However, the lozenges have a bitter taste and can cause mouth irritation.
The cost of the gel can be high. You have to make certain the areas are dry before coming into contact with women (especially pregnant women) or children. There is a risk of transferring the testosterone if the gel isn’t dry.
When you remove the patch, make certain no one else is exposed to the testosterone. Dispose of the patch immediately. The cost of the transdermal patch is high as well.
Before beginning testosterone therapy, your doctor must perform a digital rectal exam and PSA blood test should be measured. If these are abnormal (suggesting an enlarged prostate), then therapy should not be started and further testing should be done. Three months after starting testosterone, the same tests should be performed. If there is concern for enlarged prostate or prostate nodules at that time, then testosterone should be stopped. The Endocrine Society generally recommends TRT if the tested levels of testosterone are lower than 300 ng/dL and there are symptoms of low testosterone. [6] X Research source Testosterone pills are available, but are not useful, as taking plain testosterone by mouth has no effect because the liver metabolizes it too rapidly. Modified forms of testosterone pills were made that prevented the testosterone from being metabolized in the liver, but it was shown that these forms can cause damage to the liver. [7] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
This method does not mimic a dose that would normally occur in the body. There may be times, like right after injection, when the levels of testosterone are higher than normal, and times between injections when the levels of testosterone are lower than normal. This is called a roller coaster effect.
Make sure you know what dosage you need to administer for yourself. Wash your hands before beginning.
Do not put the needle through the rubber stopper more than once. While keeping the needle in the vial, check for air bubbles. If there are any air bubbles, gently tap the syringe with your fingers until the air bubbles rise to the top of the syringe. Slowly push the plunger up to force the air bubbles out of the syringe without removing the needle from the bottle.
The injection site is generally the outer middle third of your thigh, but follow your physician’s instructions.
Pull back on the plunger just a bit to check that there is no blood. If you see any blood in the syringe, do not inject.
Apply pressure if needed to stop any bleeding.
Normal levels of testosterone help to prevent high blood pressure and heart attacks.
It is quite normal for a man’s testosterone level to decrease gradually with age. It is also quite normal to have fewer erections as a man ages. It is not normal, however, to be unable to have or sustain an erection, and it is not normal to lose interest in sex. This can be a symptom of many other, more common cases as well, including diabetes and depression.
Problems with sexual function. This can include erectile dysfunction, decreased desire for sexual activity, and a decrease in the number and quality of erections. Smaller testes Emotional problems, such as depression, irritability, anxiety, problems with memory or concentration Sleep disruption Increased fatigue or a general overall lack of energy Body changes, such as increased belly fat, decreased muscle mass, decreased strength and endurance, decreased cholesterol levels, and osteopenia (softening of the bones) and osteoporosis (decreased bone density) Swollen or tender breasts Loss of body hair Hot flashes Women can have low testosterone as well. Symptoms of low testosterone in women include decreased sexual desire and function, muscle weakness, decreased vaginal lubrication, and infertility. [17] X Research source
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, call your physician to have your testosterone levels tested.
Increased risk of heart attacks and heart disease Increased risk of strokes and blood clots Increased risk of prostate cancer Sleep apnea Polycythemia, or increased levels of red blood cells — this causes the blood to get thicker and increases the risk of blood clots. Enlargement of male breasts Acne and oily skin Changes in hair patterns Decrease in the size of testicles Changes in cholesterol and blood lipid levels
