Men's Testosterone Treatment

Men's Testosterone Therapy

At Wholesome Healthcare in South Ogden, Utah, Nick Jarvis, FNP-C and Carli Thompson, FNP-C provide medically supervised testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for men with lab-confirmed low testosterone. Our approach starts with a thorough evaluation and bloodwork — not a questionnaire — and results in a personalized treatment plan designed around your specific hormone levels, health history, and goals.

What Is Low Testosterone?

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, responsible for regulating energy, muscle mass, bone density, libido, mood, and cognitive function. Levels naturally decline with age — typically beginning in a man’s 30s — but some men experience a more significant drop that affects day-to-day quality of life. This is commonly referred to as hypogonadism or low T.

Low testosterone is diagnosed through a blood test, not symptoms alone. Many conditions can cause similar symptoms, which is why lab confirmation is an essential first step before any treatment is initiated.

Common Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Men with low T often report a combination of the following:

  • Persistent fatigue and low energy despite adequate sleep

  • Reduced sex drive (libido)

  • Difficulty building or maintaining muscle mass

  • Increased body fat, especially around the midsection

  • Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or reduced mental sharpness

  • Depressed mood, irritability, or emotional flatness

  • Reduced bone density or joint discomfort

  • Decreased morning erections or sexual function

  • Reduced motivation or drive

These symptoms are non-specific — many overlap with sleep disorders, thyroid conditions, metabolic issues, and depression. Our providers evaluate the full clinical picture before attributing symptoms to low testosterone, which helps ensure you receive the right treatment, not just a prescription.

What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

TRT uses FDA-approved testosterone medications to restore levels to a healthy physiological range. The goal is not to push levels to supraphysiologic ranges — it is to bring you back to where you should be, with ongoing monitoring to ensure safety and effectiveness.

When indicated, TRT can support improvements in energy, body composition, mood, libido, and cognitive clarity. Results vary by individual, and the timeline for noticing changes depends on the degree of deficiency and your overall health. Most patients begin to notice initial improvements within 4–8 weeks, with more significant changes over 3–6 months of consistent treatment. Individual results vary.

TRT Delivery Methods

There is no one-size-fits-all delivery method for testosterone therapy. During your consultation, Nick Jarvis or Carli Thompson will review the options with you and recommend the approach that best fits your lifestyle, lab values, and clinical needs.

Testosterone Injections

Intramuscular or subcutaneous testosterone injections are the most common delivery method for TRT. Administered weekly or biweekly, injections provide predictable absorption and allow for precise dose adjustments based on follow-up labs. Many patients self-administer at home after an initial training session with their provider. Injections are generally the most cost-effective TRT option.

Topical Testosterone

Testosterone gels or creams are applied daily to the skin and absorbed transdermally. This method maintains more consistent daily hormone levels compared to injection peaks and troughs. Important considerations include the risk of transfer to partners or children through skin contact, and variability in absorption between individuals. Your provider will discuss whether this method is appropriate for your situation.

Who Is a Candidate for TRT?

TRT is appropriate for men who have both symptomatic low testosterone AND lab-confirmed low levels. Symptoms alone are not sufficient for diagnosis — bloodwork is required. Our providers at Wholesome Healthcare typically look for:

  • Total testosterone below the clinical threshold (typically below 300 ng/dL, though context matters)

  • Symptoms consistent with hypogonadism that are affecting quality of life

  • No contraindications such as untreated prostate cancer, elevated hematocrit, or active fertility goals

  • A thorough health history review to rule out secondary causes of low T

Fertility Considerations

This is one of the most important topics to discuss before starting TRT, and one that is often overlooked. Exogenous testosterone suppresses the body’s natural hormone signaling pathway, which can significantly reduce or eliminate sperm production. If you are considering fathering children in the future, this must be discussed with your provider before initiating TRT. Alternative approaches exist for men with low T who wish to preserve fertility — your provider will walk through these options with you.

What to Expect from Your TRT Program

  1. Initial Consultation: Nick Jarvis or Carli Thompson will review your symptoms, health history, current medications, and goals.

