Testosterone is an essential male hormone without which men can have lower than normal energy levels, mood swings, and reduced sex drive. The good news is that low testosterone levels can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy. However, the decision of whether or not you can benefit from this therapy must be made in consultation with a doctor because testosterone replacement therapy can lead to side effects in the long run.

Why is testosterone therapy beneficial?
Every man responds differently to testosterone therapy. Most men have reported an increase in libido, and others have had an increase in energy levels, the quality of erections, and improvements in muscle mass and bone density as a result of this therapy. In many cases, it also reduces mood swings. However, in yet other cases, patients show negligible effects of the therapy. Thus, it can be difficult to predict the effects of testosterone therapy.

How is testosterone replacement therapy administered?
There are many forms of testosterone supplements that may be used for testosterone replacement therapy, and each form can increase a man’s testosterone levels. The most popular forms include the following:

• Transdermal skin patches
  Testosterone in the form of a skin patch that slowly releases testosterone into the body must be worn on the arm or on any part of the upper body. Also, it must be changed daily.
• Testosterone gels
  Testosterone is also available in the form of clear gels that may be applied to the skin once a day. After application, the testosterone from the gel will slowly be absorbed into the body. Some gels are also available with a pump that controls the amount of testosterone being delivered. Yet another type of gel allows men to absorb testosterone not through the skin but through the nasal cavity.
• Tablets
  Testosterone may be administered in the form of tablets to be taken orally. This tablet does not need to be swallowed but must be stuck to the upper gums just above the incisors and must be taken twice a day. As the tablet dissolves, testosterone is released into the blood.
• Injections and implants
  In some cases, it may be necessary for testosterone to be injected directly into the muscles. In other cases, testosterone may be implanted into the soft tissues of the body in the form of pellets, and testosterone from these pellets will slowly be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Why are the other forms better than pills?
Testosterone is available in the form of typical oral tablets, but studies have shown that the oral intake of testosterone can have a number of negative effects on the functioning of the liver. The other methods of administration bypass the liver and allow testosterone to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

Performance-enhancing steroids versus testosterone replacement
While some steroids do contain testosterone, there is a lot of difference between the two. Testosterone replacement therapy releases testosterone in limited quantities, which achieves the natural hormone levels in the blood without any excessive physical effects, while such is not the case with steroids.