In short
Testosterone injections of enanthate or cypionate are given every 1 to 2 weeks into the muscle, or weekly under the skin. A typical dose is 75 to 100 mg once a week, or double that amount, 150 to 200 mg, every two weeks. Testosterone is measured halfway between two injections, with a target in the middle of the normal range, about 400 to 700 ng/dL. Injections avoid daily application but raise the red blood cell count more often than gels.
Treatment Overview
What are testosterone injections?
Testosterone injections are testosterone enanthate or cypionate injected into the muscle every 1 to 2 weeks, or weekly under the skin. The esters release testosterone slowly from an oil depot. Injections work in all men with hypogonadism and avoid daily application, but they are the preparation most often linked to a raised red blood cell count. All forms are compared on the testosterone replacement therapy page.
How are testosterone injections dosed?
Testosterone enanthate is usually dosed at 75 to 100 mg once a week, or double that amount, 150 to 200 mg, every two weeks, according to clinical practice guidelines. Longer intervals of three or four weeks lead to high peaks and low troughs, so four-weekly dosing does not keep levels normal. Men with long-standing, very low testosterone or older men may start lower, for example 50 mg weekly. An enanthate autoinjector pen, used once a week under the skin, comes in three strengths: 50, 75 or 100 mg. In studies, the pen kept average testosterone in the normal range across the whole week.
When is testosterone measured on injections?
Testosterone on enanthate or cypionate injections is measured midway between two injections, with a target in the middle of the normal range, about 400 to 700 ng/dL (13.9 to 24.3 nmol/L). Higher values lead to a lower dose. Testosterone is first checked 2 to 3 months after starting and after every dose change.
Why do some men feel swings on injections?
Testosterone injections cause swings because levels rise slightly above normal 1 to 2 days after the injection and fall towards the lower range before the next one. Many men notice changes in energy, mood and libido across the interval, and the swings grow with longer intervals. Weekly dosing reduces them.
What are the risks of testosterone injections?
The main specific risk of testosterone injections is erythrocytosis, a haematocrit above 54 percent, which is more common with injected esters at high doses than with gels. Haematocrit is therefore checked at 3 to 6 months and then yearly. The general risks of testosterone, such as atrial fibrillation and pulmonary embolism in the TRAVERSE trial, apply to all forms.
Testosterone injections in Dubai and the UAE
Are testosterone injections legal in the UAE?
Testosterone injections are legal in the UAE only with a prescription from a licensed doctor, dispensed by a licensed pharmacy. The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention stated that hormones, especially injections, need a prescription and medical tests first (Khaleej Times, 2019). Injections from gyms or online sellers are covered on the TRT after steroid use page.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
- Men with symptoms of low testosterone and a low morning fasting testosterone confirmed on at least two days.
- Men whose low testosterone comes from the testes or the pituitary gland, established with LH and FSH.
- Prostate or breast cancer, a haematocrit above 50 percent, severe untreated sleep apnoea or uncontrolled heart failure: treated or excluded first.
- Doses aimed above the normal range, or a prescription without examination and blood tests: not offered.
- A raised haematocrit on previous injections: a lower dose, weekly dosing or a gel is considered first.
What Happens During the Consultation
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1
Diagnosis confirmed
Morning fasting testosterone on two days, LH and FSH, and the other causes of the symptoms are reviewed before any preparation is chosen.
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2
Safety checks
Haematocrit, PSA and prostate examination where age-appropriate, sleep apnoea, heart failure and plans for children are checked.
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3
Choice of preparation
Dr. Felix compares gel, injections and hCG with you by dosing rhythm, practical limits and fertility.
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4
Plan and review dates
The plan sets the dose, the first blood test at 2 to 3 months and the monitoring schedule.
Program Structure & Follow-Up
How is injection treatment followed up?
Injection treatment is followed up with a mid-interval testosterone level at 2 to 3 months, haematocrit at 3 to 6 months and a full review at 12 months, then every 6 to 12 months. Contact between appointments runs through the membership programmes.
Benefits, Limits & Safety
What happens after stopping testosterone injections?
After stopping testosterone injections, testosterone stays low for months while the body restarts its own production. A planned stop is scheduled with blood tests.
What injections offer
Effective in all men with hypogonadism, without daily application.
How you are followed
Testosterone at 2 to 3 months and after each dose change, then every 6 to 12 months. Haematocrit at 3 to 6 months, then yearly. Prostate checks at 3 and 12 months from age 50.
When injections are not used
Prostate or breast cancer, raised haematocrit, severe untreated sleep apnoea, uncontrolled heart failure, or a current wish for children.
Cost & Program Investment
The cost depends on the preparation and the monitoring it needs. Dr. Felix explains the full cost before any prescription. Ongoing care runs through the membership programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Testosterone enanthate or cypionate injections are given every 1 to 2 weeks into the muscle, or weekly under the skin. Four-weekly intervals do not keep levels in the normal range.
Testosterone is measured midway between two injections, with a target of about 400 to 700 ng/dL.
Testosterone from enanthate or cypionate injections falls towards the lower range before the next dose. Shorter intervals reduce the swings.
Yes, erythrocytosis is more common with injected testosterone esters at high doses than with gels dosed to keep levels normal.
The cost of testosterone injections in Dubai depends on the product, the dose and the monitoring. Dr. Felix explains the full cost before any prescription.
Evidence
Where this information comes from
Every figure on this page is taken from the sources below. All of them are free to read, so you can check them yourself.
- Testosterone Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
- Cardiovascular Safety of Testosterone-Replacement Therapy (TRAVERSE)
- UAE cracks down on gyms promoting, selling steroids
This page is general medical information and does not replace a personal consultation. Trial results are averages across large groups, not a prediction for any one person.