How to Prepare for a CT Scan

This guide outlines how to prepare for your CT scan, including what to wear, eating and drinking instructions, and information about contrast dye. Following these steps helps ensure accurate images and a smooth appointment.

New to CT? Read What Is a CT Scan and How Does It Work? for a simple overview before your appointment.

Check your referral

Your referral form or booking confirmation will specify whether your scan requires contrast. Preparation can differ depending on the type of CT ordered by your doctor.

Unsure why CT was requested? See Why Your Doctor Might Refer You for a CT Scan.

General preparation

  • Bring your referral, Medicare card, and any previous imaging if available.
  • Arrive 10–15 minutes before your appointment to complete forms.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zips, belts, or buttons.
  • Leave jewellery, watches, and piercings at home when possible.
  • Continue taking your usual medications unless instructed otherwise.

Fasting and hydration

  • If your scan uses contrast, avoid eating for 2–4 hours before your appointment.
  • Drink water to stay hydrated; clear fluids are usually fine.
  • If your scan does not use contrast, you can generally eat and drink normally.

Learn how contrast affects preparation in CT Scan with Contrast vs Without Contrast.

Patients with diabetes or kidney conditions

  • Tell us if you have diabetes or kidney problems. These conditions can affect how your body handles contrast dye.
  • If you take metformin, you may need to pause it temporarily after your scan. We will give specific instructions.
  • Bring a list of current medications with you.

Contrast injection preparation

  • For contrast scans, a small IV cannula will be placed in your arm.
  • Let staff know if you have had any reaction to iodine contrast before.
  • Inform us of asthma, allergies, thyroid disease, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

For more on safety, read Are CT Scans Safe?

Pregnancy and children

  • If you are or might be pregnant, inform us before your scan. We will assess whether CT is necessary or suggest an alternative such as ultrasound or MRI.
  • For children, we tailor scanning protocols to keep radiation dose as low as possible.

On the day of your scan

  1. Arrive a few minutes early to complete your questionnaire.
  2. Remove metal items and change into a gown if required.
  3. If contrast is used, you will have a brief consultation before the injection.
  4. Relax and follow the radiographer’s instructions during the scan.

Curious what happens during the scan? Read What to Expect During a CT Scan.

After your scan

  • If you had contrast, drink extra water through the day to help flush it from your body.
  • You can eat, drink, and resume normal activities immediately unless told otherwise.
  • If you notice redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site, contact us or your GP.

Quick checklist

  • Referral and Medicare card ready
  • Loose, metal-free clothing
  • Follow fasting instructions if contrast is used
  • Drink water before and after
  • Arrive early to allow time for paperwork

In summary

Most CT scans require little preparation. Following these simple steps helps ensure clear images and a safe, efficient experience. If you are unsure about fasting, medications, or contrast, contact our team before your appointment.

Dosing, Timing, And Food — Getting It Right With Enclomiphene. Visit Our Pharmacy ↓


Enclomiphene in Australia: A Doctor’s Review of the Modern Testosterone Restoration Option for Men Over 30

Attention: Is Low Testosterone Quietly Stealing Your Edge After 30?

If you are a man over 30, you may have noticed changes that creep up slowly: waking up exhausted despite a full night’s sleep, losing muscle even though you train, a waistline that refuses to shrink, brain fog in the middle of a work meeting, and a libido that no longer matches your partner’s expectations. Many Australian men are told their blood tests are “within normal range” and sent home with no solution. But here is what I tell my patients: normal on a lab sheet is not the same as optimal for you.

As a doctor working with men’s hormonal health, I have seen how untreated low testosterone — or even low-normal testosterone with symptoms — can damage confidence, relationships, and quality of life. The good news is that there is a newer, smarter approach that does not simply replace testosterone from the outside. It encourages your own body to produce more naturally. That approach is enclomiphene.

Interest: Why Many Australian Men Over 30 Are Overlooked

Enclomiphene is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator, or SERM. It works by blocking oestrogen receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. This makes the brain think oestrogen levels are lower than they actually are, so it releases more luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones then signal the testes to produce more testosterone and maintain sperm production.

