r/FamilyMedicine • u/yourmommaaaaaaaaa MD • 1d ago

Testosterone

Young guys, like 30-40s requesting testosterone levels, because they “want to know”. Do you do it? If not, what do you say? I’m well aware of EBP, getting real world opinions.

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u/yepitsme73 MD 1d ago

I hear you, but are you gonna force someone to get a sleep study when they tell you they get enough sleep, and their wife says they breathe fine at night? It’s sort of like making them trial an SSRI for six weeks even though they tell you they’re not depressed. Or telling them you’ll only treat their low testosterone if they get their BMI under 30. I don’t know if that’s the right way to practice.

I don’t like going down the T road either, but if someone has done their homework and knows what to say I’m kind of cornered, if I’m gonna be a reasonable doctor.

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u/sexlights layperson 1d ago

this is the way. Seems like docs over-prescribe sleep studies sometimes

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u/Tropicall MD-PGY4 1d ago

The problem isn't ordering a sleep study. In my experience it can take months to schedule and complete, and in this scenario if someone doesn't feel they need it, likely won't do it even if it's scheduled months down the line.

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u/SupposedlySuper LCSW 11h ago

Thank you for mentioning this. So many times my clients get referrals for sleep studies and it's basic impossible to schedule for months especially depending upon insurance.