Types of Testosterone Injections

March 30, 2024

4 mins

What are Testosterone Injections?

Testosterone injections are a form of testosterone replacement therapy used to address low levels of testosterone in the body – a condition known as hypogonadism. They involve the administration of exogenous testosterone directly into the bloodstream, typically via intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.

These injections deliver synthetic testosterone to supplement the body's natural production, aiming to restore testosterone levels to within normal ranges. By increasing testosterone levels, testosterone injections can help alleviate symptoms associated with low testosterone and improve overall quality of life.

Testosterone injections are available in various formulations, including testosterone enanthate, testosterone cypionate, testosterone propionate, and testosterone undecanoate, among others. 

The specific formulation and dosage prescribed may vary depending on individual needs, preferences, and medical considerations.

Before initiating testosterone injections, individuals typically undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider to assess symptoms, measure testosterone levels, and rule out underlying health conditions. Treatment is tailored to individual needs, and regular monitoring is essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of therapy.

What are the Different Testosterone Injections?

While all testosterone injections aim to restore testosterone levels, the medications themselves can be slightly different. Here’s a rundown of four testosterone injections to help you determine which one may be right for you.

Cypionate

Available also as brand name Depo-Testosterone, testosterone cypionate is a common type of injectable testosterone. It’s an intramuscular injection that’s administered into the buttocks every two to four weeks. 

This injection can be administered at home or by a healthcare provider. 

The recommended dose of testosterone cypionate ranges depending on age, your response to the medication, and potential side effects. The range is between 50 mg and 400 mg. 

Enanthate

Another injectable testosterone medication is testosterone enanthate. It can be administered subcutaneously (under the skin) or intramuscularly (into the gluteal muscle). 

Xyosted is a brand name version of this medication, and it’s given subcutaneously. The recommended dose of Xyosted is 75 mg a week, self-administered.

Many generic versions of enanthate are intramuscular. Similar to cypionate, the dose ranges on a person to person basis, ranging anywhere from 50 mg to 400 mg every one to four weeks. This being said, testosterone enanthate is often broken down in the body quicklier than testosterone cypionate. 

When administered via intramuscular injection, testosterone enanthate has a broader range of approved applications compared to other forms of injectable testosterone. Its approved uses include addressing delayed puberty in adolescents, treating adult men with low testosterone (hypogonadism), and aiding adult women with metastatic breast cancer. 

In contrast, Xyosted and other T injections are exclusively approved for the treatment of low testosterone in adult men.

Undecanoate

Testosterone undecanoate (Aveed) is also an intramuscular injection that’s administered into the gluteal muscle by a healthcare provider. The most significant difference between this medication and other testosterone injections is the dosage. 

The recommended dose of testosterone undecanoate is 750 mg. After the initial injection, a second injection is administered after four weeks. From that point on, doses can be administered every 10 weeks, or about 5 shots a year. 

Propionate

Testosterone propionate is yet another option for testosterone injections. While propionate tends to be more affordable than other injection options, its dosage makes it an unpopular choice. Propionate testosterone requires much more frequent injections – sometimes as often as every day – because the medication releases testosterone slowly, which helps stabilize T levels. 

How Should Testosterone Injections Be Stored?

Cypionate, enanthate, and propionate should be stored at room temperature in a dry, dark place.

Undecanoate is only administered by a healthcare professional, who will store undecanoate properly. 

Where Can I Learn More About Testosterone Injections? 

Balanced testosterone levels are a key factor in men’s health, but TRT should only be used by those who need it. 

With the Rex MD TestoRx program , you’ll have access to testosterone-boosting medications and various TRT treatments that will help you feel like yourself again. 

To find out if the program is right for you,  just answer a few questions about your symptoms and medical history. Then, you’ll be able to schedule a virtual call with the Rex MD care team.

Your provider will order lab work for you and determine if you’re eligible for testosterone injections or another treatment option based on your testosterone levels. 

Get started today.