Low testosterone affects millions of men as they age, draining energy and zest for life. But thanks to advanced testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) medications, you don’t have to accept feeling sluggish and unmotivated as an inevitable result of getting older.
Today’s testosterone treatments can safely and effectively restore youthful vitality, health and wellbeing under a doctor’s supervision. At Physician’s Rejuvenation Centers, our experienced medical team specializes in helping men overcome low T through customized testosterone replacement plans.
Read on to learn how advanced TRT medications could re-energize your life.
Testosterone Therapy and Its Uses
Testosterone therapy is a treatment that aims to raise testosterone levels in men who are diagnosed with hypogonadism. This condition is prevalent in older and obese men, and men with type 2 diabetes. Approximately 35% of men older than 45 years of age, and 30-50% with obesity or type 2 diabetes have hypogonadism.
TRT involves administering testosterone medication in various forms such as injections, gels, patches, or pellets. Some of the uses and goals of testosterone therapy include:
| Uses | Description |
| Increasing testosterone levels to normal physiological range in men with clinically low testosterone | This can help alleviate symptoms like low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, decreased energy, and mood issues. |
| Building and maintaining muscle mass | Testosterone helps stimulate muscle growth and maintenance. Therapy can help counteract age-related muscle loss. |
| Improving bone density | Testosterone plays a role in bone mineral density. Treatment can help strengthen bones in older men with osteoporosis. |
| Boosting fertility | Men with hypogonadism can have reduced ability to produce sperm. Testosterone therapy aims to improve sperm production and fertility. |
| Reducing body fat | Testosterone can promote loss of fat mass while increasing lean body mass. Therapy may aid weight and body composition management. |
| Improving anemia | Testosterone stimulates production of red blood cells. Treatment can help manage anemia. |
What Are The Types of TRT Medications?
If blood tests confirm you have low testosterone, called hypogonadism, your doctor may prescribe testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). There are several types of TRT medications:
1. Gels
Topical gels like AndroGel, Testim, and Fortesta are applied daily to the skin and absorbed into the bloodstream over 24 hours. Gels provide flexible dosing but require careful application to avoid transference.
2. Injections
Injections like testosterone cypionate, testosterone enanthate, and testosterone undecanoate are given in clinics or self-administered every 1-4 weeks. Injections provide spikes in testosterone levels after dosing and then decrease over time. Brand names include Depo-Testosterone, Delatestryl, and Aveed.
3. Patches
Transdermal patches like Androderm, Testoderm, and Androderm release testosterone continuously after application to the arm, back or upper body. Patches need to be replaced daily or multiple times per week.
4. Tablets
Tablets placed under tongue or against gums twice daily like Natesto or Striant offer ease of use but require regular frequent dosing to maintain levels.
5. Pellets
Testopel pellets implanted under the skin every 3-6 months release testosterone steadily and don’t require daily administration. Pellets deliver consistent testosterone over time.
Our clinicians will help determine which TRT method is right for your needs and preferences.
Drugs Commonly Used Alongside Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Certain medications are often prescribed along with testosterone replacement to treat specific conditions:
- Spironolactone suppresses testosterone in transgender women undergoing feminizing hormone therapy.
- LHRH agonists like leuprolide lower testosterone levels for prostate cancer treatment.
- Antiandrogens such as bicalutamide block testosterone’s effects and are used to treat prostate cancer.
- The combination of testosterone-lowering and antiandrogen drugs helps achieve maximal testosterone suppression for therapeutic effects in transgender women and prostate cancer patients.
In addition to these medications, there are other drugs commonly used alongside testosterone replacement therapy (TRT):
- Clomiphene citrate and tamoxifen are frequently used off-label in men with functional central hypogonadism as safe alternatives for treating this condition, especially in those wishing to preserve fertility.
- Gonadotropins can be a good alternative to TRT for men wanting to maintain fertility, though they require frequent injections.
There are 173 medications known to interact with testosterone, including prednisone, levothyroxine, and methotrexate. It’s important for those on TRT to be aware of potential drug interactions and to consult their healthcare provider.
How Does Hormone Replacement for Men Differ From Women?
Hormone replacement therapy aims to restore optimal hormone levels when the body’s natural production declines. The specific hormones replaced and effects of treatment differ between men and women.
