Testosterone: MedlinePlus Drug Information

Testosterone Injections: Uses & Side Effects

Low testosterone is a medical condition that develops when testosterone levels drop below normal (total testosterone less than 300 ng/dL). These low testosterone levels lead to bothersome symptoms and metabolic derangements. Low testosterone is also called hypogonadism, testosterone deficiency syndrome, androgen deficiency of the aging male or just “low T”. Low testosterone gel application sites (emotionsclinic.com) can be caused by underlying medical conditions, prescription medications and testicular failure. Many cases of low testosterone are idiopathic, meaning no definitive cause can be identified. Clinical studies have shown that oral TRT is an effective long-term treatment for men with low testosterone levels, and has a safety profile that’s fairly consistent with other approved testosterone products. In one two-year safety and efficacy analysis, oral testosterone undecanoate kept total testosterone levels in the normal range with no evidence of liver toxicity.

Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, typically beginning around age 30, but for some, these levels fall too low, resulting in various health issues. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) helps balance testosterone levels, improving quality of life and overall well-being. Among transgender men, patients who had previously used IM testosterone therapy with long-acting esters did not want to revert back to IM injections after they were started on SC testosterone therapy (24, 28, 51). Owing to the convenience of self-administration of testosterone esters, the SC route has recently gained popularity. The viability of using SC route for sex steroid administration was also shown in an elegant pharmacokinetic study in which nandrolone decanoate was administered to healthy male volunteers (30). Indeed, this might explain the observation that IM injections are less painful in overweight and obese men (34). Last, we provide some guidance for clinicians regarding SC testosterone therapy.

If you’re grumpy, sad, moody, or depressed, or experiencing weight gain or a loss of muscle; it can take three or four months before you notice a change in those areas. This is really about personal preference; where it’s the least painful and easiest for you to inject. If you have help in the form of a loved one or friend, you can do an intramuscular injection in the upper outer glute or the deltoid. If you’re self-injecting, you can do a subcutaneous injection and use the abdomen or the upper outer thigh (never the inner thigh; there are too many veins you have the potential of hitting).

Testosterone treatments are quite a popular option for people, especially men, who are experiencing low testosterone levels—a condition commonly known as hypogonadism. One way to administer this is through testosterone injections, which typically last for days or weeks in your system. The Traverse findings revealed that testosterone therapy did NOT increase the risk of heart attack or stroke compared to placebo. This is a landmark study but it does not answer all of the questions surrounding the issue of cardiovascular risk. For example, the study was done using topical testosterone so we may not be able to extrapolate these results to other forms of testosterone therapy such as injections or oral testosterone. Some men on testosterone therapy will experience a marked increase in estradiol levels.

It’s crucial to understand that, while testosterone booster injections can help to restore or improve sexual function in some men, they are not a universal solution for all symptoms related to low testosterone. As Dr. Pallais mentions, the benefits of testosterone therapy usually outweigh potential risks for men with low blood testosterone levels but for others, it’s a shared decision with their doctor. Testosterone is used to treat symptoms of low testosterone in men who have hypogonadism (a condition in which the body does not produce enough natural testosterone). Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your testosterone levels to see if they are low before you begin to take testosterone. Testosterone should not be used treat the symptoms of low testosterone in men who have low testosterone due to aging (‘age-related hypogonadism’). Testosterone works by replacing testosterone that is normally produced by the body.

Those with low testosterone may see benefits like improved mood and increased muscle mass after testosterone-based HRT. Always talk with your doctor before starting hormone treatment, as side effects also exist. Just as each instrument in an orchestra produces a unique sound, each individual’s response to TRT is unique. Some recipients may start to feel benefits such as improved sexual function and increased muscle mass within a few days Others may need several months to notice a difference.

It’s possible to have a normal total testosterone level and experience low-T symptoms if this balance is off. On average, a testosterone level of 300–1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) of blood is normal. Hypogonadism – reduced testicular function – generally occurs when the total testosterone is less than 300 ng/dL. However, a healthy level for you depends on your age, lifestyle, and bioavailable testosterone level – the unbound testosterone your body isn’t using for daily functions.

But too much estrogen can cause conditions such as gynecomastia (male breast tissue). Excess estrogen can also cause sleep apnea, edema (swelling), and acne. Many men and a surprising number of providers don’t realize that taking exogenous (synthetic) testosterone or over-the-counter supplements may have harmful side effects if not administered properly.