7 Best Low Testosterone Treatment Options (Science-Based)

For a long time, normal testosterone levels have been difficult to establish for clinicians.

This was done in 2017 when a press release from the Endocrine Society said a study conducted by The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism helped define the normal range of testosterone to be 264 to 916 nanograms per deciliter for men between 19 and 39 years old [2].

Problems with the testicles or the pituitary gland that controls them can cause low T even in younger men.

To go on testosterone replacement therapy, men need to have low levels of testosterone in their blood, as well as show several other unwanted symptoms related to low levels of T.

Some of the testosterone therapies a doctor can choose from include:

• Skin patch — applied once a day, usually in the evening on the upper body. It releases small amounts of testosterone into the skin, which helps fight hormonal imbalance.
• Gel — applied once a day on the skin of upper arms, shoulders, or thighs. After applying, you should wash your hands and cover the treated area so others aren’t exposed to testosterone.
• Pellets — these are implants placed under the skin. They are usually placed under hips or buttocks and are replaced every 3 to 6 months.
• Injections — these are usually applied for 7 to 14 days. Injections affect testosterone levels most quickly. Usually, after an injection, testosterone production is high for a few days, and then it slowly decreases until there’s a testosterone deficiency again, and the T levels stabilize. It can be challenging for the patient, as there are likely to be mood and energy level swings.
• Oral therapy — Pills that are swallowed or tablets attached to the gum or inner cheek twice a day. These slowly release testosterone into the bloodstream.
• Testosterone supplements — herbal supplements that contain vitamins and minerals and claim to increase testosterone levels. There isn’t enough research done to support these claims.
• Testosterone food — some food can help increase testosterone levels, especially if it is rich in zinc and vitamin D. Also garlic can raise low T [3].

You should visit a primary care doctor, who will perform blood tests, such as total level of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, to determine your natural hormone levels and decide if you need testosterone replacement therapy.

“There are screening tests that we like to do to, to monitor and to make sure that you do have a truly low testosterone level. And there are some other lab tests that we’d like to check that we will monitor when you're on therapy. So, having the discussion with your MD, understanding the risks and benefits will really lead to a better outcome.”

- Aram Loeb, MD, University Hospitals Urologist 

Doing blood tests to determine your levels of testosterone is especially important if you have prior health conditions, genetic diseases, or hormonal imbalances. Testosterone replacement therapy is often considered an effective treatment option for individuals with low levels of testosterone, helping to restore hormonal balance and alleviate associated symptoms.