What Testosterone Replacement Therapy Is The Safest For Treating Low Testosterone Levels?
Question: Hello Dr.s,
my question pertains to testosterone replacement therapy, i had blood work done two weeks ago and found out my testosterone level is low at 229, i believe this is below the minimum of 250. The nurse at my primary drs office indicated they use the following to help with this issue (i hope she is getting this from the Dr.)
TESTIM
AXIRON
TESTOSTERONE CYPIONATE
the internet is not a great place to determine which is the safest and with the least amount of side effects, so my question what method of TRT is the safest as i do not want to put my health at risk by taking any of these medications.
Also, which is the safest when taken with my other medications listed.
my question pertains to testosterone replacement therapy, i had blood work done two weeks ago and found out my testosterone level is low at 229, i believe this is below the minimum of 250. The nurse at my primary drs office indicated they use the following to help with this issue (i hope she is getting this from the Dr.)
TESTIM
AXIRON
TESTOSTERONE CYPIONATE
the internet is not a great place to determine which is the safest and with the least amount of side effects, so my question what method of TRT is the safest as i do not want to put my health at risk by taking any of these medications.
Also, which is the safest when taken with my other medications listed.
Dr Mirjeta,, I thank you for your prompt response but can you be more specific as to why you recommend axiron
Thx XXXXXXX
Thx XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
About testosterone forms;
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
I am giving some more information (apart from the above mentioned) regarding testosterone replacement therapy;
Injectable form (Testosterone cypionate); When administered, testosterone levels quickly increase and then gradually decrease until the next injection. Thus, there may be fluctuations in testosterone levels. This variability can be minimized by shortening the amount of time between injections (i.e. 100 mg/week rather than 200 mg/every other week).
Studies show that; when comparing Testim to Androderm, Testim was superior at achieving normal testosterone levels and had a lower incidence of side effects.
Axiron was the most effective gel resulting in normal testosterone levels in 89% of subjects but Testim has lower side effects incidence than Axiron (allergic reactions, acne etc). However, injectable forms are the cheapest while Axiron is the most expensive. But compared to the risk vs benefits, Axiron is still the better choice.
Hope this clears your doubt.
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta
About testosterone forms;
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
I am giving some more information (apart from the above mentioned) regarding testosterone replacement therapy;
Injectable form (Testosterone cypionate); When administered, testosterone levels quickly increase and then gradually decrease until the next injection. Thus, there may be fluctuations in testosterone levels. This variability can be minimized by shortening the amount of time between injections (i.e. 100 mg/week rather than 200 mg/every other week).
Studies show that; when comparing Testim to Androderm, Testim was superior at achieving normal testosterone levels and had a lower incidence of side effects.
Axiron was the most effective gel resulting in normal testosterone levels in 89% of subjects but Testim has lower side effects incidence than Axiron (allergic reactions, acne etc). However, injectable forms are the cheapest while Axiron is the most expensive. But compared to the risk vs benefits, Axiron is still the better choice.
Hope this clears your doubt.
Best wishes,
Dr.Mirjeta
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee