Insights
Patient Guides for TRT, Peptides and Medical Cannabis
Clear answers to the questions our North Dakota and Minnesota patients ask most. Every guide links to the official and clinical sources behind it.
Guides
Low Testosterone Symptoms: What an Evaluation Can and Cannot Tell You
Symptoms like low energy and low libido have many causes. Here is what a testosterone evaluation involves, what it can show, and what it cannot.
Read the guideWhat Monitoring May Be Discussed During Testosterone Treatment?
Testosterone treatment comes with regular follow-up. Here are the labs, check-ins, and symptoms your clinician may discuss, and why they matter.
Read the guideSleep Apnea, Weight and Testosterone: Why They Are Checked Together
Tiredness, low libido and weight gain can point to sleep apnea as much as low testosterone. Here is why a careful workup looks at all three.
Read the guideTestosterone Therapy and Fertility: What to Know Before You Start
Testosterone therapy can lower sperm production. If you may want children, here is what to say, what to ask and when to see a specialist.
Read the guideHow to Prepare for a Testosterone Blood Test and Get a Clear Result
Timing, sleep, fasting and illness can all shift a testosterone result. Here is how to prepare so your numbers are easier to interpret.
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Questions
Common Questions
Short answers to go with the guides. Still unsure? Call Will at (218) 274-4500.
See every questionHow much does TRT cost at Alternative Health?
- Initial consultation: $200. If you qualify and decide to start treatment, it includes your first 4-week supply of testosterone, supplies and shipping.
- Every 4 weeks after that: $175, OR
- Pay $2,000 upfront for the whole year and save $300. ($200 consultation fee is credited toward membership, leaving a balance of $1,800)
- Follow-up visits are included in both plans.
- Lab work is billed separately by the lab you choose. (If you don't have a preference, we can refer you to a lab.)
Do I need lab work before a testosterone consultation?
Usually, yes. Call us for a lab order, complete the labs, and then book your visit so Dr. Ewals can review the results with you. Low testosterone is generally confirmed with early-morning blood tests on more than one day, not symptoms alone.
What are the common signs of low testosterone?
Low energy, low libido or weaker erections, losing muscle and gaining weight around the midsection, low mood, poor concentration and poor sleep. Every one of these has other possible causes, including sleep apnea, thyroid problems, medicines and stress, which is why we test rather than guess.
What does treatment involve if my levels are low?
Dr. Ewals sets a dose and shows you how the medicine is taken. Your medication and home-use supplies are shipped to you as part of the TRT membership. Follow-up visits are every 8 to 24 weeks, depending on the person, and your dose is adjusted from your lab results.
How often will I need labs on treatment?
Once your levels are stable, usually after 2 to 4 months, labs are typically every 3 to 6 months. They check testosterone, red blood cell count and other markers. Labs are billed by the lab and aren't included in the TRT membership.
What did the FDA change about testosterone in 2025?
Two things. After a large trial (TRAVERSE) found no increase in major heart problems, the FDA had testosterone labels updated to reflect those results. It also required a warning that testosterone can raise blood pressure, so Dr. Ewals monitors yours.
Who shouldn't take testosterone?
Men with or being evaluated for prostate or breast cancer, untreated severe sleep apnea, uncontrolled heart failure or a very high red blood cell count, and men trying to conceive now. Dr. Ewals goes through all of this before anything is prescribed.
Can testosterone treatment affect fertility?
Yes. Testosterone therapy can lower sperm production. If you might want children, say so at your first visit so you can discuss other options.
I'm already on testosterone elsewhere. Can I switch to you?
Yes. Email or fax your most recent labs and your last visit note (info@alternativehealthgf.com or (701) 757-0974), then call Will to book. Dr. Ewals reviews your records first. Depending on what they show, she may order additional testing before continuing your treatment.
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