What is an Alternative to Testosterone Therapy?
Men suffering from low testosterone often report increased energy, sexual drive and mood after treatment with testosterone replacement therapy, such as gels, mouth patches or pellets inserted into their intestine.
However, traditional TRT can interfere with natural sperm and testosterone production and have adverse effects on fertility as well as worsen prostate issues and sleep apnea symptoms.
1. Testosterone replacement medications
Testosterone replacement therapy, commonly referred to as TRT, has many potential advantages including increasing muscle mass and strength as well as bone density, sleep quality and sexual function. Furthermore, TRT may improve mood and energy levels – although before beginning it’s essential that all potential risks and benefits of the therapy are carefully considered before embarking on any course of treatment.
Before beginning testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), it is important to speak to your physician and discuss all available options. Prior to commencing treatment, screenings should be completed for prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease as well as regular check-ins to monitor testosterone and other hormone levels in your body.
Your doctor may recommend oral, topical, or injection therapy. Topical gels and solutions can be applied directly to the skin or lips once or twice daily; however, they may cause local irritation that is more likely to transfer onto women or children than other forms. Testosterone patches provide daily hormone doses through transdermal patches; however they can sometimes cause irritation at their patch site as well. Injectable therapy requires office visits for every injection injected; its impact can fluctuate.
Dr. Bajic notes that newer types of oral testosterone medications – Jatenzo, Tlando, and Kyzatrex – don’t require office visits, are quickly absorbed, and don’t cause liver toxicity like earlier medications did. But they still should be taken with food for maximum absorption and may not be appropriate solutions for people who don’t consume regularly or who have a family history of prostate problems.
2. Testosterone injections
Testosterone is an essential hormone, not only for maintaining healthy sexual drive but also in its effects on muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell count and mood. Men with low levels of testosterone may benefit from injecting subcutaneously into thigh or buttock muscle injections; some doctors even allow self-administration (subcutaneous administration). Furthermore, women who are transitioning or transgender people can use testosterone injections as part of masculinizing hormone therapy therapy programs.
One potential side effect of testosterone injections is an increased red blood cell count known as erythrocytosis, which may increase risk for heart attack or stroke and should be closely monitored. Although its cause remains unknown, this side effect should be of great concern to those considering this form of treatment.
Un enlarged prostate may result from taking finasteride or tamsulosin, and can be treated using finasteride alone or combined with another therapy such as testosterone replacement therapy; some men experience temporary erectile dysfunction as a side effect that is usually reversible.
As soon as you have any history of breast or prostate cancer or an infection; any health conditions like high blood pressure, high calcium levels in your bloodstream or heart disease; diabetes; depression or mental illness; lung disease etc, it is imperative that you inform your physician. In particular, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should speak to their physician before initiating testosterone injections as it could harm their unborn or nursing infant.
3. Testosterone pellets
Men and women looking for alternatives to gels or patches should consider bio-identical testosterone pellets as an option. Pellets are surgically implanted under the skin of their buttocks to provide consistent levels of hormones without large fluctuations. Testosterone pellets have been successfully utilized by both genders since 1930’s to alleviate most perimenopausal symptoms including insomnia, hot flashes, depression, migraine headaches, irritability and joint pain relief; in addition they can increase sexual response among both genders as well.
Testosterone pellet therapy should be performed every few months as part of a quick in-office procedure. Small pellets resembling grains of rice are administered using a trocar inserted through an anesthetic patch into either the upper hip or buttock area, after being numbed by local anesthetic creams.
testosterone not only boosts libido but can also increase muscle mass and prevent the loss of muscle that often comes with age. Furthermore, testosterone may enhance cognitive performance such as memory and focus and even help increase bone density to decrease risk for osteoporosis.
Testosterone not only increases sexual drive but has also been found to elevate orgasm frequency and lead to more intimate relationship satisfaction. Furthermore, testosterone can boost energy levels and enhance mood – making life simpler! However, as testosterone can increase blood clot formation rate it is important that anyone living with diabetes use adequate birth control as testosterone may temporarily elevate blood glucose levels.
4. Testosterone patches
Testosterone patches adhere directly to the skin each night and deliver an even dose throughout the day, making life simpler for busy men who wish not to need daily preparation before beginning their activities.
Testosterone patch users may experience mild skin irritation when applying their patch, particularly if the area in which it is applied is oily, hairy or likely to perspire (such as arms or stomach) or over a bone such as shoulder or hip. Furthermore, patients must apply it directly onto clean, dry skin that will not be exposed to water (ie not bath or shower).
As with all drugs, Androderm may increase your red blood cell count, increasing your risk for blood clots. Your physician will conduct blood tests prior to starting this drug and every 3-6 months while on it to ensure your RBC count remains within an acceptable range.
Women who are breastfeeding should avoid using this medication as it can pass into breast milk and cause serious adverse reactions in a baby. Furthermore, this drug falls into category X pregnancy drugs and should not be used by women during either gestation or breastfeeding. Please follow all instructions listed on your prescription label carefully, asking your healthcare provider or pharmacist if anything remains unclear to you.
5. Testosterone gels
Testosterone gels offer men another convenient means of taking testosterone medication. Packaged as small packets containing liquid, they should be applied directly onto the skin once or twice each day by squeezing out some of the contents into one’s palm of hand and applying directly. After applying, this area should be washed immediately with soap and water to avoid contamination from touching anything other than yourself; children and women should avoid contact until after it has set completely.
The most frequently reported side effects of testosterone gel include changes to sexual drive, increased facial hair growth and/or balding, acne breakouts and changes in body hair and body odor. You may also feel that you need to urinate more often and need to pass urine right away; urinary tract changes including difficulty starting the flow of urine and problems emptying your bladder may occur as well as an increase in prostate specific antigen blood test levels, used as a test against cancer.
Testosterone can cause you to retain salt and water, leading to swelling in your legs or arms if you suffer from heart failure, are taking corticosteroids medications, or are taking other substances known to exacerbate swelling. Furthermore, testosterone may lower sperm count while increasing risk for polycythemia vera – a condition which thickens the blood and increases risk for blood clots.
6. Testosterone shots
Testosterone injections are the fastest and most expensive way to boost hormone levels quickly, often prescribed by doctors, with the shots typically administered both in their office or using an at-home kit with needles and syringes. Health insurance may provide partial reimbursement of this medication.
As with other testosterone therapies, injectable testosterone injection can improve sexual function as well as physical strength and energy levels. It may not be appropriate for all people; for instance, those at risk of prostate cancer or with low sperm counts may find other treatment more suitable. Furthermore, men often experience acne breakouts from testosterone therapy due to its stimulation of sebaceous glands producing additional oil which clogs pores leading to breakouts.
Before beginning treatment, consult with your doctor about all available options for you. A hormone specialist can offer personalized solutions tailored to meet your individual health needs; additionally they will monitor downstream hormones to make sure you’re receiving the right dose and avoid potential complications. They’ll help you navigate the complex health care system to ensure timely access to treatments you require as well as suggesting lifestyle changes that support health goals while increasing the effectiveness of testosterone therapy treatments.
