For men who are advancing in age, it’s expected to have gradually declining testosterone levels. However, when the levels of your primary male sex hormone become unacceptably low, it may cause various bothersome symptoms such as fewer spontaneous erections, reduced libido, increased body fat, and reduced bone density.
If you’re beset with problems about low T, you actually have several options to get your testosterone levels back up. There are different types of testosterone therapy available, and the cost will vary depending on your treatment plan, as well as your insurance coverage and where you’re getting treated. Find out more about your options for treating low T.
Why You Should Raise Your T Levels
In truth, low testosterone levels are not to be shrugged off, precisely because it can lead to various medical conditions and increase your risks of cardiovascular diseases. Not only that, but low T also causes unpleasant changes to your physical makeup, as well as your sexual function and psychological well-being.
Most men know that having low testosterone levels almost always leads to sexual problems. On top of that, it can make you lose muscle mass and strength, which could then make you feel more easily fatigued.
Low T may also result in breast enlargement or gynecomastia. You may gain weight due to increased fat mass, and that can cause negative effects on your self-confidence too. Plus, low T is also highly associated with major depressive disorder and decreased motivation, as well as difficulties in concentrating and remembering things.
To help alleviate these symptoms, your doctor may advise you to get testosterone replacement therapy. However, you should know that this type of treatment also has risks, and you should discuss those with your doctor.
Risks of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Everyone reacts to testosterone therapy differently. However, there are known common side effects such as acne and other skin reactions. A sudden increase in your testosterone levels may cause your sebaceous glands to become overly active, thus causing acne.
In addition, testosterone therapy may also contribute to sleep apnea, a sleep disorder wherein your breathing actually stops and starts while you’re asleep. Not only does this interrupt your sleep, causing you to suffer from the effects of sleep deprivation like fatigue and poor concentration, but it can also lead to hypertension and heart diseases.
Abnormal growth of the prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, is also a known side effect of testosterone replacement therapy. Although it’s not cancerous, BPH is accompanied by various inconvenient symptoms such as urinary incontinence.
Testosterone replacement therapy may also lead to testicular shrinkage and reduced sperm production. When your body senses that your testosterone levels are high, your brain will signal your testicles to stop producing testosterone. The impaired function of your testes can then result in testicular shrinkage and also affect your production of sperm.
More importantly, testosterone therapy can increase your chances of developing deep vein thrombosis, which is potentially dangerous because it could lead to a pulmonary embolism, chest pains, breathing difficulties, and it can even be fatal.
Testosterone Therapy Options
By itself, low T doesn’t necessarily require treatment. However, your doctor will need you to undergo tests in order to determine whether you should be getting testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone treatment options are available in various forms.
Transdermal patch
You apply a testosterone transdermal patch once a day, either on your arm or upper body, and the hormone is absorbed through your skin. One prescription typically covers 30 patches. It’s convenient, but it could cost you around $600 per month.
Testosterone gel
You need to apply the gel once daily to an area of skin that other people won’t come into contact with. Certain brands also come in a pump that’s calibrated so that you get the prescribed dose. The cost can be as high as $300 for one container of gel, depending on the brand, concentration, volume, and where you buy it.
Mouth patch
The patch is tablet-shaped, and it needs to be applied on your upper gum twice a day. The hormone is then absorbed through your oral tissues. Be careful that you don’t chew or swallow the patch. Without insurance, a supply of 60 films or patches may cost anywhere from $700-$800 per month.
Testosterone injections
Depending on the dosage and the brand, you’ll need a testosterone shot administered into your buttock muscles once every 1-4 weeks. This may be more convenient compared to testosterone daily treatment. The cost will depend on the brand and dosage, but it may be as low as less than $100 per month.
Testosterone pellets
Containing crystalline testosterone, these pellets are implanted under the skin through a minor surgical procedure. One pellet can deliver testosterone to your body for 3-4 months, so you’ll need to have a pellet implanted 3 or 4 times a year. The total cost will depend on the pellet cost, insertion cost, consultation fees, lab tests, and insurance coverage.
Natural Testosterone Boosters
Given the cost and risks of testosterone replacement therapy, you may want to consider natural means to restore your testosterone levels. You won’t be needing a prescription, and you won’t even have to worry about whether your insurance will cover the cost.
For instance, regular physical activities, especially moderate-intensity resistance training, can greatly help in raising your testosterone levels. Not only will that be a lot cheaper than testosterone patches, but it will also greatly improve your overall health. Plus, you get to manage your weight, improve your physique, and lower your risks of diseases.
You can also try fenugreek and Tongkat Ali, two herbs that are known to be safe and effective in improving testosterone levels. These herbs are actually rich in various types of antioxidants, which is why they’re considered extremely healthful.
Fenugreek not only keeps your free testosterone levels high, but it’s also good for losing weight and managing your insulin and blood glucose levels. Tongkat Ali, on the one hand, is perfect for your sexual health because aside from raising your testosterone production, it also enhances your libido and erectile function.
