Testosterone Injections

Testosterone injections are a form of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) used to treat low testosterone levels. Testosterone is a vital hormone that affects not just sexual health but also muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production, and mood. When natural testosterone levels drop due to aging, medical conditions, or other factors, patients may experience fatigue, low libido, mood changes, and other symptoms. In such cases, testosterone injections can help restore hormone levels and alleviate these symptoms under proper medical supervision.

What Are Testosterone Injections?

Testosterone injections are treatments in which synthetic testosterone is injected into the body to raise hormone levels back to a healthy range. These injections are typically given intramuscularly (into a muscle), often in the thigh or gluteal muscle. By delivering testosterone directly into the bloodstream, injections help ensure the body gets the hormone it needs to function properly. This therapy is a well-established option for men diagnosed with hypogonadism or significantly low testosterone, and it is one of several methods of TRT alongside gels and patches.

Types of Testosterone Injection Medications: There are a few different formulations of testosterone used for injections. Your doctor will choose the type and dosing schedule that best fits your needs. Common types include:

Testosterone Cypionate – A long-acting form of testosterone. It is usually injected into a large muscle (such as the buttocks) on a weekly to bi-weekly schedule (for example, every 1–4 weeks). Testosterone cypionate (brand name Depo-Testosterone) is one of the most commonly prescribed injectable testosterones in the US.
Testosterone Enanthate – Another widely used form with a similar action to cypionate. Testosterone enanthate is often injected intramuscularly every 1–4 weeks as well. There is also an auto-injector version (Xyosted®) given as a weekly subcutaneous injection. Like cypionate, it helps maintain steady T levels when used on a regular schedule.
Testosterone Undecanoate – An extra long-acting injectable (brand name Aveed®). This is typically administered in a clinic setting because of its dosing protocol. The first two shots are spaced 4 weeks apart, and subsequent injections are given about every 10 weeks. Undecanoate allows for less frequent injections, but requires healthcare supervision for each dose.

All of these injected testosterones have the same goal: to supplement the body’s testosterone and bring your level into the optimal range. Once in the bloodstream, the hormone from injections acts just like natural testosterone, helping improve energy, mood, sexual function, and more. It’s important to note that any form of testosterone injection should only be used if prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider, as part of an overall treatment plan.

Who Needs Testosterone Injections?

Not everyone with slightly low testosterone needs injections. This therapy is typically recommended for individuals with significantly low levels (often called “Low T”) who also have symptoms. Men most commonly receive testosterone injections, especially if they have:

Hypogonadism: a medical condition where the testes or pituitary gland do not produce enough testosterone (this can be due to genetic conditions, injury, or illness).
Age-related low T (Andropause): testosterone levels naturally decline with age. Some older men develop symptoms like low libido or fatigue due to this drop. If tests confirm low levels and symptoms are significant, a doctor may consider TRT.
Other causes of low testosterone: certain treatments (e.g. chemotherapy or radiation), medications, chronic illnesses, stress, or excessive alcohol use can lower testosterone. If these factors lead to clinically low hormone levels and symptoms, injections might be an option.

When a man’s testosterone is low, he might experience one or more of these symptoms:

Decreased sex drive and possibly erectile dysfunction
Chronic fatigue and low energy levels
Loss of muscle mass and strength
Increased body fat or weight gain (especially around the belly)
Mood changes such as depression, irritability, or lack of confidence
Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”

Women naturally have much lower testosterone levels than men, but women can also experience issues if levels drop too low. Women with abnormally low testosterone might notice fatigue, weak muscles, mood changes, and low sexual desire. However, treatment in women is approached very carefully, and testosterone injections are rarely the first choice unless under specialized care.

In all cases, deciding who needs testosterone injections is based on symptoms and laboratory tests. A doctor will diagnose a testosterone deficiency through blood tests. Typically, if a patient’s total testosterone blood level is well below the normal range and they have related symptoms, they may be a candidate for injections. The decision is made on an individual basis, weighing benefits and risks for that particular patient.

How Are Testosterone Injections Given?

Administration: Testosterone injections are usually given intramuscularly (IM), meaning the hormone is injected deep into muscle tissue. Common injection sites include the upper outer quadrant of the glute (buttocks) and the thigh (quadriceps). Injecting into a muscle allows the testosterone to be absorbed steadily into the bloodstream. Some newer protocols use subcutaneous (under the skin) injections on a more frequent schedule, but IM injections are more traditional for testosterone therapy.

