Treatment FAQ

what is the most effective treatment for low testosterone + gel or injection

by Lottie Marquardt Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Popular methods for treating Low T include: Intramuscular Injection is the traditional delivery method for a patient to receive testosterone into the body quickly. Intramuscular injections produce rapid, long-lasting results. Injections may need to be administered every few weeks or once every few months depending on your needs.

Full Answer

What is the best treatment for low testosterone?

What is the Best Treatment for Low Testosterone?

  • Symptoms of Low T. ...
  • Enhancing your testosterone the safe and easy way. ...
  • Popular methods for treating Low T include: Intramuscular Injection is the traditional delivery method for a patient to receive testosterone into the body quickly.
  • Get fast, powerful relief and put Low T behind you for good. ...

What are the risks of low testosterone treatment?

Low testosterone can cause lower energy levels, insomnia and other changes in your sleep patterns. Testosterone replacement therapy may contribute to or cause sleep apnea .

What medications can lower testosterone levels?

What Medications Can Lower Testosterone Levels?

  • Avoid These Medications to Improve Testosterone Levels. A testosterone deficiency can occur in males for a variety of reasons. ...
  • Opioids. ...
  • Anti-Anxiety and Antidepressants. ...
  • Statins. ...
  • Alcohol in Excess and Recreational Drug Use. ...
  • Hypertension and Beta-Blocker Medications. ...

What is the best testosterone injection?

Testosterone Injections: Testosterone Cypionate (Depo-Testosterone) Testosterone injections are the gold standard in therapeutic Testosterone replacement, and despite what the uninformed may tell you, sport a safety record that anti-depressants, Tylenol, and aspirin can only dream of. As you investigate TRT, a distinct pattern seems to emerge.

image

Which is better testosterone gel or injection?

The study abstract concludes that, "Testosterone injections were associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular events, hospitalizations, and deaths compared with gels.

What is the most effective form of testosterone replacement therapy?

There are several forms of testosterone replacement therapy. However, our team prefers testosterone replacement injections to help you improve your overall health. Injectable testosterone replacement therapy can help you feel better more quickly than other types of testosterone administration.

Is testosterone cream as good as injections?

Aside from these primary differentiators, the creams and injections provide very similar results under the guidance of a progressive-minded physician. You will end up getting the same physiological benefits with either method: muscle mass gain, cognitive enhancement, greater energy levels, and endurance.

What is the best form of testosterone to take?

The recommended dosing regimen of testosterone enanthate or testosterone cypionate for testosterone therapy is 100 to 200 mg every week or 150 to 400 mg every other week. Weekly injections are preferred because more frequent injections lower fluctuations in serum testosterone.

What is the best treatment for low testosterone?

Testosterone replacement therapy, in the form of injections, pellets, patches or gels, can improve the signs and symptoms of low testosterone in these men.

What are the negative effects of testosterone shots?

Testosterone injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:acne.breast enlargement or pain.hoarseness.deepening of voice.pain, redness, bruising, bleeding, or hardness at injection site.tiredness.difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.mood swings.More items...•

Is testosterone gel effective?

Testosterone gels are as efficacious as patches and injectable forms in their effects on sexual function and mood. Anticipated increases in prostate-specific antigen with testosterone therapy are not significantly different with testosterone gels, and the risk of polycythemia is lower than injectable modalities.

How long does it take for testosterone gel to work?

Effects on sexual interest appear after 3 weeks plateauing at 6 weeks, with no further increments expected beyond. Changes in erections/ejaculations may require up to 6 months. Effects on quality of life manifest within 3–4 weeks, but maximum benefits take longer.

What happens if you use too much testosterone gel?

To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Misuse or abuse of testosterone can cause serious side effects such as heart disease (including heart attack), stroke, liver disease, mental/mood problems, abnormal drug-seeking behavior, or improper bone growth (in adolescents).

Where do you apply testosterone gel for maximum absorption?

Apply on the shoulders and upper arms as directed. Do not apply to other parts of the body including the abdomen, genitals, chest, armpits, or knees. Be sure you use the correct total dose. It is best to wait 2 hours after application of the gel before washing, showering, or swimming.

How long does it take to feel the effects of testosterone injections?

Most individuals will start to notice significant changes within 4 to 6 weeks of beginning treatment with testosterone injections, but some changes may actually be felt and seen much earlier.

How long does a testosterone injection last?

About 17 percent of men treated for low T receive testosterone injections every 7 to 22 days. Testosterone levels peak two to three days after the injection and then slowly drop until the next dose of the hormone is given. There are also testosterone patches that men can use.

