TRT Clinic in Bend, OR: Testosterone Therapy for Men

Tired, foggy, and not yourself? Proactive Choice is a Bend testosterone clinic led by Dr. Drew Collins, ND. Full labs first, then male hormone replacement dosed for you and monitored every six months. Free 10-minute consult.

Updated September 15, 2026. Care provided by Dr. Drew Collins, ND, Oregon naturopathic license 1332.

Signs Your Testosterone May Be Low

When testosterone levels drop, it can cause a range of issues like reduced sex drive, low energy, less motivation, mood swings, and more. This condition, known as low testosterone or low T, can seriously affect a man’s well-being and quality of life. For men, low T quietly drains energy, drive and focus, and most guys blame it on age.

Common Symptoms at a Glance

Here’s what low testosterone usually looks like in men:

Low testosterone develops slowly, so most men explain away the early signs for months before connecting them. Watch for chronic fatigue that a full night’s sleep doesn’t fix, a drop in motivation where small tasks start to feel like a chore, body fat that creeps up around the waist even without a change in diet, a noticeable dip in libido, trouble concentrating at work, irritability that’s new for you, difficulty maintaining an erection, and muscle loss despite regular exercise. One or two of these on their own could mean something else. Five or six together, especially past 35, is worth a blood test. For a deeper look at how low testosterone is tested and treated in Bend, including how erectile dysfunction and low testosterone connect, see our full guide.

Chronic Fatigue

Loss of Motivation

Increased Body Fat

Low Libido

Brain Fog

Mood Swings

Erectile Dysfunction

Muscle Loss

If several of these signs sound familiar, get your hormone levels tested. Proactive Choice makes starting TRT in Bend simple.

If labs confirm low testosterone, we build a personalized testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) plan around your results, symptoms and goals, so you can get your energy and drive back.

Benefits of Testosterone Therapy in Bend

Boost Energy Levels

Amplify Motivation and Confidence

Facilitate Fat Loss

Promote Restful Sleep

Enhance Sex Drive

Support Muscle Growth and Strength

Improve Mood

At our testosterone clinic in Bend, we prioritize safety and effectiveness by using only bioidentical testosterone for low testosterone treatment. Our approach has restored vitality and well-being for many men with low testosterone levels, with a straightforward, personalized plan and regular lab monitoring.

Who We Treat at Our Male TRT Clinic in Bend

Dr. Collins has treated TRT patients from 22 to 80 years old, and age by itself has never decided who qualifies. What decides it is your labs and how you feel day to day.

Most patients drive in from Bend, but we also see men from Redmond, Sisters, Sunriver, La Pine, Prineville, Madras, Powell Butte, Terrebonne, and Tumalo. If you’re anywhere in Central Oregon and a primary care visit left you with a normal-range result and no real answers, or you’d rather work with a naturopathic physician who looks at the whole picture instead of writing a script and moving on, that’s what we do here.

Who should not start testosterone therapy

Low labs alone don’t make you a candidate. The Endocrine Society’s 2018 guideline on testosterone therapy recommends against starting it in men who:

are planning to have a child in the near future
have breast or prostate cancer
have a prostate nodule or hardness that can be felt on exam
have a PSA above 4 ng/mL, or above 3 ng/mL if they are at higher risk of prostate cancer
have an elevated hematocrit (a high red blood cell level)
have severe obstructive sleep apnea that isn’t being treated
have severe lower urinary tract symptoms
have heart failure that isn’t under control
had a heart attack or stroke in the last six months
have thrombophilia, a tendency to form blood clots

Fertility catches more men off guard than anything else on that list. According to Mayo Clinic, testosterone therapy can limit sperm production and shrink the testicles, so if you’re hoping to have a baby soon, TRT is the wrong place to start. Read whether TRT affects fertility before you book.

Tell Dr. Collins on the free 10-minute call if any of these apply. A few can change over time (untreated sleep apnea can be treated, for one), so the answer may be ‘not yet’ rather than ‘no.’

