What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Hypogonadism (Low Testosterone) - Evaluation

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for hypogonadism (low testosterone) evaluation in children or adolescents, you will usually receive guidance on the next steps. The healthcare provider may recommend blood tests to check hormone levels and other related health markers. These tests often need to be done at a local lab or clinic. Based on the results, your provider may suggest further evaluation or treatment options. Follow-up visits, either by telemedicine or in-person, help monitor progress and adjust care as needed. It's important to share any new symptoms or concerns during these follow-ups. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful way to start care, but some parts of diagnosis and treatment require in-person visits. If urgent symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe fatigue or weakness that worsens suddenly — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden mood changes, depression, or thoughts of self-harm — contact a healthcare provider or emergency services right away.
• Signs of infection or allergic reaction after starting treatment, such as fever, rash, or swelling — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation and discussion of symptoms related to low testosterone.
• Reviewing test results and explaining their meaning.
• Providing education about hypogonadism and lifestyle advice.
• Planning follow-up care and monitoring progress.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams or growth assessments.
• Administering hormone therapy or injections.
• Conducting blood tests or imaging studies.
• Managing urgent or severe symptoms requiring immediate care.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will likely recommend blood tests to measure testosterone and other hormones. These tests help confirm if low testosterone is present and identify possible causes. You may receive instructions on where and how to get these tests done locally. Sometimes, additional tests such as imaging or genetic evaluations may be suggested depending on your symptoms and history.

Understanding Test Results and Next Steps

Once your test results are available, your provider will review them with you, often in a follow-up telemedicine visit. They will explain what the results mean and discuss possible treatment options if low testosterone is confirmed. Treatment may include hormone therapy or addressing underlying health issues. Your provider will also talk about the benefits and risks of treatments and answer any questions you have.

When In-Person Care is Needed

Some parts of care for hypogonadism require in-person visits. This includes physical exams, certain tests, and treatments that cannot be done remotely. Your provider will guide you on when to schedule these visits. In-person care helps ensure accurate diagnosis and safe treatment, especially for children and adolescents.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

Regular follow-up visits are important to monitor hormone levels, growth, and development. These visits may be done through telemedicine or in-person depending on your needs. Keeping track of symptoms and any side effects helps your provider adjust treatment safely. Make sure to communicate openly about how you feel during treatment.

Supporting Your Health at Home

In addition to medical care, maintaining a healthy lifestyle supports hormone balance. Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress can help overall health. Your provider may offer advice on these topics during your visits. Family support and understanding are also important for children and teens managing hypogonadism.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your symptoms and when they started.
• List any medications or supplements you are taking.
• Have your medical history ready, including any previous hormone tests.
• Prepare questions you want to ask your healthcare provider.
• Ensure a quiet, private space with a reliable internet connection for your telemedicine visit.

After your tele-visit

• Schedule recommended blood tests at a local lab or clinic.
• Attend follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits as advised.
• Monitor and record any new or changing symptoms.
• Follow treatment plans and lifestyle recommendations provided.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any red-flag symptoms.

FAQs

What is hypogonadism in children and teens?

Hypogonadism means the body is not making enough testosterone, which is important for growth and development in boys. It can affect puberty and overall health.

Why do I need blood tests after the telemedicine visit?

Blood tests measure hormone levels to confirm if testosterone is low and help find the cause. This information guides treatment decisions.

Can treatment for low testosterone be started through telemedicine?

Some treatment discussions can happen via telemedicine, but hormone therapy usually requires in-person visits for safe administration and monitoring.

How often will I need follow-up visits?

Follow-up visits depend on your individual situation but often occur every few months to check hormone levels and adjust treatment if needed.

What should I do if I feel worse after starting treatment?

Contact your healthcare provider promptly to discuss your symptoms. If you have severe symptoms like chest pain or difficulty breathing, seek emergency care immediately.

Sources

1. Hypogonadism — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Low Testosterone (Male Hypogonadism) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Testosterone Testing — Testing.com.
4. Pediatric Endocrinology: Hypogonadism — American Academy of Pediatrics.
5. Hormone Replacement Therapy — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical care. Telemedicine can support evaluation and follow-up but is not a substitute for in-person diagnosis, physical exams, or emergency care. Always seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe or urgent symptoms.