Oral Testosterone: Is it Right for Men or Is There a Better Option?

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) treats low testosterone (hypogonadism) in adult men. 

Low testosterone, or "low T," causes symptoms like fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle mass, increased fat, mood swings, depression, poor focus, and weakened bones.

TRT optimization clinics aim to restore levels to a symptom-free physiologic range (roughly 600–1200 ng/dL), improving energy, sexual function, mood, strength, and body composition. It's prescribed only after confirming low testosterone and symptoms. 

Treatment requires ongoing monitoring by a medical specialist. 

In the following sections, we consider whether oral testosterone is right for men. Overall, we have found that far from being the best method of TRT, oral testosterone should in most cases be avoided, injectable testosterone remaining the gold standard of TRT. 

We recommend reaching out to us or checking out some of our TRT subscription plans for more information. 

The Evolution of Oral Testosterone: From Old Risks to Modern Solutions

Early versions of oral testosterone (e.g., methyltestosterone) that first came on the market caused liver toxicity, limiting its use. Modern oral testosterone options use testosterone undecanoate (TU), bypassing the liver and avoiding hepatotoxicity.

The FDA approved the name brand versions of oral testosterone, Jatenzo in 2019, followed by Tlando and Kyzatrex in 2022,which are thought to provide safe, effective delivery. As of 2026, oral T has grown popular for its needle-free convenience, although we have found oral T to be a less effective means of treatment. Tablets may sound like an ideal delivery method, particularly for patients who are not too fond of needles. However, in practice, we’ve found that patients seldom see results with oral T. Meanwhile, the self-administration process for injectable T is far less painful or difficult than many needle-wary patients may expect. 

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How Oral TRT Works: Absorption, Dosing, and Daily Routine

Oral testosterone emulsifies with dietary fat, entering lymphatics to reach systemic circulation without liver processing. This yields steadier levels than older oral versions  or infrequent injections. 

Comparing Oral TRT to Injections: Effectiveness, Convenience, and Stability

Injectable testosterone (testosterone cypionate) remain the gold-standard. 

Pros of injections: Cost-effective, adjustable, strong symptom improvement (energy/libido/muscle); extensive long-term data. No involvement of the digestive system.

Cons: Needles (pain, inconvenience), peaks/troughs (mood/energy fluctuations) that are often avoided with proper dosing protocols, potentially higher hematocrit levels.

Oral TRT provides no-needle convenience but needs meal adherence and costs substantially more. Injections favor potency; orals suit needle-averse men. For those who truly can’t stomach taking injections, testosterone creams are also available. 

Topical Gels and Creams: The Non-Invasive Alternatives

Topicals apply daily to skin of the genital region, absorbing steadily.

Pros: Needle-free, mimic natural rhythms, easy application.

Cons: Transfer risk (to partners/children, cover/wash hands), skin irritation, variable absorption, daily habit.

Vs. orals: Topicals add transfer/skin issues; orals provide more discretion without residue.

Subdermal Pellets and Other Long-Acting Methods

Pellets implant under skin every 3-6 months Pros: Hands-off after insertion, consistent levels, no daily/weekly routine.

Cons: Minor procedure, infection risk, development of scar tissue, limited dose flexibility (hard to adjust/remove).

Pros and Cons of Each TRT Administration Method

• Oral: Pros - needle-free, discreet, no transfer risk. Cons - twice-daily with food, higher cost, possible GI upset, BP increases.

• Injections: Pros - highly effective, affordable, flexible dosing. Cons - needles,, monitoring for hematocrit/estradiol.

• Topicals: Pros - daily natural mimicry, easy. Cons - transfer risk, irritation, absorption variability.

• Pellets: Pros - long-duration,. Cons - procedure, inflexibility, levels do not remain steady, infection potential.

TRT treatment has a number of benefits for those who are experiencing an endocrine imbalance. It can help build muscle and reduce fat, reduce anxiety, and is often a great option for men of a certain age who find their testosterone levels declining naturally as they age, resulting in a number of unpleasant side effects.  

TRT Plans with Lucidity 

Lucidity Clinic offers a number of different TRT subscription plans. The process starts with a simple blood draw to determine your testosterone levels. TRT should only be prescribed by a doctor and can be self-administered easily at home. We recommend that those who are interested reach out to us for more information.