Dosage & Frequency: The dosage and how often injections are needed will depend on the specific medication and the individual’s needs. A common starting regimen for testosterone cypionate or enanthate is an injection every 1 to 2 weeks. For example, a man might be prescribed 100 mg weekly or 200 mg every two weeks, adjusted based on follow-up blood tests. Longer-acting forms like testosterone undecanoate are given every 10 weeks or so in a clinic setting. Your doctor will determine the right dose to get your testosterone into the target range without going too high.

Self-Injection: Many patients learn to self-administer testosterone injections at home after proper instruction. If your healthcare provider approves, they will teach you how to prepare the syringe, inject safely, and dispose of needles. Injections at home are often done in the thigh muscle for convenience. Always follow the technique demonstrated by your provider to minimize discomfort and risk of infection. If you are uncomfortable with self-injection, you can arrange to visit the clinic regularly for your shots.

Monitoring: Ongoing monitoring is a crucial part of testosterone injection therapy. Because everyone’s response is different, your doctor will schedule periodic blood tests (for testosterone levels, and other markers like blood count) to ensure the treatment is working and safe. Typically, levels might be checked a few weeks after starting, and regularly thereafter. This helps the doctor adjust your dosage if needed. You will also be asked about symptom improvements and any side effects at each follow-up.

It’s important to use testosterone injections exactly as prescribed. Do not adjust your dose or frequency without medical guidance. Overuse of testosterone can lead to health risks, and underuse may not effectively relieve symptoms. By sticking to the prescribed plan and attending follow-ups, you give yourself the best chance at a successful therapy.

Benefits of Testosterone Injections

When used appropriately for those who need them, testosterone injections can provide a number of benefits by restoring hormone levels to normal. Patients often report improvements in many areas of health, such as:

Improved sexual health: Testosterone therapy can boost libido (sex drive) and, in men, may improve erectile function. Many men notice increased interest in sex and better performance after their T levels are corrected.
More energy and better mood: Low testosterone is often accompanied by fatigue, irritability, and even depression. Raising testosterone into the optimal range can lead to higher energy levels, more motivation, and a more positive mood. Patients frequently describe feeling “like myself again” once therapy begins to work.
Increased muscle mass and strength: Testosterone is anabolic, meaning it helps build muscle. With injections, men with low T often see improvements in lean muscle mass and a decrease in fat mass (especially when combined with exercise and a healthy diet). You may find it easier to gain strength and see better results from workouts.
Improved bone density: Testosterone plays a key role in maintaining bone mineral density. Over the long term, getting your T levels up can help strengthen bones, which is important to prevent osteoporosis, particularly in aging men.
Cognitive and emotional benefits: Some individuals report reduced “brain fog,” better focus, and overall enhanced sense of well-being when their low testosterone is treated. Mood swings may stabilize and confidence often improves as symptoms like low energy and libido get better.
Metabolic and other health improvements: There is evidence that testosterone therapy can help certain metabolic markers. For instance, it might improve anemia in men with low red blood cell counts and even favorably influence cholesterol levels or blood sugar in some cases. Every patient is different, but part of the goal is to bring the body back into balance, which can have wide-ranging positive effects.

Keep in mind that results vary. Not everyone will experience all these benefits, and the degree of improvement can differ. Many men start to notice some changes within the first month or two of therapy (such as better energy or libido), but significant body composition changes (muscle, fat, bone) can take several months to develop fully. Patience and consistent treatment are key – testosterone injections are not a quick overnight fix, but rather a steady course of improvement.

It’s also crucial that the treatment is truly needed. For someone with normal testosterone levels, taking injections won’t turn you into a super-athlete and is not recommended. But for those with a genuine deficiency, these benefits can be life-changing, helping restore a healthy, active lifestyle. Always work with a qualified physician to ensure you’re a good candidate and to maximize benefits safely.

