The most effective testosterone treatment depends on your individual health profile and goals. However, there are some key factors to consider when determining the optimal testosterone medication and dosage:
Testosterone Types
There are several different forms of testosterone that can be used:
- Testosterone cypionate - An injectable esterified variant with a medium half-life, allowing for weekly or bi-weekly injections
- Testosterone enanthate - Another injectable esterified form with a longer half-life, enabling less frequent injections
- Testosterone propionate - A fast-acting injectable best suited for short 8-12 week cycles
- Testosterone undecanoate - An injectable esterified type tailored for infrequent (monthly/bimonthly) injections
- Transdermal gels/creams - Absorbed through the skin, requiring daily application
- Oral capsules - Not recommended as first line treatment due to liver toxicity risks
The injectables tend to be the most
effective testosterone preparations as they bypass digestion and supply sustained testosterone levels.
Testosterone cypionate and
testosterone enanthate are well-suited for
testosterone replacement therapy.
Dosage
The dosage should be tailored to the individual based on:
- Current testosterone level
- Age, health conditions and risk factors
- Treatment goals (i.e. normalizing testosterone vs. bodybuilding)
Most clinics utilize a standard starting dosage of 100-200mg injected once weekly or bi-weekly. This is then adjusted in small increments based on follow-up lab work and symptom monitoring.
It's crucial to use the
minimum effective dose needed to relieve symptoms and reach ideal testosterone range. Higher doses don't necessarily increase benefits but elevate side effect risks.
Estrogen Control
When externally supplementing testosterone, the body increases estrogen conversion. Uncontrolled estrogen surges can precipitate gynecomastia, fluid retention and
mood changes.
Therefore, an
aromatase inhibitor (AI) or Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) medication should be incorporated to prevent estrogen-related issues. Commonly used options include anastrozole and tamoxifen citrate.
Lab Testing
The most accurate way to dial in your optimal testosterone dose and estrogen balance is through
follow-up lab testing. This generally includes:
- Total and free testosterone
- Estradiol
- Complete blood count
- Lipid profile
- PSA
Testing should be conducted at the half-life mark of your preparation, which is when stable absorption peaks. For example, 5-7 days after an injection for cypionate and enanthate.
Beneficial Additions
Certain medications and supplements may enhance the safety and effectiveness of
testosterone therapy:
- hCG stimulates natural testosterone production and helps maintain testicular function
- DHEA provides additional androgenic support
- Pregnenolone aids hormonal balance
- Zinc/magnesium/vitamin D bolster testosterone response
Vitality Balance ClinicSpecializedCare
If you are interested in
testosterone replacement therapy, the physicians at Vitality Balance Clinic have over 25 years of experience safely managing patients on testosterone.
We individualize treatment plans utilizing an array of testosterone preparations, specialty medications, and lifestyle advice tailored to your health profile and ambitions. ✅
Our all-inclusive care includes:
- 🩺 Initial evaluation and regular follow-ups with our hormone therapy specialists
- 🧪 Ongoing lab testing to ensure optimal and safe hormone levels
- 💉 Convenient self-injection teaching for testosterone and other medications
- ✔️ Adjunct therapy considerations like hCG, AI's, and supplements
- 📝 Custom treatment plan adjustments based on your response
- 🆓 Virtual consultations and personalized treatment plans
We also offer complimentary 15-minute intro calls to determine if
Vitality Balance Clinic is the right fit for your needs.
Schedule a free call today!
