Considering testosterone pellet therapy

Posted by chuckiepoo1 @chuckiepoo1, Dec 19, 2024

I'm 79 yrs old and in relatively good health although I had two stents placed in the LAD about 2 yrs ago and placed on statins as well as low dose med for hypertension. Exercise several days weekly incl walking 45+ mins and weights. Recently, testing revealed 339 total testosterone and 2.2 free testosterone. For many months now my energy level has wained leaving me tired and irritable and my libido has dwindled. I take a daily 5 mg tadalafil for BPH which helps some with nocturia as well as erections. After discussing with my urologist, he suggested trying low does testosterone pellet therapy, which he says is relatively safe based on new studies, with less than a 1% chance of stroke or heart attack. Has anyone undergone this therapy and what were the results and side effects?

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vincescs | @vincescs | Dec 20, 2024

I don't think 339 is technically considered low T. Also, insurance may consider this age-related and may not pay for replacement therapy. But if you're going to try TRT, why not consider the gel first? The gel is cheaper, the dose is easy to titrate, and you can apply it yourself daily instead of requiring an office visit to have pellets implanted.

slr123 | @slr123 | Dec 20, 2024

I had testosterone pellet therapy in the remote past for full testosterone replacement therapy. Topical testosterone didn't lead to an adequate testosterone level. The pellets were inconvenient and became very expensive. My testosterone level was in the high normal range a few weeks after placement. The levels gradually fell to below 300 over several months. My urologist wouldn't place any more pellets until it was below 300. I became symptomatic before subsequent preimplantation. I didn't like the yo-yo effect on my energy level and libido. I have been on self injections for years and they work well and it is relatively inexpensive. The gel or shots in my experience are the best option for treatment of hypogonadism.
Your levels for your age aren't too bad. You may want to reconsider testosterone therapy. It may not be helpful.