When it comes to hormone therapy, especially testosterone treatment, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. From injections and gels to patches and pills, each method comes with its own pros and cons. Choosing the right method depends on your lifestyle, health goals and doctor’s recommendations.
Injection therapy works well for many people because of its strength and long-lasting effects, but always talk to a medical professional first to get tested and make a safe, effective plan. To get more details, check where to buy testosterone injections and receive a professional consultation.
Injections
Pros
Fast and Effective Absorption
You cannot expect to see results of testosterone replacement therapy or TRT the very next day, but you will notice the difference in a couple of weeks. The first thing you are likely to see is that your sex drive has returned. It may be between three and four weeks after your first injection.
Your energy levels will begin to increase after about three months. Between three and four weeks, you will see several improvements in your body, such as less body fat, increased muscle strength and increased lean muscle mass.
If you have been experiencing mood swings or depression, you will have relief from these symptoms around six weeks after starting TRT.
Long-Lasting Results with Fewer Doses
You have the option of receiving long-acting testosterone, but this depends on each individual patient. Long-lasting injections may be 10 weeks apart.
Often More Affordable Over Time
We can answer the question, “How much do testosterone injections cost?” with the following: on average, testosterone injections cost $30 to $150 per month. Creams may cost as much as $200 to $500 per month, pellet therapy may be as much as $500 to $1,500 every three to six months, and patches may cost as much as $200 to $400 per month.
Cons
Requires a Needle (Self-injection or Clinic visit)
Testosterone injections have been known to hurt. The testosterone is created with an oil-based solution, and this requires the medical community to use larger needles. Also, as the solution enters the body, it causes inflammation and pressure in the muscle tissue. This may cause pain for several days after the injection.
Hormone Levels Can Spike and Dip Between Doses
Your testosterone levels can peak after an injection. It can vary, but it usually occurs between 24 and 72 hours. Your levels begin to decline around three to seven days after the injection. At this time, you are adjusting to the increased level of testosterone in your body.
Must Be Done On Schedule to Remain Balanced
Between one and two weeks after the injection, your testosterone levels return to their normal baseline levels. This is why you must remain on a schedule to keep your levels at the most optimal levels.
Topical Gels and Creams
Pros
Easy to Use
You do not require the assistance of medical personnel.
No Needles
No needles are required. You only need to rub the cream into your abdomen, upper arms or shoulders.
Steady Hormone Absorption
The top layer of the skin acts as a reservoir. This means that it allows the hormone into the body over a long period of time. As a result, your testosterone levels remain stable while the cream is on your skin.
Cons
Must Be Applied Every Day
These topical creams must be applied every morning. The best way to remember to apply it is to do so at the same time every day.
Risk of Transferring to Others Through Skin Contact
If your skin comes in contact with other people, there is a risk of transferring testosterone to them. It can cause unwanted side effects in children and women. For example, women can develop acne and body hair as well as increased androgen levels. Androgens are the male reproductive sex hormones. Children can go into puberty early and may also become more aggressive.
Can Irritate the Skin for Some People
The cream may cause skin redness or irritation. If you experience redness or irritation, mention it to your doctor immediately.
Patches
Pros
Maintains Steady Hormone Levels
Patches release testosterone steadily throughout the day, so they do not cause the peaks that injections cause.
Discreet and Easy to Use
Patches are small, and you can place them where they will not be visible to other people.
Cons
Can Cause Skin Irritation or Fall Off
In most cases, people tolerate the patches well, but they can cause irritation or fall off. Mention the irritation to your physician if it does not go away promptly.
Less Effective for People with Higher Hormone Levels
Testosterone patches were created for men with lower-than-normal testosterone levels. They are prescribed to increase the testosterone levels of men with low testosterone. They may not be recommended for men with normal or high testosterone levels.
Pills and Oral Tablets
Pros
No Mess and No Needles
Pills and tablets are simply placed in your mouth and swallowed with water. There is no mess, and there certainly isn’t any need for needles.
Convenient for Travel
It’s also easy to travel with your bottle of pills or oral tablets.
Cons
Can Stress the Liver with Long-term Use
The liver metabolizes pills and oral tablets, and this may lead to increased liver stress, increased enzyme elevations, and maybe even potential toxicity.
May Not Provide Strong and Stable Results
Pills and oral tablets may provide strong and stable results, but this will depend on the person.
Visit us at the Medzone Clinic to see if testosterone therapy is right for you.
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