Types of Testosterone Injections – Which is Best?
Of the five types of testosterone injections for sale today, only two are used regularly by doctors as a treatment for Low T. The other three have sporadic use, and two of them are rarely recommended at all.
Here is a detailed look at the five different types of testosterone replacement therapy injections, along with their pros and cons:
- Testosterone Cypionate
Ingredients: testosterone cypionate, benzyl benzoate, cottonseed oil, benzyl alcohol
Strengths: 100 mg/mL, 200 mg/mL
Metabolized: seven to eight days
Half-Life: ten to twelve days (the time it takes to get down to half strength left in the body)
Treatment interval: average once every ten days to two weeks
Pros: least expensive form of testosterone therapy for men, superior absorption, excellent results, longest duration between injections (other than testosterone undecanoate), no risk of cross contamination to others, may be administered at home
Cons: may produce more highs and lows in between treatment
- Testosterone Enanthate
Ingredients: testosterone enanthate, sesame oil, chlorobutanol
Metabolized: four to five days
Half-Life: eight to ten days
Treatment interval: average once every five to ten days
Pros: less expensive than other forms of testosterone therapy for men except for testosterone cypionate, superior absorption, excellent results, no risk of cross contamination to others, may be administered at home
Cons: not as long lasting as testosterone cypionate
- Testosterone Propionate
Ingredients: testosterone propionate or it may be combined with other medications
Metabolized: over one to three days
Peaks: within hours of administration
Treatment interval: average once every two to three days
Pros: optimal when a rapid boost in testosterone levels is required, may be used in combination with another form of testosterone therapy for a short time to help raise extremely low testosterone levels
Cons: not for long term use, expensive, increased conversion into DHT and aromatization in estrogen, greater risk of side effects
- Testosterone Undecanoate
Ingredients: testosterone undecanoate, benzyl benzoate, refined castor oil
Treatment interval: one shot, followed by second shot in four weeks, additional shots once every ten weeks
Pros: longest lasting form of testosterone therapy
Cons: high risk of life-threatening allergic reactions, must be given in doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital, may cause serious lung problems, extremely expensive
- Aqueous Testosterone Suspension
Ingredients: testosterone (no ester), typically suspended in water, although propylene glycol or oil may be used
Metabolized: within hours
Pros: none
Cons: risks outweigh any benefits, requires frequent injections, extremely painful
One of the benefits of these types of testosterone replacement injections is the flexibility in dosing. If the doctor feels that a change in treatment frequency is needed, this is an easy adjustment.
Which Type of Testosterone Injection Should You Choose?
When treating Low T in males, doctors will take the different types of testosterone injections into consideration when looking at the severity of the symptoms and the dosage required. Most men will start out with testosterone cypionate injections. This provides the lowest cost and the least number of injections.
The first two types of prescription testosterone injections, cypionate and enanthate, are the optimal choices for men looking to increase testosterone levels. They provide a safe way to raise testosterone without the higher risk of side effects and allergic reactions of the three remaining options.
The best type of testosterone injectable for you is going to be the one that provides the best benefits. For this reason, you should always consult with a hormone replacement therapy specialist before making any determination or purchase of testosterone injections. Blood analysis must first be done before starting treatment.
Increasing testosterone levels when there is not a deficiency can result in severe side effects and cause the body to shut down crucial hormone production.
The hormone specialists at HT Medical Center are here to answer any questions, provide convenient blood testing locations, and offer affordable treatment options to men and women concerned about hormone deficiency. Contact us today for a free consultation.