Low Testosterone (Low T)

1. Testosterone injections: There are 2 types of injections, short-acting a long-acting injections. Testosterone cypionate, can be done at home every 1-2 weeks depending upon the regimen your doctor prescribes. The long-acting injections, Aveed (testosterone undecanoate), as administered in the office once every 10 weeks. Insurance usually covers both of these. Even if insurance does not cover, the short-acting injections are generic and relatively inexpensive. Aveed, testosterone undecanoate, is the ten-week testosterone injection that is slow release every 10 weeks.
2. Testosterone patch: This is a daily patch of testosterone that is absorbed through the skin. Unfortunately usually causes a rash.
3. Testosterone gel: Daily application of a testosterone gel on either the shoulders size orbits depending on the type gel.

Clomid is a fertility medication that tricks the body into thinking it does not produce any testosterone. This makes the brain sends more signals to the testicles to make them produce more testosterone. Because it is a fertility medication, it is rarely covered by insurance. Prescriptions for this can often be sent to a compounding pharmacy to help with the cost.

When someone receives testosterone, their body may interpret it that they’re making too much, so the testicles shut down. This can cause infertility as well as testicular shrinkage, the blood to become too concentrated as well as an asymptomatic elevation in liver enzymes. The side effects should be monitored by periodic labs. It is currently unknown if testosterone replacement increases, decreases, or has no effect on cardiovascular events. The FDA warnings that there may be an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Testosterone replacement does not increase your risk for prostate cancer however if you’re diagnosed with prostate cancer, you will probably be told to stop your testosterone replacement since it can exacerbate prostate cancer.

There is actually no standard definition of low testosterone. The American Endocrine Guidelines say to use the reference ranges as provided by the lab which can vary from lab to lab.

No, you need to continue the treatment to keep your testosterone.

Testosterone is metabolized by the fatty tissue. The heavier someone is and the higher the BMI, the lower their testosterone.

There is no best treatment per se. The best regimen is based upon informed discussion between physician and patient and to using the option that is most acceptable to the patient. Insurance will cover most of the testosterone options.