What Options Are Available for Testosterone Replacement?

If you have been diagnosed with low testosterone levels, you might feel relieved at first. After all, you finally have an answer. But before you get too excited, you may be wondering how difficult it is to treat this problem. For example, how will you receive your testosterone replacement? The most common options are (with the last two used least often):

• Gels
• Patches
• Intramuscular injection
• Buccal tablet
• Pellet.

Gels and Solutions

Applying a gel on your skin daily is easily done. Testosterone gels are usually to the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen. The testosterone is absorbed through the skin. The great thing about gels is that they don’t require any medical knowledge to put on. However, you may be advised to wash your hands thoroughly in order to avoid the accidental spread to women or children, because neither of them needs this hormone.

Patches

Instead of a gel, you can wear a testosterone patch. This can be worn on your buttocks, arms, back, abdomen, or directly on the scrotum. The patches are also used daily. And while a patch may cause skin irritations, discontinuing the treatment is easy. The advantage of the patch is that you can’t accidentally transfer testosterone to anyone else.

Intramuscular Injection

Your doctor can inject testosterone every two or three weeks. The biggest advantage is that you don’t have to remember to do anything on a daily basis. On the downside, your testosterone levels may not be as steady as with the other methods. For example, your levels will be lower just before your next injection is due.

Buccal Tablet

Transbuccal testosterone is fairly new. With this method, the testosterone is released through your gum tissue above your incisors. The tablet may taste bitter. Additionally, there is the risk of you accidentally swallowing the tablet resulting in decreased levels of testosterone.

Pellet

A pellet is basically a testosterone implant. With this method, your doctor will surgically implant several pellets. These stay in your body for six month, releasing a fairly steady amount of testosterone. Pellets are not used as often, because the procedure is more difficult to reverse than any of the other options.

Everybody Is Different

Testosterone replacement therapy can be very effective when it’s done correctly. That being said, everybody is different. Most of the testosterone replacement options are pretty easy to discontinue if you experience adverse reactions. But all in all, testosterone replacement therapy is a low-risk treatment option that can really make a difference in your life. Call us at the Revive Health Center to find out more!