Options for Testosterone Replacement in Men

Testosterone replacement therapy should be considered after a careful assessment of lifestyle factors, ideally after six months of intervention without improvement. Options for replacement include topical treatments, injectable forms, and pellets. Injectables, both intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (sub-q), are preferred due to their effectiveness and simplicity. Sub-q injections can achieve the same absorption rates as IM injections, making them a convenient choice often available through regular and compounding pharmacies. Topicals are less favored due to the potential for messiness, the need for large quantities to achieve desired testosterone levels, and risks of unintentional transfer to others. Compounding pharmacies may offer testosterone with different carrier molecules, which can be advantageous for absorption. Lastly, while pellets can provide a longer-term solution, they lack flexibility for dosage adjustments once placed under the skin, making injectables the preferred method for their adaptability and ease of use. Careful monitoring for side effects is crucial as testosterone is a potent hormone.