Unlike traditional testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), enclomiphene does not shut down your own hormonal axis. For men who still want to maintain fertility, avoid injections, or preserve natural rhythms, this is a significant advantage. It is particularly relevant for Australian men in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who may still wish to have children, or who simply do not want the long-term dependency that can come with external testosterone.

Enclomiphene vs Anastrozole: Comparison for Testosterone Boost

Many men ask me about anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor sometimes used off-label to raise testosterone by lowering oestrogen. While anastrozole can increase testosterone modestly, it often creates a new problem: oestrogen levels fall too low. In men, some oestrogen is essential for libido, mood, joint comfort, and bone strength. I see men on anastrozole who develop joint pain, low sex drive, fatigue, and irritability — the very symptoms they wanted to fix.

Enclomiphene takes a more balanced approach. It raises testosterone while generally keeping oestradiol in a healthier range. Here is a direct comparison:

FeatureEnclomipheneAnastrozole
MechanismBlocks oestrogen feedback at brain; raises LH and FSHBlocks aromatase enzyme; lowers oestradiol
Testosterone effectRaises endogenous testosterone by stimulating testesModest indirect rise
FertilityPreserved or improvedGenerally neutral, but may reduce sperm maturation
Oestradiol levelMaintained or mildly increasedSignificantly lowered
Common concernsRare visual changes, possible mood swingsJoint pain, low libido, fatigue, bone loss risk
Best forMen wanting natural testosterone restoration and fertility preservationMen with confirmed high oestradiol despite normal testosterone

In my practice, for the typical man over 30 with low or low-normal testosterone and bothersome symptoms, enclomiphene is usually the more patient-friendly first choice.

Enclomiphene and Bone Density: Potential Benefits

Bone health is often ignored in men until a fracture occurs. Low testosterone and low oestradiol both contribute to reduced bone mineral density. Because enclomiphene stimulates natural testosterone production and generally preserves oestradiol through normal aromatisation, it may support better skeletal health than medications that drastically lower oestrogen.

Anastrozole, by contrast, can reduce oestradiol so much that bone resorption increases, raising the long-term risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis. For men over 30 who want to protect their spine, hips, and long-term mobility, enclomiphene offers a potential advantage. More research is ongoing, but the physiological rationale is strong: maintain healthy testosterone and oestrogen balance, and you give bone tissue the signals it needs to repair and remain dense.

Enclomiphene and Relationship Dynamics: Patient Advice

Low testosterone does not only affect the man — it affects the couple. Partners often describe feeling rejected, confused, or unattractive when libido drops. Men may avoid intimacy because of fatigue, erectile difficulty, or low confidence. This creates a painful cycle of distance.

When I prescribe enclomiphene, I also give relationship advice:

  • Be honest with your partner. Explain that low testosterone is a medical issue, not a reflection of attraction.
  • Set realistic expectations. Enclomiphene typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to improve energy and libido. Patience helps both partners.
  • Rebuild non-sexual connection. Spend time together without pressure. As energy and mood improve, intimacy often follows naturally.
  • Track changes together. Keep a simple journal of energy, mood, libido, and sleep. This helps you both see progress.

Many men report that after 6 to 12 weeks on enclomiphene, they feel more confident, more engaged, and more present in their relationships. That is often the outcome that matters most.

How to Minimise Enclomiphene Side Effects

Enclomiphene is generally well tolerated, but like any medicine it can cause side effects in some men. The most commonly reported are headache, mood changes, hot flushes, and — rarely — visual disturbances. The good news is that many side effects can be minimised with the right strategy.

Potential side effectPractical strategy
HeadacheTake in the morning with food; stay hydrated; avoid alcohol excess
Mood swings or irritabilityStart low dose as directed; ensure adequate sleep; monitor with your doctor
Hot flushesUsually transient; reduce caffeine, spicy foods, and hot showers
Visual changesStop immediately and contact your doctor; do not drive if vision is affected
Stomach discomfortTake with a light meal; avoid taking on an empty stomach

Always follow the dose prescribed by your Australian doctor. The goal is the lowest effective dose that restores energy, libido, and wellbeing without unnecessary side effects.