What to Expect: Starting TRT in Bend in 3 Steps

Step 1: Free 10-Minute Call

Contact Proactive Choice and set up a free 10-minute call with Dr. Collins. Not a sales pitch, just a conversation to see if TRT makes sense for you before anyone commits to anything.

Step 2: Full Hormone Labs

We can refer you to Blood Draw stations or have a mobile phlebotomist come to you.
Many patients use their primary care provider or online labs to get the laboratory testing Dr. Collins needs.

Once your lab results are ready, Dr. Collins will schedule an hour-long appointment during which you will discuss your chief complaint and medical history. Other key factors, such as stress, trauma, social environment, current medication, diet, and exercise, will also be reviewed.

Dr. Collins will discuss the pros and cons, likely and unlikely outcomes, what conventional doctors would offer, and what would happen if no action was taken.

He will evaluate the blood tests and how they relate to any symptoms you're experiencing.

Step 3: Your TRT Plan

If you're a good candidate for TRT, you'll sign an informed consent form and start your personalized protocol that same week, with weekly in-office injections or self-administered treatment at home. Most patients are on treatment within two to three weeks of that first call.

We don’t stop at total testosterone. Your full hormone panel testing typically includes free testosterone, SHBG, estradiol, LH, and FSH, plus a standard metabolic panel. Testosterone doesn’t work in isolation, and treating a single number without the full picture is how men end up with side effects nobody warned them about, high estrogen from unconverted testosterone being the most common one we catch early.

How low testosterone is confirmed and monitored

One low number isn’t a diagnosis. The Endocrine Society recommends a fasting, early-morning total testosterone test, repeated on a second morning, and treatment only when results are consistently low and your symptoms fit.

That’s why the free call comes before any prescription, and why your labs come back before the hour-long visit with Dr. Collins. Once you start treatment, labs are repeated every six months and your dose is adjusted from those results.

The same guideline lists what clinicians should track in the first year: your testosterone level, your hematocrit (a high count raises clot risk) and your prostate cancer risk. It advises a urology referral if PSA rises more than 1.4 ng/mL within 12 months or goes above 4.0 ng/mL.

Male Hormone Replacement Options: Injections, Cream and Lozenges

Once your labs confirm low testosterone, you and Dr. Collins choose a delivery method based on your lifestyle and how your body responds.

Intramuscular injections. Weekly, either self-administered at home or done in-office. Injections give the most stable blood levels of the three options, which is why most patients start here. The trade-off is the needle.

Transdermal cream. Applied daily, no needles, and easy to adjust. Absorption varies more from person to person, so expect more frequent lab checks in the first few months, and you’ll need to avoid skin-to-skin contact with your partner or kids right after applying it.

Oral lozenges. Dissolved under the tongue twice daily. The most convenient option if you travel often, though levels fluctuate more between doses than the other two methods.

Most men who want the steadiest levels and don’t mind a weekly injection choose intramuscular. Men who want to avoid needles usually start with cream. We’ll go through the trade-offs at your first appointment, and you can switch methods later if the first one doesn’t fit your life. Some patients also combine TRT with peptide therapy once their testosterone levels have stabilized.

Why Men Choose Our Bend Testosterone Clinic

Bioidentical Hormones

Proactive Choice uses bioidentical testosterone for TRT in Bend. That means you receive the same testosterone molecule your body naturally produces. TRT is one part of the broader work we do at our men’s health clinic in Bend, and Dr. Collins also works as a hormone doctor in Bend for broader hormone concerns.

About Dr. Drew Collins, ND

Dr. Drew Collins is a licensed naturopathic physician (Oregon license 1332) and a 1984 graduate of Bastyr University. He was named Arizona Naturopathic Physician of the Year in 1992 and has practiced naturopathic and integrative medicine for more than 40 years.

That experience shapes how TRT works at Proactive Choice. Instead of a five-minute prescription refill, Dr. Collins reviews your full labs, your symptoms, and your history himself, and he’s the one who adjusts your protocol every time your six-month labs come back. Read more about Dr. Drew Collins, ND‘s background and approach.

Education

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University, 1984. B.S. in biology and comparative religion, University of Oregon, 1979.

