Testosterone Replacement Injections

by Randy
(China Grove, N.C., U.S.A.)

Hello, I have been on testosterone replacement for about 9 weeks now (54 year old male, total testosterone 195ng/dl, free T 2.30ng/dl, TSH 3.550, FSH 14.7)

I was prescribed 1 ml (210 mg/ml) per week via testosterone cypionate injections by a doctor out of state.

When I went to my own doctor, he prescribed 1/2 ml injections per week from a 200 mg/ml preparation. I am unsure which doctor's prescription I should follow.

Also, I take 100 mg of zinc per day as I was told it's a natural anti-estrogen. Would I need to take an anti-estrogen tablet at this dose?

Any help appreciated,

Randy (I usually take 2 injections per week at half the prescribed dose)


Hi Randy,

The typical testosterone dosage per week is 100 mg to stay at the top of the normal range.

100mg of zinc per day is a very high dose and is usually not advised due to the potential problems if may cause.

The most common problem is the induction of a copper deficiency which can cause collagen disorders, anemia, and neuropathy.

I'd suggest limiting your intake to 50mg per day max, and possibly adding 3mg of copper to prevent any deficiencies.

Zinc is a weak anti-estrogen but most likely will not be strong enough to prevent high estrogen symptoms.

Your best course of action would be to have your doctor prescribe an anti-estrogen medication.

The usual dosage is 0.25mg of Arimidex taken every other day. That should keep estrogen around 20pg/ml, which is ideal.

You are correct to continue on the twice a week testosterone injection dosing. It will help to prevent mood swings and drop offs in testosterone's therapeutic effects.

Good luck!

Brian