While it’s true that hormone levels start to drop with age, modern medicine offers a solution: testosterone replacement therapy. TRT is a transformative treatment for men with low testosterone levels, and there are many routes of administration to choose from. Join us for a complete guide into the differences between testosterone pellets vs injections to help you determine the best solution for your needs!
What are the pros and cons of testosterone pellets?
Testosterone pellets are small, rice-sized implants placed under the skin in the hip or buttocks that slowly release hormones into the bloodstream. Here’s what you need to know about this advanced solution for low T:
Benefits of testosterone pellets
Pellets provide a slow, continuous release of testosterone into the body, reducing the peaks and crashes often felt with other delivery methods, and supporting a more stable mood, energy, and libido. And since you don’t have to take it every day, you won’t have to worry about forgetting a dose or taking too much.
Gel and cream treatments pose a risk of transferrence, meaning they can rub off on your partner, children, or pets. Pellets are placed by a doctor and remain under the skin until they dissolve.
Drawbacks of testosterone pellets
TRT pellets require a minor surgical procedure using a local anesthetic. If you’re unhappy with the effects, you can’t simply stop taking them – you’ll need to wait for them to dissolve. Some find that it takes a couple of insertion cycles to nail down the optimal dosage.
Pellets are generally more expensive per visit than other testosterone prescriptions, and your insurance may or may not cover them.
How often do you take them?
One reason testosterone pellets are such a popular choice for TRT is that they’re long-lasting and low-maintenance. Rather than daily oral pills or weekly shots, you only need insertions every three to six months.
Related: How Much Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
What are the pros and cons of testosterone injections?
When comparing testosterone pellets vs injections, it’s essential to have all the relevant information. Let’s take a closer look at injectable forms of exogenous testosterone.
Benefits of testosterone injections
Doctors have long prescribed TRT injections as a safe and effective treatment for hormonal dysfunction in men. They’re readily available at a lower cost than pellets and are much more likely to be covered by insurance. As with pellets, there’s no risk of accidental transference to your loved ones.
Drawbacks of testosterone injections
If you choose weekly testosterone injections vs pellets, you can expect stronger side effects and more fluctuations in energy, mood, libido, and anxiety, since they don’t offer the slow, controlled release of other types of supplements. It can take a while to feel comfortable administering your own shots, and there’s a learning curve when it comes to dosing, frequency, and intramuscular vs subcutaneous injections.
How often do you need to get them?
Most injectable TRT treatments require weekly dosing. However, since they’re administered at home rather than in a clinic, you can adjust your injections to fit your needs. Some choose to take smaller doses twice a week or even a daily microdose. Although some find it inconvenient, this regimen does offer more flexibility for folks who need to adjust their dosage.
Related: Does HRT Help Weight Loss?
How to choose between testosterone pellets vs injections
Your provider will happily help you determine which TRT solution is a better fit for your needs. Here is a quick guide to get you started:
Choosing pellets
You might prefer testosterone pellets vs injections if you:
- Want a set-it-and-forget-it treatment solution.
- Value convenience over flexibility.
- Want to ensure stable hormone levels throughout the month.
- Are squeamish around needles and regular injections.
- Already know your ideal dose.
Choosing injections
Testosterone injections may be the right choice if you:
- Want more flexibility and greater control over dosage.
- Are comfortable with needles.
- Want a cost-effective treatment solution.
- Want to ease into hormone replacement therapy slowly.
- Don’t mind regular injections and ongoing maintenance.
Understanding your options
When discussing TRT with your doctor, be sure to ask about the different types of testosterone formulations available. There are plenty of great options out there, including synthetic varieties, but it’s best to select one that’s bioidentical or chemically identical to the hormone made by your body.
Whether you opt for testosterone pellets or injections (or another solution, like the patch), your doctor will write a prescription and walk you through the process, so you know exactly what to expect.
Related: Vitamin D Injections: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects
Explore your TRT options at The Wellness Club!
Different types of testosterone replacement therapy work best for different patients, and The Wellness Club is here to help you discover your ideal treatment solution. Book a consultation today to get started!