Short answer:
ABSOLUTELY! If it is managed by a physician who is well-trained and experienced with hormone optimization methods and monitoring.

Longer answer:
Testosterone is a hormone that exists and is produced within both the female and a male body. It is more linked to a male body because it is the dominant hormone that is the backbone of many male characteristics. This hormone is basically what makes a male individual a male individual. Commonly known as the sex hormone, yet it oversees many more physiological functions which drive a human male body. This includes cognitive functions such as concentration, memory, focus, brain clarity, and moods. It also includes physical functions such as muscle mass maintenance, connective tissue strength, pain threshold management, fat reduction capabilities, and manual work stamina. Furthermore, it oversees male sexual drive and function, which includes effective libido and sexual drive, erectile function, and sperm production. Besides all the above commonly known functions of testosterone, the physiological aspects that are involved in chronic disease prevention include improvement in blood pressure, improvements and cholesterol management, improvements in overall inflammatory control, improvements and metabolism, improvement in bone health, improvements in effective blood flow and nutrient transport, amongst many others.

So, with all the above benefits coupled with the fact that testosterone is a hormone that is produced within our bodies and maintained at high levels for decades in our bodies, why would it be unsafe to optimize or replenish this hormone for people who have a diminished or lower than normal testosterone levels.

Why does testosterone have a bad reputation?
Testosterone, amongst medically prescribed substances (nutraceuticals, herbs, vitamins, medications, hormones….), has the most medical journal articles written about it than any other, and it is safe to be prescribed under medical monitoring and guidance.

However, for the unfortunate fact of its use/misuse/abuse by the bodybuilding community, it has been the cause of undesired side effects which have led to unfortunate health effects. It should be noted, that any of its side effects can appropriately be screened for by an experienced physician before it leads to any significant health effects. Yet, because most members of the bodybuilding community administer their own dosages and strengths without any lap monitoring, its reputation has become feared.

Testosterone Supplements in Los Angeles and Santa Monica

What are the different forms of testosterone supplements?

1. Vitamins or minerals or any other nutraceutical options sold over-the-counter as “Testosterone Boosters”:
   1. Such ingredients are based on different substances in our body that serve as co-factors or guides in our own body’s testosterone production factory. And commercial products sell these as supplements which may have a small role in optimizing our own bodies testosterone production depending on the purity and the strengths of each ingredient.
   2. Caution regarding this is the validity of the claim made on the bottle. An individual must always look at the nutritional label of any supplement and consult their physician.
2. Testosterone transdermal
   1. This is testosterone formulated into a cream, patch, gel, deodorant stick etc. and is applied to our skin, which then gets transported into our tissue and to the rest of our body as testosterone hormone
      1. This is the most common prescribed form of testosterone by primary physicians or other physicians who may not be as well-trained in testosterone hormone therapy.
      2. Caution regarding this is that most of the material applied to your skin may not be transferred into your body and may be rubbed off on your clothes or other loved ones around you.
3. Injectable testosterone
   1. This is a very common and safe form of effective testosterone optimization as it is injected into your muscles, which then disperses the testosterone right into the bloodstream. Depending on type and form, recurrent injections are necessary between 1 to 2 weeks.
   2. Caution regarding this form of therapy. It is imperative that your physician is trained and has experience in TRT or testosterone replacement therapy and is aware of all possible side effects and has appropriate steps and protocols to prevent such side effects. Follow-up lab tests are usually required every 3 to 6 months for effective monitoring.
4. Subcutaneous testosterone depot pellets
   1. Such as an FDA approved Testopel or other compounded forms.
   2. This form of delivery includes a Tic-Tac sized tablet, which is packed with active testosterone. Appropriate dosage of such pellets is delivered into your fat tissue by a very minor procedure under local anesthesia. This pellet, then becomes a part of your body and releases the appropriate amount of testosterone to meet the demands of your activities in a steady and constant manner for a 3 to 5-month period.
   3. Caution regarding this form of therapy. It is imperative that your physician is trained and has experience in TRT or testosterone replacement therapy and is aware of all possible side effects and has appropriate steps and protocols to prevent such side effects. Follow-up lab tests are usually required every 3 to 6 months for effective monitoring.