Treatment Options
Introduction: Treatment That Works
The good news is that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is highly effective when done right. In our hands, testosterone levels always rise, and in our experience 95% of men feel dramatically better—with stronger energy, focus, libido, and overall vitality. At Maze Men’s Health, we present all available treatment options, but about 90% of our patients choose pellets or injections because they allow for precise, flexible dosing that we can adjust based on symptoms and labs.
Our goals with TRT go beyond numbers:
- Restore energy, libido, and mental clarity
- Rebuild muscle mass and strength
- Reduce body fat and improve exercise capacity
- Prevent osteoporosis by optimizing bone density
- Balance related hormones such as thyroid, DHEA, estradiol, and prolactin
Why Maze’s Approach Is Different
Not all TRT is the same. “Shot clinics” may prescribe testosterone without comprehensive evaluation or follow-up, leaving patients at risk. At Maze Men’s Health, your therapy is:
- Personalized: Dosing tailored to your unique needs, not a one-size-fits-all protocol
- Evidence-based: Backed by 30+ years of men’s health expertise under Michael A. Werner, MD
- Comprehensive: Includes whole-body wellness—labs, bone density, body composition, metabolism, and mental health support
- Safe: Ongoing lab monitoring, symptom reviews, and dose calibration over time
Treatment Options at a Glance
| Category | Product | Dosage | Application / Site | Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topical Gels & Solutions | Androgel 1.62% (pump/packet) | Pump: 20.25 mg (1–4/day) Packet: 20.25–40.5 mg (1–2/day) | Shoulders, upper arms | Allow to dry before dressing; do not apply to genitals; avoid fire/smoking until dry; no shower/swimming for 2 hrs; wash site & hands after use |
| Fortesta 2% | 10 mg/actuation (1–7/day) | Thighs | Same as above | |
| Testim | 50 mg/5 g tube (1–2/day) | Shoulders, upper arms | Same as above | |
| Nasal Gel | Natesto | 5.5 mg/pump (1 pump per nostril, 3x/day) | Nostrils | Do not blow nose or sniff for 1 hr after use |
| Patch | Androderm | 2 mg or 4 mg patch (1–2/day, max 8 mg) | Back, abdomen, thigh, or upper arm | Do not apply to genitals; no shower/swimming for 3 hrs after application |
| Injections | Depo-Testosterone | 200 mg/mL (up to 1 cc once or twice weekly) | Intramuscular or subcutaneous (arm, thigh, buttocks, abdomen) | Standard injection precautions |
| Xyosted | 50, 75, or 100 mg (weekly) | Subcutaneous only | Use autoinjector, dispose after each use | |
| Aveed (long-acting) | 750 mg/3 mL (every 8–10 weeks) | Intramuscular (buttocks) | In-office only; monitor for pulmonary oil microembolism | |
| Subcutaneous Pellets | Testopel | 75 mg pellets (placed every 3–4 months) | Fat above buttocks (under local anesthesia) | Soreness at site; no swimming/submersion for 24 hrs |
| Oral | Jatenzo® | 158–396 mg capsules (varies) | Twice daily with meals | May increase blood pressure |
| Tlando® | 112.5 mg capsules | 2 caps twice daily with meals | May increase blood pressure | |
| Kyzatrex® | 100–200 mg capsules | 1–2 caps twice daily with meals | May increase blood pressure |
In-Depth: Testosterone Therapy Options
Injectable Testosterone
- Overview: One of the most reliable and affordable TRT methods, used for decades.
- Administration: Intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SubQ) injections, often self-administered at home.
- Formulations: Testosterone cypionate (most common) and testosterone enanthate.
- Pros: Flexible dosing, strong symptom relief, lowest cost, widely available.
- Cons: Requires needles, not bioidentical, may increase red blood cell count.
- Why Maze Prefers It: Safe at-home injections with medical supervision, labs, and symptom tracking.
Testosterone Pellets
- Overview: Bioidentical, long-acting option implanted every 3–4 months.
- Procedure: Small, in-office incision (no stitches) with pellets placed under the skin.
- Pros: Only 4 visits per year, steady hormone levels, bioidentical hormone, often covered by insurance.
- Cons: Requires a minor procedure, possible swelling/bruising, rare pellet rejection (<1%).
- Best For: Men who want convenience and stable hormone delivery.
Topical Testosterone (Gels, Solutions, Patches)
- Overview: Daily application to arms, shoulders, thighs, or abdomen.
- Pros: Non-invasive, easy to start and stop.
- Cons: Skin-to-skin transfer risk, daily inconvenience, variable absorption, possible skin irritation.
- Best For: Men consistent with daily routines and without small children or close partner exposure risks.
Oral Testosterone (Undecanoate Formulations)
- Overview: Newer oral TRT options (Jatenzo®, Tlando®, Kyzatrex®) taken twice daily with meals.
- Pros: Non-invasive, no injections or procedures, steady levels within weeks.
- Cons: Must be taken with food, black-box blood pressure warning, not bioidentical, costly if insurance doesn’t cover.
- Best For: Men who prefer pill-based therapy and can commit to consistent twice-daily dosing.
Which Option Is Right for You?
The right TRT method depends on your lifestyle, medical history, and goals. At Maze Men’s Health, we’ll walk through every option, discuss pros and cons, and help you choose the treatment that fits best. Most importantly, we’ll monitor your symptoms and labs regularly to ensure therapy remains safe, effective, and tailored to your long-term health.