Written by
Jessica Guht
Medical & Health Writer | Wellness Enthusiast | MEng in Biomedical Engineering
Jessica is a medical writer with an unquenched thirst to discover something new. She believes that medical content should be universally accessible and strives to write content that everyone, no matter their background, can understand. Credentials: MEng in Biomedical Engineering from Rutgers University.
Interested in giving your testosterone levels a boost? Testosterone is one of the most important hormones in the male body, but that doesn’t mean that its levels remain consistent throughout your life. Starting as early as your 40s, your testosterone levels begin dropping, and they keep going down as the years pass.
Low testosterone levels can cause problems with fertility and sexual function while also impacting your mood. Thankfully, there are ways to boost your testosterone levels through testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
Testosterone Replacement Therapy Delivery Methods
When it comes to replenishing your testosterone levels, two ways in which you can receive your medication include injections and oral tablets. Let’s explore the benefits and considerations of each method.
Injection
TRT injections bring the medicine directly to your muscles, which allows it to start working quickly. Testosterone cypionate, one type of TRT injectable FDA approved for TRT, begins working as soon as you give yourself a dose, although it may take three or more weeks before you start to feel the symptoms of low testosterone ease.
Injections are given less frequently than other delivery methods. For testosterone cypionate, the injection may be given every 2 to 4 weeks, with the exact dosing schedule dependent on the type and severity of the condition being treated, as well as your age.
It’s important to follow the prescription amount as sperm count may decrease if this drug is used at high doses—the goal is always to take enough to ease symptoms but not so much that other problems occur.
Some of the common side effects of testosterone cypionate include:
- Acne
- Hair growth
- Pain and swelling at the injection site
- Gynecomastia (breast enlargement)
- Headache
There are also some serious side effects, including heart attack, stroke, liver problems, and enlargement of the prostate gland. Testosterone cypionate can also interact with other medications, including insulin and oral diabetes drugs, oral blood thinners, and corticosteroids—if you take one of these medications, it may be best to inquire about an alternative method of TRT.
Tablet
Another option for testosterone replacement therapy is a tablet taken orally a few times a week, with the exact dosing schedule determined by a doctor based on the condition you’re treating and its severity.
Enclomiphene is one form of TRT available as a tablet. Studies on enclomiphene have shown that sustained testosterone levels were observed after three months of treatment, and these levels were maintained while retaining sperm counts, which is good news for those looking to address fertility problems. However, while enclomiphene helps to increase total testosterone levels, it can have some side effects, including acne and a temper, if the dosage is too high.
Do I Need Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
Testosterone is a prominent hormone in the male body, and if it’s low, it can lead to:
- Reduced sex drive
- Loss of armpit and pubic hair
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Depressed mood
If you’re suffering from any of these symptoms, it’s best to reach out to a doctor to have your hormone levels checked—low testosterone levels may be to blame. If your testosterone levels are low, undergoing testosterone replacement therapy can help bring them up to a normal level, which will help you feel better in all areas of your life.
For those looking for a delivery method that doesn’t require as much attention, an injection may be the best choice. However, if you’re not a fan of needles, tablets can help raise testosterone levels without sacrificing your fertility.
Whatever your path, YOURx can help you get the testosterone replacement therapy you need to feel your best.
References
HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/216318s000lbl.pdf
Rodriguez KM, Pastuszak AW, Lipshultz LI. Enclomiphene citrate for the treatment of secondary male hypogonadism. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2016 Aug;17(11):1561-7. doi: 10.1080/14656566.2016.1204294. Epub 2016 Jul 4. PMID: 27337642; PMCID: PMC5009465.
