Today, there is a range of different male libido treatments and low testosterone treatments available on the market. Most require a prescription, though some don’t. Some are intended specifically to treat low testosterone or boost libido, whereas, for other treatments, it’s an off-label use. We’ve covered many of these treatments in separate articles on our site – how they work, what they offer, and other considerations. But, we thought it would be useful to compare their side effects and risks, to help readers make a more educated decision about which treatment option might be right for them.
It’s important to stress that every individual is different and responds to medication differently. The risks and side effects noted in this guide are based on published information from the treatment manufacturer(s), the FDA, and other health experts. They are meant to inform and serve as a point of comparison among different male libido treatment options men may consider. None of this information is a substitute for discussing side effects, your health history, current medications, and similar facts with your doctor or prescriber prior to starting a libido-enhancing or testosterone-boosting treatment.
In This Article
The most well-known treatment, testosterone replacement therapy, has many risks, contraindications, and side effects associated with it. This is true of many treatments that directly provide synthetic hormones into the body. In the case of testosterone replacement therapy, there is also a range of risks that are specific to the method of therapy. For example, testosterone replacement therapy gels should not be touched by other people. Other people should not touch the area to which it is applied for several hours following administration. We’re going to side-step those kinds of risks or issues, however, to keep comparisons fairly direct between the different kinds of therapies featured here.
Human chorionic gonadotopin is approved for use to treat low testosterone in men, but not when the cause of that low testosterone is solely due to aging. While generally much safer than testosterone replacement therapy in absolute terms, much of the longer-term risk and side effect potential is not well established, as usage is not widespread. There are also a significant number of known side effects.
Aromatase inhibitors are not approved for use for treatment of low testosterone, and are considered an off-label use. Two of the most commonly-prescribed drugs in this class for low testosterone treatment are anastrozole and letrozole. They are usually an oral medication, which is not typical of most hormone-related treatments. They are primarily used for treatment of breast cancer, but a similar estrogen-related inhibitory pathway explains how they work to boost testosterone. Like several other treatments on this list, long-term use for low testosterone and the associated side effects and risks have not been established.
Selective estrogen receptor modulators, or SERMs, are also considered off-label when used for treating low testosterone. Generally, they are not prescribed for the treatment of age-related testosterone loss, but that caused by other medical conditions or pathologies. The most common SERM that can be used off-label to treat low testosterone or libido is clomiphene, usually an oral pill. As with aromatase inhibitors, long-term risks and side effects have not been well-established. However, it is known that higher dosages than recommended, even in the short-term, can lead to lower sperm counts or infertility.
FDA Approved Medication
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Learn About OxytocinThere are many testosterone-boosting supplement products and pills on the market, none of which are regulated as medicines by the FDA. These are the kinds of pills and supplements you see at nutrition stores or for purchase online. They often contain a range of “natural” ingredients, which may produce some results or no results at all – ginger, boron, chrysin, horny goat weed, fenugreek, basella alba, hibiscus macranthus, and many others. Depending on the exact makeup of these pills or supplements, they may have a range of side effects. Since they are not put through drug trials like regulated medications, these side effects often only come to light after consumer complaints, often resulting in the supplement being pulled if side effects are sufficient enough. Therefore, we cannot recommend this as a safe or suitable way to supplement low testosterone or boost your libido.
CJC-1295, often compounded with Ipamorelin, is an amino acid peptide, rather than a hormone itself. It triggers production of human growth hormone in the patient’s pituitary gland. Because it is not a synthetic hormone being introduced to the body, it is generally well-tolerate, with more mild side effects and fewer risks than any other treatment for low testosterone or decreased libido included on our list, which is why so many patients choose to buy Ipamorelin or CJC-1295.
As is clear, there is a range of options for treating low testosterone and other age-related sexual health changes in adult men. Some are exclusively reserved for treating low testosterone or libido problems resulting from other medical conditions or diseases. Others can be used off-label to treat low libido and testosterone, whereas others have unrestricted, multi-purpose uses. In each case, there are pros and cons associated with the product you may choose for your own libido treatment or other health and anti-aging benefits. We hope this comparison of side effects, risks, and contraindications has provided a foundation for you to talk to your doctor, healthcare provider, or prescriber so that you can determine which option is right for you.
To learn more about or to buy CJC-1295, discuss side effects, or obtain a prescription, consider a medical consultation with Invigor Medical, a leading telemedicine provider in the US.
While we strive to always provide accurate, current, and safe advice in all of our articles and guides, it’s important to stress that they are no substitute for medical advice from a doctor or healthcare provider. You should always consult a practicing professional who can diagnose your specific case. The content we’ve included in this guide is merely meant to be informational and does not constitute medical advice.
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