Testosterone

Question: Is there a testosterone replacement other than the liquid applied to the skin? A Pill? Injection?

Answer: There are other options for testosterone replacement. The common methods of testosterone replacement are as follows:
Androgel or Testim -- gel-like substance that is applied to the skin once a day. Comes in packets or a pump.
Androderm -- a skin patch worn on the upper arm--applied once a day.
Axiron -- applied to the armpits (looks like a deodorant stick)--applied once a day
Injection of testosterone (Depo-testosterone) -- given every 3 weeks once a stable dose is determined.

Most endocrinologists will not prescribe a testosterone in a pill form, because testosterone pills are thought to negatively effect the liver. And with patients with TBI, they could be on several different medications that are all metabolized through the liver. Gels, skin patches or injections are released into the bloodstream.

Benefits of the injection for testosterone is that is cheaper than the gels and levels remain stable & consistent for a longer period of time. Think about a prescription for a gel delivery system of testosterone such as "2 pumps once a day"--what is a "pump" and would the patient be consistent each day with the amount? I don't even think I consistently use the same amount of shampoo each day! Obviously, the gels are easier for some patients to manage who cannot give an injection to themselves (or some families may not be comfortable with injections). Another downside to the gels is that you have to be careful that females do not come into contact with the gels as contact can cause adverse effects (the results would be the same if you deliberately gave a female testosterone who did not need it).