Risks and Side Effects of Testosterone Injections

No medical treatment is without potential risks. Testosterone injections are generally safe when monitored by a doctor, but patients should be aware of possible side effects. Some side effects are mild, while others are more serious. Possible side effects include:

Skin and hair changes: You may develop acne or oily skin due to hormonal fluctuations. Some men also notice increased body or facial hair growth. On the flip side, male-pattern baldness can accelerate in those predisposed to it (testosterone can convert to DHT, a hormone that affects hair follicles).
Mood swings: Hormone changes can sometimes cause irritability, mood swings, or aggression in certain individuals. It’s important to report significant mood changes to your doctor, as dose adjustments might help.
Injection site discomfort: After an intramuscular shot, you might have soreness, bruising, or mild bleeding at the injection site. Using proper technique (and rotating injection sites) helps minimize this. Any injection carries a small risk of infection, so cleanliness is vital during administration.
Increased red blood cell count: Testosterone can stimulate your body to produce more red blood cells. In some cases this can lead to a condition called polycythemia (blood becomes thicker), which raises the risk of blood clots. Your doctor will monitor your blood counts; if they get too high, they might adjust your dose or recommend donating blood periodically.
Prostate changes (in men): Testosterone can cause the prostate gland to enlarge somewhat. Men might experience urinary symptoms (like difficulty urinating or increased frequency) if the prostate is affected. There’s also a concern that testosterone therapy might speed up the growth of existing prostate cancer – this is why doctors typically screen patients (with PSA tests) before and during treatment. Current evidence does not show that TRT causes new prostate cancer, but caution is used in those at risk.
Gynecomastia: Some testosterone can convert to estrogen in the body. In men, excess estrogen may lead to gynecomastia (enlargement or tenderness of breast tissue. If this occurs, doctors might adjust the therapy or add a medication to prevent estrogen conversion.
Reduced sperm production and fertility: When you take external testosterone, your body may produce less of its own. This often means lower sperm count while on treatment. For men who want to have children, this side effect is important to consider. In many cases, the effect is reversible after stopping therapy, but it can take time for fertility to return. If maintaining fertility is a concern, discuss it with your doctor – sometimes alternative treatments or concurrent therapies (like HCG) are used.
Female-specific effects: (For women who might use testosterone or in case of overexposure) Testosterone can cause voice deepening, menstrual irregularities, increased facial/body hair, or clitoral enlargement. Women must use testosterone only under careful medical guidance to avoid virilization effects.
Other risks: In rare cases or with improperly high doses, testosterone therapy could contribute to more severe problems like liver issues or cardiovascular problems. Research is ongoing about testosterone’s effect on the heart; some studies suggest possible risks in certain individuals, while others show benefits. Your doctor will evaluate your personal risk factors (like existing heart disease or sleep apnea) before starting therapy. Speaking of sleep apnea, testosterone can sometimes worsen this condition if you already have it.

It’s critical to have a doctor supervising your testosterone treatment to manage these risks. Most side effects are dose-dependent – meaning they can often be controlled by adjusting the dosage or injection frequency. If you experience any unusual symptoms (e.g., swelling in your legs, severe headache, difficulty breathing, chest pain), contact your healthcare provider immediately. Regular check-ups, including blood work (for testosterone levels, blood counts, PSA for men, etc.), are part of safe treatment. This way, benefits can be enjoyed while keeping side effects in check.

Side Effect	What It Looks Like	How to Manage
Acne / Oily Skin	Increased skin oil, breakouts	Adjust dose, use skin care products
Mood Swings	Irritability, aggression, emotional changes	Discuss with doctor, consider dose change
Injection Site Reactions	Pain, bruising, redness	Rotate sites, follow injection technique
Increased Red Blood Cells	Elevated hematocrit, thicker blood	Blood tests, donate blood if needed
Prostate Changes	Urinary issues, PSA rise	Regular PSA checks, monitor symptoms
Gynecomastia	Breast tenderness or swelling	Adjust TRT, consider estrogen blocker
Reduced Fertility	Low sperm count	Discuss alternatives or add HCG therapy

Remember that every patient responds differently. Many men tolerate testosterone injections very well with minimal side effects. By staying within prescribed doses and monitoring, the therapy can be quite safe. The goal of professional supervision is to ensure that the treatment is helping you more than it’s hurting – maximizing quality of life improvements while minimizing any negatives.

