{"id":1006,"date":"2018-11-14T15:51:40","date_gmt":"2018-11-14T15:51:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.michiganurology.com\/?page_id=1006"},"modified":"2019-01-18T16:42:51","modified_gmt":"2019-01-18T16:42:51","slug":"low-testosterone","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/aaronrbond.com\/projects\/miu\/mens-health\/low-testosterone\/","title":{"rendered":"Low Testosterone"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4 class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">What is Testosterone?<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-1025 size-medium\" src=\"http:\/\/www.michiganurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Testosterone-300x248.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"248\" srcset=\"http:\/\/aaronrbond.com\/projects\/miu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Testosterone-300x248.png 300w, http:\/\/aaronrbond.com\/projects\/miu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Testosterone.png 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Testosterone is the male sex hormone that is made in the testicles. Testosterone hormone levels are important to normal male sexual development and functions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">During puberty (in the teen years), testosterone helps boys develop male features like body and facial hair, deeper voice, and muscle strength. Men need testosterone to make sperm. Testosterone levels generally decrease with age, so older men tend to have low blood testosterone levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">What is Low Testosterone?<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Some men have low testosterone levels. This is called Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TD) or Low Testosterone (Low-T). Deficiency means that the body does not have enough of a needed substance. Syndrome is a group of symptoms that, together, suggest a disease or health condition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">The American Urology Association (AUA) identifies low blood testosterone (Low-T) as less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng\/dL). These symptoms or conditions may accompany Low-T:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Low sex drive\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Reduced lean muscle mass<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Irritability<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li4\"><span class=\"s4\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.urologyhealth.org\/urologic-conditions\/erectile-dysfunction\"><span class=\"s5\"><b>Erectile dysfunction<\/b><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Depression<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">There are many other possible reasons for these symptoms, such as: opioid use, some congenital conditions (medical conditions you are born with), loss of or harm to the testicles, diabetes, and obesity (being overweight). See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Why Testosterone Therapy (TT)?<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">You may need testosterone therapy (TT) if you have Low-T. Both the FDA and the AUA suggest that TT be used to treat conditions you are born with, such as Klinefelter syndrome.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">You also may need TT if you harm or lose your testicles. If your testicles are removed because of a sickness such as cancer, you may need TT. Most men with Low-T (no matter what the cause) will be treated if they have both symptoms of Low-T and blood tests showing Low-T levels. Talk with your doctor if you feel that you may need TT.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">How Common is Low\u00a0Testosterone in Men?<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">It is hard to know how many men among us have Low-T, although data suggest that overall about 2.1% (about 2 men in every 100) may have Low-T. As few as 1% of younger men may have Low-T, while as many as 50% of men over 80 years old may have Low-T. People who study the condition often use different cut-off points for the numbers, so you may hear different numbers being stated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Low-T is more common in men who have diabetes or who are overweight. In one research study, 30% of overweight men had Low-T, compared to only 6.4% of those with normal weight. The same study found diabetes to be a risk factor for Low-T. In another study, 24.5% of men with diabetes had Low-T, compared to 12.6% of those without diabetes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p6\"><strong><span class=\"s6\" style=\"color: #333;\">SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF LOW TESTOSTERONE<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">There are many signs and symptoms of Low Testosterone. Some are more closely related to Low-T levels (specific signs and symptoms). Others may not necessarily be linked (non-specific signs and symptoms). Your doctor will help you make sense of your own situation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Specific Signs\/Symptoms of\u00a0 Low Testosterone <\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Specific symptoms are those more likely or directly linked to Low-T such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Reduced sex drive\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Reduced erectile function<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Loss of body hair\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Less beard growth\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Loss of lean muscle mass<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Feeling very tired all the time (fatigue)<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Obesity (being overweight)<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Symptoms of depression<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Non-specific Signs\/Symptoms of Low Testosterone<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Non-specific symptoms are those that may or may not be linked to Low-T such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Lower energy level, endurance and physical strength<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Poor memory\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Difficulty with finding words to say<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Poor focus<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Not doing well at work<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Having any one of the specific or non-specific symptoms may not mean that you have Low-T. But if you have a mix of symptoms, for instance, if you start to feel very tired and sad over a period of time and this is a change for you, you may want to check for Low-T.