In men, testosterone levels gradually fall with age, leading to symptoms like low energy, reduced muscle mass, and lowered sex drive. Testosterone replacement helps counteract these effects.
In women, menopause causes a rapid drop in estrogen levels, often bringing on symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. Estrogen therapy can relieve these symptoms.
For transgender women transitioning from male to female, high-dose estrogen combined with testosterone blockers induces feminine secondary sex characteristics.
While estrogen therapy in women is well-studied with known risks and benefits, long-term testosterone replacement in men requires further research to fully understand impacts on health.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
While an effective treatment for hypogonadism, testosterone therapy does carry potential side effects and long-term risks that require monitoring:
- Increased risk of sleep apnea
- Stimulation of prostate cancer growth
- Potential cardiovascular complications
- Acne and oily skin
- Increased red blood cell count
- Breast enlargement and tenderness
- Testicular atrophy
- Infertility
- Emotional changes like aggression and mood swings
By working closely with your Physician’s Rejuvenation Centers doctor, we can maximize treatment benefits while minimizing potential side effects through proper dosing, testing, and follow-up.
Getting a Testosterone Prescription
If you’re experiencing possible symptoms of low testosterone, here are the steps to obtain a testosterone prescription:
- Make an appointment with our doctor to discuss your symptoms like low energy and sex drive, erectile dysfunction and decreased strength. A physical exam will also be performed.
- We will order blood work to check your testosterone levels. Total testosterone must be below 300 ng/dL on two tests before hypogonadism can be diagnosed and treatment initiated.
- If you are diagnosed with hypogonadism, we may prescribe FDA-approved testosterone therapy injections based on your needs and preferences.
- You’ll need periodic follow-up appointments and blood work to monitor treatment results and side effects. It may take 3-6 months to experience the full effects.
Are There Online Options for Getting a Testosterone Prescription?
Online medical clinics can prescribe TRT through telemedicine consultations if you are diagnosed with hypogonadism. You will need to complete lab work locally and have follow-up care.
Some pharmacies also offer direct-to-patient testosterone therapy programs involving coordination with affiliated physicians.
However, a valid doctor-patient relationship still must be established either in-person or via telemedicine before obtaining a prescription for testosterone or any controlled substance online.
We offer convenient telehealth appointments if you are not local to our clinics.
Regain Your Vitality!
Don’t continue suffering from low testosterone. Our caring medical professionals at Physician’s Rejuvenation Centers can evaluate your hormone levels and help you develop an individualized testosterone replacement plan if clinically appropriate. With treatment customized to your needs and close monitoring, you can safely and effectively restore peak energy and wellbeing.
Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. We are dedicated to helping you look your best and feel your best.
Call (561) 783-5153 or request an appointment online to get started.
FAQs
Are there any prescription drugs for testosterone therapy?
Yes, the FDA has approved several prescription testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) medications: injectable forms like Depo-Testosterone, topical gels such as AndroGel, skin patches like Androderm, and testosterone pellets implanted under the skin. These products can effectively and safely treat hypogonadism when properly monitored by a doctor.
What’s the best prescription for testosterone replacement therapy medications?
The most appropriate TRT medication depends on your individual needs. Gels, patches and tablets may be preferred over injections for ease of use. Injectables like cypionate can provide steady testosterone levels. Oral testosterone is rarely used anymore due to liver toxicity risks. A doctor will prescribe the optimal TRT drug regimen based on your lifestyle, desired frequency, and cost considerations.
Can I do self-help testosterone therapy?
Self-administering testosterone without medical supervision is strongly discouraged. Taking testosterone supplements without proper diagnosis, blood testing, and monitoring can jeopardize health. Testosterone treatment carries risks if not properly managed long-term. Work closely with a hormone therapy expert to determine if TRT is suitable and receive tailored treatment for maximum benefits and safety.
Is testosterone replacement therapy covered by insurance?
Many health insurance policies cover FDA-approved testosterone therapy for diagnosed hypogonadism, but coverage varies. Out-of-pocket costs typically range from $1,650-$3,200 annually depending on treatment type and dosage. Verify coverage and discuss costs before starting TRT.