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Injections vs. Supplements: The Dangers of OTC Testosterone

By The Edge

Testosterone plays an integral role in a man’s life. It is a hormone that has many jobs, including growing muscle tissue, regulating libido, helping produce red blood cells and sperm, and many others. As men age, the amount of testosterone they produce in their bodies decreases, which can then lead to a decreased sex drive, hair loss, difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection, increased body fat, and more.

When this happens, men may attempt to fix their testosterone levels themselves, particularly with over-the-counter (OTC) testosterone supplements. After all, the market is saturated with supplements that consumers can purchase, which in most cases may take the place of a doctor’s appointment. But should men take it just because the option is available?


Here are a few crucial pieces of information you should know about OTC testosterone supplements:

They Aren’t Regulated

Unlike prescription drugs, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t always regulate supplements. This means that they may not be studied extensively or may even be produced in factories with poor conditions.

Use Can Cause Bodily Harm

Since OTC testosterone supplements are taken orally, the liver must process them first. This product, which has a large amount of metal toxicity, can cause the liver great harm. Other side effects may include nausea, vomiting, and a negative impact on sleep, cognition, cardiovascular function, and appetite. On the other hand, verified methods such as testosterone injections and pellets bypass the liver and are introduced to the bloodstream immediately.

Testosterone Isn’t Actually Present

What many people don’t realize is that testosterone is a controlled substance. This means that you can only get it with a prescription from your doctor. So what’s in OTC testosterone supplements? A variety of exotic herbs – these herbs can interact negatively (and dangerously) with any medications you may be taking.

Uncertain Effectiveness

Since several supplements aren’t studied closely in clinical trials, it may not be clear how well they work. Any OTC testosterone supplement that claims it boosts the hormone may not be factual.

If you suspect that your testosterone levels are not optimal, you may benefit instead from injections or pellets. Here is what you can expect with testosterone replacement therapy through these methods:

Quick and Convenient

Testosterone pellets are carefully implanted in your subdermal skin. This allows your body to receive a steady stream of testosterone. Both pellets and muscular injections are shown to be fast, easy, and discreet methods of addressing your low testosterone levels.

No Side Effects

As we pointed out earlier, OTC testosterone supplements can do real harm to your liver. Pellets, on the other hand, have no adverse side effects. Additionally, injections are safe to use. You may simply experience hormonal upswings or downswings in between injection times.

Real Results

Within a short period of time, you will begin noticing improvements in your well-being as your testosterone levels become optimized. Best of all, your doctor, who has an extensive knowledge of your medical history, will be the one administering this therapy to you. You can rest easily knowing that your sexual health is in the hands of a professional.

If you feel that your testosterone levels are out of range, take action now. Call The Edge For Men in St. Louis at (314) 736-4MEN to schedule your consultation and address the issue safely and effectively!