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Low sexual desire alone may not mean that you have Low-T. But if you have a combination of low sexual desire, reduced erectile function, and feelings of sadness and tiredness, you should talk to your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p6\"><strong><span class=\"s6\" style=\"color: #333;\">WHAT CAUSES LOW TESTOSTERONE<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p10\"><span class=\"s6\">Some persons are born with conditions that cause Low\u00a0Testosterone such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s6\">Klinefelter syndrome\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s6\">Noonan syndrome<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s6\">Ambiguous genitalia (when the sex organs develop in ways that are not typical looking)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p10\"><span class=\"s6\">Some men may develop Low-T because of conditions like these:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s6\">Damage to testicles by accident<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s6\">Removal of testicles because of cancer<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s6\">Chemotherapy or radiation<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s6\">Pituitary gland disease leading to hormone deficiency<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s6\">Infection<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s6\">Autoimmune disease (when the body makes antibodies that attack its own cells)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p10\"><span class=\"s6\">Basically, if your testicles keep making less testosterone than normal, your blood levels of testosterone will fall. Many men who develop Low-T levels can be linked to :<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s6\">Aging<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s6\">Obesity<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s6\">Metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and belly fat)<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s6\">Use of medications such as antidepressants and narcotic pain medications<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p10\"><span class=\"s6\">Men with certain health problems also tend to have low testosterone. Some of these are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s6\">HIV (about 30 out of 100 also have low testosterone)<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s6\">AIDS (about 50 out of 100 also have low testosterone)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"p12\"><strong><span class=\"s6\" style=\"color: #333;\">HOW IS LOW TESTOSTERONE DIAGNOSED<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-1027 \" src=\"http:\/\/www.michiganurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Low_T-300x146.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"236\" height=\"115\" srcset=\"http:\/\/aaronrbond.com\/projects\/miu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Low_T-300x146.png 300w, http:\/\/aaronrbond.com\/projects\/miu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Low_T.png 491w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 236px) 100vw, 236px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Although many symptoms may be tied to Low Testosterone (Low-T), total blood testosterone level is the most important measure of testosterone deficiency. To make a diagnosis, your doctor will use other specific signs and symptoms in addition to your testosterone blood level.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">At your medical visit, your health history will be taken, and the doctor will do an exam and look for some of the signs and symptoms mentioned in this article.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Health History<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Your doctor may ask you about:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Headache, visual field change (possible symptoms of brain mass such as a pituitary tumor)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">How you developed at puberty\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">History of head trauma\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Cranial (head) surgery\/brain tumor or cranial irradiation\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Anosmia (loss of ability to smell)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">History of infection in your testicles\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Injury to your testicles<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Mumps after puberty<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Past or present use of anabolic steroids\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Use of opiates\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Use of glucocorticoids (medicines, such as cortisone, used to treat inflammation)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">History of chemotherapy or irradiation\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Family history of diseases linked to Low-T<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">History of stroke or heart attack<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">History of unexplained anemia\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Physical Examination<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Your doctor will check for the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">BMI or waist circumference for obesity\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Metabolic syndrome. These are symptoms (seen together) of increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Hair pattern, amount, and location\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Whether testicles are present and their size\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Prostate size and any abnormalities\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Testing<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Your doctor may order these blood tests:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\"><b>Total testosterone level.<\/b>\u00a0This test should be done at two different times on samples taken before noon. Testosterone levels are lower later in the day. If you are ill, the doctor will wait until you are not sick because your illness may cause a false result.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\"><b>Luteinizing hormone (LH).<\/b>\u00a0This test is done to help find the cause of a Low-T level. This hormone controls how you make testosterone. Abnormal levels may mean a pituitary gland problem.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\"><b>Blood prolactin level.