We’ve had an increasing number of inquiries lately about the newer version of oral testosterone that became available for men not too long ago. What we’ve learned from these inquiries is that there seems to be a lot of confusion out there about this option. In this article, we will attempt to shed some light.
Why Not Oral Testosterone
Older forms of oral testosterone, such as methyltestosterone, have been unquestionably associated with liver toxicity and an increased risk for developing liver tumors (which is why we have never included this type of testosterone in our protocols). These issues are due to this type of testosterone’s 17-alpha-alkylated structure, which hinders its being broken down in the liver. This altered metabolism is what causes liver damage.
For this reason (among others), the vast majority of Renew Youth’s male clients take their testosterone via injection (with a comparatively smaller number applying their testosterone topically). These methods of delivery are not associated with the hepatic complications described above. It has been our assessment (for the past 25+ years) that injections and transdermal cream provide the only acceptable avenues for getting testosterone into a man’s body safely, effectively, and precisely.
What About Testosterone Undecanoate?
Testosterone undecanoate (a more recently approved form of oral testosterone) is purported to be absorbed through the lymphatic system, thereby bypassing the liver and reducing the chances for liver toxicity.
However…our strong feeling is that oral testosterone undecanoate is not “ready for primetime” as a viable method of testosterone delivery. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Rapid metabolism in the liver requires frequent dosing (above and beyond what most men will find convenient or tolerable).
- This form of oral testosterone is not absorbed well unless taken with food.
- Many men report stomach upset when taking oral testosterone undecanoate.
- Oral testosterone undecanoate is cost-prohibitive for most men.
So…let’s say you are a man who does not mind having to dose your testosterone multiple times throughout the day. And…let’s also say that you don’t mind having to take it with food, you don’t have any stomach upset from oral testosterone undecanoate, and you’re OK with the expense. We still would not be on board with including oral testosterone undecanoate in our protocols for the following reasons:
- Higher doses are typically needed to achieve optimized testosterone levels. These higher doses have not been clinically studied to ascertain the risks associated with liver toxicity.
- Some studies suggest oral testosterone, especially at higher doses, can increase blood pressure and cardiovascular risks.
- In general, this form of oral testosterone has not been studied thoroughly enough or for long enough to have gained our confidence.
In other words, our assessment is that the risk-benefit ratio remains too uncertain.
The Bottom Line on Oral Testosterone
At Renew Youth, we stand by non-oral methods of delivery for testosterone (specifically injections or transdermal cream) for men undergoing testosterone replacement:
- First and foremost, to ensure treatment is safe.
- Second, to ensure treatment is reasonably convenient.
- Third, so that treatment is affordable.
In short, once you remove convenience as being a benefit that holds any water, there just isn’t any upside to oral testosterone undecanoate.
At Renew Youth, we have been pioneers in testosterone replacement therapy for men since 1999. If you’d like to learn more, call us at (800) 8598-7511 or use our easy contact form to schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation.