Testosterone therapy can be administered into the body in a number of ways. The most common methods of administration include intramuscular injections, topical gels, creams and patches as well as pellets which are inserted under the skin. The delivery method used is often based on the preference of the prescribing doctor, followed by the personal preference of the patient.
Get StartedWritten by Daniel Devereux
on April 06, 2021
There are a number of different types of testosterone injections (known as “esters”) which include the commonly prescribed testosterone cypionate, testosterone enanthate and testosterone propionate. For use in testosterone therapy, the slower-acting esters (cypionate and enanthate) tend to be preferred as fewer injections are required to maintain elevated levels of testosterone. Testosterone cypionate and enanthate both take between 7-9 days to be fully released in the system, only requiring a once weekly injection. Testosterone propionate takes between 3-4 days to be fully released in the system, requiring a bi-weekly injection. For this reason testosterone propionate is not
prescribed as often for use in testosterone therapy.
It is all to often we hear from patients regarding the poor results of their current testosterone gel or cream. We have tested and treated many patients who had been using some of the most commonly prescribed topical products recommended by most family Physicians. Test results have proven these products to be less than effective, they simply do not deliver enough testosterone to elevate testosterone levels to an optimal range.
The test results below show patient testosterone levels…
• Before treatment.
• While using popular testosterone gel.
• While using testosterone injections.
• Testosterone levels of patient before testosterone treatment.
• Testosterone levels of patient after 90 days of daily testosterone gel.
• Testosterone levels of patient after 30 days of weekly testosterone injections.
Testosterone injections are the most effective and safest approach for administering testosterone therapy. Testosterone injections offer a number of advantages compared gels, creams, patches and pellets. One of the biggest advantages is that the testosterone is delivered directly into the bloodstream where it begins to work immediately. Most men report a noticeable difference soon after using testosterone injections. Testosterone injections also provide the user with the most accurate control of dosage and frequency of administration. Testosterone injections are simply more effective and safer than the other options available.
Transdermal testosterone (delivery through the skin) is applied to the skin daily in an effort to keep a steady level of testosterone in the system at all times. Transdermal testosterone can be an attractive method to those who are not comfortable with needles and injections, however, there are several disadvantages to these methods. Most forms of transdermal testosterone are substantially more expensive than testosterone injections. Transdermal testosterone often causes skin irritation and/or allergic reactions. There can be issues in the effectiveness of absorption and can be easily transferred to a partner or child through direct contact of the skin.
A relatively new form of testosterone delivery is a pellet implanted beneath the skin. Pellets are small in size and are typically implanted in the buttocks or abdomen. The insertion of the pellet(s) requires a local anesthetic. Pellets are typically replaced after 3-4 months. Several pellets can be inserted at the same time to increase dosage. Users of testosterone implants have reported problems with the pellets working their way out from under the skin as well as infection of the administration site.
Choosing an educated and specialized provider of hormone replacement therapy, as well as the safest and most effective method of treatment, is very important. While some seek hormone therapy through their family Doctor, this is rarely as comprehensive and effective as treatment from a specialized hormone Doctor. Family Doctors, if they are even open to prescribing hormone therapy, typically lack the understanding and thoroughness of a hormone specialist.
A generic method of hormone replacement therapy is never the answer. With Elite HRT, you will receive a completely personalized hormone replacement therapy program. Designed specifically for you, the benefits and safety of your treatment will far exceed any of the generic methods of treatment available today.
Get Started