Methods of Testosterone Treatment

Testosterone is given either as gel that is rubbed into the skin every day or as a long-lasting injection given every 10-12 weeks.

There is no tablet available because of side-effects that occur in the liver if testosterone is given orally. These adverse effects are completely avoided by non-oral routes of administration.

Gel

The testosterone is dissolved in a hydro-alcoholic gel that enables it to be absorved through skin. Some brands come in a pump dispenser and others in daily-dose sachets. The gel is rubbed on to hairless skin after a shower or bath and allowed to dry for a few minutes before dressing.

The hormone is absorbed by the dermis (the deep layer of the skin) and released slowly over the next 10-12 hours into the circulation

Depot-Injection

The testosterone is dissolved in an oil, which slowly releases a small amount of testosterone each day. The depot is injected into the buttock. It produces a steady level for 10-12 weeks. This is similar to the technology that has been used for many years for long acting contraceptive injections for women.

Oestrogen-blocker

Some doctors prescribe a tablet called anastrazole alongside the testosterone. This prevents conversion of testosterone to Aestrogen. This hormone conversion, which is an aromatization, happens in fatty tissue because oestrogen and testosterone are chemically very closely related and an enzyme called aromatase is present in fat.

The oestrogen created can lead to male breast development (Moobs) and also antagonizes the beneficial testosterone effects.