Returning your T levels to normal

There are several different ways to treat Low T, to return your T levels to normal. Which treatment you choose depends on what you and your doctor determine is appropriate.

FDA-approved treatment options:

Gels
Testosterone gels are applied daily. The testosterone in the gel is absorbed into the body through the skin. It's important to make sure the gel doesn't transfer to others. Testosterone may be transferred from the application site(s) to others including children by touching the area where the medication was rubbed on the skin. Patients should cover application sites with clothing and wash skin and hands with soap before having skin-to-skin contact with another person.


Patches
Patches allow testosterone to be absorbed by the skin. Patches are applied daily. Patches may cause skin irritation at the application site.

Injections
Testosterone is given in shot form, usually in the upper buttock, every 1–2 weeks, by your doctor.

Adverse events resulting from injections may include:

• Fluctuation in mood or libido
• Pain at injection site
• Excessive erythrocytosis (especially in older patients)

Buccal Tablet
In your mouth, the tablet is applied to the gum, where testosterone is absorbed over a 12–hour period. This treatment may cause changes in taste and gum irritation.

Pellets
Pellets are placed several inches under the skin near the hip by a doctor during a surgical procedure. After several pellets are inserted, normal testosterone levels last from three to six months. The pellets can be replaced by a doctor. Infection and expulsion of pellet may be common side effects of this therapy.

Do not use testosterone therapy if:

• You are a man with known or suspected prostate cancer, or if you have breast cancer.
• You have erythrocytosis (hematocrit greater than 50%), hyperviscosity, untreated obstructive sleep apnea, severe untreated benign prostatic hypertrophy, or uncontrolled severe heart failure, palpable prostatic nodule or have elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels not yet evaluated by your physician.

Patients treated with androgens may be at an increased risk for prostate cancer. Your doctor will likely monitor for prostate cancer before and during treatment with androgens.

Potential adverse effects of testosterone replacement include: erythrocytosis, acne and oily skin, increased risk of prostate cancer and reduced sperm production and fertility.

Patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who are treated with androgens are at an increased risk of worsening of BPH symptoms.

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