Testosterone is important for so much of life. Without good levels, you can suffer from stunted muscle development, tiredness and even erectile dysfunction. And while there are methods for increasing testosterone naturally, along with dietary supplements on the market, real deficiencies (hypogonadism) need to be treated with prescription medications. But what are the testosterone booster meds that patients can actually rely on to return them to normal levels?
This blog will explore the testosterone medication options that you could be prescribed in the UK, so you can better understand how Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) might look should you need it.
Commonly prescribed testosterone boosters?
So, what are the drugs that doctors might prescribe to help you boost your testosterone levels?
Testosterone booster gels
These transdermal testosterone gels, like Testogel and Testavan, can be applied daily to the skin, allowing the skin to gradually absorb into the bloodstream. They’re known for providing relatively stable testosterone levels without injections. They must be applied with care and fully absorbed; otherwise, they could transfer to others on contact.
Transdermal patches
Much like gels, patches are applied daily to the skin to provide a steady release of testosterone throughout the day. They’re not as common as gels now.
Testosterone injections
This is fairly pure testosterone injected into the body’s muscles or under the skin at different rates depending on the prescription or the compound. Sustanon is a short-term option injected every 2-4 weeks, while solutions like Nebido are given every 10-14 weeks for more long-term effects. Injections can be cost-effective and sometimes self-administered; however, they can result in peaks and troughs that cause mood swings or energy shifts.
Oral testosterone boosters
These are tablets, taken much like any others, to increase and regulate testosterone levels. In the past, these drugs could cause liver damage. However, these days the formulations are designed to bypass the liver, but they still need careful monitoring for the utmost safety.
Testosterone implants
Pellets like Testopel can be surgically implanted into the skin to slowly release testosterone over 3-6 months at a time, offering a super convenient form of TRT with minimal appointments. However, implants do require surgery to be inserted and removed, making them more of a commitment than other solutions.
Is there a best testosterone booster for erectile dysfunction?
TRT can have significant benefits for people with hypogonadism, including:
- Improved mood
- Better energy levels
- Enhanced muscle mass/strength
- Increased bone density
- Reduced body fat levels
- Stronger cognitive function
- Increased sexual function
However, while these are the benefits that you might be able to expect from TRT, there’s no way to determine one medication being more effective than another for a specific lifestyle aspect. When consulting with your doctor about getting prescribed some sort of testosterone booster medication, it’s also worth mentioning specific issues you’re facing. It could be possible to stack treatments to create more of a comprehensive plan.
For more insights into men’s health, make sure to check out our blog today.
