Short Term (Acting) Testosterone Replacement Therapies

Short term forms of testosterone replacement therapy are designed to quickly elevate testosterone levels in the body, requiring frequent administration to maintain effective levels.

Each form of TRT offers different benefits, and understanding these can help personalize treatment to fit individual needs and lifestyles (Hackett, 2o16).

Please remember it is essential that you consult with a medical professional to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Although the side effects of each type of TRT can vary, all Hormone Replacement Therapies come with medical risks that will be influenced by your personal health and history (Bassil, Alkaade, & Morley, 2009). Make sure you discuss the risks and benefits of any Testosterone Replacement Therapy with your doctor (Rhoden & Morgentaler, 2004; Gagliano-Jucá & Basaria, 2019).

Oral Testosterone (Undecanoate)

Oral Testosterone Replacement. The OG option.

When Testosterone Replacement Therapy was first introduced to the world, it was in an oral form. However, it soon became apparent that this method could lead to liver toxicity, prompting a shift towards injectable forms as the primary mode of testosterone delivery. After that, injections became the standard… and they probably still are. However…

Recently, there has been a significant breakthrough with the development of a new generation of oral testosterone.

This advanced formulation is designed to bypass the liver, effectively eliminating the risk of liver toxicity that was a concern with earlier versions.

Oral Testosterone Benefits

This newer oral testosterone offers many advantages:

• Safer than other methods
• Easy to use
• Flexible Dosing
• Rapid increase in T levels (typically peaking after the second dose, taken 12 hours apart)
• Highly effective
• Utilizes Oral Mucosa Absorption (aka avoids liver deactivation)

Patients typically take oral testosterone twice a day, once with breakfast once with dinner.

Oral Testosterone Cost

Oral Testosterone can cost between $100 - $300/month, depending on dosage, frequency, and your insurance.

(We have seen the price go up as high as $1k/month without insurance!)

At Geviti, our goal is never to nickel and dime our members, but instead to bring you the greatest service at the most affordable amount.

We offer Oral Testosterone for as low as $99 a month for our members.

Oral Testosterone Side Effects

The most common adverse side effect with Oral Testosterone in a study that was done was high blood pressure (observed in 2.6% of patients in the study). High blood pressure can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Overall, though, oral testosterone can be a great option for many individuals.

Testosterone Cream/Gels

Testosterone cream is known as one of the easiest forms of administering Testosterone Replacement Therapy.

Traditionally, users will administer it once in the morning. Jump into your usual morning routine, workout, shower etc. then put the cream on, wash your hands thoroughly and you should be good to go.

Testosterone Cream/Gel Benefits

In comparison to other treatments such as injections, this particular therapy is considered less invasive, making it an option for many individuals seeking TRT.

• Simple application
• Less chance of strong side effects

Testosterone Cream/Gel Cost

Testosterone gels or creams cost can range drastically. We have seen the cost be between $70 - $500/month , depending on dosage, frequency, and your insurance.

Geviti offers Testosterone Cream to members who need it for as low as $70 a month.

Testosterone Cream/Gel Side Effects

The biggest risk with testosterone cream is the potential for skin to skin transference to other people.

After applying testosterone, patients need to wash their hands thoroughly to avoid passing the cream onto their spouse or children, as that can become dangerous.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that transference is not the sole risk associated with this form of therapy.

• Skin irritation, such as a rash
• Systemic risks of TRT

Discuss use with your doctor to avoid increasing the odds of possible side effects.

Intranasal Testosterone

Intranasal Testosterone (aka administered through a nasal spray pump) is a unique form of Testosterone Replacement Therapy known for its rapid action. It reaches its maximum concentration in the bloodstream approximately 40 minutes after administration.

To maintain consistent benefits, Intranasal Testosterone needs to be administered multiple times throughout the day. This frequent dosing requirement is one reason why this therapy might not be the preferred choice for some individuals. However, it has been observed that 90% of men achieve average testosterone concentrations within the normal range when using Intranasal Testosterone 2 to 3 times daily.

Intranasal Testosterone Benefits

In terms of fertility, Intranasal Testosterone is considered to have a lower risk compared to other TRT options.

Studies show that only 1.7% of patients experienced azoospermia (no sperm count).

Notably, these patients were also able to regain normal sperm levels within three months of discontinuing the therapy.

