Finding out you have low testosterone can feel like running on empty. Maybe fatigue has become your norm, your muscles seem to vanish, or your mood swings catch even you off guard. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) might just be the reset you’re looking for but not every delivery method is created equal. Have you heard of the buccal tablet?
Picture this: a small, discreet tablet that sticks gently to the inside of your cheek or upper gum. No needles. No sticky gels. Just a quiet, steady release of testosterone right where you can barely notice it.
In this post, we’ll explain everything you’ll want to know about buccal tablets: what they are, how they work, and what to expect if your doctor suggests giving one a try. We’ll walk through the benefits, scope out the possible side effects, and compare it with traditional TRT options. By the end, you’ll have a clear, sensible summary to bring to your next appointment so you and your doctor can decide together if this method fits your routine and goals.
Key Takeaways
- A buccal tablet is a small, flat medication placed between gum and cheek, delivering testosterone through oral mucosa for steady, predictable TRT dosing.
- Often dosed twice daily, products like Striant® adhere above the incisor and release testosterone over twelve hours, becoming barely noticeable after initial placement.
- Benefits include avoiding needles, steadier hormone levels, lower transfer risk than gels, and convenient use; ongoing monitoring checks hormone levels, blood counts, and prostate health.
- Possible side effects are gum irritation, bitter taste, or dry mouth; rarely headaches or nausea. Not suitable with severe gum disease or hormone-sensitive cancers.
- Usage is twice daily about twelve hours apart; avoid chewing, sip water freely, limit hot drinks; prescription required, improvements build over weeks to months.
Table of Contents
What Is A Buccal Tablet?
A buccal tablet is a small, flat medication designed to be placed between your gum and cheek. In testosterone replacement therapy, these tablets slowly release testosterone into your bloodstream through the lining of your mouth. This is different from swallowing a pill, where the medicine must pass through your stomach and liver before it works. By using the buccal route, testosterone bypasses the digestive system, giving your body a steady and more predictable dose.
One well-known buccal testosterone product is Striant®, which is usually taken twice a day. The tablet adheres to the upper gum above your incisor tooth. Over 12 hours, it releases testosterone in a controlled way. Most users don’t notice it much after the first few minutes, although it can feel strange at first.
This delivery method is particularly helpful for men who prefer to avoid daily skin applications or weekly injections. It also reduces the risk of transferring testosterone to others, which can happen with gels or creams. However, using a buccal tablet does require careful placement and some adjustment time, as it can occasionally cause gum irritation or taste changes.
The goal of buccal TRT is to restore testosterone levels to the normal range, improving energy, mood, sexual function, muscle strength, and bone density. Just like other TRT options, it requires regular blood tests to make sure your hormone levels stay in a safe range. Your healthcare provider will help you decide the right dose and schedule based on your needs.
How Buccal Tablets Work In Testosterone Replacement Therapy
When you place a buccal tablet in your mouth, it adheres to the gum and slowly dissolves over several hours. The testosterone is absorbed through the oral mucosa (the thin lining inside your mouth) and enters your bloodstream directly. This route is called transmucosal absorption, and it allows the medication to skip the “first-pass” metabolism in the liver, which can break down much of the drug before it works.
The buccal system helps keep testosterone levels steady throughout the day. Unlike short-acting oral tablets (which can cause hormone spikes and drops), buccal tablets give a smoother release, reducing the risk of mood swings and other fluctuations. For most patients, they’re applied twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.
Benefits of using a buccal tablet for TRT include:
- No injections – ideal if you dislike needles.
- Steady hormone levels – fewer ups and downs in symptoms.
- Lower risk of transfer – no worrying about skin contact with family.
- Convenience – can be taken at home or while traveling.
Possible side effects include gum irritation, bitter taste, dry mouth, and, rarely, headaches or nausea. Because the testosterone enters your bloodstream quickly, your doctor will monitor your hormone levels, blood count, and prostate health regularly.
Buccal tablets are not for everyone. If you have severe gum disease, certain heart conditions, or a history of hormone-sensitive cancer, your provider may recommend another TRT method. The key is to match the delivery method to your lifestyle, medical history, and treatment goals.
Talk To Your Doctor About Buccal Testosterone Today
Frequently Asked Questions
A buccal tablet delivers testosterone directly through your gum tissue to treat low testosterone.
Most testosterone buccal tablets are applied twice daily, about 12 hours apart.
Yes, but avoid chewing on the tablet. Drinking water is fine; hot drinks may speed up dissolving.
You may feel symptom improvement within a few weeks, but full effects can take 2–3 months.
Some people notice a mild bitter taste at first, but it usually fades over time.
No. It must stay in place to release testosterone slowly into your bloodstream.
They work just as well for many men but avoid needles. The best choice depends on your preferences and health.
Possible effects include gum irritation, taste changes, headaches, and nausea.
Yes. Buccal testosterone is available only with a prescription from your healthcare provider.
They are not usually prescribed for women, except in rare medical cases under strict supervision.