Types of Testosterone
There are so many different types testosterone treatments and ways to gain testosterone. From Injections to Creams we discuss all the different possibilities her
Testosterone Injections
Testosterone injections are one of the most effective ways to deliver low-T Replacement Therapy. There are a variety of different forms, and all of these kinds of low-T treatment injections provide the same activated form of testosterone. However, they are combined with different releaser products which slow down the rate at which the body absorbs testosterone treatments. For example, testosterone cypionate injections take two or more weeks to release the whole amount of low-T in a single injection.
The length of needles is usually between 1–2 inches.
How to Inject Testosterone
Your doctor or physician can advise you the best way to inject testosterone. However, here are some tips to consider:
- Clean your hands before you do anything else.
- Use alcohol to sterilize the area you wish to be injected.
- Choose a syringe that can hold double the volume of testosterone you need.
- Draw the same amount of air into the syringe as that of your intended testosterone dosage.
- Clean the testosterone vial with a swab and pierce the vial with a needle. Turn the vial and needle with the base of the vial up.
- Push in the air in your syringe; this will make it easier to draw out the testosterone.
- Draw the testosterone into the syringe. N.B. the tip must stay submerged.
- Draw the needle from the vial, point the needle in the air, and evacuate any air still in the syringe.
- Find the muscle you are going to use for your low-T injection.
- Relax!
- Pierce the skin at a right angle, to about half the length of the needle.
- Draw back on the plunger to make sure you aren’t hitting a vein.
- Deliver the injection slowly. It is less painful the slower you inject.
- Draw out the syringe and cover the wound with a cotton pad.
- Monitor for bleeding or irritation, and use a band-aid if necessary.
Before injection make sure that testosterone injections are the right choice for you! Read here.
Bottle of Testogen Supplement
Testosterone Injection Dosage
Each injectable testosterone injection will range between 50-300 mg per shot, depending on the testosterone dose. Generally, a weekly dosage is 100-125mg of testosterone. The exact amount, though, will be determined by your doctor, who will prescribe a testosterone dosage designed to fit your needs.
All forms of testosterone are delivered into the muscle. There are more than 30 locations considered safe, but the main ones include:
- Two locations on each calf.
- One location on each trap.
- Two locations on each quadricep.
- Three locations on each pectoral muscle.
- One location on each lateral muscle.
- Three locations on each tricep.
- Two locations on each bicep.
- Three locations on each deltoid.
Most injected testosterone is delivered in an oil suspension, the most common of which are sesame seed and cottonseed oil. If patients are allergic to these, a different oil suspension will need to be chosen.
Forms of injected Testosterone Replacement Therapy
The two most popular forms of injected Testosterone Replacement Therapy are Testosterone Cypionate and Testosterone Enanthate:
- Testosterone Cypionate
Testosterone Cypionate is widely used, and is released into the blood stream over the course of three weeks. Testosterone levels are at their highest in the first two days, and the injection provides 12 days of sustained release. Testosterone Cypionate has the brand name “Depo-Testosterone”, and is administered in a cottonseed oil suspension, although generic names are known.
Many users of Depo-Testosterone can enjoy a better sex life (harder erections, more prolonged orgasms etc), as well as more energy in their daily activities, more muscle growth, and a general increase in happiness.
Side-effects are rare, although the body’s tendency to convert excess testosterone into estrogen (the primary female sex hormone) is well documented. This is easily prevented and users of Depo-Testosterone needn’t worry if they follow the basic procedures and dosages. Many people are cautious of injections (pain, rashes etc), but in reality the pain is minimal and side-effects are scarce.
- Testosterone Enanthate
With the brand name “Delatestryl”, this is delivered into the body over eight to ten days. Delatestryl is only available in sesame oil suspension, but more generic examples can be administered in any oil suspensions.
It is worth noting that some injections may not supply a sufficiently steady stream of testosterone over the course of a single day (or multiple days). Therefore your body may experience abnormally low levels of testosterone as the injection loses its strength.
