Every man is familiar with testosterone. This primary male sex hormone is responsible for everything a lot within the body. Testosterone controls strength, muscle mass, facial hair, body fat, and fertility.
Testosterone levels generally peak in your 20s and slowly decline over the rest of your life. However, it’s possible to run into serious testosterone deficiencies. Low testosterone disturbs sleep quality, emotional stability, sexual performance, and leads to low muscle mass and increased body fat.
If you are worried about low testosterone levels, then here are some of the most common testosterone replacement meds to consider. Before using any of these solutions, get checked and consult a doctor.
Testosterone Creams
Testosterone replacement creams are among the more affordable testosterone replacement therapy options. These topical creams contain synthetic testosterone and are easy to use. Apply the cream as directed to your body.
The testosterone in the cream passes through your skin into the blood system. From there, it boosts the amount of testosterone in your body. In turn, this reverses the damage of low testosterone.
Benefits and Side Effects
Testosterone creams are an effective low-cost testosterone replacement therapy. However, they have been linked to potential side effects, some of which can be serious.
Urinary tract infections are the most common side effect. Other side effects include burning and itching feelings, dry skin, blisters, and redness, and — in severe cases — increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Though, it’s worth metioning that some dispute claims of an increased risk of heart attacks.
Testosterone Injections
Another common option are testosterone injections, especially for testosterone replacement therapy in Los Angeles. In this method, A medical professional injects synthetic testosterone directly into muscles, sending it to the bloodstream.
Steroid injections typically go into the upper arms, but they may be injected into the Gluteus muscle. This method is considered to be the fastest way to boost testosterone levels.
The testosterone replacement therapy injection cost is one of the main drawbacks. Injections cost up to $500 and some insurances don’t cover them.
Side Effects of Testosterone Injection
Injections are one of the most potent options. This makes them more efficient, but also increases the risk of side effects. These side effects include sleep apnea, cardiac problems, and increased red blood cell count.
Testosterone Patches
A testosterone patch is effectively a pad that contains slow-releasing testosterone. Apply these patches to clean and hairless skin. The testosterone slowly passes through the skin and into the bloodstream, where it gets to work.
These patches are typically applied to the stomach, shoulders, upper arms, thigh, or back. You may have to change the application once a week or so to prevent irritation.
Are Testosterone Patches Safe?
While it’s impossible to say with certainty that testosterone patches are 100% safe, they are considered to be the safest testosterone replacement med available.
The FDA continues to assess all testosterone replacement methods and has guidelines on which ones are – and aren’t – considered safe.
Testosterone Pellets
Testosterone replacement therapy pellets are the most trouble-free form of testosterone replacement therapy. They are also considered to be the least common.
These pellets are small pills containing doses of slow-release synthetic testosterone. The pellets are placed under the skin via surgery. They slowly release testosterone into the bloodstream over time.
Don’t let the word “surgery” spook you, as the process is relatively simple. Doctors use a local anesthetic to numb the patient and make a small incision. They use a device called a Trocar to place up to ten pellets under the skin, commonly in the thighs and hips.
These pellets last for up to six months, depending on the dose.
Benefits and Risks
Testosterone pellets offer all of the same benefits as other testosterone replacement therapies. They can increase energy levels, libido, and muscle mass. Other benefits include a decreased risk of secondary exposure as well as the fact the pellets work automatically. You won’t have to remember to take pills or use creams every day.
Testosterone replacement therapy pellets also carry the same risks. They also have unique risks, such as the risks associated with surgery. There’s also the fact that you’ll need to have the pellets removed if you need to change the dose, which requires going under the knife again.
Testosterone Pills
Testosterone pills, a testosterone replacement med, are just as they sound; pills that contain synthetic testosterone.
The dosage for testosterone pills depends on the severity of your particular testosterone levels. Your doctor will assess your testosterone levels and provide a recommended dose accordingly.
These pills are generally taken twice a day – once in the morning and again in the evening.
Benefits and Risks
Testosterone pills offer the same benefits as other low-cost testosterone replacement therapy options. These pills can lead to better energy levels, better strength and muscle tone, and improved sex drive.
This means the pills also have the same potential health risks and side effects. Please note, however, that these pills don’t carry a risk of secondary exposure. As with any medication, please keep pills away from small children. The hormones in the tablets could mess with their development and growth if they swallow them.
Final Thoughts
Low testosterone can be a serious issue for men. While testosterone levels naturally decline with age, there’s nothing natural about severely low testosterone levels. You may be concerned about your T-levels. If so, consult a testosterone replacement therapy provider or your primary care physician.
Testosterone replacement starts with a blood test to determine your current hormone levels. If those levels are off, then the discussion moves to treatment options. There’s plenty of choices when it comes to picking a testosterone replacement med, so don’t feel limited. Between you and your doctor, you’re sure to arrive at an effective treatment for your testosterone troubles.