Below are the most commonly‑used medical dosing regimens that endocrinologists prescribe for testosterone replacement therapy in men with low testosterone levels (often called "low T"). These ranges reflect what is typically written on a prescription and are intended to be used under direct supervision of a healthcare provider who will monitor labs, symptoms, and side‑effects.
| **Form** | **Typical Clinical Dose / Frequency** | **Notes** | |---|---|---| | **Intramuscular (IM) injections** – e.g., testosterone enanthate or cypionate (long‑acting ester) | • 50–100 mg IM every 2–4 weeks • Some clinicians use 200 mg every 4 weeks for a "steady‑state" dose, then titrate down if serum levels become too high. | • Injections give peak‑to‑trough swings. • Requires visits to pharmacy or physician’s office; can be self‑administered after training. | | **Intramuscular injections** – e.g., testosterone undecanoate (longest acting, weekly/fortnightly dosing) | • 1500–2250 mg IM once per week for 6–7 weeks, then every 2 weeks thereafter. | • Provides more stable levels but requires frequent visits initially. | | **Subcutaneous implants** – e.g., testosterone pellets (androgen therapy) | • Implanted in gluteal or abdominal area; each pellet releases ~0.8 mg/day for 3–6 months. | • Requires minor procedure, less frequent dosing than injections. | | **Orally available testosterone** – not common due to liver metabolism. | – | – |
**Summary of the most popular options**
1. **Subcutaneous pellets or implants** (e.g., testosterone pellets) *Pros:* Long‑acting (3–6 months), minimal daily work, low risk of leakage if implanted correctly. *Cons:* Requires an initial procedure and occasional monitoring; cost can be high.
2. **Daily/weekly injection** (e.g., testosterone cypionate or enanthate) *Pros:* Widely available, inexpensive, no implantation needed. *Cons:* Frequent injections (daily for some formulations), higher risk of leakage and bruising, potential for accidental exposure to others.
3. **Topical gels/creams** (e.g., testosterone gel) *Pros:* Easy to apply; minimal injection or procedure required. *Cons:* Requires daily application; can be messy; transfer to other people possible; risk of contamination if not applied correctly.
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## 2. Best Overall Option
Considering your priority of minimizing accidental leakage and protecting others from exposure, **the most reliable choice is a subcutaneous implant (a small device inserted under the skin).**
- The implant sits inside the body in a sealed container, so there’s no chance of leakage during handling. - Once implanted, it releases testosterone at a steady rate for months to years without requiring daily handling or injections. - It eliminates all "in‑hands" risk: you never have a vial or syringe in your hand that could leak.
If implants are not available or you prefer something more accessible, **an implant‑style subcutaneous pellet system** (like the 3‑month pellets) offers a compromise: it’s still inside the body and doesn’t involve daily handling. However, each implantation procedure carries some small risk of puncturing or leaking if not done properly.
In summary: 1. The safest route for no in‑hands leakage is an **implant**. 2. If you need a simpler option, choose a **subcutaneous pellet** that’s implanted once every 3–6 months. 3. Avoid oral routes if possible, because they rely on absorption and may have higher side‑effect profiles.
Use these guidelines to decide which approach best fits your risk tolerance and lifestyle.