Licensure

Licensed naturopathic physician in Oregon (license 1332), and also licensed in California and Arizona. NPI 1649432709.

Teaching

Founding clinical director and professor. Adjunct faculty at Bastyr University and Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.

Recognition

Arizona Naturopathic Physician of the Year, 1992.

Memberships

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP), AzNMA and the American Academy of Ozone Therapy.

In practice since 1984

More than 40 years of seeing patients as a naturopathic physician.

You can check these yourself. Look up his Oregon license through the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine licensee lookup, or search NPI 1649432709 in the federal NPI registry. One note on wording: naturopathic physicians are licensed after passing the NPLEX board exams. That is a license, not a specialty board certification, and we would rather be exact about it.

What Is Testosterone?

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone. It drives male traits and is a powerful hormone for muscle growth and strength.

Testosterone is essential for:

Supporting energy and endurance

Encouraging muscle growth

Supporting a healthy sex drive

Enhancing erectile quality

Improving cognitive function

Boosting motivation and confidence

Stimulating facial and body hair growth

Maintaining strong bones

Supporting a healthy immune system

Ensuring a good night's sleep

Men produce testosterone through a process involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and testes. If any part of this process is disrupted, the body may not make enough testosterone. As a result, men who experience testicular injury may have lower testosterone levels.

Why Testosterone Matters for Men's Quality of Life

Testosterone, often called the ultimate "male" hormone, plays a crucial role in men’s lives. It boosts confidence, drive, and determination and impacts relationships, careers, sports, and social life.

Typically, the male body produces enough testosterone until around age 25. After that, testosterone levels decline, often resulting in symptoms of low T such as fatigue, difficulty focusing, reduced muscle mass, and sexual issues.

The good news is that these symptoms can often be addressed by restoring and maintaining healthy testosterone levels, usually through testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

Are There Health Risks with Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has real risks, so it should be prescribed and monitored by a licensed clinician who tests before starting. At Proactive Choice, we specialize in treating men with low testosterone (T) using bioidentical testosterone, which mimics the body’s natural testosterone. Before starting TRT, we ensure that all potential candidates undergo the necessary lab tests to determine if TRT is suitable for them. We prioritize the safety and well-being of our patients, offering TRT only to those who will benefit from it with minimal health risks. Two questions we hear often are whether TRT causes hair loss and whether TRT affects fertility, both worth reading before you start if they apply to you.

TRT side effects and what the research says about your heart

Mayo Clinic lists these possible side effects of testosterone therapy:

worse sleep apnea
acne or other skin reactions
prostate growth, both benign enlargement and growth of a prostate cancer that’s already there
breast enlargement
lower sperm production or smaller testicles
too many red blood cells, which adds to the risk of a blood clot

Heart risk is the question men ask most, and the evidence has shifted. Mayo Clinic notes that some research has linked testosterone therapy to heart disease and says more research is needed. The largest trial so far, TRAVERSE, followed 5,246 men aged 45 to 80 who had low testosterone and either heart disease or a high risk of it. After about 22 months, major heart events were no more common on testosterone gel than on placebo (7.0% vs 7.3%), though atrial fibrillation, acute kidney injury and pulmonary embolism were more common in the testosterone group.

So the heart question isn’t closed. That’s one more reason the six-month labs matter as much as the prescription.

Myth vs. Fact: TRT Safety

Myth: TRT causes prostate cancer.
Current research hasn’t shown that TRT causes prostate cancer in men without pre-existing disease. That said, we screen for prostate risk factors before starting anyone on treatment.

Myth: Once you start TRT, you can never stop.
You can stop TRT at any time. Your natural production may take time to recover, and that recovery timeline is something we discuss before you start, not after.

Myth: TRT is just for bodybuilders and steroid users.
The men we treat are mostly regular guys in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who want their energy and mood back, not competitive athletes chasing extreme results.

TRT Cost and Insurance in Bend

TRT cost depends on which delivery method you choose and how often you need lab monitoring, and it’s one of the most common questions we get before someone books a first call.

