I have always been in pretty good health, so I was surprised one day when my doctor told me my blood pressure was a bit high. She told me to begin watching my salt intake, start exercising, and to try to relax. Well, I intended to follow her advice when I left her office, but the next day I was back to my same habits. I kept using the salt shaker and didn't begin an exercise routine like I had planned. When I went for my next check-up, she told me that my blood pressure was even higher and approaching a dangerous level. I had to begin a blood pressure medication to manage it. I wanted to create a blog to share my story and remind people to listen to their doctors' advice. If a few lifestyle changes can improve your health, then you should make them.
If you suffer from low testosterone, hormone replacement treatments can help provide relief from symptoms. You can look forward to an improved mood, higher libido, increased muscle strength, and higher energy levels once you begin testosterone therapy. But first, you'll need to decide which type of testosterone replacement therapy is right for you. The patch, pills, and injections are all common options. Here's a look at the pros and cons of each method.
The Patch
The testosterone patch is a sticky patch that contains hormones. You stick the patch on your skin, either on your shoulder, abdomen, or lower back, and leave it in place for an entire day. It slowly releases hormones throughout the wear time.
The upside to the patch is that your testosterone levels stay pretty stable throughout the day since you're constantly getting hormones from the patch. The patch is painless to wear and does not make a mess. Its downside is that, for some men, it can cause some skin irritation. If one spot becomes irritated, you have to move the patch, so you could end up with several irritated areas at once.
The Pill
Testosterone replacement pills are not just pills that you swallow. Rather, they are soft capsules that you can place between your gums and cheek. They stay in place and take about 12 hours to dissolve.
The pill, like the patch, provides you with a constant supply of hormones. Nobody can see that you're using it, unlike the patch. However, some patients do complain that the pill releases a bitter taste that interferes with their enjoyment of food. It can cause gum irritation in some patients. The only way to know whether you'll have these side effects is to give the testosterone pill a try.
Injections
Another option is to visit your doctor for an injection of testosterone. Usually, these are long-lasting injections, so you only need a shot every week or month depending on your individual case. Some doctors will teach you how to give the shot so you can do it on your own.
Testosterone injections are often the most inexpensive option. You only have to think about the injection once a month or week, and then it is over -- unlike the patch or pill that require attention daily. The downside of injections is that your testosterone level tends to slowly decrease until you're due for the next injection, so your low T symptoms may sneak back up on you.
Talk to your doctor for a better idea of which of the low T treatments is best for you.
Share30 September 2019