<\/b>\u00a0If your prolactin level is high, your doctor may repeat the blood test to make sure there is no error. High prolactin levels also may be a sign of pituitary problems or tumors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\"><b>Blood hemoglobin or Hgb.<\/b>\u00a0Before doing this test, your doctor will look for other reasons for low Hgb such as climate level (like climate altitude), sleep apnea, or tobacco smoking.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">The following also may be done to help with further diagnosis:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\"><b>Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).<\/b>\u00a0This test is to check for sperm-making function if you want to have children. You may also need to have semen tests. These tests will be done before any hormone therapy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\"><b>Estradiol hormone<\/b>\u00a0test is done if there are breast symptoms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\"><b>HbA1C<\/b>\u00a0blood test may be done for diabetes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\"><b>MRI\u00a0<\/b>of the pituitary gland\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\"><b>Bone density<\/b>\u00a0tests.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\"><b>Karyotype<\/b>\u00a0(Chromosome tests).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">You may hear about free testosterone or bioavailable tests for testosterone. These are not the same as total testosterone level tests. Ask your doctor about the differences and if you need these tests.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p12\"><strong><span class=\"s6\" style=\"color: #333;\">TREATMENT OF LOW-T<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">In recent years, the media has reported more about Testosterone Therpy (TT), and more men between the ages of 40 and 64 have been tested and given TT. Some men with certain symptoms may even want TT without being tested. This action may not be safe or helpful for them. Total testosterone level should always be tested before any TT.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">The AUA recommends that TT be prescribed only to men who meet the clinical and laboratory definition of testosterone deficiency (Testosterone level of less than 300 ng\/dL). Here are some of the things you will need to know about TT:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Your doctor will likely measure your testosterone level if you have these conditions:<\/span>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Unexplained anemia\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Diabetes\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Bone density loss\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Low-trauma bone fracture<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Radiation to your testicles\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">HIV\/AIDS positive test results<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Chronic narcotic use<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">History of infertility\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Pituitary gland disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Even if you do not have specific signs and symptoms, your doctor may test your total testosterone level for these conditions:<\/span>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Insulin resistance<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">History of chemotherapy<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">History of using corticosteroid medicines<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Health changes such as losing weight and getting more physical activity will likely raise your testosterone levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Your doctor will want to check your hemoglobin\/hematocrit (Hgb\/Hct) levels while you are on TT. This blood test will help check for thickening of the blood.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Blood thickening may cause blood clots. Your doctor may do Hgb\/Hct levels two to six weeks after you start TT and every six to twelve months after that test.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">If you are at risk for heart disease, your doctor will follow you more closely when you are on TT. It also is important to make health changes to decrease the chances for heart and blood vessel disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Your doctor will treat your Low-T level to raise it above 300ng\/dl but the exact level may vary.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Your doctor will watch you for signs and symptoms of improvement. Any changes will likely appear within three to six months of treatment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">If your total testosterone blood level returns to normal and you still have symptoms, it is likely that there are other reasons for your symptoms. Your doctor may stop TT and try to find out what else might be the problem.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">How Do I Take Testosterone?<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1028 alignright\" src=\"http:\/\/www.michiganurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Syringe_blood-75x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"67\" height=\"268\" srcset=\"http:\/\/aaronrbond.com\/projects\/miu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Syringe_blood-75x300.png 75w, http:\/\/aaronrbond.com\/projects\/miu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Syringe_blood.png 112w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 67px) 100vw, 67px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">There are generally five different ways to take testosterone. They are: transdermal (through the skin), injection, oral\/buccal (by mouth), intranasal (through the nose), and by pellets under the skin. No method is better than another. While you are taking TT, your doctor will test your blood to determine testosterone levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Here are some details about the five different methods:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\"><b>Transdermal<\/b>\u00a0(Topical). There are topical gels, creams, liquids and patches. Topical medicines most often last for about four days. They absorb better if covered with an air- or water- tight dressing.\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Apply liquids and gels, creams or patches to skin that is dry and without cuts or scratches.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Do not wash the area until it is time for the next dose.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Wash your hands after you apply liquids, gels or creams.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Make sure that other people, especially women and children, do not touch the medicines.