Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be life-changing for men with low testosterone, but choosing the right type of testosterone is crucial for getting the best results. With several options available, it’s important to understand the differences and determine which form fits your lifestyle, goals, and medical needs.
Even small differences in the types of testosterone can make a big difference in how your body reacts to your testosterone treatment. After treating hundreds of patients, we understand how confusing TRT can be and how important it is for you to get the right information so you can get results that matter.
Understanding TRT starts with knowing about the different types of testosterone and some of their pros and cons. Let’s take a look.
Different Types of Testosterone for TRT
1. Testosterone Cypionate & Testosterone Enanthate (Injectable) – The Most Common Choice.
These two types of testosterone are very similar, but slight differences in their molecular structures affect how they are absorbed and broken down by the body. Since they are so similar, it is more useful to look at the difference in the carrier oil that each is made with and how that affects absorption and how they are administered.
- Administration: Injected intramuscularly (IM) 2 times per week. Rarely do we recommend less often than 2x/week. Many clinics do injections once per week, but this does not work the best molecularly in the body.
- Pros:
– Easy to take with food.
– Avoids injections or gels.
2. Testosterone Undecanoate (Injectable) – Long-Lasting but Expensive
- Administration: Injected every 10-12 weeks in a medical setting.
- Pros:
– Fewer injections per year.
- Cons:
– Very unstable levels.
– More expensive than other injectables.
– Requires a large initial loading dose.
– Must be administered by a healthcare provider.
– Avoids injections or gels.
3. Topical Testosterone (Gels & Creams) – Convenient but Variable Absorption
- Administration: Applied daily to the skin (shoulders, arms, or thighs).
- Pros:
– No needles required.
– Steady hormone release throughout the day.
- Cons:
– Risk of transferring testosterone to others through skin contact.
– Variable absorption rates between individuals – our compounded topical testosterone works great. We can get you to where you need to be and stable with compounded topical testosterone. Commercially available formulas such as Androgel do not work well at all – so much so that we don’t even prescribe them.
4. Testosterone Pellets – Long-Lasting but Requires a Procedure
- Administration: Small pellets inserted under the skin (usually in the upper glute area) every 3-4 months.
- Pros:
– Long-lasting.
- Cons:
– Requires a minor surgical procedure.
– Adjusting the dose requires another procedure.
– Some men experience pellet extrusion or discomfort.
– Steady decline of testosterone levels over months – around 100-200 ng/dL total testosterone decline per month!
5. Oral Testosterone (Testosterone Undecanoate Capsules)
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Administration: Taken as a daily pill.
- Pros:
– Easy to take with food.
– Avoids injections or gels.
- Cons:
– Must be taken with fat-containing meals for proper absorption.
– Must be taken several times per day.
– Can be expensive compared to other forms.
– Cannot get high normal levels of testosterone with this form.
Types of Testosterone: What Is The Best Type of Testosterone For You
The best type of testosterone depends on several factors:
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Lifestyle: Do you prefer injections, or would you rather use a cream? These are the two best options by far when done correctly.
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Frequency of Dosing: Are you comfortable injecting twice a week, or would you rather apply topical testosterone daily?
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Cost: The cost for either topical testosterone or injections is the same at Quali-T Men’s Health.
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Absorption & Effectiveness: Some men respond better to injections than creams or vice versa.
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Medical Conditions: If you have certain health concerns, your provider may recommend one type over another.
Get Expert Guidance at Quali-T Men’s Health in Salem, OR and Eugene, OR.
At Quali-T Men’s Health, we specialize in personalized TRT plans based on your needs, goals, and medical history. We’ll help you choose the best types of testosterone and will provide ongoing support to ensure you get the best results.
Ready to start your TRT journey? Schedule a free consultation!
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