Reviewed By Blake Gilliam, CRNP
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Testosterone levels play an important role in energy, mood, muscle strength, and overall health. For men with clinically low testosterone, testosterone replacement therapy may be part of a medically guided care plan. Choosing a TRT provider involves understanding how evaluation, testing, treatment options, and follow-up care are handled so you can make an informed decision based on your health needs.
Table of Contents
Why Choosing the Right TRT Provider is Important
Testosterone affects multiple systems in the body, from metabolism and mood to cardiovascular and sexual health.
A qualified provider conducts a full hormonal evaluation, reviews your medical history, orders comprehensive labs, discusses risks and benefits, and monitors you through regular follow-ups. Experience influences dosing accuracy, symptom management, and safety.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a TRT Provider in Madison
The following factors can help you understand what to look for in a TRT provider and how care is typically structured.
Credentials and Experience
Look for a clinician with specific experience in male hormone optimization rather than general wellness alone. Providers who specialize in hormonal health understand the nuances of dosing, risks, and long-term monitoring.
Comprehensive Lab Testing
TRT must never begin without labs. A responsible clinic measures total testosterone, free testosterone, estradiol, SHBG, CBC, PSA, metabolic markers, thyroid function, and other indicators. Thorough testing creates a safe baseline and guides accurate treatment.
Clear Diagnostic Process
A thorough TRT evaluation includes a review of symptoms, medical history, physical findings, and careful interpretation of lab results. Looking at the full clinical picture helps ensure that treatment decisions are appropriate and well-informed.
Frequency and Quality of Monitoring
Ongoing testing is essential. A dependable provider checks labs several times a year, tracks symptoms closely, and adjusts dosing when needed. Proper monitoring protects your heart, liver, blood pressure, fertility, and hormone balance.
Personalization vs Standardized Dosing
Avoid clinics that use the same dose for every patient. Strong TRT programs tailor dosing to symptoms, lab results, and goals.
Safety and Risk Management
This includes screening for contraindications, monitoring hematocrit, watching estradiol levels, and keeping open communication about side effects. Safety should not be an afterthought.
Communication and Accessibility
Hormone therapy raises questions along the way. Choose a provider who responds to concerns promptly, offers clear explanations, and maintains consistent follow-up.
Helpful Questions to Ask Before Starting TRT
These questions can help you evaluate any TRT program:
- Who interprets my labs, and how in-depth is the evaluation?
- How will you decide my starting dose?
- What follow-up schedule do you use for labs and visits?
- How do you monitor estradiol, hematocrit, PSA, and safety markers?
- What options do you offer for administering testosterone?
- What happens if I experience side effects?
- How do you handle dose adjustments?
Reading patient reviews can also provide insight into how other men describe their experience with a provider’s communication, follow-up care, and overall approach to treatment.
Expert-Led Testosterone Care
At Madison Integrative Medicine, testosterone therapy is overseen by Blake Gilliam, CRNP, who holds advanced nursing training and clinical experience in hormone management.
Care is guided by comprehensive lab testing, individualized dosing, and structured follow-up, with weekly or biweekly self-administered injections and routine blood monitoring to support safe, consistent treatment.
Schedule a TRT Consultation at Madison Integrative Medicine
If you are considering testosterone therapy, Madison Integrative Medicine provides comprehensive hormone testing and medically guided TRT for men in Madison and the surrounding area.
To schedule a TRT consultation at our wellness center in Madison, AL, call (256) 325-0955 or visit us at 1230 Slaughter Rd Suite C, Madison, AL.

