What is PSA (prostate-specific antigen)?
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland whose blood levels are measured to screen for prostate abnormalities, particularly important before starting and during testosterone replacement therapy.
PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, is a protein made by the prostate gland. A PSA blood test measures the concentration of this protein in your bloodstream and serves as a marker for prostate health. Higher PSA levels can indicate benign prostate enlargement, prostate inflammation, or in some cases, prostate cancer, though elevated PSA alone does not confirm any particular condition.
For men considering or undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), PSA testing is particularly relevant because testosterone can stimulate prostate growth and potentially raise PSA levels. Most TRT providers perform a baseline PSA test before treatment begins to establish your starting point, then monitor PSA periodically during therapy to track any changes. This allows clinicians to catch significant rises early and adjust treatment or recommend further evaluation if needed.
PSA levels are measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). What constitutes a "normal" PSA varies by age, race, and individual factors, so your provider will interpret your results in context rather than against a single cutoff. Routine PSA monitoring during TRT helps balance the benefits of hormone replacement with proactive prostate surveillance. Men's health clinics in Florida that offer TRT typically include PSA screening as part of their standard pre-treatment and follow-up protocols.