Application of Testosterone Injections
Testosterone is a hormone; among men, it is made inside their testicles. In case of females, a small quantity of this sexual hormone is made in their adrenal gland as well as ovaries. In case of males, testosterone injection is administered – especially to boys, if they witness a delay in puberty. In some grown-up males, these hormonal injections are offered to treat genetic conditions as well as cerebral conditions related to structures of your brain.
For women, testosterone injections are used for treating those with breast-based cancers; chiefly when such cancers have spread over to nearby parts / organs. As an off-label application, testosterone injections are used for managing gender dysphoria.
Where to Inject Testosterone ?
Testosterone injections are administered into muscles. These intramuscular offering are used once every 14 days to 28 days. These are administered strictly by a qualified caregiving professional. Abuse of these injections may lead to near-fatal or fatal outcomes.
The timeline of these dosages may depend on the underlying clinical condition. Your caregiving team may order a panel of tests – mainly, tests done on your blood samples – all through the dosage plan. As these injections may affect growth of bones in case of boys – i.e., those treated for delay in puberty, radiology scans are taken periodically. It is a common practice to take x-ray-based scanning once every 7 months’ time.
Alternative Testosterone Delivery Methods
There are a few alternative ways to deliver testosterone. These include nasal-based gels, sub-cutaneous pellet, buccal patch, transdermal lotion or creams. In some cases, oral pills or implants are also used.
Of these, nasal-based gels are one of the non-traditional routes to deliver testosterone. Your caregiver may apply a gel-type substance inside your nasal passage. Upon application, the key chemicals of this gel are soon absorbed, and gets into your blood. Buccal patch is another novel way to deliver sex hormones like testosterone. The patch is placed inside a cheek. Active chemicals – read: testosterone – is absorbed via the inner lining of your oral system; this soon finds its way into your bloodstream.
Sub-cutaneous pellet form of testosterone is made of the same size of a wheat grain. It is inserted underneath your skin. The grain remains there and supplies sex hormone for several months together. On the other hand, transdermal lotions and creams are applied on your epidermis i.e., on the skin. Your skin absorbs the active ingredients and adds them to blood. These creams can be applied based on your convenience.
Implants of testosterone are also gaining ground; however, this implantation may need a small incision or a minor surgery to insert pellets in the system. Oral pills are also another option; here, pills are digested and absorbed via the digestive tract. But, as testosterone gets metabolised by your liver at a very rapid pace, efficacy of pills is under the scanner.
Can I inject Testosterone Myself ?
Injecting testosterone is not a very difficult thing to do. You can do it yourself at the comforts of your home. You may however need to know to how to use an injection and also about how to select a site for injecting it. Your caregiver may tell you to give it where you have a denser presence of muscles. You may choose between your buttock or forearm to take the shot. Some people may give it on their thigh muscles.
You may also need to know the volume of each dosage, size of needles to be used, whether to massage the site or not, the technique for giving a shot, etc. It is in aspects such these you will need a qualified physician’s support. While giving to yourself, ensure to never take an overdose. Also, ensure the supplies are sterile and never re-use items like needles.
What Should I Do If I Miss A Testosterone Injection ?
If you have missed a dose of testosterone injection, do not go for a double shot. It is of use to talk to your physician upon missing a dose. If you have missed many shots, consult with your caregiving team to reschedule your dosage plan.
FAQs
What Happens If Testosterone Is Not Injected Into The Muscle?
If you have not injected testosterone into a muscle, your testosterone level may come down. This can worsen your current medical condition.
What Happens If An IM Injection Missed The Muscle ?
The level of absorption of the hormone will be at a markedly low level. You may not have the needful treatment to replace your sex hormone.
What Happens If Testosterone Is Injected Into The Bloodstream ?
This practice may lead to a spike in your testosterone level. This is the main reason why shots are always given into a muscle.
What Happens If You Miss The Muscle When Injecting Testosterone?
Such a shot may sub-optimally deliver the drug into your body. Repeatedly missing a muscle can cause serious efficacy-related problems and side effects.
Where Not To Inject Testosterone?
Men who have an enlarged prostate or those who have a serious liver condition are advised not to inject testosterone. As the drug is processed in the liver, you need to tell your doctor of all your current health issues – if any.
With a decade of experience in pharmaceutical research and medical writing, I specialize in exploring the science behind erectile dysfunction medications. My work emphasizes treatment innovation, safety evaluations, and patient-centric care strategies.