We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Testosterone Injections?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 14,090
Share

Testosterone injections are one of several treatment options are used to deal with a lack of normal testosterone levels in the body. The injections are normally administered by a health care professional in a sterile environment, although in some nations, it is possible for a physician to authorize the patient to administer the injections according to a detailed schedule. In most cases, the injections are scheduled every ten days to two weeks, and are often the preferred method of testosterone replacement therapy by many patients and physicians alike.

As with most types of testosterone therapy products, the aim of testosterone injections is to increase testosterone levels until they are within what is considered a normal range. Injections may become necessary in situations where the ability of the body to produce testosterone naturally is either temporarily or permanently impaired. In most countries, the injections are only available with a prescription, making it necessary for a physician to evaluate the patient's condition and determine the correct dosage and frequency for the injections.

One of the main benefits associated with the use of testosterone injections is that a patient does not have to receive a treatment every day. This is in contrast to pills that may have to be taken anywhere from two to six times daily, or patches or creams that are administered once or twice daily. Depending on the exact type and strength of the injection, a treatment may not be required more than twice a month.

Even people who are normally uneasy with shots often find that the use of testosterone injections is more manageable than other treatment options. As the patient becomes more comfortable with the idea of the shots, it may be possible to administer the injections at home, with the approval of the attending physician. The ability to use pre-measured injection packets at home further adds to the convenience associated with this type of treatment for correcting a low testosterone level.

While very effective, there are some risks associated with the use of testosterone injections. Often, the formula for the injections includes the use of some type of natural oil, such as cottonseed or sesame oil. Some patients experience a mild allergic reaction to these oils, often manifested as a development of a rash around the point of injection. If the dosage is too strong, the individual may experience negative mood changes such as an increased level of irritability, insomnia, or a need to constantly be in motion. Adjusting the dosage will often minimize any side effects and allow the patient to continue using the testosterone injections.

In the event that a patient does experience side effects from the use of testosterone injections, there is a good chance that the physician will recommend a switch to one of the other treatments that are routinely used to increase the level of male hormones in the body. As with the injections, it is important to have a physician monitor the efficacy and progress of the treatments so the dosages can be adjusted when and as needed.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGeek, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By angelBraids — On May 27, 2011

Middle age can be a cruel time of life! I rarely hear much about hormone replacement therapy for men, but that's pretty much what these injections are often used for.

That mid life crisis can have more severe effects than running out to buy a red sports car or a motorbike!

Low testosterone levels tend to be reflected in a slowing of the metabolism and muscle loss, as well as affecting your focus and general energy for life.

By Bakersdozen — On May 26, 2011

@yumdelish - I don't know how old your friend is, but if she's close to the menopause then that would be a likely explanation.

Although the side effects of testosterone injections can be a problem, many women feel the benefits outweigh the potential negatives. Which woman wouldn't want less hot flashes, increased bone density and a stable sex drive?

By yumdelish — On May 24, 2011

I was quite shocked when a female friend told me she is to start a course of special testosterone injections for women. I didn't like to ask her why exactly this had been prescribed, and to be honest I find it rather worrying.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-testosterone-injections.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.