Low Testosterone Treatment in Houston: Testing, Options and Safety
Medical oversight: Micah Craig, MD, Medical Director, Valere Regenerative
Low energy, lower drive and a body that no longer responds to training can have many causes, and low testosterone is only one of them. Valere starts with a full panel and a 45-minute physician-led assessment, so treatment follows what your results actually show.
What it looks like
Testosterone deficiency means low testosterone levels together with symptoms or signs, not a number on its own (American Urological Association). Common signs include low libido, fatigue, reduced muscle and strength, more body fat, low mood and poorer sleep. Many of these overlap with stress, poor sleep, thyroid problems or other conditions, which is why a single test is not enough.
How it is diagnosed
A reliable diagnosis needs more than one blood test, taken in the morning, read alongside your symptoms. At Valere every panel includes:
- Sex hormones: total and free testosterone, estradiol, SHBG, LH, FSH and DHEA-S.
- Thyroid, read fully: TSH, free T3, free T4 and reverse T3.
- Cortisol.
- Safety markers: hematocrit, PSA, lipids, blood pressure and metabolic markers, tracked at baseline and every follow-up.
Is testosterone therapy safe?
The safety picture has changed. In February 2025 the FDA removed the heart-risk language from the boxed warning on all testosterone products, based on the TRAVERSE trial of 5,246 men, and added a warning about increased blood pressure (FDA). In June 2026, HHS requested further label updates, including on prostate cancer and age-related low testosterone; those changes are requested, not yet final (Urology Times). Testosterone still needs monitoring, which is why blood pressure, hematocrit and PSA are checked at every follow-up.
How Valere approaches low testosterone
Every patient is assessed first; there is no standard starting dose or subscription. If your results and symptoms support treatment, your physician chooses the dose and delivery method with you, then adjusts it at each follow-up panel. Because energy and body composition depend on more than one hormone, your plan can also include weight loss and metabolic health, peptides and a mobility program. See HRT & TRT for more.
What to expect
- Assessment and panel: a 45-minute conversation about your symptoms and goals, with labs ordered.
- Results review: your physician walks through the full panel and whether treatment fits.
- Follow-up: repeat panels and safety checks, with the plan adjusted as you go.
What it costs
The assessment is $89. Program pricing follows it, because your plan depends on your labs, the treatment chosen and how often you are monitored. Valere does not accept insurance; financing is available through Cherry and CareCredit.
Common questions
My doctor said my levels are normal. Can I still be seen? Yes. Your physician will review your full panel and symptoms; a result inside the reference range does not rule out other causes worth finding.
Does TRT affect fertility? It can. Testosterone therapy can lower sperm production, so tell your physician if you plan to have children.
How soon will I feel different? It varies by person and by what your plan includes. Your physician will tell you what to expect for your situation.
Further reading: Low testosterone in Houston: why so many men get the wrong answer and hormone prescription vs. hormonal health program.
Reserve your assessment or call (713) 538-1203.
Hormone therapy is prescribed where clinically indicated following physician evaluation. Individual results vary.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education only and is not medical advice. Reading it does not create a doctor–patient relationship. The treatments discussed are not right for everyone, individual results vary and are not guaranteed, and some therapies mentioned may be used off-label or are not FDA-approved for the uses described. Please talk with a licensed physician about your own health before starting any treatment.
