Which Injectable Testosterone Is the Best?
There are multiple types of testosterone injections, and they should not be used interchangeably as their purposes are different in some respects. A hormone replacement specialist will determine which injectable testosterone is the best choice for each man following a thorough medical records review that includes a physical examination and blood analysis.
Although most men are familiar with only 3 types of injectable testosterone, there are actually five types – although the other two are rarely recommended for use. The goal of testosterone treatment is to increase the amount of bioavailable testosterone in the bloodstream for the body to use. This is done in a safe and controlled manner, providing each man with the exact treatment that his body can get the most benefit from.
There five types of testosterone injections are:
- Testosterone Cypionate
Testosterone cypionate is the longest lasting form of injectable testosterone. It has a half-life that ranges from 10 to 12 days depending on each man’s unique metabolism. Cypionate, which is suspended in cottonseed oil, has a sustained release time of 2 to 3 weeks. The typical prescription is for once every two weeks.
- Testosterone Enanthate
Testosterone enanthate has a slightly shorter half-life than testosterone cypionate – typically 8 to 10 days. Most men metabolize this in a period of 4 to 5 days, but low levels have been found in the body for up to 2 weeks. It is suspended in sesame oil and is typically prescribed for use every 5 to 10 days.
- Testosterone Propionate
Testosterone propionate is considered to be a fast-acting ester. It can peak in the bloodstream within a period of a few hours, and is metabolized over a shorter timespan – up to three days in most men. For this reason, it requires administration every 2 to 3 days and is rarely used. Doctors may prescribe it for short-term use along with testosterone cypionate to give a rapid boost to extremely low testosterone levels.
- Aqueous Testosterone Suspension
This form of testosterone has no ester and requires frequent intramuscular injections. The testosterone remains in the bloodstream for only a few hours, and the shots are extremely painful. Since the risks associated with this treatment outweigh any positive benefits, it is not recommended for use.
- Testosterone Undecanoate
This relative newcomer to the American market is still under review by many hormone replacement specialists. It provides a sustained release of testosterone over a 10 week period, but its results are still unknown in this country. In addition, this medication is extremely expensive in cost, rendering it a poor choice by doctors in the US.
How to Choose Which Type of Testosterone Injection to Buy
Choosing which injectable testosterone is the best for personal use is a decision that will be made jointly with the prescribing hormone replacement specialist. Each person’s needs are different, and no two people experience Low T in the same way. The desired outcome resulting from treatment will also play a role in this decision.
Most men, however, will find that testosterone cypionate injections are the best option due to their long-lasting half-life and fewer treatments. This is also the most economical choice for men requiring Low T therapy.
Determining the Frequency and Dosage of Injectable Testosterone
The HRT specialist uses blood analysis, physical examination, the symptoms, and severity of such that a man is dealing with, along with a detailed medical history report to determine the frequency and dosage of injectable testosterone that will be prescribed. In addition, how the treatment is affecting the individual will also be looked at over the course of the first few months to determine if any adjustments need to be made.
Buying the Best Injectable Testosterone
Buying the best injectable testosterone requires working with a legitimate doctor who specializes in hormone replacement therapy. General practitioners do not usually have the advanced knowledge in hormone replacement that is necessary for the prescribing of this type of treatment. There are often other medications that must be used in conjunction with testosterone to prevent the body from ceasing its own production of this vital hormone, as well as preventing the conversion of testosterone to estrogen in the body.
It is also crucial to avoid buying testosterone injections off of black market websites on the internet. This can result in the receipt of a product that has been tampered with, counterfeited, diluted, or substituted with another medication.
National HRT Staff
Please note that the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.