What Are Low Testosterone Treatment Options? | Northwest Arkansas Specialists

We recognize that traditional TRT injections aren’t for everyone. Some people struggle injecting themselves, and some people just can’t stand needles, period. The schedule isn’t always easy to follow, and slipping up can be stressful. There are other options.

Some sources indicate that certain exercises, diets, and lifestyle choices can help boost natural testosterone production. We recognize there’s probably a degree of truth in that, too! Living healthfully and losing weight can do a lot to boost your testosterone production. There’s no evidence, however, that these strategies provide actual, long-term results outside of improving your quality of life.

So, what alternative low testosterone treatment options are there? The hormone specialists at The Edge walk you through each below!

Types of testosterone treatment options

Gels & Creams

Uses

Testosterone gels and creams have the marked benefit of being the simplest Low T treatment option for patients to use at home. The gels and creams are typically applied to the skin of your underarms or upper arms every day at the same time for the best results.

Drawbacks

The primary drawback of these products is that they can transfer to other people after application, putting them at risk for adverse effects. Children may be particularly vulnerable. Some men also experience skin irritation or redness when applying the gel or cream. 

Recommendation

We advise caution when using testosterone gels and creams, including allowing the product to completely dry before getting dressed and keeping the area covered with clothing.

Related: What Are Testosterone Therapy Side Effects?

Patches

Uses

Testosterone patches are applied to a fleshy part of the body once every 24 hours. Many men enjoy the convenience of this preparation, as one simple daily action delivers a relatively steady dose of testosterone throughout the day

Drawbacks

However, individuals with sensitive skin may not wish to pursue patch therapy due to a possibly mild skin irritation where they place the patch. Some also have trouble keeping the patch on, particularly during heavy exercise, sweat, or water exposure, and some men don’t like having a visible indicator of treatment. 

Recommendation

Make sure you are applying the patches to dry, flat surfaces on your body in easy-to-remove areas. If you have sensitive skin, consult your provider about alternative treatment methods.

Pellets

Uses

With testosterone pellets, small capsules—each about the size of a grain of rice—are implanted under the skin of the upper hip, buttocks, or arm every few months during a quick and easy outpatient procedure. The pellets release a steady dose of hormones throughout treatment and require no daily upkeep.

Drawbacks

However, the major drawback to pellets is that hormone regulation can be difficult to predict and lead to huge peaks and valleys in testosterone. And with the only way to regulate that metabolism being an in-office procedure, it makes it very difficult to adapt the treatment to your needs.

Additionally (though we recognize this may be less important to some men), many patients have told us they find the large bumps where there are pellets under the skin—especially if they need multiple pellets implanted—can be frustrating to look at. 

Recommendation

If you are going to pursue pellet treatments, we encourage you to work with your provider to develop a thorough care strategy. Additionally,  communicate with them immediately if you notice any issues, inconsistency in mood, or other side effects.

Injections

Uses

Testosterone injections are another common testosterone treatment option. The dosage and treatment program of injections are very easy to manage and change as needed based on the individual. Most guys benefit greatly from injections either once or twice a week. 

These injections can be done in-office or via self injections as well, making it very convenient according to your lifestyle.

Drawbacks

For most men the drawback of injections is just that; it is a needle injection. The good news is it’s truly a quick process with little to no pain. This method offers the most customized testosterone treatment option, and the only primary drawback for some is the injection method itself.

Recommendation

Testosterone injections deliver some of the most personalized, well-balanced results for men suffering from low testosterone. Our testosterone specialists highly recommend intramuscular injection for testosterone injections. We do not advocate for subcutaneous injections because this injections the testosterone near fatty, estrogen-filled cells which could interfere with the treatment. 

Get Best Low Testosterone Treatment Options at The Edge in Rogers, Arkansas!

Though we don’t provide non-injection treatment options, The Edge is equipped to support you in your low T recovery journey. 

Our mission at The Edge at Pinnacle Point is to help men across Northwest Arkansas and beyond improve their overall health and wellness. Every guy has unique needs, and that’s why we take an individualized approach with each of our treatments. We take every one of your needs, goals, and challenges into consideration in order to find the right plan for you. 

Schedule an in-person or a virtual consultation today and get back to feeling like your old self again. Check out our special events for deals on your initial lab work and more!

For those looking for care beyond low testosterone treatment, The Edge also offers other services and supplements designed to help you feel or look like your old self.