Struggling with low energy, reduced muscle strength, or declining drive? The type of injectable testosterone you choose can make all the difference in how effectively you restore your health and confidence.
Low testosterone (commonly known as “Low T”) affects millions of men in the U.S., impacting everything from energy and mood to physical performance and sexual health. Injectable testosterone therapy is one of the most effective ways to bring hormone levels back into balance. But here’s the critical part: not all testosterone injections are the same.
Understanding the different types of testosterone injections can help you and your provider choose the option that best supports your lifestyle, health needs, and long-term goals.
Table of Content
Key Takeaways
What Is Injectable Testosterone?
What are the Different Types of Testosterone Injections
Which Type of Injectable Testosterone Is Right for You?
Side Effects and Safety Risks of Injectable Testosterone
Injectable Testosterone vs. Other Testosterone Types
Safe and Effective Testosterone Therapy at BioRestore
Frequently Asked Questions About Testosterone Injections
Take the First Step Toward Restoring Your Health
| Key Takeaways ✓ Injectable testosterone is the most reliable form of TRT ✓ There are multiple injection types to fit different needs ✓ Choosing the right type depends on lifestyle and health ✓ Common side effects include soreness and mood changes, while more serious risks require careful monitoring ✓ The safest and most effective testosterone therapy comes from working with a licensed healthcare provider who tailors treatment to your lab results, goals, and overall health. |
What Is Injectable Testosterone?
Testosterone is a naturally produced hormone that’s important for many body functions. When testosterone levels are low, it can lead to problems such as decreased energy, mood changes, reduced libido, hair loss, and other symptoms.
Injectable testosterone delivers synthetic versions of the hormone into the body, usually by muscle (intramuscular, IM) or under the skin (subcutaneous) injection. These injected forms are modified so that they stay active for several days to weeks. These forms are called testosterone esters.
Compared to other delivery methods, injections often provide:
- More predictable hormone levels
- Longer-lasting effects
- Better symptom relief
For men seeking improved vitality, stronger performance, and renewed focus, injectable testosterone is often the preferred choice.
What are the Different Types of Testosterone Injections
Testosterone therapy comes in many forms, including gels, patches, and pellets. However, injectable testosterone remains the gold standard for many men. Injections deliver testosterone directly into the bloodstream, ensuring consistent absorption and reliable results.
| Type | How often it’s injected / Duration | Notes on dosing & administration |
| Testosterone Cypionate (e.g. Depo-Testosterone) | Typically every 1–4 weeks | Doses vary (often between 50 mg and 400 mg), depending on individual response and side effects. Can be administered by a professional or self-injected at home. |
| Testosterone Enanthate (including Xyosted for subcutaneous route) | Also every 1–4 weeks, though subcutaneous forms may allow more frequent smaller doses (weekly) | The subcutaneous option (e.g. Xyosted) is injected under the skin (often in the abdomen) and allows for more frequent dosing with smaller amounts. IM versions typically use larger doses. Used for adolescents (delayed puberty), adult men with hypogonadism, and in some cases, women with metastatic breast cancer |
| Testosterone Undecanoate (brand name Aveed) | Much longer intervals—after initial loading doses, injections may be every ~10 weeks | It’s IM only, and must be administered by a healthcare provider. Because of its oil-based formulation, there’s a small risk of complications like pulmonary oil microembolism (POME) after injection. |
1. Testosterone Cypionate
Recommended Dosage:
Typically administered as an intramuscular injection every 1–4 weeks. The exact dosage depends on individual needs but often ranges from 50 mg to 400 mg per injection.
Approved Uses:
Commonly prescribed for men with low testosterone (hypogonadism). Its wide availability and predictable absorption make it a standard choice in the U.S.
Key Considerations:
Patients may notice hormone “peaks and valleys” between injections—feeling energized shortly after a dose but experiencing dips as the next one approaches.
2. Testosterone Enanthate
Recommended Dosage:
Injected into the muscle every 1–4 weeks. A newer option, Xyosted, delivers testosterone enanthate under the skin (subcutaneously) in smaller weekly doses, often making self-injection easier.
Approved Uses:
Used for men with low testosterone, adolescents with delayed puberty, and in certain cases, women with metastatic breast cancer.
Key Considerations:
The subcutaneous version helps reduce the discomfort and fluctuations sometimes seen with intramuscular dosing, making it appealing for long-term therapy.
3. Testosterone Undecanoate (Aveed)
Recommended Dosage:
Administered by a healthcare provider into the muscle. After two initial doses spaced a few weeks apart, injections are usually given every 10 weeks.
Approved Uses:
Approved for adult men with low testosterone requiring long-acting therapy.
Key Considerations:
This formulation offers the longest interval between injections, but it must be given in a clinical setting. Patients are monitored for about 30 minutes afterward due to rare risks like pulmonary oil microembolism (POME), a reaction that can affect breathing.
4. Compounded Injections
Recommended Dosage:
Varies depending on the formulation created by the compounding pharmacy.
Approved Uses:
Prescribed in cases where standard injectable options are not suitable or need customization.
Key Considerations:
Not FDA-approved in the same way as commercial products, but they may be appropriate for patients with unique needs when guided by a specialist.
| A Note of Caution Injectable testosterone can be highly effective, but it is not without risks. Side effects may include elevated blood pressure, blood clots, and prostate-related symptoms. The best option—and the safest dosage—varies from person to person. The most reliable way to decide if injectable testosterone is right for you is to consult a licensed healthcare professional who can assess your individual health needs. |
Which Type of Injectable Testosterone Is Right for You?
