These symptoms can include:
- sluggishness
- decreased libido and trouble maintaining an erection
- loss of energy
- hair loss
- an increase in body fat
- a decrease in muscle mass
- irritability and depression
Using a product such as testosterone pellets may relieve some of the symptoms associated with low testosterone levels. However, testosterone pellets have many risks and side effects. People should discuss these with a doctor before trying this treatment.
What are testosterone pellets?
Testosterone pellets are a form of hormone replacement therapy. They are about the size of a grain of rice, and a doctor will implant them under the skin.
These pellets contain crystallized testosterone and deliver a steady, low dose of this hormone to the individual for up to 6 months at a time.
Side effects and risks
Although many people believe that testosterone replacement therapy can be beneficial, it can cause side effects and increase the risk of certain health conditions.
What are the side effects?
The possible side effects of testosterone replacement therapy include the following:
- increased red blood cell production
- fluid retention
- acne
- oily skin
- decreased urine stream
- increased frequency of urination
- smaller testicle size
- reduced sperm count
- new or worsening sleep apnea
- swelling of breast tissue and prostate
What are the risks?
Too much testosterone can increase a person’s risk of the following conditions:
- heart disease
- heart attack
- prostate cancer
Testosterone pellets also come with specific health risks. These risks include:
- infection of the insertion site
- the pellets dislodging and coming out of the skin
- incorrect dosage
Taking testosterone supplements disrupts the body’s ability to make testosterone.
This means that when a person stops taking testosterone supplements, they may feel worse suddenly because their body has not adjusted to making testosterone on its own again yet.
It can take some trial and error to achieve the correct testosterone dosage in replacement therapy.
However, the dosage is difficult to adjust when using testosterone pellets because adding or removing pellets requires an additional medical procedure each time.
As a result, some doctors recommend that people start with another form of testosterone replacement therapy, such as gels or injections, to get the dosage right before switching to testosterone pellets.
Most doctors will consider using testosterone pellets for a person once they have determined a dosage that alleviates the symptoms of low testosterone without raising red blood cell counts.
What are the benefits?
Medical professionals remain divided regarding the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy and whether or not it can help alleviate the symptoms of hypogonadism.
Harvard Men’s Health advise people considering testosterone therapy to consult a doctor and learn about all of the side effects and risks before making a decision. They also recommend that people interested in this therapy try to boost their energy by making lifestyle changes first.
However, for people using testosterone replacement therapy, testosterone pellets may offer benefits over other forms of this treatment. Potential advantages include:
- being more convenient than testosterone injections
- causing less skin irritation than gels or creams
- lasting for longer with no daily medication to take
Takeaway
More research on testosterone replacement therapy is necessary to verify its benefits and minimize its potential risks. Testosterone pellets may be a more convenient treatment option than other forms of testosterone replacement therapy for those with hypogonadism.
However, people should not view testosterone pellets as a quick fix to boost their energy levels and sex drive. It is vital to always speak with a doctor before starting testosterone replacement therapy and to be aware of the potential side effects and risks.
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