What are the different types of testosterone replacement therapy?

Types of testosterone replacement therapyGel. There are several gels and solutions available, with different ways of applying them. ... Injection. Testosterone cypionate (Depo-Testosterone) and testosterone enanthate are given in a muscle or under the skin. ... Patch. ... Gum and cheek (buccal cavity). ... Nasal. ... Implantable pellets.

What are the three types of testosterone?

4 Types of Injectable TestosteroneEnanthate. Used for men who do not produce enough testosterone, enanthate is a type of injectable testosterone that is derivative of the primary endogenous androgen testosterone, for intramuscular administration. ... Cypionate. ... Propionate. ... Testosterone Suspension.

Does Ashwagandha improve testosterone?

Another study suggested ashwagandha increases exercise performance, strength, and fat loss while boosting testosterone levels ( 31 ). What's more, one small study in 57 men found that taking 600 mg of ashwagandha extract increased testosterone levels by nearly 15% after 8 weeks compared to a placebo ( 32 ).

What is testosterone gel prescribed for?

Descriptions. Testosterone topical gel is used for the treatment of males whose bodies do not make enough natural testosterone, a condition called hypogonadism. Testosterone is a male hormone responsible for the growth and development of the male sex organs and maintenance of secondary sex characteristics.

What are the three ways to treat testosterone?

They include: Testosterone Injections. Testosterone Pellets. Testosterone Gel. Testosteron e injections are the classic form of TRT and have been in use for decades. Injections remain one of the most popular forms as they are fast-acting, ...

How to select the best testosterone therapy?

So the only way to select the best form of testosterone therapy is to consult with a medical expert. And after researching your medical history and blood tests doctor will select the most effective and safe form of TRT for you.

How long does it take for testosterone to increase?

People on injection therapy see an improvement in their testosterone levels within 30 days. Seeing an increase in levels so quickly can not only lessen symptoms of low T but can also help doctors make sure the dosage is right for you.

What is the first choice for testosterone therapy?

The quick results and ease of adjustment mean injections are generally the first choice for testosterone therapy. Learn more about the effects of testosterone injections and how long does it take to see results.

What happens if you take too much testosterone?

Your doctor will likely change your dosage if you experience any of these. Being on the wrong dosage of testosterone can lead to the risk of serious health concerns, such as: 1 Clotting 2 Stroke 3 Heart attack 4 Heart disease 5 Prostate cancer

What are the side effects of testosterone injections?

For women receiving testosterone injections, side effects might also include: Increased acne. Changes to the menstrual cycle. Male-pattern hair growth. Hoarseness or voice deepening. Enlarged clitoris. Your doctor will likely change your dosage if you experience any of these.

Where are testosterone pellets inserted?

The pellets are about as big as a grain of rice and are bioidentical, meaning that they are made from plants to be naturally identical to hormones already found in the body. The pellets are inserted into your body at your hip.

Does low testosterone affect men?

Many men have resolved to live with the effects of low testosterone. But low testosterone is more than low energy, disturbed sleep and moodiness-it affects quality of life and can eventually significantly impair a man’s long term health.

Is testosterone gel painless?

Topical testosterone gels are painless but not as convenient as other treatments and therapies. A man applies gel in certain specific areas around the body according to a doctor’s instructions. End results are comparable to other methods, but application into the blood stream may take more time and levels may not be as optimal throughout the treatment period as with pellet therapy.

Is it safe to take hormone replacement therapy?

If you choose bioidentical hormone therapy and seek treatment with an experienced Functional Medicine doctor, HRT can be a very effective and safe solution to feeling better, looking younger and performing stronger.

What is testosterone gel?

This makes sense when you think about it. Testosterone gel and patches are transdermal delivery methods. This means the testosterone has to cross through your skin, fat, muscle, and blood vessels before it gets into your system. Testosterone injections bypass some of these barriers.

What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

TRT is a method of returning testosterone within the body to normal, healthy levels. As men age, the level of testosterone in the bloodstream typically declines 0.4-2.6% per year. Almost one-quarter of men over 30 suffer from low T. The result is hypogonadal levels (that is, too little testosterone for normal body function) in millions of men. Besides aging, other causes of low T include obesity, alcoholism, and stress.

What is the goal of TRT?

The goal of TRT is to supplement the body’s waning testosterone levels, easing or eliminating the related symptoms. TRT has been shown to improve sex drive, restore erectile function, improve mood, and increase bone density and muscle mass.

Can testosterone be given in the office?

Finally, testosterone can be administered through injections. Some healthcare professionals give these injections in the office, but there are often take-home formulations available for your convenience. Low T injections have few side effects and are the most common form of TRT worldwide.

