Types of Testosterone Replacement Medicine

Testosterone is one of the most important hormones in the male body, governing the sexual characteristics and supporting such important features as sex drive, muscle mass and athleticism. With age, the amount of testosterone naturally produced by the body tends to decline, with some men experiencing a more rapid decline than others. With this decline comes inevitable effects, such as impotency, depression and muscle wasting. Testosterone replacement in all forms can sometimes reverse this trend.

Injectables

• Though increasingly unpopular with clinics who want to avoid confusing their legitimate testosterone replacement therapy with the sale of anabolic steroids, injectables are often noted as the safest, most effective form of testosterone medication. Coming in an ester such as testosterone enanthate, this medication is injected into the muscle tissue at a frequency anywhere from once a week to once a month.

Patches

• Patches are a commonly prescribed form of testosterone medication. Brand names such as Testoderm provide patches that are applied directly to the scrotum, where they are worn for 24 hours. A new patch is then applied, ensuring the patient receives a steady stream of the drug.

Gels

• Testosterone gel, sold under the brand names Androgel and Testim, is to be applied to the upper shoulders once a day for maximum benefit. This form of medication, while popular with hormone replacement specialists, is sometimes shunned by patients because of the upkeep, as well as the general messiness of the gel.

Mucoadhesives

• Tesosterone mucoadhesives such as Striant are designed to fit between the teeth and the outer cheek, providing medication through the gums. This form of medication works in much the same way as nicotine gum. It's designed to be used twice a day to ensure continuous delivery of the testosterone.

Orals

• Testosterone pills are perhaps the least popular form of the drug, allowing the least amount of the hormone through the system and into the bloodstream. Furthermore, oral anabolics are associated with increased risk of liver disease.