How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Hypogonadism (Low Testosterone) - Evaluation

Audience: adult

Hypogonadism, or low testosterone, is a condition where the body does not produce enough testosterone, a hormone important for male health. If you have symptoms like low energy, reduced muscle mass, or low sex drive, your healthcare provider may suggest an evaluation. A video visit can be a convenient way to discuss your symptoms and medical history with a provider. To get the most from your telemedicine visit, it helps to prepare by gathering information about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you take. During the visit, your provider will ask questions and may recommend blood tests to check your hormone levels. This guide explains how to prepare for your video visit, what telemedicine can and cannot do for hypogonadism, and when to seek in-person care. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool but not a substitute for urgent or emergency medical attention.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden chest pain or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Severe mood changes or thoughts of self-harm — contact emergency services or a mental health professional.
• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body — go to the nearest emergency department.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to hypogonadism.
• Reviewing and explaining hormone test results.
• Providing education about hypogonadism and treatment options.
• Monitoring response to therapy and side effects.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical examination that requires hands-on assessment.
• Ordering urgent laboratory or imaging tests that require immediate attention.
• Managing emergency symptoms or severe health changes.
• Administering treatments or injections in person.

What is Hypogonadism?

Hypogonadism means your body doesn't make enough testosterone, the hormone that helps develop and maintain male features and overall health. It can cause symptoms like low energy, mood changes, reduced muscle strength, and decreased sex drive. Causes vary and may include aging, medical conditions, or hormone problems.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, write down your symptoms, when they started, and how they affect your daily life. List any medications, supplements, or health conditions you have. Find a quiet, private place with good internet and a device with a camera and microphone. Have a pen and paper ready to take notes.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Evaluation

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. They may review any previous lab results. Because a physical exam is limited over video, your provider might order blood tests to measure testosterone and other hormones. They will explain next steps based on your results.

When Telemedicine Works Well for Hypogonadism

Telemedicine is useful for discussing symptoms, reviewing test results, and managing ongoing treatment. It saves travel time and allows you to connect with specialists remotely. However, some parts of the evaluation, like a physical exam or urgent care, may require in-person visits.

Limitations and When to Seek In-Person Care

If you have severe symptoms like chest pain, sudden weakness, severe mood changes, or signs of infection, seek immediate medical care in person. Also, if your provider needs to perform a physical exam or urgent tests, an in-person visit will be necessary.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your symptoms, including when they began and how they affect you.
• Gather information about your past medical history and current medications.
• Find a quiet, private space with good internet connection for your video visit.
• Test your device’s camera and microphone before the appointment.
• Have a list of questions or concerns ready to discuss with your provider.
• Prepare to take notes during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any instructions your provider gives about lab tests or referrals.
• Schedule any recommended in-person visits if needed.
• Take notes on your treatment plan and ask for clarification if needed.
• Monitor your symptoms and report any new or worsening issues.
• Keep follow-up appointments to review test results and treatment progress.

FAQs

What symptoms might suggest low testosterone?

Common symptoms include low energy, decreased muscle mass, reduced sex drive, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating. However, these symptoms can have many causes, so it’s important to discuss them with a healthcare provider.

Will I need blood tests during my telemedicine visit?

Your provider will likely recommend blood tests to measure testosterone and other hormone levels. These tests usually require visiting a lab or clinic in person.

Can telemedicine diagnose hypogonadism?

Telemedicine can help evaluate symptoms and review test results, but a full diagnosis often requires physical exams and lab tests that may need in-person visits.

Is testosterone therapy safe?

Testosterone therapy can be helpful for some people but also has risks. Your provider will discuss the benefits and potential side effects based on your health status.

What should I do if I experience severe symptoms?

If you have sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe mood changes, or weakness, seek emergency medical care immediately rather than waiting for a telemedicine visit.

Sources

1. Hypogonadism — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Testosterone Deficiency (Low Testosterone) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Low Testosterone (Male Hypogonadism) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Hypogonadism in Men: Diagnosis and Treatment — National Library of Medicine.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Telemedicine can help with evaluation and management but is not a substitute for urgent or emergency care or in-person examinations when needed.