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Just because low testosterone has
got you down, it doesn't mean that
the down-in-the-dumps feeling and
all the physical symptoms that come
with it are something you have to
put up with. Testosterone replacement
therapy, which is available in a number
of forms, has been shown to increase
energy levels, muscle mass, bone density,
and sex drive and to reduce other
symptoms in men who suffer from low
testosterone for a range of reasons.
Testosterone supplements come
in a variety of forms, including capsules,
gels, injections and patches.
- Capsules are usually taken
once or twice daily. This form of
testosterone replacement therapy
must be taken with food and maybe
a convenient option for men who
follow a regular daily schedule.
People taking testosterone in capsule
form should have their liver function
tested periodically, so it is important
to make follow up appointments with
the doctor.
- Injections are generally
administered every three to four
weeks, usually in the doctor's office
or clinic. Injections are likely
to be a convenient option for men
who require regular contact with
their physician or have a very busy
lifestyle. This form of testosterone
may cause mood swings due to testosterone
level "ups and downs";
levels peak just after the injection
and drop just before the next injection.
- Gels may also be convenient
to use, and are applied once daily.
Men should wait several minutes
to allow the gel to dry before dressing
and allow five to six hours before
bathing or showering. The treated
area should be covered with a shirt
or other clothing to prevent accidental
skin-to-skin transfer of the gel
to women or children (which can
cause them to develop male features
such as lower voices or facial hair
over time). If skin contact occurs,
they should wash the affected area
promptly with soap and water.
- Patches are a form of testosterone
replacement that is also convenient
for men to use, including those
with active lifestyles. They should
be applied once daily to the back,
abdomen, upper arms, or thighs and
can be worn during activities such
as exercising, showering, or swimming.
The patch mimics the natural daily
rhythm of testosterone production
in healthy young men. Patches may
cause skin irritation. Using a topical
corticosteroid cream (which can
be purchased at a pharmacy) before
applying the patch can usually prevent
this.
Side effects of testosterone
replacement therapy can include
acne, prostate growth, sleep problems,
increased blood cell production, and
other effects that are related to
the specific dosage form. As well,
men with prostrate cancer, breast
cancer or allergies to testosterone
or any ingredient in the dosage form
should avoid testosterone replacement
therapies.
Talk with your doctor to learn more
about testosterone replacement therapy -
and in which form - may be right
for you!
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