Other intranasal TRT benefits:

• Rapid increase in T levels
• Less risk of transference than creams or gels

Intranasal Testosterone Cost

Intranasal Testosterone can cost between $200 - $500/month, depending on dosage, frequency, and your insurance.

Intranasal Testosterone Side Effects

Intranasal Testosterone is not recommended for individuals with nasal disorders, as these conditions can affect the absorption and efficacy of the treatment.

Intranasal Testosterone offers a distinct approach to TRT, with specific advantages and considerations. Its lower impact on fertility and rapid action make it an appealing option for some, while the need for frequent dosing may be a deterrent for others.

Discuss use with your doctor to avoid increasing the odds of possible side effects, including:

• Nose discomfort
• Change in sense of smell
• Fever
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Systemic risks of TRT

Geviti does not offer this product as we believe there are better options.

Testosterone Patches

For individuals seeking a convenient method to administer Testosterone Replacement Therapy without the concern of transference, patches present an appealing option.

These patches are designed for ease of use, typically lasting 24 hours.

During this period, they continuously release a small, steady amount of testosterone into the body.

This method ensures that testosterone levels are maintained evenly throughout the day, avoiding the peaks and troughs that can be associated with other forms of administration.

Testosterone Patch Benefits

The advantages of using testosterone patches over other methods include their non-invasive nature and the consistency they offer in maintaining hormone levels.

• Easy to use
• Steady and gradual increase in testosterone
• Less painful than injections
• Less risk of transference than creams or gels

Unlike injections, which can cause fluctuations in testosterone levels, or gels, which carry a risk of transference to others through skin contact, patches provide a controlled release of testosterone, minimizing these concerns.

The process of administering testosterone through patches involves applying the patch to a clean, dry area of the skin.

Testosterone Patches Cost

Testosterone Patches can cost between $200 - $500/month, depending on dosage, frequency, and your insurance.

Testosterone Patch Side Effects

Testosterone patches come with potential risks and side effects.

These may include:

• Skin irritation at the site of application
• Allergic reactions
• Systemic risks of TRT

But the biggest concern could possibly be that it tends to be less effective than injections or creams.

Geviti does not offer this product.

Long Term Testosterone Replacement Therapies

Long-acting forms of testosterone replacement therapy are designed to provide testosterone over extended periods, such as weeks or months. However, in our opinion, the frequency of injections should be more frequent to not have huge spikes and then a sharp decline until the following injection. We are not the biggest fans of pellets, but more on that later.

Subcutaneous Testosterone Injections

Testosterone replacement therapy using subcutaneous (subQ) injections is a method that involves administering testosterone cypionate directly into the fatty layer beneath the skin, allowing for a release of the hormone into the bloodstream.

The frequency of subcutaneous injections of testosterone cypionate can vary drastically, ranging from one to two times a week to a smaller daily dose, depending on the individual's needs.

Subcutaneous Testosterone Injection Benefits

SubQ testosterone injections are particularly beneficial for patients seeking a less painful and more convenient alternative to traditional intramuscular injections.

• Highly reliable
• Very cost effective
• Easier & less painful than other injection methods

Testosterone Cypionate Subcutaneous Injection Cost

Testosterone Cypionate is going to be one of the most affordable TRT options available.

Testosterone Cypionate for both subcutaneous & intramuscular injections typically costs between $40 - $200/month, depending on dosage, frequency, and your insurance.

Geviti offers Testosterone Cypionate to our members for as low as $30 per month.

Subcutaneous Testosterone Injection Side Effects

The risk profile for subQ testosterone injections is similar to other forms of testosterone replacement, with some considerations.

Individuals with severe needle phobia, significant skin conditions affecting potential injection sites, or those who have difficulty with the dexterity required for self-injection may find this method challenging.

Common side effects include:

• Reactions at the injection site (redness, pain or swelling)
• Fertility Issues
• Polycythemia
• Systemic risks of TRT

If TRT is something that you want to explore, click on the link below.

Intramuscular Testosterone Injections

Intramuscular testosterone replacement therapy is a conventional method involving an injection of testosterone directly into the muscle allowing the hormone to be absorbed into the bloodstream over time.

Due to its direct delivery into the muscle tissue, intramuscular injections can facilitate a rapid absorption of testosterone, leading to an effective elevation of hormone levels.