Disected medical model
Other Forms of Tetsosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone Phenylproprionate
Less common than the previous two, this dose lasts about three to four days. The most common brand name is “Testolent”.
Testosterone Proprionate
Known as “Test-Prop”, Testosterone Proprionate dissolves into the body relatively quickly (usually over the course of two days). The most common brand names are “Virormone” and “Testovis”. Pain and irritation often occurs after injection, but this form of injection (although the most expensive) has the lowest incidence of bloating and water retention of any of the common injections. Gram for gram, “Test-Prop” is the strongest available by weight (it contains roughly 83 mg of testosterone per 100 mg of medication).
Liquid-Suspended Testosterone
One of the rarer forms, mainly because it needs daily injections. The main brand name is “Aquaviron”.
Mixed Testosterone Treatment
“Hybrid” testosterones may provide optimal releases, but this depends on the individual. Speak to your physician for more details.
Testosterone Creams and Gels
Creams are also popular because applications are easier – if more frequent. Testosterone creams are usually massaged into the skin, and then absorbed naturally. Creams have a much higher concentration that gels, and therefore are delivered over a smaller surface area.
Testosterone creams are water-based, and adsorption into the skin takes place about 15 minutes after massaging. It’s important that the applied area is covered, because testosterone can still be transmitted by contact about two hours after it has been applied. Patients should also refrain contact with water for two hours after application, because this can make the treatment less effective.
Testosterone gels are similar – but different – to testosterone creams. Gels deliver testosterone through an oil / alcohol suspension rather than a water-based cream, which means it’s absorbed quicker by the skin. Also, gels must be massaged into a larger area than creams. The main brands on the market are “AndroGel”, “Testim” and “Fortesta”. Their concentrations are usually 1%, although a 1.62% concentration product is available.
Many people prefer gels and creams to injections because they allow a more controlled amount of testosterone into the body. Also, creams may prevent tachyphylaxis (drug intolerance).
Testosterone Supplements
Typically taken in pill format 2-3 times a day these supplements will boost Testosterone levels and we review the top 10 Testosterone boosters Supplements on this site. The main brands to consider are TestoFuel, Centrapeak & TestoGen. Check them all out here at Top 10 Supplement Reviews.
Testosterone Pellets for Dermal Implantation
Like injections, low-T pellets give a regular dose of (crystallised) testosterone over an extended period of time (sometimes pellets can provide a release of testosterone to last up to six months).
Testosterone pellets are administered by surgical implantation's under the skin. This is easy (it consists of an incision into the skin, followed by the pellet being implanted into the wound).
The skin heals in a few days, providing it is sealed with tape after implantation; stitches are not needed. The pellets can last a few months, and testosterone is released gradually, which means pellets are more resistant to tachyphylaxis. Pellets can increase sex drive, improve protein synthesis for muscle building, contribute to a better memory, and help burn more calories.
Side-effects, though very rare, may result due to a risk of infection. Additionally, a pellet may be dislodged from the wound, which means another trip to the clinic. The best chance of preventing this is to reduce the risk of putting pressure on the wound, and making sure it heals properly. Pellets are best for patients that have already used other forms of replacement therapy, such as gels or creams, and pellets can be used by women.
Testosterone Transdermal Patches
Similar to nicotine patches, these are applied to the skin so that testosterone is delivered into the body gradually (usually over 24 hours). Because the dosage is low, patches produce the least side-effects, though minor irritation may still occur. The main brand names are “Axiron”, “Androderm” and “Testoderm”. Depending on the specific patch, it can be applied to the “general” body, or directly to the testicles. Patches are water-resistant.
Testosterone Buccal Patch
“Buccal” relates to the inside of the mouth – usually the cheek. These patches are normally applied twice a day.
Sublingual Testosterone
Literally meaning “under the tongue”, testosterone is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream but wears off after about six hours. It is usually used three times a day.
Man with high Testosterone