Treatment Options for Low T- Houston Metro Urology

Feeling a little “less Arnold lately.” It’s no secret that the manliness you have held onto over the years will eventually start to fade, but you never expected it to drop like this. You may be having symptoms such as:

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• Erectile Dysfunction
• Low sex drive
• Decreased muscle mass and sperm count
• Depression
• Fatigued and out of energy
• Hair loss

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         These can all be symptoms of low testosterone or (Low T). According to ABC News, 1 out of every 4 men over the age of 30 suffers from Low T, so it’s not uncommon.  The Mayo Clinic reported that men naturally start losing one percent of testosterone per year when they hit their 30s. Here are some options to help you understand what to ask your physician.

 

 Treatment options

  

Testosterone Injection (Cypionate and Enanthate)

Testosterone is injected directly into the muscle and can be administered by a physician or self-injected. Testosterone Cypionate and Enanthate are mixed with a type of sterile oil that allows for a slow release into the bloodstream. The benefits of injection is  you get the full absorption of testosterone, since it’s being injected directly into the muscle.  

Testosterone Pellets

These are pellets that are implanted under the skin of the buttocks.  Testosterone is slowly released into the body over the next 3-4 months. This is effective and convenient because it allows the patient to receive the medication and then not have to worry about it for  months at a time. 

 

Testosterone Gels

Testosterone gels such as, AndroGel, are applied to the skin daily. The testosterone is absorbed directly through the skin. It’s easy to apply and is tolerated well with minimal irritation.  It should be noted that that absorption of the gels varies from person to person, so some patients will respond better to this than others. You also must be mindful of who you make skin to skin contact with soon after your application. 

 

Testosterone Transdermal  (Skin Patch)

These are not used in practice anymore because of skin irritation.

 

General Risk

 Not Recommended if you have:

• Prostate or breast cancer
• Severe lower urinary tract symptoms
• Class 3 or 4 heart failure
• A hematocrit greater than 50%

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Patients on testostosterone treatment will be monitored with periodic lab tests by their physician to ensure proper dosing regimens and responses.

Be sure to consult your physician for more information as to what the right treatment option is for you. 

Reviewed By David Goldfarb, M.D.