Testosterone Injections
Overview
Injectable testosterone is the most common form of masculinising HRT. It is effective, affordable, and widely available.
Testosterone Esters
| Ester | Half-Life | Typical Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| T cypionate | 7–10 days | 50–100 mg | Weekly |
| T enanthate | 7–10 days | 50–100 mg | Weekly |
| T undecanoate | ~30 days | 750–1,000 mg | Every 10–14 weeks |
Dosing
| Ester | Typical Weekly Dose | Typical Biweekly Dose |
|---|---|---|
| T cypionate | 50–100 mg/week | 100–200 mg/every 2 weeks |
| T enanthate | 50–100 mg/week | 100–200 mg/every 2 weeks |
Injection Technique
Equipment
- T vial (typically 100 mg/mL or 200 mg/mL)
- Syringe (1–3 mL, luer lock)
- Drawing needle (18–23G)
- Injection needle (25–27G)
- Alcohol swabs
- Sharps container
Injection Sites
| Site | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gluteal (buttock) | IM | Most common |
| Ventrogluteal | IM | Lower pain |
| Thigh (vastus lateralis) | IM | Easy to self-inject |
| Abdomen (subcutaneous) | SC | Increasingly popular; 27G half-inch needle |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Effective and reliable | Requires needles |
| Affordable | T level peaks and troughs |
| Weekly/biweekly dosing | Injection site pain possible |
| Easy to adjust dose |