Without adequate testosterone, a man may lose their sex drive, experience erectile dysfunction, feel depressed, have a decreased sense of well-being, fatigue, and have difficulty concentrating. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels (to detect polycythemia) should be checked periodically in patients receiving long-term androgen administration. Testosterone has been subject to abuse, typically at doses higher than recommended for the approved indication and in combination with other anabolic androgenic steroids.
Men who present with severe depressive symptoms or a history of depression should be referred to psychiatry. While testosterone therapy may help depressive symptoms, pharmacologic treatment or cognitive therapy may also be warranted in these men. Men with depressive symptoms that fail to respond to adequate testosterone replacement should also be referred for psychiatric consultation. Testosterone passes through the blood brain barrier in support of normal brain function. Testosterone receptors are located in several parts of the brain including the cortex and hippocampus. There is no doubt that testosterone along with some of its metabolites play a role in normal mental health. Men with a history of venous thromboembolism must also be approached cautiously and consultation with hematology is strongly recommended.
Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. This is a very difficult question because there is no definitive answer. Everybody is biologically different and responds to the treatment differently.
At Yale Medicine Urology, we try to personalize care to specific needs of the patient. The downsides of IM shots include that absorption of the testosterone is determined by the bulk of your muscle and its vascularity. IM injections can be slightly more painful overall than SubQ, with more bruising.
Other symptoms of male hypogonadism may include fatigue, irritability, depressed mood, insomnia, impaired cognitive functions, mood swings and lack of motivation. Physical indicators of low testosterone may include increased body fat, difficulty building muscle mass, impaired recovery from work-outs and reduced exercise endurance. The most recent FDA-approved oral TRT medications include Tlando®, Jatenzo®, and Kyzatrex®, which all bypass the liver and are absorbed by the lymphatic system. All three medications have been shown to restore testosterone levels in hypogonadal men to within the normal range. Meanwhile, clinical trial results showed that 88% of patients treated with Kyzatrex achieved an average plasma total testosterone concentration within the normal range on the final day of the study. Some men may experience immediate side effects from testosterone treatment. These can include acne, disturbed breathing while sleeping, breast swelling or tenderness, or swelling in the ankles.
While these injections can lead to improved energy, mental acuity, and sexual function, they also come with some safety concerns. Both testosterone patches and injections offer effective ways to treat low testosterone levels, but the best choice will depend on individual needs and lifestyle factors. Patches provide a steady release of testosterone and are non-invasive, making them convenient for those who prefer not to deal with needles. In contrast, injections offer higher doses and less frequent administration but come with potential discomfort and hormone fluctuations.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are receiving testosterone injection. The dosage can vary, but commonly, one tablet of 25 mg per day is what will be prescribed. As always, adhere strictly to your prescribing doctor’s instructions, your dosage will have been calibrated based testicular shrinkage on testosterone your hormonal levels and response to treatment.
We’ve helped clients throughout our home state of Arkansas and across the country. Whether you’re in Little Rock, Dallas, or halfway across the country, you can experience the benefits of testosterone optimization. While it’s true that a deficiency may affect your sex drive and cause ED, Low-T causes a variety of symptoms and health concerns in men.