Getting Started with Testosterone Therapy

If you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, the first step is to consult a qualified healthcare provider for an evaluation. Here’s what the typical process of starting testosterone injection therapy looks like:

Comprehensive Consultation: You will discuss your symptoms and medical history with a doctor (often an endocrinologist or hormone therapy specialist). Be honest about what you’re experiencing – for example, changes in energy, mood, sexual function, etc. The doctor will also review your medications and past health issues to identify any other possible causes of your symptoms.
Physical Exam: A physical examination will check for signs of hormonal imbalance (such as testicular size, body composition, blood pressure, etc.). The doctor might also look for signs of other conditions that could affect testosterone (like thyroid problems or metabolic syndrome).
Blood Tests for Diagnosis: Lab tests are crucial to confirm low testosterone. Typically, you will have your blood drawn in the morning (when T levels are highest) for an accurate measure. Often, at least two separate testosterone tests on different days are required. The doctor may also order tests for related hormones (like LH, FSH), and health indicators such as blood count (hematocrit) and PSA (for prostate health) before starting treatment.
Reviewing Results and Options: Once test results are in, you’ll meet with the doctor to go over them. If your total testosterone level is indeed below normal and correlates with your symptoms – and other causes for those symptoms have been ruled out – the doctor may recommend testosterone replacement therapy. They will discuss options (injections versus gels, etc.). If injections are agreed upon, the doctor will tailor a plan to your needs – deciding which type of testosterone, what dose, and how often.
Starting the Injections: Often, the first testosterone injection is given at the clinic. The physician or a nurse will administer it and show you how it’s done. This is a great time to ask questions and understand the process. If you will be doing injections at home, they’ll teach you how to prepare the syringe, the right injection technique, and safety measures. It’s normal to feel a bit nervous about self-injecting, but with training and practice it becomes routine for many patients.
Follow-Up and Monitoring: After starting therapy, you will have follow-up appointments. The doctor may check your testosterone blood level a few weeks into treatment (commonly around 4–6 weeks later) to see if the dose is effective. They will also ask how you’re feeling – which symptoms have improved or not. Based on this, adjustments can be made (for example, increasing the dose if levels are still low, or extending the interval if levels are high). Typically, you’ll have regular visits every few months during the first year of therapy. Ongoing monitoring includes blood tests for T levels, blood counts, and prostate checks for men, ensuring everything stays in a safe range.

Starting testosterone injections is a commitment. Once therapy begins, you generally continue as long as it’s needed, because stopping will likely cause your levels to drop again. That’s why the decision to begin is made carefully, in collaboration with your doctor, considering the lifelong aspects of treatment. The good news is that with a detailed plan and medical guidance, many men on testosterone injections find a significant improvement in their quality of life.

Don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider during the startup process – whether it’s about how to do the injections, potential side effects, or how you’ll be monitored. The more you know, the more comfortable you’ll be. At Testosterone Clinic PRO, our specialists ensure you have a clear plan and feel confident as you begin therapy, including answering all of your questions.

Cost of Testosterone Injections

The cost of testosterone injection therapy can vary widely from person to person. Several factors influence the total cost:

Medication price: The testosterone itself (the vial or ampule) has a cost. Fortunately, generic testosterone cypionate or enanthate is not very expensive. For example, according to GoodRx data, a 1 mL vial of 200 mg/mL testosterone cypionate might cost around $30. Depending on your dosage, this could last anywhere from a month (if you take 200 mg monthly) to only a week or two (at higher weekly dosages). In practical terms, patients might spend roughly $25 to $100+ per month on the medication. Long-acting injections like Aveed (testosterone undecanoate) can be more expensive per shot, but given less frequently.
Supplies: If you are self-injecting, you’ll need syringes, needles, and alcohol swabs. These are relatively low cost per injection, but it’s something to factor in (usually just a few dollars per month).
Clinic visits: Some patients opt to have a nurse or doctor administer every injection. In that case, there may be an office visit fee each time. Even if you self-inject, you will have periodic doctor visits and lab tests. The cost of these visits and tests (for blood counts, testosterone levels, etc.) is an important part of the overall therapy cost.
Insurance coverage: Insurance policies vary on coverage for TRT. If you have a documented medical need (like hypogonadism), many insurance plans will cover testosterone medication and sometimes even the supplies or office visits. You might be responsible for a co-pay. However, some insurers have restrictions or require prior authorization. It’s crucial to check with your insurance provider beforehand to understand what’s covered. Some insurance companies cover a portion of the costs, while others might not cover testosterone therapy at all, especially if it’s considered “lifestyle.”

Out-of-pocket and saving options: If you don’t have insurance coverage or have a high deductible, discuss the cost with your provider. Buying the medication in larger vials (multi-dose vials) can be more cost-effective per dose. Pharmacies sometimes have generic discounts. Additionally, at Testosterone Clinic PRO, we offer guidance on self-pay options and can direct patients to any manufacturer coupons or patient assistance programs that might be available for testosterone products. We also periodically have promotions – for instance, new patients may get 15% off the first month of treatment (contact us to learn about current offers).