In simpler terms, your testosterone is going to be really high 24 hours after your injection.

Intramuscular Testosterone Injection Benefits

Intramuscular testosterone injections have been a pillar in TRT due to their efficacy in rapidly increasing testosterone levels, which can be particularly beneficial for patients with significantly low levels of testosterone or those seeking quick relief from severe symptoms.

The method's effectiveness has been well documented, including:

• Improved muscle mass
• Improved bone density
• Improved mood
• Improved sexual function
• Reduced frequency of application compared to other forms

Intramuscular Testosterone Injection Cost

Testosterone Cypionate is going to be one of the most affordable TRT options available.

Testosterone Cypionate for both subcutaneous & intramuscular injections typically costs between $40 - $200/month, depending on dosage, frequency, and your insurance.

Geviti offers Testosterone Cypionate to our members for as low as $30 per month.

Intramuscular Testosterone Injection Side Effects

Intramuscular TRT may not be the ideal choice for all patients.

The fluctuations in testosterone levels due to the relatively rapid release of the hormone into the bloodstream can lead to a rollercoaster effect, with patients experiencing peaks and troughs in hormone levels and symptoms.

These fluctuations can sometimes exacerbate side effects or lead to inconsistent symptom relief.

Possible side effects include:

• Local risks at the injection site (Pain, Bruising or Muscle Soreness)
• Polycythemia
• Fertility issues
• Systemic risks of TRT

Testosterone Pellets

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) using pellets is a long-lasting method to address low testosterone levels.

Pellets are small, biodegradable implants that are inserted subcutaneously (under the skin) in a relatively simple in-office procedure.

Once implanted, these pellets slowly release testosterone into the bloodstream over a period of 3 to 6 months.

Testosterone Pellets Benefits

One of the primary advantages of TRT pellets is their convenience once implanted.

The long-acting nature of the pellets reduces the need for frequent medication administration, making this form of TRT particularly appealing for patients seeking a "set it and forget it" approach.

Additionally, the steady hormone release provided by pellets can result in more stable testosterone levels over time, potentially leading to more consistent symptom relief without the fluctuations associated with other methods of testosterone administration.

Testosterone Pellets Cost

Testosterone pellets can cost between $70 to $350 per month, depending on the dosage, frequency of replacement, and your insurance coverage. Since the pellets last for 3 to 6 months, the total cost will vary based on the price of the insertion procedure.

Geviti does not offer Testosterone Pellets.

Testosterone Pellets Side Effects

The risk profile of TRT pellets includes potential complications from the insertion procedure, such as infection, bleeding, or pellet extrusion.

These occurrences are relatively rare when the procedure is performed correctly. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is crucial to identify and manage these risks effectively.

TRT pellets may not be the ideal solution for everyone. The necessity of a minor surgical procedure for pellet insertion and removal may be a deterrent for some patients.

There's also a lack of flexibility in dosing; once the pellets are inserted, adjusting the dose before the next scheduled insertion is not possible, which could be a limitation if hormone levels need to be fine-tuned.

The decision to pursue TRT and the selection of a specific therapy should be a collaborative process with a healthcare professional, tailored to each individual's unique circumstances.

Whether it's the immediacy of short-acting therapies or the convenience of long-acting treatments, the choice depends on various factors, including lifestyle preferences, medical history, and specific health objectives.

Make sure you have a team behind you like the one here at Geviti, where the commitment is to both your present and long-term well-being equally.

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Disclaimer: The content provided here is intended solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It should not be considered as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are seeking specific information or guidance on the topic discussed, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a qualified healthcare professional or your doctor to address your individual needs and circumstances.

References:

1. Krakowsky Y, Grober E. Testosterone deficiency – Establishing a Biochemical Diagnosis. EJIFCC. 2015 Mar; 26(2): 105–113.PMID: 27683486; PMCID: PMC4975356.
   
2. Nazem Bassil, S. Alkaade, & J. Morley (2009). The benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy: a review. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, 5, 427-448.
   
3. E. Rhoden & A. Morgentaler (2004). Risks of testosterone-replacement therapy and recommendations for monitoring. The New England journal of medicine, 350(5), 482-92.
   
4. G. Hackett (2016). Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Mortality in Older Men. Drug Safety, 39, 117-130.