Choosing the right injectable testosterone depends on more than convenience—it requires balancing your health needs, lifestyle, and safety considerations. While all forms increase testosterone levels, each option has its own advantages and potential drawbacks.
Consider Your Dosing Preferences
If you prefer fewer injections, testosterone undecanoate (Aveed) may be appealing since it only requires dosing every 10 weeks. However, if you don’t mind more frequent shots and want the flexibility of self-injection, cypionate or enanthate may be a better fit.
Think About How You’ll Administer It
Some men are comfortable with intramuscular injections given at home, while others prefer the easier subcutaneous route offered by products like Xyosted. If you’re uneasy with self-injection, your provider can administer doses for you on a regular schedule.
Factor in Your Health Risks
If you have cardiovascular concerns, prostate issues, or a history of blood clots, your provider may lean toward one formulation over another—or even recommend a non-injectable therapy. For example, testosterone undecanoate requires close monitoring in a clinical setting due to rare but serious side effects.
Consider Cost and Insurance Coverage
Some forms of injectable testosterone are widely available as generics and are usually more affordable, such as cypionate and enanthate. Others, like Aveed or Xyosted, are branded products that may cost more or require prior approval from insurance.
Work With Your Provider
At the end of the day, the best choice isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your healthcare provider will weigh your lab results, symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences to guide you toward the safest and most effective treatment plan.
At BioRestore, we evaluate your hormone levels, lifestyle, and goals to create a personalized testosterone replacement plan that fits you—not the other way around.
Side Effects and Safety Risks of Injectable Testosterone
While injectable testosterone can be highly effective in restoring hormone balance, it is not without potential side effects. Some reactions are mild and manageable, while others may require close monitoring or medical intervention. Understanding these risks helps set realistic expectations before beginning therapy.
Common Side Effects
Most men tolerate testosterone injections well, but some may experience mild effects such as:
- Redness, soreness, or bruising at the injection site
- Headaches or mood changes
- Worsening of symptoms from an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
- Fluctuations in energy or libido between doses
These side effects are often temporary and may improve as your body adjusts or as your provider adjusts your dosage.
Serious Risks
In some cases, testosterone therapy may increase the likelihood of more significant health concerns, including:
- Elevated blood pressure
- Higher risk of blood clots
- Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
- Worsening sleep apnea in men who already struggle with the condition
Because of these risks, ongoing monitoring through blood tests and regular check-ins with your provider is essential.
Special Concerns with Testosterone Undecanoate (Aveed)
This long-acting formulation carries unique risks. Rarely, patients may experience pulmonary oil microembolism (POME)—a reaction where oil enters the lungs and causes sudden coughing, difficulty breathing, or dizziness. Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, are also possible. For this reason, Aveed is only administered in a medical office, and patients are monitored for about 30 minutes afterward.
Minimizing Your Risks
Your provider will determine the right dosage, frequency, and monitoring plan to reduce potential complications. Lifestyle changes—such as maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and exercising regularly—may also help lower certain risks linked to testosterone therapy.
Injectable Testosterone vs. Other Testosterone Types
While injections remain the most popular form of TRT, other methods exist:
- Topical gels or creams: Easy to apply, but can transfer to others through skin contact.
- Patches: Provide steady dosing, but can cause skin irritation.
- Pellets: Surgically implanted for slow release, but require a minor procedure.
Compared to these options, testosterone injections offer reliable absorption, more flexibility in dosing, and often better symptom relief. That’s why so many men across the U.S. choose them for long-term testosterone optimization.
Safe and Effective Testosterone Therapy at BioRestore
At BioRestore, we specialize in helping men overcome the challenges of low testosterone with science-backed, physician-guided treatments.
Our approach includes:
- Personalized treatment plans based on your lab results and lifestyle.
- Expert medical oversight to ensure safe and effective therapy.
- Ongoing support and monitoring so your progress is never left to chance.
With our clinics in Connecticut and beyond, we make it simple to restore your energy, focus, and vitality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Testosterone Injections
How long does it take for testosterone injections to work?
Many men begin noticing improvements in energy, mood, and libido within 2–4 weeks of starting therapy. Full benefits—such as increased muscle mass and fat reduction—can take several months with consistent treatment.
Which type of testosterone injection lasts the longest?
Testosterone undecanoate is the longest-acting option, requiring injections only every 10–14 weeks. Other esters like cypionate and enanthate usually require dosing every 1–2 weeks.
Are testosterone injections painful?
Most men find the injections tolerable, especially when administered correctly. A slight soreness at the injection site is common but usually subsides within a day.
Can I self-administer testosterone injections at home?
Yes. Many men learn to safely inject testosterone at home after proper medical training. However, longer-acting forms like testosterone undecanoate are typically administered in a clinic under physician supervision.
Are there side effects to testosterone injections?
Possible side effects include acne, fluid retention, mood changes, or an increase in red blood cell count. Regular medical monitoring ensures therapy remains safe and effective.
How do I know which testosterone type is best for me?
Your provider will consider your hormone levels, overall health, lifestyle, and treatment goals. At BioRestore, every treatment plan is personalized to ensure the best fit for each patient.
Take the First Step Toward Restoring Your Health
You don’t have to settle for the symptoms of low testosterone. The right type of injectable testosterone can help you regain strength, drive, and balance in your daily life.
Schedule your consultation with BioRestore today and discover which testosterone therapy option is right for you.