly targeted and generally well-tolerated.

Question 8

What is Sermorelin and who is it for?

Accepted Answer

Sermorelin is a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue that stimulates your pituitary gland to produce and secrete more of your own growth hormone. It is ideal for men experiencing age-related GH decline who want improved body composition, better sleep, faster recovery, and anti-aging benefits — without the risks of synthetic HGH.

Question 9

What is BPC-157 and what does it treat?

Accepted Answer

BPC-157 (Body Protective Compound 157) is a peptide derived from a protein found in gastric juice. It has powerful regenerative properties and is used to accelerate healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. It also supports gut health and has neuroprotective effects. It is popular among athletes recovering from injuries and men with chronic joint pain.

Question 10

What is NAD+ therapy and what are the benefits?

Accepted Answer

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme essential for cellular energy production, DNA repair, and metabolic function. Levels decline significantly with age. NAD+ therapy — delivered via IV infusion or subcutaneous injection — can improve energy, mental clarity, mood, and metabolic health. It is also used in addiction recovery and as a longevity intervention.

Question 11

How is Tirzepatide different from other weight loss medications?

Accepted Answer

Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — it activates two separate metabolic pathways simultaneously, making it more effective than single-agonist medications like semaglutide. Clinical trials show average weight loss of 20–22% of body weight. It also improves insulin sensitivity, reduces cardiovascular risk markers, and preserves lean muscle mass when combined with adequate protein intake.

Question 12

Can I combine multiple peptides or stack them with TRT?

Accepted Answer

Yes — many of our patients run combination protocols. Common stacks include TRT with Sermorelin for body composition, BPC-157 with TRT for injury recovery, or Tirzepatide with TRT to preserve muscle during weight loss. All stacks are designed and supervised by our physicians based on your labs, goals, and health history.

Question 13

What happens at my first consultation?

Accepted Answer

Your initial consultation includes a comprehensive intake review, a discussion of your symptoms and goals, and a full hormone and metabolic blood panel order. Once labs return (typically 2–3 business days), your physician reviews the results with you, explains your options, and designs a personalized protocol. Most patients start treatment within one week of their first appointment.

Question 14

Is the consultation done in person or virtually?

Accepted Answer

We offer both in-person consultations at our Coral Gables clinic and telehealth appointments for patients throughout Florida. Lab work can be completed at a local draw site near you. Medications are shipped directly to your home via a licensed compounding pharmacy.

Question 15

How are medications delivered?

Accepted Answer

All medications are prescribed by our physicians and dispensed through licensed compounding pharmacies. They are shipped directly to your home in discreet, temperature-controlled packaging. Injection supplies, syringes, and alcohol swabs are included. We also provide detailed injection training videos and written instructions.

Question 16

How often do I need follow-up appointments?

Accepted Answer

We schedule a follow-up lab panel and physician review at 6–8 weeks after starting your protocol to assess your response and make any dosage adjustments. After that, most patients are seen every 3–6 months for ongoing monitoring. Your physician is also available between appointments via our patient portal for questions.

Question 17

Is TRT safe?

Accepted Answer

TRT is safe when properly prescribed and monitored by a qualified physician. Risks are minimized through regular blood work monitoring hematocrit, PSA, lipids, and hormone levels. We do not prescribe TRT to men with active prostate cancer, untreated sleep apnea, or certain cardiovascular conditions. Your safety is our first priority — we will not prescribe what is not appropriate for you.

Question 18

What are the common side effects of TRT?

Accepted Answer

The most common side effects include elevated hematocrit (thickening of the blood), acne, mild fluid retention, and testicular atrophy. These are manageable with protocol adjustments and supportive therapies. Estrogen conversion (aromatization) can cause mood changes or water retention in some men — we monitor estradiol levels and prescribe an aromatase inhibitor if needed.

Question 19

Are peptides FDA-approved?

Accepted Answer

Some peptides are FDA-approved for specific indications (e.g., Tirzepatide is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity). Others like Sermorelin and BPC-157 are prescribed off-label or compounded by licensed pharmacies. All peptides we prescribe are sourced from FDA-registered, cGMP-compliant compounding pharmacies. We only use pharmaceutical-grade compounds.

Question 20

What blood work do you monitor during treatment?

Accepted Answer

Our standard monitoring panel includes total testosterone, free testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH, SHBG, hematocrit, PSA (for men over 40), comprehensive metabolic panel, and lipid panel. For peptide protocols, we may also monitor IGF-1, fasting insulin, and HbA1c. Frequency depends on your protocol and how recently you started treatment.

Question 21

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

We are a cash-pay clinic and do not bill insurance directly. This model allows us to spend more time with each patient, prescribe what is clinically appropriate without insurer restrictions, and keep our pricing transparent. Many patients use HSA or FSA accounts to pay for services. We can provide itemized receipts for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

Question 22

What is included in the monthly program fee?

Accepted Answer

Your monthly program fee covers physician oversight, protocol management, follow-up consultations, and access to our patient portal. Medications, lab work, and any add-on services are priced separately and disclosed upfront before you commit. There are no surprise charges — we walk through the full cost breakdown at your consultation.

Question 23

Can I cancel my program at any time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There are no long-term contracts. You can pause or cancel your program at any time with 30 days' notice. We do ask that you complete a final lab panel before discontinuing so your physician can provide guidance on any necessary tapering or restart protocols.

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