Hormone therapy may include testosterone injections. Their primary use is to treat male sexual dysfunction and postmenopausal symptoms in women with low testosterone levels. Transgender men and nonbinary people may benefit from testosterone injections as part of masculinizing therapy.
Many individuals believe that testosterone shots are harmless, yet they can have harmful consequences. Injection side effects can vary based on the cause for the injection.
Although testosterone injections can help with low testosterone caused by medical conditions, the FDA does not recommend using testosterone to address normal aging-related testosterone declines since it may increase the risk of certain health issues.
Continue reading to discover more about testosterone shots, such as their applications, safety, and potential side effects.
What is Testosterone?
Both humans and animals produce the hormone testosterone. In men, the testicles are the principal generator of testosterone. Women’s ovaries generate testosterone as well, albeit in much lesser amounts.
Testosterone production increases during adolescence and subsequently begins to drop after the age of 30.
Testosterone is frequently associated with sexual desire and is required for sperm production. It also affects bone and muscle mass, male fat storage, and even red blood cell formation.
A man’s testosterone levels may also influence his mood.
See also Low Testosterone Levels: What Can Cause a Decrease in Testosterone Levels?
A simple blood test can be used to detect testosterone levels. The levels of testosterone in the bloodstream can range from normal to healthy.
Normal male testosterone levels range between 280 and 1,100 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) for adult males and between 15 and 70 ng/dL for adult females, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Because lab ranges differ, it’s vital to talk to your doctor about your results.
If an adult male’s testosterone levels are less than 300 ng/dL, a doctor may undertake a workup to determine the source of low testosterone, according to the American Urological Association.
Low testosterone levels could be an indication of pituitary gland dysfunction. The pituitary gland produces a hormone that instructs the testicles to produce more testosterone.
In an adult man, a low T test result could suggest that the pituitary gland is not working properly. In contrast, a young teenager with low testosterone levels may experience delayed puberty.
Men with somewhat elevated testosterone levels may have few obvious signs. Boys with high testosterone levels may experience early puberty. Women who have high testosterone levels may exhibit masculine traits.
An adrenal gland issue or testicular malignancy can cause abnormally high testosterone levels.
High testosterone levels can also emerge in less serious situations. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, which can affect both males and females, is an unusual but common cause of excessive testosterone production.
If you have abnormally high testosterone levels, your doctor may order more tests to establish the cause.
What are testosterone shots?
Testosterone shots are injections of testosterone. This hormone is present in both males and females, but males have higher levels.
Testosterone therapy is becoming more common in the United States. Before beginning, professionals should ensure that the patient understands the risks and benefits of long-term testosterone therapy.
The sections that follow go through the many uses for testosterone shots.
Do Testosterone Shots work?
Yes, the simple answer is yes. Testosterone injections are beneficial. The fact that it has been widely utilized over the previous few decades shows that these steroids do work and work effectively when used responsibly.
Treating low testosterone levels in males
Doctors may prescribe testosterone shots to men who have low testosterone levels. Hypogonadism is a disorder in which the testicles produce insufficient testosterone.
Low testosterone levels may have negative repercussions. Low testosterone levels in men result in fewer sperm, less bone or muscle mass, more body fat, and erectile dysfunction. Normal total testosterone levels in the bloodstream range from 280 to 1,100 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl) in healthy adult males.
When used to treat hypogonadism, testosterone therapy has the following advantages:
· enhanced sexual function
· improved strength and lean muscular mass
· better mood
· improved cognitive function
· osteoporosis could be reduced
It’s important to note that this drug only treats the symptoms of low testosterone, not the underlying reason.
Anyone who suspects they may have low testosterone should see a doctor. However, the symptoms are fairly diverse and could be caused by a range of illnesses or lifestyle factors.
Treatment for all males who have low testosterone levels is not always necessary or safe. The FDA has only approved testosterone replacement therapy for men who have low testosterone due to diseases of the testicles, brain, or pituitary gland, not for normal age-related declines.
Masculinizing hormone therapy
Using testosterone therapy, men can achieve a more manly image. As part of their gender transition, transgender men, nonbinary people, and others may choose testosterone injections. The use of testosterone shots is referred to as masculinizing hormone therapy.
Testosterone therapy increases masculine sexual characteristics while lowering feminine ones, and it can result in any of the following changes:
· Changes in emotional and social functioning
· promoting the growth of facial hair
· hair growth on the body
· a breakout of acne
· a more potent voice
· receding hairline in men with male pattern baldness
· alterations in the distribution of body fat
· Muscle mass grows.
· There are no menstrual periods.
These testosterone therapy protocols are similar to those used to treat male hypogonadism. Once a week testosterone shots may be the most effective strategy to maintain appropriate levels of this hormone.
Types of testosterone injection
Testosterone shots come in a variety of formats. Here are a couple such examples:
· testosterone cypionate (Depo-Testosterone)
· testosterone enanthate (Xyosted and also available in its generic form)
· testosterone undecanoate (Aveed, which is a long acting formulation)
How to use them
The hormone testosterone enters the body straight through the muscle when a guy receives an injection. People can choose between two methods:
· Self-administration of injections at home involves injecting the hormone into the thigh with a home injection kit.
· At a doctor’s appointment, have them injected into the buttocks muscle.
People who receive testosterone shots are typically examined by their doctor every few months. Treatments might be permanent or temporary, depending on the circumstances of the individual.
Benefits of Testosterone Shots
A number of advantages may be associated with the proper administration of Testosterone injections. The first and most obvious benefit is an increase in Testosterone levels, which is why Testosterone is injected in the first place. The second most visible benefit is increased muscular mass. There are benefits that extend beyond the physical. One of the most obvious advantages is weight loss, but there are others as well. Some are related to libido and sexual performance, others to an increase in lean muscle mass, and yet others to mood.
Increased sentiments or senses of well-being are among the psychological benefits of those who inject Testosterone shots. It has also been observed that those who use Testosterone report significant increases in their energy, recovery, and immune system. Furthermore, bodybuilders that use Testosterone frequently have extraordinary side effects, such as increased muscle strength and power, in addition to growing muscle growth.
There are various advantages of utilizing Testosterone shots for sexual health, including greater libido, fewer risks of erectile dysfunction, and the ability to have multiple and longer erections.
Testosterone Shots for Men
Males can select from a number of Testosterone shots. These testosterone shots can also benefit men in other sports, such as bodybuilding and powerlifting, as well as treat a variety of medical ailments. Among the greatest Testosterone injections for men are Testosterone Enanthate, Testosterone Cypionate, Testosterone Undecanoate, and many more.
Does Smoking Cigars Increase Testosterone?
Cigar smoking is said to offer numerous advantages and disadvantages. However, one common concern is whether smoking cigars might increase testosterone levels. Yes, the answer is yes. Cigars have been proven in studies to increase testosterone levels by up to 16% in some circumstances. Cigars are a wonderful alternative if you want to boost your testosterone levels. You may also want to explore using natural male enhancement products that are designed to naturally increase testosterone levels.