Testosterone replacement therapy (sometimes called androgen replacement therapy) is a treatment that is approved for treating low testosterone – also called male hypogonadism. This condition causes the body to fail at producing enough testosterone because of complications in the brain, pituitary gland, or testicles. There are several types of prescription testosterone products that effectively treat hypogonadism. You can rely on NovaGenix in Palm Beach Gardens to help you select the right type of testosterone replacement therapy for you.
The best form of testosterone replacement therapy is different for every patient. It is advisable to consult your doctor for appropriate advice informed by your medical history. You have many testosterone replacement therapy options that include gels, patches, injections, pills, pellets, and creams. If you are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, you can talk to your doctor about any of the treatments below.
Gels
There are many testosterone gels and solutions on the market that can be applied in various ways. Some brands like Fortesa are applied on the inner thigh or front thigh. Other brands like Testim, AndroGel, and Vogelxo can be rubbed into the skin of the shoulder or upper arm. Gels and other topical solutions work when your body absorbs the testosterone through your skin and transmits it into your bloodstream.
Patients who choose to use gels and topical solutions are advised to avoid showering, swimming, or otherwise coming into contact with water for several hours of application. Keeping the application site dry is the best way to absorb all the testosterone. It is also advisable to cover up the application site if you are likely to have skin-to-skin contact that may transfer the medication to another person. The major side effect of using skin and topical solutions is skin irritation at the application site.
Injections
Depo-testosterone (also called testosterone cypionate) and testosterone enanthate are usually administered by injection under the muscle or skin. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, the doctor will prescribe a specific dosage and frequency of injection. These particular types of hormones can be administered at home by yourself or a family member. If you would rather not learn how to self-administer the injections, you can have them done by a medical professional at a health facility near you.
Some brands of injectable testosterone (like Aveed/ testosterone undecanoate) require very deep intramuscular injections and can only be administered by a licensed medical professional. These injections are typically administered every ten weeks.
Patches
Testosterone transdermal patches are meant to be applied to the skin. Patients are advised to apply the patch at the same time each night and leave it in place for 24 hours. The patches are meant to be worn at all times and only removed when replacing an old one with a new one. The instructions for use recommend that the patches be applied to different skin areas each night, and the patients wait at least seven days before putting patches on the same spot. The most common side effect of testosterone transdermal patches is skin irritation.
Gum and Cheek
Testosterone replacement through the (buccal cavity) gum and cheek by placing a putty-like substance in the depression above your top row of teeth (where the upper and gum meet). The substance sticks to your gum line and allows testosterone to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The major side effect of gum and cheek replacement is possible gum irritation.
Nasal
Nasal testosterone gel is applied to the nostrils. The products must be applied twice in each nostril, three times a day. Nasal testosterone is considered much more inconvenient than other delivery methods.
Pellets
Implantable pellets are gaining popularity because they do not require patients to keep up with taxing injections or patches. Testosterone pellets are surgically implanted in the body through an incision made on the skin. The pellets effectively boost testosterone levels for up to six months. Patients may require two to four sessions annually.
Oral
Oral testosterone is not recommended because it does not keep testosterone levels steady and has been linked to severe liver problems. The FDA recently approved an oral type of testosterone that is absorbed into the lymph system, thus bypassing the liver.
The method of testosterone replacement therapy most suitable for you depends on your budget, health profile, and the severity of your symptoms. Patients with sensitive skin should not rely on patches, while those that are squeamish around needles should not choose injections. Ensure you rely on expert medical advice when choosing a method of testosterone replacement.
