Modes of testosterone replacement therapy application include 
                    bioidentical testosterone cream or gel, testosterone injections, 
                    testosterone lozenges, testosterone pellets and patches.
                    Exploring the contraindications and side effects of testosterone
                    replacement therapy and bioidentical hormones for men.

Bioidentical testosterone cream or gel - testosterone replacement therapy TRT

In the majority of situations, transdermal bioidentical testosterone cream or bioidentical testosterone gel is the best form of natural testosterone replacement therapy. Bioidentical testosterone cream applied to the skin is well tolerated and easily absorbed. This type of testosterone does not affect the liver, and usually requires application only once per day. Most doctors who specialize in bioidentical hormones prefer this mode of natural testosterone replacement therapy.

Testosterone can be replaced by intramuscular injections of testosterone esters (cypionate or enanthate). Intramuscular testosterone injections have unfortunately erratic effects and they do not provide a steady level of testosterone. Therefore, testosterone injections are not always the preferred choice of testosterone replacement therapy by the majority of hormone doctors.

Bioidentical testosterone pellets implanted subcutaneously can be useful in less compliant patients because they require fewer applications. However, bioidentical testosterone pellets necessitate a minor surgical procedure in order to insert the pellet under the skin and there is no possibility of adapting the dose of bioidentical testosterone if needed. A number of doctors specializing in bioidentical hormones for men utilize bioidentical testosterone pellets.

Bioidentical testosterone replacement therapy can be augmented by a good diet, maintaining proper weight, managing stress levels, avoiding drugs, excess alcohol and caffeine. Marihuana decreases all sex hormones including testosterone. Pesticides have very negative effects on testosterone and sperm production. Beta-blockers and cholesterol lowering drugs negatively affect normal testosterone levels in men. Foods rich in fiber cause a significant loss of testosterone and other hormones in stool and decrease the available levels of testosterone. Avoiding these items will serve to enhance the body’s ability to produce natural testosterone and will boost the effectiveness of natural bioidentical testosterone replacement therapy.

Contraindications of bioidentical testosterone replacement therapy

The contraindications to bioidentical testosterone replacement therapy in men are prostate cancer and breast cancer (breast cancer is a condition that is rare in men). Patients who have active prostate cancer are advised not to use testosterone replacement therapy as this can increase the growth of cancerous cells in the prostate gland.

Thyroid hormones increase natural testosterone activity. Bioidentical testosterone replacement therapy will increase thyroid hormone production. Patients with a thyroid hormone dysfunction in the form of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, should have their thyroid hormone levels assessed by an experienced doctor who specializes in bioidentical hormones.