How Much Testosterone Should I Take

How Much Testosterone Should I Take?

Testosterone is a hormone that helps with aspects such as energy, mood, muscles, and sex drive. Sometimes, the body does not make enough of it. This condition is called low testosterone or hypogonadism. When this happens, doctors might recommend something called Testosterone Replacement Therapy, or TRT.

TRT means giving the body extra testosterone to bring levels back to normal. It can help people feel better, have more energy, and improve their mood and health. But it is essential to take the right amount. Taking too little might not help at all, while taking too much can cause problems.

Doctors decide how much testosterone a person needs based on things like:

• How low their testosterone level is
  
  
• Their age and health
  
  
• What symptoms do they have
  
  
• How their body reacts to treatment

Some people take testosterone as a shot, some use gels or patches, and others take pills. Each method has a different dose, and not all methods work the same for everyone.

This blog will explain:

• How much testosterone is usually given
  
  
• What can affect the dose you need
  
  
• The risks of taking too much
  
  
• Why is it crucial to have a doctor help with this treatment

Testosterone therapy should always be done under the care of a medical professional. Never try to take it without proper testing or advice from a doctor.

Typical Testosterone Doses (By How You Take It)

Doctors can give testosterone in different ways. The amount you need depends on how your body takes in the hormone. Below are the most common methods and the usual starting doses.

Injections (Shots)

This is one of the most common ways to take testosterone. The hormone is injected into a muscle (like your leg or bum) or under the skin. Most people get a shot once a week or every two weeks.

• Usual starting dose: 100 to 200 milligrams once a week
  
  
• Some doctors start lower, around 50 milligrams per week, and adjust if needed
  
  
• Getting a shot every two weeks (like 200 mg every two weeks) is not ideal for most people because it causes hormone levels to go up and down too quickly
  
  

Pellets

These are small, solid pieces of testosterone that a doctor puts under the skin. They slowly release the hormone into your body over a few months.

• Usual total dose: Between 150 and 450 milligrams every 3 to 6 months
  
  
• You do not have to take anything daily or weekly, but the amount of hormone released can be hard to control
  
  

Pills (Oral Testosterone)

Some people take testosterone as a pill, usually with food. But the body does not absorb it well, and blood levels can change quickly.

• Usual starting dose: Around 237 milligrams twice a day
  
  
• Some people take between 158 and 396 milligrams twice daily, depending on their response.
  
  
• This method is newer and needs regular blood tests to make sure it is working correctly.
  
  

Gels or Creams

Testosterone gel or cream is rubbed onto the skin once a day, often on the arms, shoulders, or chest. It gives a steady level of hormones.

• Gels and creams are easy to use, but can rub off onto others if you are not careful.
  
  
• You need to wash your hands and cover the area with clothes after applying
  
  
• The dose is usually about the same as injections spread out over the week
  
  

Each method has pros and cons. What works for one person might not work for another. That is why it is so important to have a doctor guide you through the process.

What Is the Safest Testosterone Dosage?

The safest dose of testosterone for you will largely depend on your specific health condition, the type of testosterone medication being used, and how your body reacts to the treatment. For conditions like hypogonadism or low testosterone levels, the usual dosage of testosterone cypionate in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can vary from 100-200 mg per injection. Many doctors start their patients on a lower dose of testosterone, typically between 50 and 75 mg, to let the body get used to the medication. They then gradually increase the dosage each week. However, it's common for the initial dose at the start of treatment to be around 75 mg.

How Often Testosterone Should I Inject testosterone?

The best approach to your treatment will also depend on your body's reaction and what your doctor suggests. Many doctors begin by giving patients testosterone injections once a week, letting their bodies get used to the treatment gradually. If you respond well to the testosterone injections, your doctor might suggest increasing the frequency to twice a week. There are several benefits to this method. It helps keep your testosterone levels steady throughout the week, reduces the chance of side effects, and prevents a significant increase in your red blood cell count. Keeping your red blood cell count in check is crucial as it can lower the risk of developing high blood pressure and reduce the chances of having a heart attack or stroke.

Identifying When a Testosterone Dosage Isn't Right for You

Several signs might suggest your testosterone dose isn't correct for you. It's important to tell your doctor if you start noticing any of the following issues:

Adverse effects: If you start experiencing negative side effects like acne, hair loss, mood swings, or problems sleeping, it could mean your testosterone dosage is either too high or too low. Sometimes, these side effects might be temporary and improve over time or with a dosage adjustment. However, you should talk to your healthcare provider if the side effects are ongoing or severe.