Can testosterone patches be used daily?

Testosterone is also available in patch form, another transdermal (through the skin) delivery method. Patches are also applied daily, and you have to remember to apply them every single day. An unfortunate side effect of testosterone patches is rash and burning at the patch site.

Can testosterone gel be used on other people?

One method of administering testosterone therapy is a topical gel. This is the most commonly prescribed form of TRT in the United States, though not worldwide. The gel is applied daily, and it will diffuse through the skin into the bloodstream. But testosterone gel can also transfer to other people through contact. This can be particularly dangerous for women and children and should be taken into consideration.

Can testosterone injections be administered at home?

By contrast, testosterone injections may be administered less frequently. 2. All methods can be administered conveniently at home. Whether your doctor prescribes the testosterone patch, gel, or injections, there are options for each of these to be administered in the comfort and convenience of your own home. 3.

What is the best treatment for low testosterone?

Testosterone injections are another form of commonly prescribed treatment for low testosterone. Doctors like it for its ability to provide predictable and stable levels of blood testosterone. How effective treatment is depends on the type of testosterone preparation used, e.g. Sustanon, and injection frequency.

What is the best way to administer testosterone replacement therapy?

There are many ways to administer testosterone replacement therapy. And today the most commonly prescribed methods are testosterone injections and gels or creams. Before undergoing TRT it’s important to understand the distinction between these two methods. You should also understand the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision on ...

What is the role of testosterone in midlife?

The male midlife crisis and how testosterone plays its part To help preserve skeletal muscle and avoid muscle wasting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be used to support an optimal hormone environment as we age. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) specifically will ensure there is no catabolic effect of cortisol, which is antagonistic to androgens and testosterone in particular. After the age of 40 in men androgens typically decline and andropause commences. This is the reason men start to observe a ]

How does testosterone help the body?

Testosterone hormone plays many crucial roles in the body, including fat metabolism and muscle growth. When your body does not make enough testosterone, it starts accumulating fats, which increases your risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity. Restoring the levels of testosterone can help your body work normally by burning fats and increasing muscle mass. Keep reading the article to understand what science says about the connection between fat loss and testosterone levels. Testosterone hormone Testosterone is a male hormone that ]

How is testosterone injection administered?

Sustanon, and injection frequency. Testosterone injections are administered in one of two ways. Subcutaneously (SubQ) – i.e. through fat or intramuscular (IM).

Why is testosterone so popular?

And many doctors swear by its ability to raise testosterone. And the reason they’re so popular is because they’re simple to use. They are typically applied to the skin first thing in the morning. Areas of application include; shoulders, upper arms and scrotum.

Can men use testosterone replacement?

Around the world, men use testosterone replacement therapy on a daily basis. It’s becoming a very common treatment that has helped men regain their prowess and enjoy a number of health benefits in the process. However, as you might expect, many men want to know ] Read More.

How to diagnose low testosterone?

Diagnosing low testosterone. Doctors diagnose low testosterone based on a physical exam, a review of symptoms, and the results of multiple blood tests since levels can fluctuate daily. If your doctor diagnoses low testosterone, other tests may be considered before therapy.

How often do you take Testosterone capsules?

Oral therapy. Capsules are swallowed or tablets are attached to your gum or inner cheek twice a day. Testosterone is then absorbed into the bloodstream.

What are the risks of testosterone?

Prostate cancer is another concern, as testosterone can fuel its growth. As a result, the Endocrine Society recommends against testosterone supplementation for men in certain situations, including those who: 1 have prostate or breast cancer 2 have an elevated blood level of prostate-specific antigen (a blood test used to screen for prostate cancer) 3 have a prostate nodule that can be felt during a rectal exam.

How long does it take for testosterone to work?

Most men feel improvement in symptoms within four to six weeks of taking testosterone replacement therapy, although changes like increases in muscle mass may take from three to six months. – By Matthew Solan. Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch.

What causes low testosterone levels?

While falling testosterone levels are a normal part of aging, certain conditions can hasten the decline. Low t risk factors include: injury or infection. chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer. medications, especially hormones used to treat prostate cancer and corticosteroid drugs. chronic illness.

Why do men need testosterone replacement?

Millions of men use testosterone replacement therapy to restore low levels and feel more alert, energetic, mentally sharp, and sexually functional. But it's not that simple. A man's general health also affects his testosterone levels. For instance, being overweight, having diabetes or thyroid problems, and taking certain medications, ...

What is testosterone responsible for?

