A testosterone visit should cover how the diagnosis was confirmed, what could make treatment unsafe, and how treatment would be monitored. The Endocrine Society guideline recommends testosterone therapy only after discussing the potential benefits and risks of therapy and of monitoring, and involving the patient in the decision. The questions below follow what the sources say that discussion should include.
Questions about the diagnosis
"How was my low testosterone confirmed?" The testosterone cypionate label says to confirm hypogonadism with morning serum testosterone measured on at least 2 separate days, both below the normal range.
"Were my tests taken at a time that gives a reliable reading?" The Endocrine Society guideline text says about 30% of men with an initial value in the hypogonadal range have a normal value on repeat testing, and that men should not be tested during or while recovering from an acute illness or during short-term use of medicines such as opioids that suppress testosterone.
"Does my situation match what the product is approved for?" The cypionate label lists primary hypogonadism and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and states that safety and efficacy in age-related hypogonadism have not been established.
Questions about whether treatment is safe for you
"Is there anything in my history that rules testosterone out?" The label lists contraindications of known hypersensitivity, male breast cancer, known or suspected prostate cancer, pregnancy, and serious cardiac, hepatic or renal disease.
"Do my prostate results need a closer look first?" The Endocrine Society recommends against starting testosterone in men with breast or prostate cancer, a palpable prostate nodule or induration, or PSA above 4 ng/mL (above 3 ng/mL in men at higher prostate cancer risk) without further urological evaluation.
"Do I have a blood, heart or sleep condition that matters here?" The guideline also recommends against starting in men with elevated hematocrit, untreated severe obstructive sleep apnea, severe lower urinary tract symptoms, uncontrolled heart failure, heart attack or stroke within the last 6 months, or thrombophilia.
"What about my blood pressure?" The cypionate label says testosterone can raise blood pressure, says to monitor it, and does not recommend use with uncontrolled hypertension.
"How could this affect my fertility?" The Endocrine Society recommends against starting testosterone in men planning fertility in the near term, and the cypionate label says large doses of androgens may suppress sperm production.
Questions about the product and dose
"What dose range does the label describe, and how is mine chosen?" The label lists 50 to 400 mg every 2 to 4 weeks for hypogonadal males, varying by age, sex and diagnosis and adjusted to the patient's response and adverse reactions.
"How is the injection given?" The label says it is for intramuscular use only, should not be given intravenously, and should be given deep in the gluteal muscle.
"If a compounded product is offered, how is it different?" FDA states that compounded drugs are not FDA approved, which means the agency does not review their safety, effectiveness or quality before they are marketed.
Questions about monitoring
"What level are we aiming for?" The Endocrine Society suggests aiming for testosterone levels in the mid-normal range during treatment.
"What will be checked in the first year?" The guideline suggests a standardized monitoring plan covering symptoms, side effects, adherence, serum testosterone, hematocrit and prostate cancer risk during the first year.
"Will my blood count be checked?" The cypionate label says hemoglobin and hematocrit should be checked periodically during long-term androgen therapy to detect polycythemia.
"What signs should prompt a call?" The label reports postmarketing cases of venous thromboembolism, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and says treatment should be stopped and a workup started if a clot is suspected.
What this does not tell you
These questions do not cover every situation, and the answers depend on your own history and lab results. The Endocrine Society guideline is advice to clinicians, not a law. FDA's testosterone information page, current as of 06/23/2026, says FDA requested label updates in June 2026 that include removing the age-related hypogonadism limitation of use and revising prostate cancer and BPH safety information. In the cypionate labels read for this guide, that change had not yet appeared: the cypionate label and a generic cypionate label revised June 2026 still state that safety and efficacy in age-related hypogonadism have not been established. A licensed provider decides whether treatment fits and at what dose.