Low Testosterone
Hypogonadism, also known as low testosterone or “low T,” can lead to symptoms of decreased energy and libido, difficulty building lean muscle mass, fat gain, moodiness, difficulty concentrating, and even loss of bone density. Patient with low T are at risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome, characterized by obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes; these in turn can lead to stroke and heart disease. If you are suffering from low testosterone, you may be a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to prevent or reverse the complications. There are many options for TRT, each of which has its benefits and disadvantages.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Which option is right for you?
Patches
Injectables:
Advantages include efficacy and patient satisfaction, infrequent dosing ranging from weekly to every 10 weeks, and low cost. Disadvantages include variations in testosterone levels compared to daily dosing options, and the need for needles and self-injection.
Inhalable:
The advantages of this modality is that avoids needles, and implants. Additionally it cannot be passed from skin to skin contact between people.
Natesto (Inhalable Testosterone): Administered by inhalation of the gel. It is recommended to apply one pump to each nostril three times daily.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Which option is right for you?
Patches
- Androderm: Transdermal patches, in two different strengths: 2mg testosterone per 24-hour patch and 4mg testosterone per 24-hour patch. The usual starting dose is one 4mg patch applied to skin daily. It is associated with skin irritation.
Injectables:
Advantages include efficacy and patient satisfaction, infrequent dosing ranging from weekly to every 10 weeks, and low cost. Disadvantages include variations in testosterone levels compared to daily dosing options, and the need for needles and self-injection.
- Testosterone Undecanoate (Nebidu®): 1000mg in 4cc is injected into the muscle. Injections are performed in the clinic upon initiation, at 4 weeks, and then every 10 weeks.
Inhalable:
The advantages of this modality is that avoids needles, and implants. Additionally it cannot be passed from skin to skin contact between people.
Natesto (Inhalable Testosterone): Administered by inhalation of the gel. It is recommended to apply one pump to each nostril three times daily.