Produced by the testicles, it is responsible for male characteristics like a deep voice, muscular build, and facial hair. Testosterone also fosters the production of red blood cells, boosts mood, keeps bones strong, and aids thinking ability. Lack of testosterone, often nicknamed, low-t, can cause unwanted symptoms.

How old were the injectable T groups?

At baseline, men in the injectable T group were younger (42.5 ± 12.3 years) than in the T gel or T pellet groups (54.1 ± 9.8 and 53.8 ± 13.0 years, respectively, P < 0.001) (Table 1). More men in the T pellet group had hypertension and hyperlipidemia at baseline, and more men in the T gel group had erectile dysfunction. Baseline FT, Hgb and Hct were slightly higher in the injectable T group than in the T gel or T pellet groups (Table 2). No significant differences were observed in other serum parameters at baseline. Increases in mean T and FT levels were observed beginning at 3 months after TTh initiation and persisted throughout 3 years of follow-up in all T formulation groups (Figure 1, Supplementary Table S1). Overall, TT and FT levels were significantly higher in men receiving injectable T than in T gel or pellet groups.

How many men are affected by hypogonadism?

Hypogonadism affects approximately 2–4 million men in the United States, and is characterized by low serum testosterone (T) levels in association with signs and symptoms of hypogonadism including fatigue, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, anemia, and decreased muscle mass and bone density [1],[2].

What is the T formulation?

Several commonly used T formulations include injectables, transdermal gels, and implantable pellets [12]. While all T preparations are effective, the likelihood of associated side effects is determined by dosage, pharmacokinetics, and method of administration [12],[13]. As such, the selection of T preparation should be a joint decision between the patient and physician, and includes consideration of treatment efficacy, cost, acceptability of the therapy by the patients, and likelihood of specific adverse effects [2],[12]. However, a relative dearth of long-term data directly comparing the effects of T formulations in men on TTh limits physicians' ability to counsel their patients. To better understand how various T formulations impact not only serum T levels, but also the likelihood of related adverse effects, we retrospectively compared the long-term effects of injectable, transdermal, and subcutaneous T pellet formulations in hypogonadal men.

Does T gel increase serum T?

All T formulations increase serum T and FT. More significant increases in E occur with injectable T and T gels. Changes in Hgb and Hct are most significant with injectable T, and effects on lipids are variable and inconsistent. Selection of T formulations must account for individual patient preferences and the effects of each formulation.

How often do you give testosterone injections?

It is given once or twice a month.

How much does a cycle of steroids cost?

A beginner cycle of steroids cost about $300–500 for 12 weeks worth. There are a million ways to build a cycle and there are many different kinds of “steroids” out there.

How much does HGH cost?

HGH is extremely expensive. I pay $500 for 128iu. At 3–5iu/day that means it’s about $500 per month. I’ve never seen real HGH for less than $500/box. If your HGH is less expensive than that you probably have an HGH-stimulating peptide— not real HGH. There’s nothing wrong with that

How often should I get injections?

Injections tend to be done once each week. I see someone here suggests as little as once monthly but that seems odd to me. And you have to be comfy doing your own injections every week for years. The needles are pretty long and you need to inject deep into muscle, usually your thigh. Not everyone finds injections like this easy. You can train your partner to do it if you prefer… and if they can stomach it!

How long does it take for steroid injections to affect your body?

Steroids have very fast visual effects. You’ll look and feel bigger within a few weeks, but all the sides are more complex. Mood swings, oiliness, night sweats, vivid dreams, high blood pressure, increased risk of stroke. The list is endless. You won’t experience all of these, but they’re all possible.

Is testosterone gel more effective than topical?

It is more effective. When you get a testosterone injection the level of testosterone rise over the next few day and fall back to base line in 2 to 3 weeks as a concinquence the levels of testosterone will be more variable. With the gel you get. Fairly rapid absorbsion. From the topical administration of the gel and the level tend to be more stable and less variable the down side is a thegel is more expensivec

Is Androgel effective for TRT?

I originally started TRT on Androgel and it was effective but cost prohibi tive. Some differences were every morning reapply, cannot let any female or juvenile come in contact with application site.

Types of injectable testosterone

Testosterone injections are the preferred form of TRT for most patients and medical doctors. They are also the best choice for new patients because this form of TRT can be dosed more precisely, making it easier to find the optimal dose for each individual.

Which testosterone treatment is the best?

Testosterone therapy can help patients with low T due to primary and secondary hypogonadism, gender reassignment, and hypoactive sexual disorder.

Can you mix two types of testosterone for better results?

Mixing different types of testosterone esters is not something new. In fact, such combinations are also available commercially throughout the world.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9