Low Testosterone Treatments
If you go to your doctor, and after having a blood test are diagnosed with low testosterone, they will have a few drug based options to offer you regarding treatment.
This article details the various drug based options in depth, highlighting the costs, benefits and potential pitfalls surrounding prescription based TRT.
Quick Guide:
First Off You Need To Have A Testosterone Blood Test
If you see your doctor with suspected low T, they will almost certainly recommend a blood test to determine your levels of free and total testosterone in the blood.
They generally insist that testosterone levels should only be checked in the morning, preferably between 8 and 11am, this is because they believe that the levels are at their peak during this time.
Reported in the New York Times are details from a report recently published in the Journal of Urology… it concerns the recommended time for a man to have a blood test to ascertain his testosterone levels.
A new study has provided evidence that this is not the case with all men, in fact its results show that this fact is only actually true in younger men.
The records of 2569 men aged between 26 and 84 years old were studied at an erectile dysfunction clinic between 1985 and 2004.
They were sorted into age groups, the youngest group aged between 26 and 39 years old, with the otter groups split at five year intervals up to the lodes group of 79-84 year olds…
These were also split into two time groups, those who had their levels checked between 7 and 9am and those who had their blood tested in between 9am and 2pm.
All those tested, were suffering with erectile dysfunction… a classic symptom of low testosterone levels.
The only group who showed significantly lower levels in between the two time periods were the groups below 45 years old….
For any men aged over this, the timing of the test did not make any real difference.. the only criteria being that the test be taken before 2pm to ensure its validity.
You can read the full article by clicking here –
After Your Blood Test
Ok.. So you have seen your doctor and after an in depth consultation and a blood test have been diagnosed with low Testosterone levels.
So what are your options regarding treatment? your Doctor will no doubt recommend one form or another.
For your information, we have examined the most common methods of treating low Testosterone and have highlighted both the good and the potentially bad points in all of them..
Low Testosterone Treatments: The Choices
Testosterone Patches
One of the most common forms of treating Low T is the transdermal patch – a small sticking plaster that is impregnated with testosterone… When attached to the skin it will gradually pass the hormone through the skin and into the blood stream…
Read More About Testosterone Patches
Testosterone Injections
Another common form of treatment, and often the most costliest. Testosterone is injected into the muscle, where it is gradually absorbed into the bloodstream.
Testosterone Injection therapy needs constant monitoring on a regular basis, just to ensure that your testosterone levels are responding correctly.
Read More About Testosterone Injections
Testosterone Gels
One of the most popular treatment options, testosterone gels are easy to use and can be quite effective, they are however, not without their risks and also have a unique problem in that they can cause side effects in other people around you..
Recent lawsuits have also highlighted the possible health risks of using testosterone gel.
Read More About Testosterone Gels
Testosterone Pellets
Often used for longer term treatments, testosterone pellets are the most invasive form of any prescription testosterone treatment, requiring surgical implantation under the skin, they do however free the user from having to remember to apply gel each day, or to change a patch.
As an added benefit, they do not contain the same risks of secondary exposure as testosterone gels.
Read More About Testosterone Pellets
Testosterone Pills
Not so popular these days and relatively expensive… prescription testosterone pills are available in different kinds, those that you conventionally swallow, those that dissolve under your tongue and others that are placed behind your top lip to dissolve against your gums.
Can be prone to additional stomach based side effects…
Read More About Testosterone Pills
Testosterone Creams
Similar in makeup and with similar exposure risks to testosterone gels, creams offer another topical, non invasive option for boosting testosterone levels.
Most doctors prefer other options, but these treatments are available if taking pills or injections are not suitable.
Read More About Testosterone Creams
How Much Do Testosterone Treatments Cost?
The ever increasing TV advertisements featuring the symptoms of low testosterone have sent the number of men going to their doctor about this problem spiralling upwards..
The problem, which can affect virtually all men to varying degrees once they reach 40 years old and beyond can cause them to suffer various effects including
- Reduced Sex Drive
- Lethargy – No Energy
- Poor Sleep
- Reduced Muscle Tone And Strength
- Increased Body Fat
- Short or Increased Temper
- Lack of Concentration
Low testosterone is usually diagnosed after a doctors consultation and a blood test to measure the amount of testosterone in the blood… if the levels are below 300ml/dl it is generally considered that you are suffering from low testosterone and the doctor may well offer you a course of treatment like those mentioned above.
