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What are Testosterone Pills?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Testosterone pills are oral medications used to supplement the amount of testosterone produced in the body. The pills are necessary in situations when conditions exist that inhibit the body's natural ability to create testosterone, such as trauma to the pituitary gland or the testes. There are two main types of pills used to treat low testosterone levels and restore a normal balance of male hormones.

Because chemically unbound testosterone supplements would be rendered harmless as they passed through the liver, testosterone pills are modified to allow the components to safely pass through the liver and be absorbed properly. Two of the more common formulas are known as methyltestosterone and testosterone undecanoate. Over time, some evidence that methyltestosterone can cause some damage to the liver has come to light. Many medical professionals around the world now tend to favor testosterone undecanoate, as it is absorbed through the small intestine and has less of a chance to negatively impact the liver. This second option with oral testosterone replacement is not currently approved for use everywhere, however, and it is not available in the United States.

Testosterone undecanoate is absorbed through the small intestine.
Testosterone undecanoate is absorbed through the small intestine.

Along with type, testosterone pills are also administered in two different ways. Some forms are taken with water and swallowed in the same fashion as many other types of medication. There are also sublingual pills that are placed under the tongue and allowed to be absorbed into the body as they dissolve.

While pills of both kinds can be effective in helping to treat low testosterone levels, there are benefits and drawbacks to their usage. The main benefit is the ease of use, since swallowing a pill or allowing it to dissolve under the tongue is a quick process that can be done at any time and in many different circumstances. The pills are normally processed and eliminated from the body in a short period of time, however, sometimes as little as three hours. This means frequent dosages must be administered in order to maintain testosterone levels. The need for several doses each day can make this option cost-prohibitive when compared to other treatments that are employed to raise testosterone levels.

There is evidence that methyltestosterone may cause damage to the liver.
There is evidence that methyltestosterone may cause damage to the liver.

As with any type of hormone replacement therapy, it is important that testosterone only be taken under the direction of a qualified healthcare professional. This makes it possible to routinely test the levels of testosterone in the body and make sure the treatments are helping to maintain a level that is within a normal range. A medical professional can adjust the dosage on an as needed basis if the origin of the decreased testosterone level was due to temporary trauma to the body, such as surgery or an accident that temporarily impaired the ability of the body to produce testosterone.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon289294

@anon186645: Why are you so aggressive towards a post that is probably as right as yours? He does err in saying that testosterone is scheduled because of side effects, however I see you where you state that enanthate should be taken twice a week. The problem I have with this is you will not find a legit doctor who will recommend taking eneathate twice a week -- more like once every 15 days. {See half life of ester}.

Now I am not saying that I personally would not take two a week. My point is that the recommended dose from the medical community is going to be one every 12-15 days at best! Now that is a fact. You also mention aggression as being a problem? Really? Are you serious? Maybe you should study some yourself!

anon186645

Googie98: Don't post info on something you obviously haven't a clue about. Testosterone Enanthate is injected twice a week and is a steroid hormone with anabolic effects. Anabolic steroids increase protein synthesis, increase nitrogen retention and increase glycogen retention in the muscles. Like you said they also strengthen bones, and improve recovery because of all of the above traits I've listed. Testosterone is also susceptible to conversion into estrogen via the aromatase enzyme, and this causes water retention or gynochemastia. It can also cause virilizing effects because it is converted into a much more potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone, via the 5 alpha reductase enzyme. These effects can range from hair loss, prostate hypertrophy, oily skin and acne, and hair growth in other places of the body. Jaundice and change in liver function would be of no concern here because this steroid is injectable and bypasses the liver by entering body through the muscle where it is injected, Change in cholesterol values is a concern because of testosterone's ability to lower HDL(good cholesterol) and increase LDL (bad cholesterol), libido would also not be affected because testosterone enanthate increases libido even if your body's natural testosterone production is shutdown (which it will be) from using testosterone enanthate. There is still testosterone in your body so libido loss does not occur. This is also the reason most body builders will use testosterone enanthate as the base of any steroid cycle.

Also, I'd like to state that aggression and mood swings are not as pronounced as most people think but they are still very noticeable. Please Googie98 before you go spouting off what you think is true, and limited info, do some research next time.

googie98

@dill1971: Absolutely. Some of the side effects include acne, hair loss, and surcease of the body’s natural production of testosterone.

Some other side effects include anxiety, depression, changes in libido, changes in liver function, jaundice, nausea, and water retention.

It is considered to be a Schedule III drug because of the side effects. It is only available with a prescription.

dill1971

@googie98: Aren't there side effects that could be harmful to these teen boys who are taking these steroids?

googie98

@chrisinbama: Testosterone Enanthate is a steroid. It is available by prescription. I believe it is sold under the name Delatestryl. It is an injectable steroid.

Its use is to protect your muscles’ catabolic waste. It also helps your muscles to store more protein. It helps in kidney function. It helps to maintain the bone strength and density. Many athletes and bodybuilders use it. It is usually injected from once a week to once every three weeks.

Many high school athletes have somehow gotten testosterone enanthate and have used it during their high school athletic days.

chrisinbama

What exactly is testosterone enenthate? My son is 17 and there was a boy in his class who got in trouble for apparently using testosterone enenthate. I have no idea what that is or what it does.

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    • Testosterone undecanoate is absorbed through the small intestine.
      By: nerthuz
      Testosterone undecanoate is absorbed through the small intestine.
    • There is evidence that methyltestosterone may cause damage to the liver.
      By: Yeko Photo Studio
      There is evidence that methyltestosterone may cause damage to the liver.
    • A medical professional is needed to direct proper testosterone treatment.
      By: Shakzu
      A medical professional is needed to direct proper testosterone treatment.
    • Naturally found in the body, testosterone in men is mainly produced in the testicles.
      By: Sebastian Kaulitzki
      Naturally found in the body, testosterone in men is mainly produced in the testicles.
    • A testosterone deficiency may cause irritability and hot flashes in men.
      By: Minerva Studio
      A testosterone deficiency may cause irritability and hot flashes in men.
    • Testosterone pills may be necessary if there has been injury to the pituitary gland.
      By: 7activestudio
      Testosterone pills may be necessary if there has been injury to the pituitary gland.