Testosterone Replacement Therapy Pharmacy
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) refers to a regimen of doctor-prescribed testosterone hormones, which can be used to treat low testosterone (hypogonadic) symptoms.
American Integrative Pharmacy (AIP), led by Dr. Neema Yazdanpanah, provides compounded medications to patients in Long Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles, South Bay Orange County, Southern California areas, and nationwide.
Reasons for Low Testosterone
The reason for testosterone deficiency is a problem with the HPTA, which results in a condition called hypogonadism, and is usually due to three basic hypogonadic conditions:
- Primary hypogonadism: develops due to a problem with the testicles
- Secondary hypogonadism: develops due to a problem within the pituitary gland or hypothalamus
- Idiopathic: unknown causes
These three forms usually occur due to: Klinefelter syndrome, 42 TRT, undescended testicles, mumps orchitis, hemochromatosis, inflammatory disease, Kallmann syndrome, cardiovascular problems, andropause, alcoholism, HIV/AIDS, certain drugs, chronic stress, diabetes, cirrhosis, cancer treatment, testicular trauma.
Types of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Effective testosterone replacement therapy in compounding pharmacy can help to create and maintain physiologic serum concentrations of the hormone and its active metabolites without any major side effects or safety considerations.
Oral Testosterone
Oral agents may lead to elevations in liver function tests and irregularities at liver scan and biopsy. The liver rapidly absorbs unmodified testosterone, making satisfactory serum concentrations challenging to attain.
Modified 17-alpha alkyltestosterones, such as fluoxymesterone or methyltestosterone, also need relatively large doses that the patient must take several times daily. These formulations are not recommended for clinical use due to its potential for hepatotoxicity.
Intramuscular Injections (IM)
The medical practitioner injects testosterone preparations directly into the muscles, and these are absorbed into the bloodstream through capillaries. This is a sought-after preparation because of its highly precise dosing, varying time release capabilities, and negligible hepatotoxicity levels.
Testosterone Enanthate and Testosterone Cypionate are often used parenteral preparations that offer a safe method of extended-release hormone replacement in hypogonadal males.
Enanthate and cypionate have identical kinetics. An intramuscular injection of 200 to 300 mg testosterone enanthate in men between the ages of 20 and 50 years is usually enough to generate serum testosterone levels that are initially supranormal and fall within the normal ranges over the next two weeks. Testosterone level fluctuations may cause variations in sexual function, energy, libido, and mood.
Some patients may find it inconvenient to receive testosterone injections on a frequent basis. If the dose is increased to 300 to 400 mg, it may allow the eugonadal levels of serum testosterone to remain at optimal levels for up to three weeks. However, higher doses will not extend the eugonadal period.
The US FDA has cleared testosterone for the treatment of hypogonadism associated with symptoms including the inability of the testicles to manufacture testosterone due to reasons such as genetic issues or chemotherapy.
Other reasons include issues with brain structures, namely the pituitary and hypothalamus, which regulate the production of testosterone by the testicles.
Transdermal (Topical)
Testosterone compounding pharmacy preparations can be prepared in cream or gel forms to be rubbed into the skin enabling it to absorb the medication. Transdermals can be made in various strengths ranging from 10 mg to 200 mg per milliliter.
Monitoring Patients on Testosterone Replacement
To ensure that their testosterone levels are within normal ranges, patients on testosterone replacement therapy must be monitored routinely. The prescribing doctor should consistently assess changes in the hypogonadic symptoms, and address the side effects of the treatment.
American Integrative Pharmacy offers the latest compounding medications, including online prescription refills, to patients in Long Beach, Torrance, Los Angeles, South Bay Orange County, Southern California areas, and nationwide.
For more information on compound pharmacy medications available or to make an online prescription purchase, please click here or call Toll Free 1-855-247-7948.
American Integrative Pharmacy is located in Torrance, CA serving residents in and around Orange County, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Torrance and surrounding areas. Online prescription sales are available across the US.