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">A topical patch is like a band-aid with medicine on it. You put it on and leave it until the next dose is due. <\/span><span class=\"s1\">T<\/span><span class=\"s1\">he medicine<br \/>\n<\/span><span class=\"s1\">on the patch is less likely than liquids, gels and creams to transfer to ot<\/span><span class=\"s1\">hers.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\"><b>Injection.<\/b>\u00a0There are short-acting and long-acting forms of testosterone injection. The short-acting medicine may be givenunderthe skin or in the muscle. The long-acting one is usually given in the muscle. Injections are usually given either weekly, every two weeks, or monthly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\"><b>Oral\/buccal<\/b>\u00a0(by mouth). The buccal dose comes in a patch that you place above your incisor (canine or &#8220;eyetooth&#8221;). The medication looks like a tablet but you should not chew or swallow it. The drug is released over 12 hours. This method has fewer harmful side effects on the liver than if the drug is swallowed, but it may cause headaches or cause irritation where you place it.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\"><b>Intranasal.<\/b>\u00a0This form of testosterone comes in a gel. You pump the dose into each nostril, as directed. It is usually taken three times daily.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\"><b>Pellets.<\/b>\u00a0Your provider will place the testosterone pellets under the skin of your upper hip or buttocks. Your provider will give a shot of local anesthesia to numb your skin, then make a small cut and place the pellets inside the fatty tissues underneath your skin. This medication dissolves slowly and is released over about 3-6 months, depending on the number of pellets.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Y<\/span><span class=\"s1\">ou may want to choose how you take your testosterone based on what is best or most useful for you. In some cases, your insurance provider may decide the order in which testosterone therapies are provided. Talk about the choices with your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Are There Side Effects of TT?<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">There are some side effects of TT. Some side effects are mild while others are more serious. You should ask your doctor or pharmacist about these side effects and watch for them while you are taking TT. Some of the side effects are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">For gels and liquids, there may be some redness at the skin site. With patches, you may have itching and a rash around the area. A very small number of patients report back pain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">For short-acting injections, you may have some reaction at the injection site. Some persons have had serious allergic reactionsto the long-acting injection. Because of this, when you get the long-acting injection they will watch you closely for a while afterwards in the medical office.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">For testosterone pellets, possible adverse effects include swelling, pain, bruising and, rarely, hematoma (clotted blood under the skin).<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">During TT, there is increased risk of erythrocytosis (abnormal raising of blood hemoglobin and hematocrit).<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">TT may interrupt normal sperm production. You should not have TT if you plan on having children soon. If you are being treated for Low-T your doctor may suggest added treatment for sperm production.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">Topical testosterone, specifically gels, creams and liquids, may transfer to others. Women and children are most at risk of harmful effects from contact with them. You should take care to cover the area and wash your hands well after putting on the medication. Be careful not to let the site with the topical TT touch others because that could transfer the drug.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">The FDA suggests watching for signs and symptoms of early puberty in a child you live with or have contact with if you use topical testosterone. Do not let children touch the unwashed or unclothed area where you put the drug.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\">Here are some things you should know:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">There is no evidence linking TT to prostate cancer.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">There is no strong evidence linking TT to increase in vein clots.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li3\"><span class=\"s3\">At this time, there is no strong evidence that TT either increases or decreases the risk of cardiovascular events. However, while you are on TT, you should call your doctor right away if you have signs or symptoms of stroke or heart attack.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is Testosterone? Testosterone is the male sex hormone that is made in the testicles. Testosterone hormone levels are important to normal male sexual development and functions. During puberty (in the teen years), testosterone helps boys develop male features like body and facial hair, deeper voice, and muscle strength. Men need testosterone to make sperm. &hellip; <a href=\"http:\/\/aaronrbond.com\/projects\/miu\/mens-health\/low-testosterone\/\">Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":1016,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-custom-new_page.php","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1006","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/aaronrbond.com\/projects\/miu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1006","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/aaronrbond.com\/projects\/miu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/aaronrbond.com\/projects\/miu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/aaronrbond.com\/projects\/miu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/aaronrbond.com\/projects\/miu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1006"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"http:\/\/aaronrbond.com\/projects\/miu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1006\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1099,"href":"http:\/\/aaronrbond.com\/projects\/miu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1006\/revisions\/1099"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/aaronrbond.com\/projects\/miu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1016"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/aaronrbond.com\/projects\/miu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1006"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}