While testosterone levels naturally decrease with age, some men have to supplement their low levels. In the early 2000s, testosterone prescriptions for men were rare, but increased dramatically over the next decade, thanks to successful marketing. If you’re over 40 and wondering how much testosterone your doctor can prescribe, you’re not alone. There are many other male hormone deficiencies that require treatment as well, including osteoporosis and depression.
While the number of dosages may be confusing, the AACE has guidelines on testosterone supplementation for both men and women. The goal is to return testosterone levels to a normal range. Oral preparations should be avoided, since they have first-pass metabolism and can cause hepatotoxicity. Injections are another option, but they require frequent doctor visits and training for self-injection. Currently, the most common testosterone delivery methods are pellets and transbuccal troches.
The Endocrine Society acknowledges that there is some uncertainty about what is considered “low” testosterone. In their guidelines, doctors should estimate testosterone levels by age and other symptoms. In younger men, 300 ng/dl is considered low. However, these numbers are lower than those for men over 40. For men older than 45, a doctor should prescribe more testosterone if symptoms persist. However, it is important to note that the DEA recently shut down a pharmacy in Oregon because of the risk of fake pills.
There are some rules to follow when buying testosterone online. To avoid scams, ensure that the website meets DEA guidelines. Always check if a website requires a prescription before filling your order. Some online pharmacies require a written script to provide testosterone. Remember that testosterone is an anabolic steroid and can cause side effects if used improperly. You should follow all directions and follow the doctor’s instructions, but also remember that you should never take any testosterone for a long time without medical supervision.
The National Institutes of Health is conducting a large randomized trial to determine whether testosterone treatment works for older men. It is unclear how much testosterone a doctor can prescribe, but it is estimated to increase physical function, improve sexuality, and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Fortunately, this trial is the largest study of testosterone treatment for men. Although it has many benefits, it can also have many risks.
A doctor can prescribe testosterone based on your age and diagnosis. In most cases, a doctor will prescribe 50-400 mg of testosterone, which should be injected into muscle every two to four weeks. The dosage may be adjusted based on your response to the treatment and the side effects you may experience. Typically, a doctor will prescribe 400 mg of testosterone per day, but this is not recommended in children under the age of 18.
Men who have heart or liver disease or other medical conditions should inform their doctors before getting a testosterone injection. The injection can increase blood pressure. If you have a history of heart disease or a heart attack, you should not receive testosterone injection. Men with sleep apnea, high blood calcium, diabetes, or high calcium levels should tell their doctor about their condition. In addition, men who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea should also tell their doctor if they have high calcium levels.