The Cost Of Prescription Low T Treatments
The main types of treatment offered by a doctor include
- Pills
- Injections
- Patches
- Gels
The costs will vary but an initial consultation and first treatment will usually cost between $200 and $500… subsequent treatments and constant checkups and further tests are likely to continue at around $300-$600 per month… Some clinics will charge even more, with some private clinics charging $1000 upwards for one course of testosterone injections..
Can I Claim This On My Medical Insurance?
Medical Insurance will often cover the cost of the initial consultation and diagnosis, but very few actually cover the ongoing treatment costs…speak to your insurance company before seeking treatment to determine exactly what they will cover you for.
I Cannot Afford $6000 + a year to be treated for Low T – What Can I Do
The cost can be quite prohibitive unless you are lucky enough to be covered by your insurance company….
Also before starting on a course of prescription testosterone therapy.. there is another factor to consider… your health
There have been well documented reports of prescription testosterone treatments causing some quite nasty and even potentially fatal health issues.
There are numerous high profile law suits in progress at the moment with patients claiming that manufacturers of certain prescription testosterone products have failed to provide both themselves and their doctors with full information on the possible health risks of being treated with products containing actual testosterone.
What Else Can I Do?
You could consider using a natural Testosterone booster...
These products are 100% natural and do not require a doctors prescription.. unlike prescription treatments, they do not put actual testosterone into your body, instead they provide the nutrients and vitamins essential to encourage your body to actually increase the production of your own testosterone…
The chances of this method causing any life threatening problems are minimal – your body is genetically used to your actual testosterone and will not react badly to increased levels..
A good natural testosterone booster can deliver virtually the same results as prescription treatments but without the recognised risks and at a far more affordable cost.
Costs Compared
With prescription treatments costing around the $500-$600 + per month, a decent natural testosterone boosting product should cost you no more that $70-$80 per month.. a fantastic saving and with virtually no risks of any health issues whatsoever..
The results might take a little bit longer to be noticeable, but we are only talking of a week or so, and you will start feeling younger, more active and have the desire for sex and life overall once again..
Discover The Benefits Of Natural Testosterone Supplements
With all the negative media reports surrounding prescription based testosterone boosting therapy, its refreshing to know that there are some natural, highly effective alternatives to these drug based and prescription treatments.
Recent lawsuits filed in various states have hit the headlines over the past few months, with claimants requesting damages from manufacturers for health problems ( in particular heart attacks) caused by taking or using their testosterone boosting drugs.
They claim that the manufacturers failed to highlight and make public the adverse risks.
Why Use A Natural Testosterone Booster
A good testosterone booster can offer any man suffering the effects of low testosterone a generally safer and more natural way to reverse the effects of the problem..
With reduced sex drive, increased body fat, decreased muscle tone and a distinct lack of energy all common effects of low Testosterone, its little wonder that so many men are now seeking treatment.
Unlike prescription treatments that use actual or synthetic testosterone, a good natural Testosterone Booster works in a slightly different way…
Instead of introducing preset amounts of the actual hormone into the body…. Natural testosterone boosters deliver essential nutrients and vitamins that encourage the body to make more of its own natural testosterone…
Instead of directly adding more hormone ( which can increase the risk of side effects) by helping the body to produce more of its own natural testosterone, the body is less likely to suffer any ill-effects and the end results are usually the same.
Read My Definitive Guide To Testosterone And How To Boost It
A Good Natural Testosterone Booster Can Help Men To
- Regain Lost Sex Drive
- Enjoy Stronger Erections
- Reduce Excess Body Fat
- Gain More Lean Muscle Mass
- Experience Better Moods and Sleep Quality
- Regain Energy And Vitality.
Most ingredients in a natural testosterone boosting supplement are plant or herbal based, many can be commonly found in ancient Eastern and Asian traditional medicines.
If you look at and compare the ingredient profiles of natural T boosters, you will find a massive list of different ingredients commonly used by various manufacturers…
This is a crucial point to remember if considering a natural Testosterone booster…
Most supplement manufacturers make some quite powerful claims regarding their products effectiveness… the sad truth is that for the majority, their claims are simply marketing ‘hype’ and cannot always be substantiated.
There are of course some excellent products that use the right ingredients ( those that have been clinically tested) in effective amounts and of course these products can and will deliver some fantastic results.