Most insurance plans don’t cover testosterone therapy unless a diagnosis meets specific medical criteria, and even then, coverage varies by carrier. We’ll go through your specific numbers at your consultation rather than quote a one-size-fits-all price here, since a weekly self-injected protocol costs differently than in-office visits or daily cream.

Results: What's Realistic and When

Most men notice a mood and energy shift within the first two to four weeks, often before their next lab draw. Libido and muscle response typically follow around the six to eight week mark, once your levels have stabilized.

Full results, meaningful changes in body composition, sleep quality, and mental clarity, usually take three to six months of consistent treatment and monitoring. TRT isn’t a switch that flips overnight, and anyone promising dramatic results in the first week is overselling it. What you should expect early on is feeling noticeably less grumpy and more motivated to get out of bed, which is often the first sign it’s working before the bigger changes show up.

TRT vs. Doing Nothing

Without Treatment

Fatigue and low motivation continue or worsen.

Body fat keeps creeping up despite diet and exercise.

Libido and mood keep declining with age.

Risk factors like insulin resistance and low bone density go unaddressed.

With Monitored TRT

Energy and motivation typically improve within weeks.

Body composition responds better to diet and exercise.

Libido and mood stabilize for most patients.

Levels are tracked every six months to catch problems early.

TRT FAQs: Testosterone Therapy in Bend

1. Why would someone as young as 35 need Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

Age should not be the primary consideration in the decision to pursue Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). Dr. Collins and the team at Proactive Choice in Central Oregon have observed significant benefits from TRT in individuals ranging from 22 to 80 years old. The focus lies on optimizing testosterone levels and addressing symptoms associated with low Testosterone, regardless of age.

2. I always thought TRT was mainly for libido issues. Are there other reasons for starting TRT?

Yes. Libido is only part of it. Patients on TRT with Dr. Collins have reported better energy, mental clarity, sleep and mood. Results vary from man to man, and TRT isn't a treatment for heart disease; the side effects section above covers what the research shows.

3. So, TRT can help more than my libido?

Correct. While TRT can positively influence aspects of intimacy and sexual function, it encompasses a broader spectrum of health enhancements. At Proactive Choice, the emphasis is on optimizing overall well-being and quality of life through tailored TRT protocols.

4. Why choose Dr. Collins and Proactive Choice for TRT instead of my primary care physician?

The decision to undergo TRT should be approached with careful consideration and expertise. Dr. Collins and his trusted Pharmacist colleagues possess specialized knowledge and experience in natural hormone replacement, ensuring personalized care and optimal outcomes. Their dedication to patient-centric care and commitment to holistic wellness sets them apart in the field. Additionally, Proactive Choice offers the flexibility for patients to administer TRT at home using transdermal cream, oral lozenges, or intramuscular injections, providing convenience and privacy.

5. I've heard concerns about negative side effects with TRT. Can you address those?

Indeed, potential side effects are a legitimate concern. However, under the guidance of Dr. Collins and the vigilant oversight of laboratory testing every six months, adverse outcomes are mitigated through thorough monitoring and individualized treatment adjustments. Dr. Collins' commitment to patient safety and well-being ensures a comprehensive and supportive TRT experience, whether administered at home or in the clinic.

6. Can TRT help with weight loss?

It can help, but it isn't a weight loss drug. Some patients at Proactive Choice have lost weight on TRT alongside changes to diet and exercise. Body composition usually takes three to six months to change, and it rarely changes without the diet and exercise part.

7. How do you confirm my testosterone is actually low?

With two blood draws, not one. Dr. Collins orders a fasting, early-morning total testosterone test and repeats it on a second morning, because about 30 percent of men with one low result test normal the second time. The American Urological Association uses 300 ng/dL as a reasonable cut-off. The first panel also checks free testosterone, LH, FSH, estradiol, hematocrit and PSA, so the cause is clear before treatment comes up. TRT is offered only when the numbers stay low and your symptoms fit.

8. How is TRT administered?

At Proactive Choice, TRT can be administered in various forms, including weekly intramuscular injections, daily transdermal cream, or oral lozenges. Patients have the opportunity to choose the delivery method that aligns with their preferences and lifestyle. The expert team at Proactive Choice provides thorough guidance and support, ensuring safe and effective TRT administration, whether at home or in the clinic.

