Which Testosterone Options Should I Take?

Various vitamins and drugs can help boost testosterone levels. However, increased testosterone can increase the risk of cardiovascular events like a heart attack or stroke.

Some men try to boost their testosterone levels through alternative therapies, albeit many of them lack scientific support.

Generally, testosterone supplements should be taken only if a person has a medical condition that produces low testosterone. Alternatively, if they are transgender, they may opt to take supplements as part of their transition process.

Testosterone Injection

A person may be given testosterone injections by their doctor, or the doctor may allow them to inject themselves at home. These injections, which are usually testosterone enanthate or testosterone cypionate, are given every 1 to 2 weeks.

Because injections can cause tissue damage, it is critical to rotate injection sites and employ a sterile approach. Injections are particularly successful in treating hypogonadism and ensuring that the dosage is constant.

Testosterone Transdermal

Transdermal testosterone is a gel that is applied to the skin directly.

This treatment approach is popular because it is simple to use and provides a regular dose of testosterone each day. This balance can help to reduce the side effects of injections, such as rapid, changing dosages.

There are various drawbacks, which include:

• potential skin irritation 
• the gel may transmit to another individual via skin contact 
• the gel rubs off, reducing the required dose

Other testosterone administration methods

If a person has problems with these methods of testosterone administration, a doctor may recommend the following alternatives:

• Subcutaneous testosterone pellet, which lies under the skin,
•  providing testosterone to the nose or cheek 
• Taking testosterone orally

These may be more convenient to take, but they may also raise the likelihood of irritation or illness.

People must collaborate with their doctors to select the best medical testosterone. They may also wish to inquire about the possible expenses and advantages of their specific medical history and requirements in order to make a more informed selection.

Alternative methods for increasing testosterone

There are several testosterone supplements available for purchase over the counter that claims to raise a person’s testosterone levels. However, there is frequently insufficient data to support their utility.

Lifestyle improvements such as exercise, food improvement, and weight loss may have a greater impact than taking these supplements.

These decisions should be taken after consulting with a doctor to determine the optimal strategy for the individual based on their particular medical history.

Is it necessary to use testosterone supplements?

As a person ages, his testosterone levels fall, which might result in the following:

• a decrease in libido
• erectile dysfunction
• muscle and bone deterioration

People may choose to use testosterone supplements to combat the natural effects of aging. However, the potential advantages of testosterone supplementation must be balanced against the increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Because of these increased dangers, the FDATrusted Source does not suggest that anyone take testosterone supplements to combat the effects of aging.

If a person is transitioning, they may choose testosterone treatment to enhance the elements of their physique that society perceives as masculine.

A clinician should convey the possible hazards of hormone therapy to a person seeking this treatment, according to a paper published in the journal Translational Andrology and UrologyTrusted Source. They may then make a more informed judgment regarding the potential advantages and evaluate them against the hazards.

A person may suffer from a disorder that produces low testosterone levels, most frequently hypogonadism. According to a paper published in the journal American Family Physician, if a person has hypogonadism, the best course of action is to start testosterone medication after they understand the dangers.

The research on testosterone therapy is still in its early stages, particularly in terms of the possible hazards of boosting a person’s testosterone levels. These hazards may be worth it for some people, such as those who suffer hypogonadism or are transitioning.

However, it is currently not recommended to take testosterone supplements to reverse the symptoms of aging. Alternative therapies have insufficient evidence to support them, which means they may be ineffective and pose some danger.