Testosterone Injections Cost

Testosterone is a type of steroid hormone which performs various sexual and reproductive functions in the body. Although it is considered as a male hormone, it is produced in small amounts in women as well. In men, testosterone is produced by testes while in women it is produced by ovaries. Testosterone is responsible for development of reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics in men, while in women it increases libido and enhances bone mass. Testosterone replacement therapy is often recommended for men and women, when the levels drop below the normal limit. Testosterone is artificially given through injections or topical gels and creams.

How Much Do Testosterone Injections Cost

Testosterone levels are at its peak during puberty and begin to decline thereafter. In men, testosterone levels drop very low by age 50. Oophorectomy (surgical removal of ovaries) or menopause may alarmingly reduce testosterone levels in women. Older men seek testosterone replacement therapy to cure sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction, decreased libido etc. Testosterone therapy for women is recommended to maintain a healthy bone mass as well as to increase sexual desire. In general, testosterone is required to maintain a good sexual life, good mood, fertility and healthy body weight. Hence, when the body does not produce enough testosterone, you have to rely upon testosterone replacement therapy.

If any of the symptoms of low testosterone are identified in men or women, a steroid test to detect the level of testosterone hormone is performed. Depending upon the test results, your doctor will recommend you testosterone therapy. Artificially, testosterone can be given in the form of intramuscular injections or topical creams and lotions. Both these methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. Topical creams and lotions require daily application, while injections can be taken every 2 - 3 weeks. As injections are assimilated into the body on a daily basis, the levels of testosterone remain fairly even, thereby mimicking a natural mechanism. On the other hand, testosterone injections suddenly elevate the testosterone levels in the body. The levels remain beyond the natural limit for 4 - 5 days after taking an injection and begin to drop thereafter. This 'peak and valley' phenomenon is avoided when you opt for creams or injections.

Cost for testosterone replacement therapy depends upon the method of testosterone replacement you opt for. Intramuscular testosterone injections are much affordable than the expensive testosterone gels or creams. Injections are administered in a small dosage (about 200 - 300 mg) every 2 - 3 weeks. The cost of injectable testosterone is about $80 per dosage. Testosterone gels and creams may cost you about $200 - $500 for a month's supply.

Side Effects

Although, testosterone injections are comparatively safer than gels and creams, they still have the potential to induce certain side effects. Common side effects include allergies, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, male pattern baldness etc. Cholesterol level fluctuation, enlarged prostate, breast swelling in men are also some of the serious side effects of testosterone injections. Some cognitive and behavioral side effects such as mood swings, confusion, memory loss are also observed in people who are on testosterone replacement therapy.

Testosterone injections are comparatively safe, easy to administer and most importantly cheap. Needless to say, most people prefer this mode of testosterone replacement therapy. However, it is recommended that people with prostate problems or those suffering from breast cancer should stay away from this treatment.