9. What level do you aim for once I start TRT?

Feeling better with numbers in a safe range, not pushing testosterone as high as it will go. The Endocrine Society guideline aims for the middle of the normal range for healthy young men. Dr. Collins adjusts your dose or delivery method based on how you feel and on follow-up labs, and watches hematocrit and PSA closely, since both can rise on treatment.

Visiting Our TRT Clinic in Bend

Our Bend testosterone clinic is at 601 NW Harmon Blvd #10, Bend, OR 97703. Men come to us for TRT and male hormone replacement from across Central Oregon.

Call (858) 333-5196 or use the form below to book your free 10-minute consult. Prefer email? Reach us through our contact page.

Book an Appointment

Complete the form below to request an appointment with Dr. Drew Collins. You can also call the clinic at (858) 333-5196.

      Excellent rating  
 Based on 24 reviews 
    
  
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After struggling with molluscum contagiosum for over a year and a half with my toddler, we finally found relief thanks to Dr. Drew Collins. I can’t recommend him enough. My son had these viral bumps for about 18 months, and they just kept spreading. We brought it up multiple times with our pediatrician and were told they would resolve on their own within a few months. Unfortunately, that never happened. Instead, the bumps continued to spread and were slowly working their way up toward his neck. They were itchy, uncomfortable, and clearly bothering him. Like many parents, I spent a lot of time searching online for solutions. The problem is that there really aren’t clear protocols—just countless suggestions from people trying anything and everything. We tried many of those approaches, but nothing helped, and some even seemed to make things worse. When we finally met with Dr. Drew Collins, the experience was completely different. He took the time to listen, understand the situation, and develop a thoughtful treatment plan. The plan was surprisingly simple—just one supplement—but within about a month we started seeing real improvement. Now, about three months later, my son only has a few small scabs left where the bumps used to be, and they’re healing up nicely. After 18 months of watching this spread and worrying about it, seeing such clear progress has been a huge relief. We’re incredibly grateful for Drew’s help and expertise. If you’re dealing with persistent molluscum or similar issues and feel like you’ve run out of options, I would absolutely recommend scheduling a visit with him.
     
   Lindsay Jones 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Collins has a heart for getting you well. Having had cancer fourteen years ago, I have no thyroid gland. Many doctors have had the “well the numbers look good, you must be feeling well” approach. Dr. Collins understands many reasons why things may not be right even though tests show they should be. He is more interested in you feeling well than the numbers. His approach has revealed things about my present condition I think many doctors missed. While he had my thyroid hormone condition under control, another issue sprang up that traditional doctors approached with the usual pain medications. My gut was constantly hurting. MRIs and ultra sounds, showed nothing. No one offered any reason for my pain. Dr. Collins correctly identified pain in fatty tissues and an incorrect balance of gut microbes. More and more information is being found all the time about how important your gut health is to the rest of your body. Dr. Collins takes a great interest in this subject. He is very concerned for the health of the gut in the American diet that has been terribly broken down by pesticides typically sprayed on seed products and the toxic byproducts of seed oils (wheat, corn, rye, barley, rice and so forth).  He has discovered the findings from MIT and a heart surgeon Dr. William Davis who published Super Gut, that showed there is a missing gut biome called L. Reuteri. Without this biome, all the fatty pain tissues and issues inside the gut caused my pain. Dr. Collins graciously offered a free starter of L. Reuteri and the instructions to grow a yogurt from these bacteria. I was on my way to health. Dr. Collins makes clear that you must have the desire to “follow” the treatment. For this treatment I needed to get off all seed products and take the yogurt daily. This takes some time, several months and at first it was difficult to tell if I was getting better. By the third month there was no doubt. I lost eighteen pounds of fat over my gut and the pain went away. The pain from my sciatica went away due to a reduction in inflammation. This is a side benefit I did not expect. My back hurt less, again, a reduction in inflammation. My skin started looking better. Soon, my wife started taking it because she had trouble with inflammation in her hands. Indeed, her hands and knuckles started to improve, and also her skin. Dr. Collins wants everyone to know about this, and so do I. I highly recommend this treatment and other natural approaches that Dr. Collins employs.
     
