Testosterone Injections:
Cypionate Dosage & Half Life Chart

Author: Brian Hildebrandt, Last Updated: Jan 19, 2019

Testosterone injections aren’t generally discussed as a first line treatment when starting replacement therapy.

There are many testosterone preparations on the market such as; gels (Androgel and Testim), creams, pills (Andriol), pellets and patches.

However the marketing efforts of pharmaceutical companies are quite effective at influencing your doctor’s prescribing habits, away from the older and more testosterone injections.

A Superior Treatment for Testosterone Replacement

Drawing testosterone injection.
Lindsey Johnson, medical assistant, prepares a testosterone injection for a patient at the Low T Center Thursday, September 19, 2014 in Southlake, Texas.

What’s sad to say… the above treatments are all inferior to the much older developed injection method, when treating low testosterone.

It’s not what you’d generally think is supposed to happen. Isn’t medical science supposed to develop better treatments over time?

The thing is… not everyone loves needles. Understandably so.

In lieu of this, we have many alternatives with poor general absorption, leading to less effectiveness and worse outcomes.

So what’s the point? Why use less invasive methods if they’re barely going to work, with an increased chance of side effects included.

The good news is – injections allow for higher and more stable testosterone levels, and are about 5 – 10 times cheaper!

Testosterone Shots Increase Absorbtion

Thigh testosterone injection.

All the other formulations are self-limiting in how much testosterone can be absorbed. They may be enough to get you to the mid range of normal.

However, for a lot of men, mid range isn’t enough to increase energy, libido, and mood to a satisfactory level. What you want is to be in the high normal range.

Dosages can also be titrated much easier compared to the other formulations.

Injectable Depo-Testosterone & Cypionate Dosage Chart

Brand NameGeneric NameSuppliedHalf LifeDosing
Depo-TestosteroneTestosterone Cypionate100mg/ml or 200mg/ml in 10ml Multi-Dose Vials~ 7 Days50mg Twice per Week by IM/SQ
DelatestrylTestosterone Enanthate200mg/ml in 5ml Multi-Dose Vials~ 7 Days50mg Twice per Week by IM/SQ
Generic Watson testosterone enanthate.
Generic Watson testosterone cypionate.

Less Pain for the Same Gain

As far as needle size, I use 31 gauge, 5/16 inch, 3/10 ml, insulin syringes subcutaneously in the upper/outer quadrant of my thighs. Rotating legs and areas, with subsequent injections.

Insulin syringes for testosterone injections.

To maintain correct dosing due to the small syringe size (0.3 ml), a 3 times per week schedule may be needed (Monday, Wednesday, Friday), or 2 smaller injections every 3 days like originally outlined.

Smaller Syringes Equals Better Drawing Power

The 3/10 ml small syringe size is what helps maintain maximum pressure to draw the oil. The smaller the syringe size, the greater the internal pressure. You’ll notice a large difference in drawing capacity compared to the 1ml syringes.

It takes about a minute to draw, so you’ll need to be patient. No need to warm the oil in advance I’ve found, although it may speed up the process.

The smaller needle size is well worth it in my opinion, to avoid long term scar tissue build up, especially with treatment potentially spanning decades.



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