What are Available Types of Preparations in Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

The first type of testosterone preparation that is used in TRT is a topical gel, which can be administered by the patient themselves. Androgel and Testim, are the two most commonly prescribed topical testosterone gels in the United States. The gel is dispensed from a tube and is rubbed into the upper arms and/or shoulders once per day. While this method is convenient, the absorption of the gel for some patients is so poor that it will not yield enough testosterone to have the desired effect. Another topical type used in TRT is a patch, however, this method has a very high incidence of skin irritation in almost half of its users.

The second type of testosterone preparation used in TRT and the most reliable in getting results is an injectable. Absorption is not an issue as with the gel, and shots can either be administered at our office or by the patient depending on their knowledge and comfort level. The frequency of injections runs between once per week or once every two weeks.