   Robert Mehl 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Drew is amazing! He’s kind, good at explaining everything and has wonderful bedside manner. He really knows how to make you feel comfortable. On top of all of that he is very skilled at what he does. I came to Dr. Drew for my knee which has been giving me issues for years. I had a terrible fall on the ice here in Bend, OR a few days before. Not only did he address my knee but he addressed my fractured tailbone and all the pain I was having for my fall. No joke, I had a noticeable relief by the time I was leaving his office. I experienced some pain and soreness that night from all of the injections but within two days I was sitting on my tailbone again and walking around without excruciating pain. I’m now committed to going through the process to address pain in my shoulders hip and knees. Can’t wait to keep the healing going! Thank you Dr. Drew!!
     
   Alice Fairbairn 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Drew Collins is an Amazing naturopath. He saved me from having a knee replacement!  I had 6 PRP shots and was fine! That was 14 years ago! I've also done prolotherapy for my shoulders and hands with him. He is wonderful!
     
   Dona Davis 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been working with Dr.Collins for close to ten years now. I first came to him because I am a Doctor of Chiropractic and needed help with staying in business. Over the years using my arms, hands , wrists, elbows and spine to treat patients with chiropractic I developed a lot of tendinitis and nerve pain that was so severe I  couldn't practice. With expert clinical care and diagnosis Dr.Collins was able to use regenerative medicine to heal these injuries. I am so happy to say that I now practice  pain free. Furthermore as I am in my 50's now I needed help with my diminishing hormone levels. Dr.Collins analyzed my blood work and  using bioidentical hormones brought my levels up to normal and completed the healing process for me. Now my energy, mood, motivation and love for being a chiropractor are back . I come from a medical family and have worked with other doctors for 30 years, Dr.Collins is the most talented doctor I have met. He is a level above  in clinical expertise and has the greatest amount of knowledge and available treatment that I have experienced.
     
   Patrick Rardin 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Collins is awesome and helped me when no other doctor could.  I went to see Dr. Collins due to multiple medical problems due to a car accident.  Dr. Collins treated my neck, shoulders, lower back and knees with tremendous success. I had seen many pain management specialists in the past who could only provide temporary pain relief with treatments and medications but Dr. Collins provided me with concrete permanent results. In addition his treatments were pain free! I had very bad knee pain due to degenerative arthritis and all pain is gone now.  I had excruciating pain in my lower back and that is gone now because of Dr. Collins treatments. I had frozen muscles and tendons in my shoulders and neck and he was the only doctor that successfully gave me permanent relief.  In closing, if you are really motivated to get relief from persistent pain go see Dr. Collins and you won't regret it.  He specializes in ozone therapy, hormone replacement, hypothyroidism, prolotherapy, stem cell therapy, anti-aging, nutrition and offers concierge medicine. I am more than grateful that he is conveniently located in Bend so I can see him for all my medical needs in the future.
     
   Desiree Kerkhoff Bryant 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Collins has been my physician since 2010. He has kept me healthy with his exceptional skill set & that includes Bio-identical hormone therapy & thyroid treatment.  I feel fortunate to be his patient.
     
   Dana Schultz 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you so much Dr. Collins for balancing my hormones and thyroid for many years. I feel great under your care. Anytime I have a question or concern you always get right back to me. I appreciate the care you take with my health.
     
   Sharon Reeve 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been a patient of Dr. Collins for almost 20 years and he has helped me so much with my overall health and well-being. Not only is he a brilliant doctor, he is a kind and compassionate person who truly cares for his patients. Dr. Collins helped me overcome a terrible hip injury that wasn't responding to conventional treatments. In addition, he balanced my Thyroid Hormones and has helped me with numerous other ailments. I highly recommend Dr. Collins and can't say enough good things about him. I love you Dr. Collins and will be a patient for life!
     
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