Enclomiphene and Blood Donation Eligibility

Many of my patients are generous Australians who regularly donate blood through Australian Red Cross Lifeblood. A common question is whether enclomiphene affects eligibility. In general, enclomiphene is not listed as an automatic deferral medication by Lifeblood. However, you must always declare all medications and medical conditions at the donor interview.

If your low testosterone is due to an underlying pituitary or testicular condition, the assessing nurse or doctor may require further information. If you are also using injectable testosterone or other androgens, different rules apply and you may be deferred. Always call Lifeblood on 13 14 95 or check their online medication list before donating. Do not assume you are ineligible — most men on enclomiphene alone can usually donate, but individual assessment is required.

Enclomiphene and Voice Changes in Men

Some men worry that hormonal medication will change their voice. Enclomiphene is not an anabolic steroid, and it does not act like high-dose testosterone. For adult men, voice deepening from testosterone occurs mainly if puberty was incomplete or if testosterone has been profoundly low for a long time.

In my experience, voice changes on enclomiphene are uncommon. Some men notice slightly improved vocal stamina or clarity because overall energy and confidence improve. It does not cause a feminising or high-pitched voice. If you experience hoarseness or persistent voice change, it is usually unrelated — such as reflux or vocal strain — and should be assessed separately.

Can Enclomiphene Cause Vision Problems?

This is an important safety topic. Enclomiphene is closely related to clomiphene, which has been associated with rare visual disturbances such as blurred vision, floaters, light sensitivity, or visual trails. Enclomiphene appears to have a lower incidence of these effects than clomiphene, but the risk is not zero.

If you notice any change in vision while taking enclomiphene, stop the medication immediately and contact your prescribing doctor. Do not “wait and see.” An ophthalmology review may be recommended. For most men, visual side effects are reversible after stopping, but early action is essential. This is also why I recommend an eye examination before starting if you have a history of retinal or optic nerve problems.

How to Store Enclomiphene Properly

Proper storage protects the medication and ensures it works as intended. Enclomiphene in Australia is often supplied through a compounding pharmacy, which may be capsules or an oral liquid.

Storage factorRecommendation
TemperatureStore below 25°C; avoid hot cars, windowsills, and bathrooms
LightKeep in original amber container away from direct sunlight
MoistureDo not store in humid areas; keep lid tightly closed
Liquid formulationsFollow pharmacy label; some compounded liquids may require refrigeration
ExpiryNever use after expiry date; discard safely at a pharmacy

Desire: What Enclomiphene Can Give You Back

Imagine waking up with energy that lasts past 3 p.m. Picture yourself performing at work with a clear head, training with more strength, and looking in the mirror without frustration. Think about what it would feel like to genuinely desire your partner again, to be playful, confident, and present instead of tired and distant.

That is what many men over 30 experience when their testosterone is restored with enclomiphene. It is not a magic pill, but it is a targeted medical tool that works with your physiology rather than against it. You keep your fertility. You avoid weekly injections. You reduce the risk of crashing your oestrogen. And you give your body the signal it has been missing.

Action: How to Access Enclomiphene in Australia

Enclomiphene is not a standard PBS-listed medicine in Australia, but it is available through compounding pharmacies with a valid prescription from a doctor experienced in men’s health. Many Australian telehealth clinics now specialise in hormone assessment and can arrange blood tests, consultation, and prescription delivery.

Here is your next step:

  1. Book a consultation with a doctor who understands male hormones and is familiar with enclomiphene.
  2. Get comprehensive blood tests — not just total testosterone, but free testosterone, LH, FSH, oestradiol, full blood count, and metabolic panel.
  3. Ask specifically about enclomiphene as an option to restore your own testosterone production.
  4. Start treatment and follow up with repeat blood tests at 4 to 8 weeks to monitor response and safety.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice. Only a qualified Australian medical practitioner can determine if enclomiphene is appropriate for you.



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