Men with low testosterone could find relief through hormone replacement therapy (TRT). Unfortunately, injections or pellet implantation can be painful and pose health risks including erythrocytosis.
There are alternative treatments to traditional therapies for low testosterone levels. Oral medications offer one potential solution that increases testosterone by stimulating its natural production within the body.
Testosterone restoration
Testosterone restoration is an effective treatment option for men suffering from low testosterone. By increasing testosterone levels and improving their libido, sex drive, bone density, muscle mass and cognition; as well as increasing immunity levels and decreasing blood sugar levels; testosterone restoration can treat many conditions including type 2 diabetes and hyperprolactinemia as well as treating nephropathy or hypogonadism in older adults; however it may increase heart disease risk in some individuals.
Many clinics specialize in testosterone replacement therapy; however, these clinics may overprescribe testosterone without proper oversight from regulatory bodies and often don’t specialize in either urology or endocrinology. Therefore, it is crucial that you find a reputable clinic.
One of the primary concerns with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is an increased risk of prostate cancer; however, recent studies have demonstrated otherwise and do not detect any link between TRT and post-treatment returns of prostate cancer.
TRT may cause side effects that include hair loss, acne and an increased risk of blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Furthermore, TRT treatment is often long-term or lifelong and this may pose difficulty for men who wish to stop taking TRT while still reaping its benefits of higher testosterone. There are alternatives ways of increasing testosterone levels without risky TRT therapy treatments such as injections.
Pellets
Hormone pellets provide an effective treatment option for men and women experiencing low hormone levels, with these small pellets containing customized hormone preparations slowly released over three to six months by being placed under the skin using local anesthesia or sedation as part of a minor surgical procedure.
These pellets contain bioidentical testosterone and estrogen that is gradually released into the bloodstream to provide a physiological dose. They prevent sudden spikes and drops seen with other forms of hormone replacement therapy such as tablets or gels; additionally, this method removes frequent injections which may be painful or cause infection.
As part of your initial evaluation to decide whether pellet hormone replacement treatments are right for you, undergo a comprehensive clinical evaluation and blood test analysis from a healthcare professional. If they believe pellet replacement could benefit you, they will discuss treatment plan options based on symptoms and hormone levels before prescribing optimal dosage levels to you.
Testosterone pellets were first approved for FDA use and marketed as “long-acting hormone replacement therapy” in 1972. Consisting of crystalline T, each pellet contained 75-mg and implanted subcutaneously; studies on their use suggested 3-6 pellets monthly were sufficient to maintain normal T levels over 3-6 months; more recent research indicates fewer pellets may produce more reliable results; perhaps 10 pellets (750 mg).
Oral medications
Testosterone levels can drop due to age or medical issues, leaving many men experiencing their energy and libido diminishing significantly. One solution for raising testosterone levels is called testosterone replacement therapy; however, other solutions might provide similar results more conveniently for individual men.
One of the more prevalent alternatives for treating high blood pressure is oral medication in tablet or gel form, with regular follow up appointments with their physician to ensure they receive appropriate dosage and a timely dose. Men should be mindful that using these medicines could increase their blood pressure; thus, monitoring it carefully and taking necessary measures if needed.
Clomiphene citrate (Clomid) offers another effective option to oral medications: its action involves blocking estrogen receptors while stimulating LH secretion to trigger testosterone production in the hypothalamus, leading to increased production. While Clomid is most often prescribed as an aid to induce ovulation in women, recent research indicates its efficacy against low testosterone in both genders.
Other oral treatments available to men include testosterone undecanoate (TU, Jatenzo). Approved by the FDA in March 2019, this long-acting compound may be easier for some to swallow than pills and does not cause hepatotoxicity, making this an appealing solution for men who cannot receive injections but don’t wish to visit their physician every three to six months for injections.
Testosterone-boosting supplements
Studies have shown that many over-the-counter supplements marketed as testosterone boosters have little or no impact. Many contain non-regulated ingredients and possibly anabolic-androgenic steroids; furthermore, some compounds possess structures similar to human growth hormone (HGH).
Testosterone plays an essential role in maintaining muscle, bone and red blood cell production as well as contributing to libido, energy levels and mood. Unfortunately, men begin losing this hormone in their mid-30s – with levels continuing to fall resulting in hypogonadism if left untreated. For this reason, many men turn to testosterone treatment programs: They can reverse its decline while simultaneously improving libido and energy.
If you are experiencing low libido or other symptoms of low testosterone, speaking to your physician first before taking hormones is the key to helping raise it. They may recommend lifestyle and dietary modifications that will increase testosterone levels such as resistance exercise to build lean muscle mass or diets rich in proteins, fruits and vegetables; additionally supplementation may help by blocking aromatase enzyme which converts testosterone to estrogen.
SERM Clomiphene Citrate, approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat low levels of testosterone hormone, holds promise as an alternative therapy to traditional treatments for secondary hypogonadism in men with low testosterone levels. The drug may help increase testosterone while stimulating ovulation. In addition, natural herbal extracts such as Tongkat Ali Root or Fadogia Agrestis could increase testosterone by blocking aromatase activity or decreasing stress hormones levels and raising testosterone.
Clomid
Clomid (clomiphene citrate), one of the most widely prescribed fertility drugs ever since it first hit the market in 1967, has helped millions of women get pregnant since. This oral fertility medication can regulate or induce ovulation by fooling the brain into thinking estrogen levels are low – leading to pituitary gland release of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, which promote egg development so they can be fertilized by sperm. When compared with other fertility treatments such as IVF or IVF-CD results have decent pregnancy success rates while minimal side effects like bloat, nausea or blurred vision.
Clomid is only available with a valid valid prescription from your doctor, so please follow his or her advice regarding its safe usage for you. Certain health conditions and medications could make taking Clomid unwise; to be safe, your physician may suggest other forms of fertility treatments first; you may wish to consult a reproductive endocrinologist and take advantage of GoodRx discounts to save on costs of Clomid treatment.
Fluoxymesterone
Fluoxymesterone, or male hormone, works by binding to androgen receptors in the body and stimulating an increase in production of proteins that make up muscle, skin and hair, as well as aiding red blood cell production. Fluoxymesterone may be prescribed as palliative therapy for advanced, inoperable breast cancer in women; however it carries risks including hepatitis and liver damage.
This medication comes as a tablet to be taken by mouth as prescribed by your physician or pharmacist, either with or without food. Always read and follow all instructions listed on your prescription label carefully, seeking clarification if anything does not make sense to you. Take this medication exactly as instructed – do not increase or decrease dose or take more often than suggested.
Studies have documented serious side effects from taking this medicine at higher dosages or with other male sex hormone products that were not recommended by your physician, such as heart or blood vessel problems, stroke, liver disease and mental health changes such as depression and mania (frenzied, abnormally excited mood). You should notify your physician if you have high blood sugar or diabetes as these conditions could necessitate additional medicines.
