Testosterone Patch vs Injection: Comprehensive Comparison for Mens Health

Testosterone Therapy With Subcutaneous Injections: A Safe, Practical, and Reasonable Option

The Traverse trial also found a slight increased risk of atrial fibrillation, venous thrombosis and kidney injury in men using testosterone. Using the PSA test to diagnose prostate malignancy is as much an art as it is a science. Understanding age related PSA differences, PSA velocity, PSA density and the hormonal influences on PSA levels are just a few of the complex diagnostic considerations urologists are equipped to interpret. Another complication unique to injectable testosterone is pulmonary micro-oil embolism. This occurs when oil based testosterone preparations are injected directly into the vascular system.

A more recent article on testerone replacement therapy for male hypogonadism is available. Like any other medication, directions for administering testosterone should be followed exactly as your doctor orders. If you are unsure or have any questions about testosterone replacement therapy, ask your doctor. Each of these options provides adequate levels of hormone replacement; however, they all have different advantages and disadvantages. Other experts emphasize that higher dosages are needed to induce pubertal changes and lower dosages can be used for maintenance after puberty. The chronological and skeletal ages must be taken into consideration, both in determining the initial dose and in adjusting the dose.

It is important to find a doctor who understands and is familiar with multiple options for the delivery of testosterone to patients who would benefit from this therapy. Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your testosterone injection. Do not use testosterone if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use effective birth control while you are receiving this medicine.

Without adequate testosterone, a man may lose their sex drive, experience erectile dysfunction, feel depressed, have a decreased sense of well-being, fatigue, and have difficulty concentrating. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels (to detect polycythemia) should be checked periodically in patients receiving long-term androgen administration. Testosterone has been subject to abuse, typically at doses higher than recommended for vital testo booster the approved indication and in combination with other anabolic androgenic steroids.

At Yale Medicine Urology, we try to personalize care to specific needs of the patient. The downsides of IM shots include that absorption of the testosterone is determined by the bulk of your muscle and its vascularity. IM injections can be slightly more painful overall than SubQ, with more bruising.

Single-use packets containing 40.5mg of testosterone in alcohol-based gel OR metered-dose pump which dispenses 20.25mg of testosterone in alcohol-based gel pump. The usual starting dose is 1 packet or 4 pumps daily (about the size of 2 quarters) applied to shoulders, upper arms, and abdomen. Single-use packets containing 50mg of testosterone in 5g of alcohol-based gel OR metered-dose pump which dispenses 12.5mg of testosterone in 1.25g of alcohol-based gel per pump. The usual starting dose is 1 packet or 4 pumps daily (about the size of 2 quarters) applied to the shoulders, upper arms, and abdomen. Single-use tubes, each containing 50mg of testosterone in 5g of oil-based gel. The usual starting dose is 1 tube daily (about the size of 2 quarters) applied to the shoulders and upper arms. LUXurious Skin Members can take advantage of exclusive savings every month on some of our medical spa’s most popular treatments.

Testosterone in the bloodstream is quickly eliminated, so injections slowly release the hormone into the bloodstream over a longer period of time. A, Serum total testosterone concentrations in 63 transgender men on weekly subcutaneous testosterone enanthate or cypionate. The bar represents mean value and the rectangle demarcates total testosterone range. B, Optimal doses needed to maintain serum total testosterone concentration within the desired range were not influenced by participant’s body mass index (bars indicate mean values). Testosterone is a male steroid hormone that does a lot more for men than just promote a healthy sex drive. The hormone affects several other factors in your health, including body fat, muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell count, and mood.

The patient’s medical record must contain documentation that fully supports the medical necessity for services included within the related LCD (see Coverage Indications, Limitations and/or Medical Necessity). This documentation includes, but is not limited to, relevant medical history, physical examination, and results of pertinent diagnostic tests or procedures. Procedure codes may be subject to NCCI edits or Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) packaging edits. For services requiring a referring/ordering physician, the name and National Provider Identifier (NPI) of the referring/ordering physician must be reported on the claim.

Your healthcare provider will work with you to figure out which option is best for you. This includes monitoring your testosterone level and getting other blood tests to make sure TRT isn’t harming your health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves testosterone replacement therapy for males who have low testosterone levels due to a known medical condition (hypogonadism). Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is an option for men who have low testosterone levels due to male hypogonadism. TRT involves taking manufactured forms of testosterone to regulate your levels of this hormone. Doctors also watch out for high red blood cell counts, which could increase the risk of clotting.

It’s not worth the potential health risks to use testosterone for nonmedical reasons, like bodybuilding or attempting to prevent aging changes. Your healthcare provider will recommend regular testing to make sure TRT isn’t hurting your health. If you don’t notice an improvement in your symptoms after taking TRT for three to six months, your provider may recommend stopping the therapy. This is because if your symptoms don’t improve, your testosterone level may not be the cause of your symptom. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.