Best Natural Testosterone Boosting Ingredients
We have examined the more popular natural ingredients and report on their safety and effectiveness in the following articles…
Natural Ingredients With Proven Testosterone Boosting Properties
D-Aspartic Acid ( DAA ) (proven to boost testosterone by 40% in 12 days)
Mondia Whitei (Amazing African Herbal Testosterone and Libido Boosting Extract
Vitamin D ( studies show up to 30% increase in Testosterone)
Fenugreek ( Proven Libido Booster – Effective In Studies)
Stinging Nettle Extract (Anti Estrogen Properties – Essential)
Oyster Extract (Very High In Zinc – Powerful Libido Booster )
Testofen (Registered Brand Name For Fenugreek Extract)
Zinc (Essential Component For T Boosting – Good Libido Support)
Magnesium (Works alongside Zinc – Essential)
Boron ( Latest Studies Prove Its Testosterone Boosting Ability)
Shilajit ( Demonstrated T-boosting effects in in infertile men )
Mucuna Pruriens (Trials prove its effectiveness in men with low T)
Siberian Ginseng (Increases energy and performance – reduces fatigue)
Ginger (Positive Effects In Men Who Are Infertile)
Bulbine Natalensis (Trials have shown increased T Levels in Rats – largely untested on humans – slight concern over possible risks to liver and kidneys)
Panax (Some benefits in men suffering from extreme hypogonadism – generally ineffective in healthy men)
Prolensis (Registered brand name for Bulbine Natalensis)
Ashwagandha (Slight Benefits)
Pedalium Murex ( Positive Effects Shown In Rats – Not Tested On Humans)
Luteolin (Proven In Trials To Have Positive Anti-Estrogen Effects)
L-Dopa (Larger Doses have shown an ability to boost LH – Which in turn could boost testosterone production)
Fadogia Agrestis (has shown good results in one trial involving rats but has also possible toxicity issues – no human testing)
Baking Soda (rather surprisingly, this everyday ingredient has shown some amazing t-boosting benefits)
Other Ingredients Found In Testosterone Boosters
Banaba Leaf (Unproven – Clinical Trials Inconclusive)
Tribulus Terrestris (failed in numerous trials to have any effect On Testosterone Production – can however help to boost libido)
Milk Thistle ( No Proven Results In Trials)
Maca (Testosterone Boosting Properties Unproven, Can Help libido)
Icariin (Proven Libido Enhancing Capabilities But Largely Ineffective as a T-Booster)
Ecdysteroids (Suma) (Proven Ineffective In Trials)
Hawthorn Berries ( Untested On Humans – Ineffective On Animals)
Gingko Biloba (No Proven T-Boosting Properties)
Saw Palmetto ( Does Not Promote Testosterone But Can help Control DHT And Possibly Reduce Hairloss In Some Males)
Astralagus (Unstudied and Un-proven)
Coleus Forskohlii (Rarely Studied, Slight Increases Seen In Obese Men)
Massularia Acuminata (Untested and Unproven)
Cordyceps (Unproven As a T Booster, Can Help libido)
DHEA (Ineffective – Possible Link To Prostate Cancer)
Cissus Quandrangularis (No Clinical Evidence)
Deer Velvet Antler (No Clinical Evidence)
Ginger Root (Minor Increases In Some Users – Largely Untested)
Licorice Root ( Trials Have Shown a Tendency To Actually Reduce Testosterone)
Eurycoma Longifolia Jack (Mild Effects In Extreme Cases of Hypogonadism – Otherwise largely ineffective – Can Help Libido)
Basella Alba (Largely Untested – Has Shown Mild Results In Test Animals)
Hibiscus Macranthus (Untested on Humans – Possible Results Shown on Lab Rats)
Rhodiola Rosea (No Clinical Evidence)
Paederia Foetida (Untested On Humans – No Evidence)
20-Hydroxyecdysone (No Clinical Evidence)
Damiana Leaf (Possible Anti Estrogen Effect – Lacks Clinical Testing)
What Testosterone Boosting Product To Choose
Now this can be a real minefield, there are so many products out there, all promising you fantastic results…
Sadly a large number of these products are weak, underpowered and simply do not have any real effect other than to reduce your bank balance.
I have reviewed and researched many of the popular products out there and after taking a good look at their ingredients, speaking to users and getting their independent feedback.
I also looked into the manufacturers customer service record and of course taking other things into account such as cash back guarantees and to a lesser degree — Price (cheap isn’t always the best as we all know)
From this research, I have compiled a list of the products that I feel offer the best results overall, with a proven track record of results and satisfied users across the world.
Click Here To See My List Of Recommended Testosterone Boosters