  2. Baseline Labs: Bloodwork is ordered before any prescription is written. This typically includes total and free testosterone, LH, FSH, estradiol, hematocrit, PSA (for men over 40), and a metabolic panel as indicated.

  3. Diagnosis and Treatment Plan: If labs confirm low testosterone and you are an appropriate candidate, your provider will recommend a delivery method, starting dose, and monitoring schedule.

  4. Ongoing Monitoring: Follow-up labs are scheduled at regular intervals — typically at 6–8 weeks after starting, then every 3–6 months once stable. We monitor testosterone levels, hematocrit, estradiol, and other markers to ensure safety and optimize your protocol.

  5. Dose Adjustments: TRT is not a set-it-and-forget-it treatment. Your provider will adjust dosing based on how your body responds, how you feel, and what your labs show.

TRT and Men’s Hormone Optimization

Testosterone is one component of men’s hormonal health — but not the only one. Many men with low T also experience suboptimal growth hormone levels, metabolic challenges, and body composition changes that TRT alone does not fully address. At Wholesome Healthcare, our providers take a comprehensive view of men’s health and can discuss how TRT may complement other services:

  • Sermorelin peptide therapy — works upstream on the growth hormone axis, supporting muscle recovery, sleep quality, and body composition alongside TRT

  • GLP-1 weight loss (semaglutide/tirzepatide) — men with obesity or insulin resistance often have suppressed testosterone; addressing weight can improve hormonal health overall

  • Direct Primary Care membership — ongoing lab monitoring and provider access is a natural fit for men on long-term hormone therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of low testosterone?

Common symptoms include fatigue, low libido, difficulty building muscle, increased body fat, brain fog, mood changes, and reduced motivation. These symptoms overlap with many other conditions — lab confirmation is required before diagnosing low T.

How do I know if I need TRT?

You need both symptoms consistent with low T and a blood test confirming low testosterone levels. At Wholesome Healthcare, we order comprehensive labs before any treatment is considered. Symptoms alone are not enough to diagnose or treat low testosterone.

Does TRT affect fertility?

Yes — this is critical to understand before starting. Testosterone therapy suppresses the body’s natural hormone signaling and can significantly reduce or stop sperm production. If fathering children is a possibility in your future, discuss this with your provider before starting TRT. Alternative approaches exist for men with low T who want to preserve fertility.

How long until I feel results from TRT?

Most men notice early improvements in energy and mood within 4–8 weeks. More significant changes in body composition, libido, and strength typically develop over 3–6 months of consistent treatment. Individual results vary based on the degree of deficiency and overall health.

How much does TRT cost in Utah?

TRT costs vary based on the delivery method and program structure. Testosterone injections are generally the most affordable option. Some insurance plans cover TRT when medically indicated. Contact us at 801-686-5015 for current pricing and to discuss your coverage options.

Can a nurse practitioner prescribe testosterone in Utah?

Yes. In Utah, board-certified Family Nurse Practitioners with full practice authority — including Nick Jarvis, FNP-C and Carli Thompson, FNP-C — are authorized to independently prescribe testosterone and manage ongoing TRT. You do not need a referral to receive TRT at Wholesome Healthcare.

Is TRT safe long-term?

When properly monitored, TRT is considered safe for most men with confirmed low testosterone. Regular lab monitoring — including hematocrit, PSA, and testosterone levels — is standard practice and helps catch any concerns early. We schedule follow-ups at regular intervals throughout your treatment.

Schedule Your TRT Consultation in South Ogden

Wholesome Healthcare is located at 920 Chambers St Ste 11, South Ogden, UT 84403, serving men from Ogden, South Ogden, North Ogden, Roy, Riverdale, Layton, and throughout Weber County. To schedule a testosterone therapy consultation with Nick Jarvis or Carli Thompson, book online or call us at 801-686-5015.

Testosterone replacement therapy is prescribed only when clinically indicated following lab confirmation and a comprehensive evaluation. Individual results vary. TRT is not appropriate for all patients — a consultation is required to determine candidacy.