Testosterone Creams or Testosterone Injections? | ONMEN

While both testosterone creams & injections are effective in treating low-T or hypogonadism symptoms, improve muscle mass & strength, sense of well being, sexual function & cognitive ability; the choice of delivery is dependent on lifestyle, and what is comfortable for the patient using testosterone therapy.


                                         Testosterone Injections or Cream

Discussing existing comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular issues, any medications and supplements like vitamins used, among other medically relevant details with a therapist before starting testosterone therapy is important.

Oral testosterone may cause liver issues and patches have been known to cause severe skin rashes and welts. Here’s what one needs to know to make an informed choice.

What does TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) do?

TRT therapy is about treating symptoms of hypogonadism.

  • Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
  • Low sperm count
  • Depressed mood
  • Decreased libido
  • Reduced muscle tone and strength
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Loss of hair

How is Low-T (Hypogonadism) diagnosed and treated?

Qualification for TRT therapy has to be determined by a doctor starting with a simple blood test and consultation. Only after determining if TRT is suitable, medication is prescribed and monitored to fine tune correct dosage. There is no cookie-cutter dosage and it has to be tailored for individual needs taking into consideration other medical issues, if any. Results can be seen in a couple of months.

Results

Compared to the downside of low testosterone, the risks of supplementing T is highly acceptable.

Testosterone Creams

Endocrinologists mostly recommend creams since testosterone is released at a constant rate similar to nature, preventing peaks & valleys typical to injections. Painless and application is easy. Topical T is applied to shoulders, forearm, or inner thighs.

For beginners this is a boon and avoids scar tissue formation, buying syringes, frequent office visits for injections if not self-injecting. Applying cream at the same time everyday and following instructions, diligently washing hands after application and not touching others is important.

Creams come in single dose tubes or dispensers that release precise dosage.

Bioavailability is higher with creams. Erectile strength & sexual functioning boosted due to enhanced dihydrotestosterone release.

Creams have to be applied on clean dry skin, and it has to be absorbed fully(upto 90 minutes) before showering, indulging in any physical activity that will induce sweating, or coming into contact with others including pregnant women & children to avoid contamination risk.

Testosterone Injections

Earliest form of TRT therapy, affordable and dependable. Needs frequent doctor visits for injections and monitoring since injections have a higher risk of enlarged prostate, higher red blood cell counts. Easy for those who cannot be consistent with daily application.

Testosterone injections build slightly better muscle mass & enhance strength than cream. This is also independent of how active a person is.

If self-injecting, syringes, needles and other consumables have to be bought, formation of scar tissue since therapy is prolonged or even life-time.

Dosage is higher than gels which raises testosterone levels in blood quickly before depleting to base-line, fluctuating T-levels affect the mood.

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