In theory testosterone replacement should approximate the body’s own natural production of the hormone. The average male produces 4 to 7 mg of testosterone a day with plasma levels in early morning and lower levels in the evening. Women produce around a 12th of those rates.
Testosterone replacement is usually a life-long commitment. It is a decision that should not be made without a discussion with your health care provider. Starting and stopping testosterone can have negative effects on someone’s quality of life (more on this topic later).
There are testosterone replacement products that require daily dosing (orals, buccal, and gels), once a week or two weeks dosing (injections), and once every three- to four-month dosing (long-acting testosterone undecanoate injections) or testosterone pellets).
Males who are hypogonadal can be given continuous testosterone replacement therapy in a wide assortment of ways. These include:
1. Oral capsules
2. Testosterone injections
3. Transdermal (absorbed through the skin) testosterone cream or gel
4. Transdermal testosterone patch
5. Buccal (sublingual and gum adherent)
6. Pellets (that are implanted subcutaneously)
