How to Inject Testosterone: Your Essential Guide

Testosterone affects nearly everything in a man’s body, from energy and mood  to sexual health. When levels dip too low as a result of aging, it can feel like you’ve lost part of yourself. For many men, injections are a way to bring hormone levels back to normal and feel more like themselves again.

Before you start, it’s important to understand exactly what this treatment involves. Knowing how to administer a testosterone shot, what side effects might come up, and how to avoid problems can make the process a lot smoother.

Key Takeaways

• Doctors prescribe testosterone injections when your body doesn’t produce enough of the hormone.
• Your medical practitioner can administer the injection, or you can do it yourself.
• Healthcare providers inject testosterone into a large muscle, usually in the buttocks, leg, or arm. This way, your body absorbs the medication evenly and predictably. This can make them more convenient than oral tablets and creams for some people.
• Get medical attention if you experience chest pain, trouble speaking, or sudden numbness in your arm or leg.
• Sticking to your prescribed dose of medication lowers your risk of side effects.
• Keep your doctor updated about any other medications or supplements you take.

How Testosterone Injections Work

If you’re having them done at the clinic, the nurse or doctor will prepare everything. But some men prefer to give the injections themselves at home.

Testosterone injections are given into a large muscle, usually in the buttocks, leg, or arm. This allows the body to absorb the medication evenly and quickly.

• Buttocks' gluteus muscle: Healthcare providers usually administer shots into the upper outer quadrant of the buttock. If you are planning to self-inject, you would need to choose a different area.
• Vastus lateralis, the thigh muscle: the thigh's outer middle section. People frequently choose this area for self-injection because it's more accessible and visible.
• Upper arm deltoid muscle: People occasionally choose the upper arm deltoid muscle for testosterone injections when other sites are unsuitable.

If you’re going to self-inject, your healthcare provider will show you exactly how to measure the dosage and how to clean the area. Always follow the process your healthcare provider showed you and dispose of used needles safely.

After the shot, the testosterone spreads slowly into your blood. Over the next few days, it may start to improve energy, sex drive, and mood.

This medication also affects other systems. If you have diabetes, you might notice changes in your blood sugar readings. People with diabetes may need extra checks during the first few weeks.

Side Effects of Testosterone Injections

While many people handle injections well, some may experience side effects. The intensity of the side effects can vary from mild to severe.

The most common side effects are

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Skin changes: including acne, oily skin, and changes in body hair growth
• Mood swings may also occur

Pay attention to chest pain, trouble speaking, or sudden numbness in your arm or leg. Get medical help immediately if you experience any of these side effects.

It’s also common to have soreness or swelling at the injection site, especially as you age. Call your doctor if the redness continues to spread or if you feel short of breath. That could be an allergic reaction.

Cardiovascular Health and Blood Clots

Researchers have scrutinized testosterone therapy in the past for its potential impact on heart health, but recent studies indicate that properly prescribed and monitored testosterone injections do not significantly raise the risk of heart attacks or strokes in most men.

However, blood clots remain an important consideration. Testosterone can increase red blood cell counts over time, making the blood thicker and potentially more likely to form blood clots. 

This is why your doctor will routinely check your hematocrit levels and watch for any signs of deep vein thrombosis, such as sudden leg swelling, chest pain, or unexplained shortness of breath. Even though the overall view of testosterone’s cardiovascular safety has improved, it’s still essential to be alert to symptoms that could point to a clot and report them right away.

Getting Ready and Lowering Risks

Have a Discussion With a Healthcare Professional

Before your first injection, talk to your doctor. Your doctor will take a full medical history and discuss any potential risks with you.

Share a list of everything you take, including vitamins and over-the-counter medication. Some drugs can cause problems when mixed with testosterone. For example, patients who take blood thinners or insulin may need an adjusted dose.

Use Testosterone Responsibly

Stick to the dosage your doctor prescribes. Don’t take extra, even if you feel like you need more. Too much testosterone can lead to serious health problems.

Be sure to read the medication guide that comes with your prescription. It explains how to inject testosterone and what side effects to look for. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t guess. Call your pharmacist or doctor for help.

Store your medication out of reach of children, pets, and pregnant women.

Staying on Track

Once you start treatment, you’ll need to schedule regular appointments to check your progress. Blood tests will show whether your levels are within the right range.

Keep a simple record of your injections. Write down the date, time, and how you felt afterward. This helps you and your doctor spot any patterns or side effects.

It’s also important to store your medication safely. Keep your testosterone in a place kids can’t reach. Avoid putting it near heat or sunlight or in a humid environment like a small bathroom or shower.

Over time, you might notice changes in your skin, mood, or appetite. Some men get acne or feel irritable. Others feel great at first and then have low energy between doses. Keep your doctor informed about any changes. Side effects like nausea can be managed; talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Some people may feel tempted to take more than prescribed because it boosts their mood or strength. Resist the urge. Following the treatment plan is the best way to stay safe and protect your overall health and well-being. To see what kinds of changes men often experience, check out our guide on testosterone before and after.

References

Mayo Clinic. Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age. 

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Medication Guide: Testosterone Injection. Silver Spring, MD: U.S. FDA.

American Urological Association. Evaluation and Management of Testosterone Deficiency: AUA Guideline. J Urol. 2018;200(2):423-432.

Cleveland Clinic. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). 

Basaria S, et al. Adverse Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy: An Update on the Evidence and Controversies. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020;105(7):2069–2083.

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. Cardiovascular safety of testosterone-replacement therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2019;7(11):887–896.

MedlinePlus. Testosterone injection – Uses, Side Effects, and Precautions. National Library of Medicine.