Highlights
- Oral testosterone undecanoate (TU) capsules offer a non-invasive, effective alternative to injections and gels in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
- Long-term study on oral TU demonstrates efficacy in elevating serum testosterone levels and improving sexual function without negative impacts on liver function, PSA levels, or cardiovascular health.
- Oral TU provides advantages over injectable and transdermal TRT, including reduced side effects such as skin irritation and injection site discomfort.
- Choice of TRT should be based on individual health needs and status, with consideration of potential side effects and effectiveness of alternative treatments like PDE5i erectile dysfunction medications.
Michael DiLeo, MD, has over 30 years of experience in clinical and academic medicine. Through medical school, residency, and private practice, he has functioned as both a specialist and a primary care practitioner. He has twice served as chief of staff of a large regional hospital. He is a published author on women's health for McGraw-Hill. Learn More
Imagine a world where testosterone replacement therapy is as simple as swallowing a pill. No more painful injections, no more skin irritations from gels. Just a safe, effective, and convenient solution to a problem that affects millions of men worldwide. This isn’t a distant dream — it’s a reality that’s closer than you think.
Study Supports a Better Way to Deliver Testosterone
As men age, their testosterone levels naturally decline, often leading them to seek testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). For men with hypogonadism (low testosterone), injections have been the go-to method for TRT. But recent breakthroughs have unveiled a promising alternative: oral testosterone undecanoate (TU) capsules.
This groundbreaking research suggests that oral TU matches the effectiveness of injections and gels — and even surpasses them in safety. This could be a game-changer in the TRT landscape, a more user-friendly and less-invasive option.
“Testosterone to me is so important for a sense of well-being when you get older.”
Oral Testosterone Undecanoate: The Study and Its Significance
The first long-term study on oral TU has opened up a new frontier in the TRT field. It offers a solution that doesn’t compromise liver health, a giant leap forward in the treatment of low testosterone levels. The study involved 129 men who completed a 12-month testing period, with 69 continuing for an additional year, providing solid evidence for the efficacy and safety of oral TU.
The findings are compelling: Oral TU treatment elevated serum testosterone levels, enhanced sexual function, and importantly, showed no harmful effect on liver function, PSA levels, or cardiovascular health.
The study used Jatenzo, a brand name of testosterone undecanoate, marking the first time the long-term efficacy and safety of testosterone undecanoate-based TRT were assessed. This real-world application of oral TU reinforces the findings of the study.
The Benefits of Oral TU over Previous TRT Options
Oral TU presents a convincing case against traditional injectable TRT and transdermal therapy. Injectable TRT is effective in increasing testosterone levels and improving body composition, but it comes with drawbacks. These include discomfort at the injection site and the inconvenience of bi-weekly visits to get the shots.
Transdermal therapy is easier to use and can improve both testosterone levels and erectile function. (See chart below.)
However, testosterone gel and patches have limitations. Potential skin irritation and the risk of secondary exposure to others are significant concerns. Topical gels and patches may also increase prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in some patients.
Oral TU is a superior contender in this comparison. It not only boosts testosterone levels and improves musculoskeletal mass but also enhances sexual function and mental status. Plus, because it’s taken orally, it’s a non-invasive and painless option. This could potentially transform the experience of patients undergoing TRT, making the process less daunting and more manageable.
Risks and Considerations of Testosterone Undecanoate
While oral testosterone therapy holds promise, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects. According to the FDA label for Kyzatrex, another oral testosterone product, these can include:
- High blood pressure (in more than 2% of patients)
- Increased red blood cell mass and concentration
- Pulmonary embolism
- Reduced sperm production
- Edema
- Sleep apnea
- Higher LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) and lower HDL (the “good”) cholesterol levels
- Higher BPH and prostate cancer risks
However, it’s worth noting that Tlando, a newer oral form of TRT, has demonstrated fewer side effects, which may make it a safer choice. For example, it does not affect cholesterol levels or increase blood pressure.
It’s clear that more research is needed to optimize benefits and minimize potential risks of TU. It’s crucial for patients and healthcare providers to have a comprehensive understanding of these factors to make informed decisions about TRT.
When choosing the best TRT solution for you, you’ll also need to consider your individual needs and circumstances. For example, if erectile function is your primary concern and you have no other symptoms of low testosterone, the patch may be a better choice — transdermal delivery proved to be the most efficient form of TRT at boosting erectile function.
| Injection | Transdermal | Oral | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erectile Function Response Rate | 51.3% | 80.9% | 53.2% |
Oral TU: A Promising Leap Forward in Testosterone Replacement Therapy
The groundbreaking study on oral testosterone undecanoate is a beacon of hope in the field of TRT. Oral TU is a safe and effective alternative to injections, with the potential to enhance the quality of life of patients without jeopardizing liver or cardiovascular health.
However, FDA-approved medications are a better solution for most men. TRT can make a significant difference in the quality of life for men with low T, but ED can have many causes. For example, testosterone replacement is not likely to help restore erectile function in men whose testosterone levels are normal.
For men with normal testosterone levels who suffer from erectile dysfunction, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5i) erectile dysfunction medications are the best choice. Options include Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra, along with their less-expensive generic versions, sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil.
This underscores the importance of a personalized approach to TRT, where the choice of treatment is tailored to the individual’s specific symptoms and health status.
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James West is a seasoned health and wellness writer with a focus on topics related to physiology, sleep, and men’s health. He has contributed articles on a range of subjects, from erectile dysfunction treatments and sleep aids to hair loss, providing well-researched insights to help readers make informed health decisions.