Can you really just sniff your testosterone?

It turns out you can. Natesto is an FDA-approved gel that you apply inside your nose. Instead of a patch or a long-lasting shot, you use it three times a day to get short bursts of testosterone.

Scientists are interested in this one because it has a short exposure profile. In plain English, that means the testosterone doesn't stay at high levels in your blood for very long.

Why does the timing matter?

Usually, when you take testosterone, your body notices the high levels and decides to stop making its own. This involves your HPG axis, which is just the fancy communication line between your brain and your reproductive system.

Because this nasal gel creates short pulses rather than a constant flood, it might help with:

• Preserving gonadotropin signaling: This is the chemical green light your brain sends to tell your body to keep things running naturally.
• HPG axis function: Using short pulses may allow your body to keep some of its own natural rhythm instead of shutting down entirely.

The catch: You have to remember to use it

While the science of "short pulses" is cool, the reality of using it can be a bit of a chore. You have to use one spray in each nostril three times every single day.

As you might have guessed, sticking to that schedule is tough. Researchers have noted that doing this three times a day makes it hard for people to stay on track. Also, nasal irritation is a common side effect. Basically, your nose might get a little cranky about the new routine.

What we are still figuring out

Even though the theory is that these short pulses help keep your body's internal systems working, we aren't 100% sure about the long-term results yet.

• Fertility: Scientists are still working on this one. The idea that it definitively preserves long-term fertility hasn't been fully proven yet.
• The Human Body: It turns out the body is complicated. Who knew?

This is a great one to bring up with your doctor. You can find peptide-experienced physicians in our Find a Doctor directory.

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This content is sourced exclusively from TruthTides clinical reference data and does not constitute medical advice.