There are many options available to treat Low T
Low testosterone, or Low T, is usually treated with testosterone hormone therapy. When patients are diagnosed with Low T at Urology Austin, and they don’t have any other underlying medical issues that require further testing or different treatment, we can begin treating Low T with one of the many hormone replacement therapy methods available today.
Injections
Testosterone is injected directly into the muscle, allowing the hormone to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Urology Austin’s staff teaches the patient how to do his own injections at home, usually about every week to three weeks.
Pros: This is the least expensive option for treatment.
Cons: Injections can be slightly painful, and levels of testosterone are highest for a few days after the injection, but go down until the next hormone injection is administered.
Gels and patches
There are several ways of treating Low T with gels and patches that deliver medication to the bloodstream through the skin, gum or nasal tissue. Some of the most popular medications include:
Androderm®is a skin patch or transdermal medication applied to your arm or upper body daily.
Striant is a mucoadhesive, or mouth patch. It’s basically a tablet that you apply to your gums twice daily.
Gels are applied directly to the skin once or twice/day.
Androgel®, Axiron®, Fortesta® gels come in a pump that delivers exactly the prescribed dosage of medication. Androgel is also available as a clear gel in a packet.
Testim® is a packet of clear gel.
Natesto is a gel applied inside the nostrils.
Pros: These methods deliver a steady rate of testosterone with no fluctuations, and are also easy for the patient to use.
Cons: Some patients may experience skin problems (itching, irritation or blisters) as a result of gels or patches. In addition, caution has to be used with gels if there are women and/or children sharing the space where you store your medication because they should not come into contact with it at any time.
Our Urology Austin physicians will work with you to determine which medication suits your needs and your lifestyle so that you are comfortable with your treatment method.
Side effects and possible risks
Good news: Recent research indicates that there is little to no chance of developing prostate cancer as a result of long-term testosterone therapy if treatment is properly managed. At Urology Austin, we scrupulously manage our patients’ health, so we’re confident that our methods of treating Low T are safe for our patients.
Some patients may not be able to have treatment for Low T. This includes patients who have had breast or prostate cancer.
Possible side effects of the medication, while rare, include:
Problems with breathing, especially when sleeping
Sleep apnea symptoms may increase
Frequent or persistent erections
Breast enlargement
Discuss these side effects and any questions or concerns you may have with your doctor before deciding to start treatment for Low T.
Natural treatment for Low T
Some men may not be able to use the medication treatment for Low T, or they may have symptoms that do not seem to warrant medication. Here are some tips to help naturally treat Low T.
• Reduce body fat with healthy diet and exercise.
• Increase cardio and weight bearing activities.
• Talk to a doctor at Urology Austin about safe, natural supplements that may help with symptoms.
If you suspect you have problems with Low T, contact us at Urology Austin to learn more about diagnosing and treating low T.
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