
The Gillett Health Podcast
Testosterone, Sexual Function, & fertility
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Telemedicine clinics for testosterone replacement therapy often lack thorough evaluations, leading to inappropriate prescriptions amidst growing demand.
- Individualized treatment plans are essential, as practitioners frequently overlook crucial factors like future fertility during testosterone consultations.
Deep dives
The Rise of Telemedicine in Hormone Therapy
The shift toward telemedicine in hormone replacement therapy has seen a significant increase, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many individuals with normal testosterone levels were assessed by telemedicine clinics, often resulting in excessive and inappropriate prescriptions for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). A notable study, referred to as the secret shopper study, highlighted that patients seeking testosterone were sometimes prescribed therapies without thorough evaluations of their cardiovascular health, reproductive intentions, or fertility preservation options. This trend raises concerns about the adequacy of patient assessments conducted by telemedicine providers, emphasizing the need for standardized guidelines to ensure safe prescribing practices.