Testosterone Injections Low-T Treatment

Testosterone Deficiency, Erectile Dysfunction, and Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Anabolic androgenic steroid abuse can lead to serious cardiovascular and psychiatric adverse reactions (see DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE). Geriatric patients treated with androgens may be at an increased risk of developing prostatic hypertrophy and prostatic carcinoma although conclusive evidence to support this concept is lacking. Safety and efficacy of DEPO-Testosterone (testosterone cypionate) in men with “age-related hypogonadism” (also referred to as “late-onset hypogonadism”) have not been established. Testosterone esters in oil injected intramuscularly are absorbed slowly from the lipid phase; thus, testosterone cypionate can be given at intervals of two to four weeks.

Hence, improving your sleep quality is essential for proper hormone production. Additionally, certain vitamin supplements like Vitamin D3 can you have low testosterone at 35 play a crucial role in boosting testosterone levels. Vitamin D3, obtained either from sunshine or supplements, is known to strengthen the immune system and can function as a steroid hormone in the body. Research has suggested that low Vitamin D levels may be linked to decreased testosterone levels in men.

Testosterone injections have 100% absorption so I can achieve very consistent blood levels of testosterone and it’s easy to titrate dosing. Short acting (once or twice weekly) testosterone shots are also dirt cheap compared to other forms of testosterone treatment. Excess testosterone levels will sometimes be seen with injections but these supraphysiologic levels can be mitigated with a simple change in dosing regimen. Again, medically prescribed testosterone is NOT the same as taking anabolic steroids. Results of the trials assessing cognitive function, anemia, bone density, and cardiovascular health are forthcoming.

Similar to IM injections, periodic monitoring of the patients for risks and benefits should continue as recommended by clinical practice guidelines (1). Testosterone therapy is increasingly common in the United States, and many of these prescriptions are written by primary care physicians. There is conflicting evidence on the benefit of male testosterone therapy for age-related declines in testosterone. Physicians should not measure testosterone levels unless a patient has signs and symptoms of hypogonadism, such as loss of body hair, sexual dysfunction, hot flashes, or gynecomastia.

Lastly, SubQ injection sites are more susceptible to infection of the injected area than via IM, as the area is less vascularized. On the flip side, with SubQ injections, irritating solutions or more concentrated dosages might cause sloughing off of the skin epithelial tissue. There is less blood flow to quickly absorb the injection of testosterone. The absorption of your testosterone is slower as there are fewer blood vessels in the fatty tissue; this is actually an advantage, however, if you’re looking for a prolonged effect. SubQ shots are less painful since you’re using smaller gauge needles and injecting into fatty tissue beneath the skin versus into your muscle.

Testosterone therapy can lead to the development of male sex characteristics while reducing female characteristics. Because of this, it is often part of gender affirming care for transgender men and some nonbinary people. Testosterone therapy is one of the main treatments for male children who experience delayed puberty. This is partly related to testosterone, which regulates fat distribution and muscle maintenance in your body. With low T, you’ll likely notice an increase in body fat, especially around your midsection.

This medication is only approved for use in men who have low levels of testosterone related to certain medical conditions. Heart attacks and strokes have been reported with the use of this medication. Talk to your care team about the risks and benefits of this medication. Based on DEA and state laws, your testosterone treatment plan may require an in-person medical exam. Your Male Excel provider will be able to provide more details during your online consultations.

A low testosterone treatment plan should always be developed with guidance from a healthcare provider. An endocrinologist, urologist, or hormone specialist will assess testosterone levels through blood tests and evaluate medical history to determine the most suitable TRT injection. Some studies have suggested that men on testosterone replacement therapy are at increased risk for cardiovascular events including heart attack and stroke. While these studies were heavily criticized due to poor study design, the FDA put a black box warning on all testosterone products in 2014. This black box warning states that testosterone may increase the risks of clots, heart attack and stroke. It is found on the package insert of all FDA approved testosterone formulations.

If you need more information on coverage, contact the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) who published the document. The contractor information can be found at the top of the document in the Contractor Information section (expand the section to see the details). NCDs do not contain claims processing information like diagnosis or procedure codes nor do they give instructions to the provider on how to bill Medicare for the service or item. For this supplementary claims processing information we rely on other CMS publications, namely Change Requests (CR) Transmittals and inclusions in the Medicare Fee-For-Service Claims Processing Manual (CPM). There are multiple ways to create a PDF of a document that you are currently viewing.

You can get more information on all of these treatments on our TRT cost page. You’ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill.