It's estimated that about 5 million men in the U.S. have low testosterone. Unfortunately, just 10 to 15% actually seek out low testosterone treatment, in part because many men do not realize that low T causes a range of side effects beyond sexual dysfunction. Low T may lead to lost muscle mass, depression, irritability, low energy and much more.
The good news is there are many ways to receive testosterone replacement therapy, and TRT is very effective in restoring normal testosterone levels and alleviating symptoms. The following are the forms of testosterone therapy that your doctor may recommend.
The good news is there are many ways to receive testosterone replacement therapy, and TRT is very effective in restoring normal testosterone levels and alleviating symptoms. The following are the forms of testosterone therapy that your doctor may recommend.
How Testosterone Injections Work
Testosterone injections -- such as Depo-Testosterone and Delatestryl -- are viewed as the most effective form of TRT. Testosterone replacement injections are done once every one or two weeks. While many men find this is more convenient than a gel that must be applied every day, there is a downside, as injections make it harder to control your hormone levels. Your levels will typically spike right after your injection but get a bit low right before your next shot. This can be reduced by performing the injections closer together, such as once a week.
Testosterone injections are the most affordable form of testosterone replacement therapy as well. Gel and topical testosterone usually costs about five times more.
Testosterone injections are the most affordable form of testosterone replacement therapy as well. Gel and topical testosterone usually costs about five times more.
What About Gels?
You've probably seen commercials for prescription testosterone gel like AndroGel. This type of hormone therapy has advantages, and it's safe and effective. Gels are applied to your shoulders or arms every day. Just remember that the gel will cause skin irritation, and you must be very careful to keep the gel out of reach and wash your hands thoroughly to keep the medication from coming into contact with women or children in the home.
Pellets: Long-Term Testosterone Therapy
If you want hormone replacement with the ultimate in convenience, pellets may be an option. These pellets are injected under your skin and deliver a steady amount of testosterone directly into your blood stream for three to six months. There's no need to worry about daily or weekly applications, but you will need follow-up blood tests.
24-Hour Testosterone Patches
Patches like Androderm work like nicotine patches. You'll need to apply a new patch every night, choosing a new site every time to help minimize skin irritation. Testosterone patches are often more convenient than gels, which are messy and run the risk that someone will accidentally touch the medication.
Oral Testosterone Tablets
Another interesting option available today is a tablet, such as Striant, that you place under your upper lip. These tablets are replaced twice a day. You don't chew or swallow the tablet, but let it rest in your mouth and mold to your gum, where it won't interfere with eating or drinking. Throughout the day, it releases testosterone into your blood stream.
Testosterone Pills
Experts are moving away from prescribing testosterone pills, as studies have found them to be the most toxic of all forms of testosterone replacement therapy. All other forms of TRT, including injections, patches and gels, bypass the liver and deliver testosterone into the blood stream to avoid the serious liver complications associated with oral testosterone medication.
If you have been diagnosed with low testosterone or you have symptoms of low T, it's time to speak with a hormone specialist at HealthGains today to discuss treatment options and the best form of testosterone replacement for your needs. Visit HealthGains.com for more information.
If you have been diagnosed with low testosterone or you have symptoms of low T, it's time to speak with a hormone specialist at HealthGains today to discuss treatment options and the best form of testosterone replacement for your needs. Visit HealthGains.com for more information.