Testosterone injections aren't generally discussed as a first line treatment when starting TRT / HRT
Testosterone delivery methods such as; gels (Androgel and Testim), creams, pills (Andriol), pellets and patches sadly are always talked about first. This is the reality of big pharma and their influence with your doctors prescribing habits!
TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT therapy done right!
When treating low testosterone, all of the above mentions applications, processes, patches etc, are not anywhere near as potent as good old needle and syringe injections, as alternative methods have poor general absorption, leading to less effectiveness and worse outcomes.
So what's the point? Why use less invasive methods if they're barely going to work, with an increased chance of side effects included.
The good news is - injections allow for higher and more stable testosterone levels, and are about 5 - 10 times cheaper!
TESTOSTERONE SHOTS INCREASE ABSORPTION
All the other formulations are self-limiting in how much testosterone can be absorbed. They may be enough to get you to the mid range of normal.
However, for a lot of men, mid range isn't enough to increase energy, libido, and mood to a satisfactory level. What you want is to be in the high normal range.
Dosages can also be titrated much easier compared to the other formulations.
INJECTABLE DEPO-TESTOSTERONE CYPIONATE DOSAGE CHART
[TABLE="class: table-fields, width: 738"]
<tbody>[TR]
[TH="align: center"]Brand Name[/TH]
[TH="align: center"]Generic Name[/TH]
[TH="align: center"]Supplied[/TH]
[TH="align: center"]Half Life[/TH]
[TH="align: center"]Dosing[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Depo-Testosterone[/TD]
[TD]Testosterone Cypionate[/TD]
[TD]100mg/ml or 200mg/ml in 10ml Multi-Dose Vials[/TD]
[TD]~ 7 Days[/TD]
[TD]50mg Twice per Week by IM/SQ[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Delatestryl[/TD]
[TD]Testosterone Enanthate[/TD]
[TD]200mg/ml in 5ml Multi-Dose Vials[/TD]
[TD]~ 7 Days[/TD]
[TD]50mg Twice per Week by IM/SQ[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
LESS PAIN FOR THE SAME GAIN
As far as needle size, I use 31 gauge, 5/16 inch, 3/10 ml, insulin syringes subcutaneously in the upper/outer quadrant of my thighs. Rotating legs and areas, with subsequent injections.
To maintain correct dosing due to the small syringe size (0.3 ml), a 3 times per weekschedule may be needed (Monday, Wednesday, Friday), or 2 smaller injections every 3 days like originally outlined.
SMALLER SYRINGES EQUALS BETTER DRAWING POWER
The 3/10 ml small syringe size is what helps maintain maximum pressure to draw the oil. The smaller the syringe size, the greater the internal pressure. You'll notice a large difference in drawing capacity compared to the 1ml syringes.
It takes about a minute to draw, so you'll need to be patient. No need to warm the oil in advance I've found, although it may speed up the process.
The smaller needle size is well worth it in my opinion, to avoid long term scar tissue build up, especially with treatment potentially spanning decades.
Testosterone delivery methods such as; gels (Androgel and Testim), creams, pills (Andriol), pellets and patches sadly are always talked about first. This is the reality of big pharma and their influence with your doctors prescribing habits!
TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT therapy done right!
When treating low testosterone, all of the above mentions applications, processes, patches etc, are not anywhere near as potent as good old needle and syringe injections, as alternative methods have poor general absorption, leading to less effectiveness and worse outcomes.
So what's the point? Why use less invasive methods if they're barely going to work, with an increased chance of side effects included.
The good news is - injections allow for higher and more stable testosterone levels, and are about 5 - 10 times cheaper!
TESTOSTERONE SHOTS INCREASE ABSORPTION
All the other formulations are self-limiting in how much testosterone can be absorbed. They may be enough to get you to the mid range of normal.
However, for a lot of men, mid range isn't enough to increase energy, libido, and mood to a satisfactory level. What you want is to be in the high normal range.
Dosages can also be titrated much easier compared to the other formulations.
INJECTABLE DEPO-TESTOSTERONE CYPIONATE DOSAGE CHART
[TABLE="class: table-fields, width: 738"]
<tbody>[TR]
[TH="align: center"]Brand Name[/TH]
[TH="align: center"]Generic Name[/TH]
[TH="align: center"]Supplied[/TH]
[TH="align: center"]Half Life[/TH]
[TH="align: center"]Dosing[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Depo-Testosterone[/TD]
[TD]Testosterone Cypionate[/TD]
[TD]100mg/ml or 200mg/ml in 10ml Multi-Dose Vials[/TD]
[TD]~ 7 Days[/TD]
[TD]50mg Twice per Week by IM/SQ[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Delatestryl[/TD]
[TD]Testosterone Enanthate[/TD]
[TD]200mg/ml in 5ml Multi-Dose Vials[/TD]
[TD]~ 7 Days[/TD]
[TD]50mg Twice per Week by IM/SQ[/TD]
[/TR]
</tbody>[/TABLE]
As far as needle size, I use 31 gauge, 5/16 inch, 3/10 ml, insulin syringes subcutaneously in the upper/outer quadrant of my thighs. Rotating legs and areas, with subsequent injections.
To maintain correct dosing due to the small syringe size (0.3 ml), a 3 times per weekschedule may be needed (Monday, Wednesday, Friday), or 2 smaller injections every 3 days like originally outlined.
SMALLER SYRINGES EQUALS BETTER DRAWING POWER
The 3/10 ml small syringe size is what helps maintain maximum pressure to draw the oil. The smaller the syringe size, the greater the internal pressure. You'll notice a large difference in drawing capacity compared to the 1ml syringes.
It takes about a minute to draw, so you'll need to be patient. No need to warm the oil in advance I've found, although it may speed up the process.
The smaller needle size is well worth it in my opinion, to avoid long term scar tissue build up, especially with treatment potentially spanning decades.