Overall, while there are costs associated with therapy, many patients feel the benefits – increased vitality, health, and quality of life – are well worth the investment. Be sure to factor in all components of cost when planning for treatment and don’t hesitate to ask our staff about insurance questions or payment plans. We aim to make testosterone therapy accessible and will work with you to manage the financial aspect of your care.

Frequently Asked Questions about Testosterone Injections

Yes. In the United States, testosterone is classified as a controlled prescription medication. You cannot legally or safely obtain testosterone injections without a doctor’s prescription and oversight. This is to ensure that only those who genuinely need it receive it, and that proper monitoring is in place. During your consultation and diagnosis process, if it’s determined that you have low T and would benefit from injections, your physician will write a prescription and provide the injections (or direct you to a pharmacy). Never take testosterone from unregulated sources – not only is it illegal, but the dosage and purity of black-market testosterone can be questionable and unsafe.

In many cases, yes. Once you have a prescription, your doctor may give you the option to do the injections yourself at home. Typically, the first injection or first few are done at the clinic, where a healthcare provider shows you how to do it correctly. If you are comfortable and demonstrate proper technique, you can continue at home. You’ll be taught how to draw up the medication in a syringe, sanitize the injection site, and inject into the muscle safely. Most patients inject into the thigh when self-administering, as it’s an easy spot to reach. Self-injection can be convenient and saves you frequent clinic visits. That said, if you’re not comfortable doing it on your own, you can always choose to schedule regular visits and have a nurse administer your shots. The key is that you follow the schedule and do not miss doses.

Most patients begin to notice some changes within a few weeks. It’s common to experience improved energy, better mood, or a boosted sex drive after the first 3–6 weeks of treatment. One early sign that TRT is working can be morning energy and libido improving. More dramatic changes, like increases in muscle mass or decreases in body fat, usually take a bit longer – often becoming noticeable after 3–6 months of consistent therapy. Every individual is different: some respond faster, while for others improvements come more gradually. It’s important to have realistic expectations and follow your treatment plan. Your doctor will typically evaluate your hormone levels and symptom changes about 4–8 weeks in. Remember that the goal is steady, sustainable improvement. If you keep up with the injections and healthy lifestyle habits, you should see significant benefits over time. If after a few months you aren’t noticing any improvement, speak with your doctor – an adjustment or investigation into other causes may be needed.

Yes, testosterone can be delivered in several forms as part of replacement therapy. Injections are just one effective method. Alternatives include testosterone gels or creams (applied daily to the skin), patches (worn on the skin and changed daily), pellets (small pellets inserted under the skin every few months), oral capsules, and nasal gels. Each method has pros and cons. For example, gels provide steady daily levels but you must apply them every day and avoid skin contact transfer; patches can irritate the skin; pellets require a minor procedure but then last months; oral forms can have liver considerations. Injections, in comparison, typically require less frequent dosing (weekly or bi-weekly) and ensure full absorption (no worries about a gel rubbing off). The “best” form varies by individual preferences and medical factors. Discuss with your doctor which option is ideal for you. Some men try more than one method over time to see what they prefer. At our clinic, we offer multiple TRT modalities, but many patients find injections give them excellent results and convenience.

They can. One side effect of testosterone therapy in men is a reduction in sperm production. When you introduce external testosterone, the body signals the testicles to produce less of its own (because it senses plenty of testosterone in the bloodstream). As a result, the testicles may produce significantly fewer sperm. This can lead to reduced fertility or even temporary infertility while on treatment. The degree of impact varies – some men maintain some sperm production, while others might have very low counts. The good news is that this effect is usually reversible: if testosterone therapy is stopped, sperm production often recovers over several months as your natural hormones kick back in. However, if you are planning to have a child in the near future, it’s very important to tell your doctor before starting TRT. There are strategies to preserve fertility, such as using HCG injections alongside testosterone to stimulate the testicles, or using selective therapies that boost testosterone indirectly. Each case is different, so a fertility discussion is a must for young men who may want children. In summary, be aware of this effect – testosterone injections are not recommended as a form of birth control, but they do have potential to impact fertility.

Have more questions or concerns? Feel free to reach out to us at Testosterone Clinic PRO. Our team is happy to provide further information. We want you to feel confident and informed about your treatment options. If you think you might benefit from testosterone injections, contact us to schedule a consultation. We’ll guide you every step of the way toward safely improving your health and vitality.

GET 15% OFF