Lack of improvement in symptoms: If you're taking testosterone for conditions like hypogonadism or low libido but don't see any improvement, it might mean your current dose isn't effective. In such cases, your doctor might need to change your dosage or explore other treatment options to help manage your condition and achieve better results.

Emotional changes: Experiencing changes in your mood, such as becoming easily irritable, anxious, or depressed, could be a sign that your testosterone dosage is hurting you. However, it's important to remember that other factors could also cause these emotional changes, so discussing them with your healthcare provider is crucial to determining the underlying cause.

Monitoring and Adjusting the Dose

Once you start testosterone treatment, your doctor will not just leave you on the same dose forever. They need to keep checking to make sure it is working correctly and that it is safe for you.

Blood Tests Are Important

Doctors will do blood tests to check your testosterone levels. The first check is usually about 6 to 12 weeks after you start treatment. After that, tests may be done every few months or once a year, depending on your progress.

They will look at:

• Your testosterone level – to make sure it is not too high or too low
  
  
• Haematocrit – this checks the thickness of your blood. Too much testosterone can make your blood too thick
  
  
• PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) – this checks if there are any signs of problems with your prostate (a small gland in men)
  
  
• Oestrogen levels – sometimes your body turns extra testosterone into oestrogen, which can cause side effects.
  
  

What Level Should Testosterone Be?

Doctors usually want your testosterone level to be in the middle of the normal range, not too low and not too high. For most men, this is about:

• 400 to 700 nanograms per decilitre (ng/dL)
  
  
• Or 13.9 to 24.3 nanomoles per litre (nmol/L)
  
  

Too much testosterone can cause side effects like oily skin, mood swings, or trouble sleeping.

How Doctors Adjust the Dose

If your blood level is too low and you still feel tired or moody, your doctor may increase your dose a little.

If your level is too high or you have side effects, your doctor may lower the dose. Sometimes, doctors change the method; for example, they might switch you from a gel to injections or from injections to pellets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best testosterone dosage for beginners starting TRT?

The best testosterone dosage for beginners on TRT is usually around 100 to 150 milligrams per week, often given as an injection. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose to see how your body reacts. The goal is to reach normal testosterone levels slowly and safely.

How much testosterone should I take for low energy and fatigue?

If you are feeling tired due to low testosterone, your doctor may start you on a dose of 100 mg per week. This low testosterone treatment plan aims to bring your hormone levels into the normal range and boost your energy over time. Blood tests help confirm if the dose is working.

Is 200 mg of testosterone per week too much for TRT?

A 200 mg testosterone dose per week is on the higher end for TRT and may cause high hormone levels in some people. It might be suitable for certain patients but not for everyone. Your doctor will check blood levels to make sure it is safe and effective.

Can I take testosterone without a doctor’s prescription?

Taking testosterone without a doctor’s prescription is unsafe and not recommended. Self-prescribed testosterone therapy can cause serious side effects like blood thickening, liver issues, and hormone imbalance. Always follow a medically approved testosterone replacement plan.

How often should I get blood tests while on TRT?

Blood tests for TRT monitoring are usually done every 3 to 6 months. These check testosterone levels, red blood cell counts, and prostate health. Regular testing helps your doctor adjust the dose and prevent side effects of testosterone replacement therapy.

What is the safest way to take testosterone replacement therapy?

The safest way to take testosterone replacement therapy is under a doctor’s care using a method that suits your lifestyle, such as injections, gels, or patches. Your doctor will choose the safest TRT delivery method based on your health and test results.

Does testosterone replacement affect fertility?

Yes, testosterone replacement therapy can lower sperm production and affect fertility in men. If you want to have children, speak with your doctor before starting TRT. There are fertility-safe alternatives or extra treatments to help protect sperm health.

Can women take testosterone for low libido or fatigue?

Women can take very low doses of testosterone for low libido, tiredness, or mood changes, but it must be prescribed and monitored by a doctor. Female testosterone therapy uses much smaller doses than men and must be carefully managed to avoid side effects.

When is It Time to Adjust Your Dosage?

As your treatment continues, your doctor will keep an eye on your testosterone levels and also check if your estrogen levels are getting too high after your injection. Typically, your testosterone hits its highest point in the first two or three days following treatment, with your estrogen levels peaking about a day after that. Unfortunately, high estrogen can boost your levels of sex hormone-binding globulin, which in turn can lower your free testosterone levels and make it more challenging to improve your low testosterone situation. If you start experiencing adverse side effects or if it seems like your symptoms aren't getting any better, your doctor might change your dosage from time to time during treatment. This is done to find the most effective TRT dose to resolve these issues.

If you're facing challenges with your testosterone treatment, we can help. They offer expert guidance and support to adjust your dosage and manage your hormone levels effectively.