Oral Testosterone vs Testosterone Injections

DEPO®-TESTOSTERONE testosterone cypionate Description US

Some studies have found a link between TRT and higher blood pressure, while others have seen no effect or a link to lowered blood pressure. The effect on your blood pressure may depend on your own health, whether you have any heart disease or high blood pressure, and how much testosterone you take. You can stop, but the symptoms of low testosterone will probably return. One study followed 151 men for 6 months after they stopped testosterone replacement therapy. The researchers found that for 92 patients (61%), the effects of TRT did not continue, but they did for the other 59 patients (39%). The researchers noted that the people is the second group had been on TRT longer than the people in the first group (10.7 months vs. 5) and they also exercised regularly. Taking the drug is often a lifelong commitment (unless the low T is caused by a medical illness), so you’ll need to be continually monitored by a doctor.

Further, studies also show more muscle strengthening in injections, bolstering that injections of testosterone are the best method for testosterone replacement therapy. The most important aspect of treatment is that it’s entirely safe when administered in clinically correct dosages. If you are a candidate for treatment, The Edge takes every measure to ensure patients are safe, comfortable, and equipped for lasting results. Some people lose testosterone due to an injury, either by direct trauma to the testes or an interruption in blood supply. Others see a decrease due to illness and diseases, metabolic disorders, chemotherapy treatment, medications, and numerous additional causes. The number one cause of low testosterone isn’t something you can control, unfortunately.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) aims to restore these testosterone levels and alleviate symptoms. There are several forms of TRT, including gels, patches, and injections, with patches and injections being two of the most common options. Older observational studies suggested that long term testosterone use could increase their risk of cardiovascular disease. Also testosterone is known to stimulate growth of prostate cancer in men diagnosed with the condition. Recent clinical trials, which provide more accurate information compared to observational studies, have provided some comfort around both the heart and prostate cancer risks. For men who clearly have testosterone deficiency, there is no apparent increased risk of heart attack or stroke or greater chance of developing a new prostate cancer from testosterone replacement therapy.

A, Illustration of the progressive increase in lipophilicity of testosterone esters with increase in number of carbons in the side chain. B, Schematic illustration of the absorption steps of testosterone esters after intramuscular (left) or subcutaneous (right) injection. Testosterone ester is also partly hydrolyzed within the interstitium, with free testosterone entering the circulation directly. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the serious side effects listed above.

Testosterone therapy can lead to the development of male sex characteristics while reducing female characteristics. Because of this, it is often part of gender affirming care for transgender men and some nonbinary people. Testosterone therapy is one of the main treatments for male children who experience delayed puberty. This is partly related to testosterone, which regulates fat distribution and muscle maintenance in your body. With low T, you’ll likely notice an increase in body fat, especially around your midsection.

Getting one can be both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking, but it’s important to understand what is a healthy testosterone level for men looms ahead once you get your shot. The test indicates whether you will benefit from this treatment and what your current hormone levels are. We can then know the proper medication to get your testosterone and thyroid to their optimum levels. The main advantage of a daily injection is that a regular lower dose (typical dosage ranges from 0.10 mL – 0.25 mL per day) offers optimum testosterone support for your system. Daily injections mean no spike or drop in levels for optimal results. Our injectable bioidentical testosterone cypionate comes in a 10 mL vial at a potency of 200 mg/mL. Usually, patients will start with around 0.15 mL per day, but this can vary depending on what your provider prescribes.

Close surveillance of men on testosterone is imperative to reduce the risk of serious complications. Medical history and physical examination on a regular basis is paramount. When complications are recognized, swift management is essential to keep therapy ongoing and safe. Some circumstances may warrant drug cessation until the complication is stabilized or resolved. Short acting testosterone shots are performed in the upper outer thigh or glute muscle. Subcutaneous injections are performed with a smaller needle into the superficial belly fat below the umbilicus similar to insulin injections.

In rare cases when neither therapy works, we can consider increasing the FSH level as well with injections of the FSH substitute hMG. Low-T clinics also tend to overtreat, making blanket recommendations around the patient’s total testosterone and not their individual health needs. You may feel more energetic, less depressed, and have a higher sex drive.

One of the most well-known benefits of testosterone injections is the improvement in sexual desire and performance. Clinical evidence indicates that testosterone therapy can enhance sexual functioning and quality of life in men with low testosterone levels. Many men undergoing TRT injections report an increase in libido, better erectile function, and greater overall sexual satisfaction. The most consistent absorption I experience in clinical practice is with testosterone injections.

It’s a convenient option due to its extended duration in your body. However, this injection can cause serious breathing problems and allergic reactions. Therefore, it’s only administered in a healthcare setting where these issues can be addressed immediately. You should be checked for testosterone levels in the early morning. This is because in most patients, testosterone levels are highest in the morning. Other prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products may also react with testosterone.