Testosterone Enanthate is another option for men being treated for male hypogonadism or testosterone deficiency.
This formulation of testosterone enanthate includes the testosterone molecule attached to a fatty acid ester called enanthate.
Enanthat slows testosterone absorption into the bloodstream. Without it, the bio-identical testosterone would reach very high peak levels and only last in the body for mere hours before dropping down to baseline levels.
Testosterone enanthate is an oil-based injection, meaning the testosterone is combined with oil (typically sesame oil) to form the injectable solution.
The oil helps testosterone enanthate to be released slowly into your body after it is injected, rather than all at once.
Since oil does not dissolve in water, it makes testosterone stay in the injection site longer and be absorbed more gradually.
The testosterone enanthate is available in various formulations, containing preservatives like benzyl benzoate or benzyl alcohol.
Testosterone enanthate has been designed to gradually release from the depot of the injection site which is intended to be a deep intramuscular injection with a 1-1.25” needle.
In general, all testosterone injections are equal once they cleave from their ester. The rate of release and the excipients (inactive substance or ingredient) used as a preservative can affect its tolerability by the patient.
Allergies to the excipients, such as arachis oil or castor oil, would preclude a patient from using such a preparation.
In Europe, certain brands of testosterone enanthate do contain arachis oil which is a type of peanut-based oil. So, it’s important to inform your doctor of any allergies should you be prescribed testosterone injections.
The oily solution that is testosterone enanthate should be injected immediately after suction into the syringe (as recommended by Norma – one of the manufacturers of testosterone enanthate).
This means ensuring that you do not store any remaining contents of the ampoule in another syringe or in a separate vial.
A newer testosterone enanthate on the market that does not contain a preservative is called Xyosted®.
This is a recently FDA-approved (Food and Drug Administration approved) testosterone preparation designed for single use only.
It is supplied in an auto-injector in the following doses: 50mg/0.5mL, 75mg/0.5ml, and 100mg/0.5ml without a preservative.
Xyosted® has not been approved or licensed for use in Europe or the UK as the manufacturer has not applied for a license to market it with the appropriate medicines agencies.
Injecting normal testosterone enanthate with a preservative may cause cellular damage to local tissues which could manifest itself in swelling, lumps, bruising, bumps, and itching at the injection site.
Following doses of 50mg to 100mg Xyosted® produce levels from 389 to 1410 ng/dl over a 7-day period.
The subcutaneous rather than intramuscular injection seems to dampen any spikes or peaks with testosterone enanthate. It may have a slower onset as well as irritation at the testosterone injection site.
Testosterone enanthate 250 is an intramuscular (IM) injection, meaning it is injected into muscles, particularly in the buttock.
Once you inject it, it is slowly released into your bloodstream over time. When it enters the bloodstream, it is converted into active testosterone that your body uses to perform various functions, such as to:
After testosterone is used, it is processed by the liver and eventually excreted through urine.
Some men are unable to produce enough testosterone, resulting in problems like low sex drive, lack of energy, low bone density, etc. This can happen naturally (a condition called hypogonadism) or due to medications, injury, or other factors.
Such men need external testosterone, like testosterone enanthate 250, to bring their serum testosterone levels back to normal so their bodies can perform normally.
This medication is FDA-approved for use in conditions such as:
Some bodybuilders also use testosterone enanthate due to its ability to improve physique, performance, and recovery.
However, using it for non-medical purposes is considered misuse and can lead to health risks such as heart stroke, liver diseases, hallucinations, etc.
Testosterone enanthate is a Schedule III controlled substance in many countries, meaning it has the potential to cause dependence and abuse.
Because of this, it can only be legally obtained with a doctor’s prescription.
Testosterone enanthate is administered solely by injection, which is undoubtedly the most effective way to get testosterone in your bloodstream.
With an injection, you can ensure that your testosterone takes a very fast effect and makes it easier for you to overcome the side effects of low testosterone.
Your doctor or medical professional will show you the details, but you should know that testosterone enanthate is very easily given with just an injection.
Watch our step-by-step guide on how to inject testosterone:
Two common places you can inject testosterone enanthate are the upper arm (deltoid muscle) and the buttock (gluteal), as illustrated below:
Testosterone enanthate is typically administered intramuscularly (IM).
However, there is some evidence suggesting that it can be injected subcutaneously (under the skin), is well-received by patients, and is more convenient for self-administration.
Still, this is not the most common or preferred method. Discuss the injection administration route with your doctor before you begin testosterone therapy.
Typical dosages of testosterone enanthate range from 50 mg to 400 mg, administered through intramuscular injections every 1 to 4 weeks.
However, the precise testosterone dosage varies depending on factors like age, overall health, and the severity of testosterone deficiency.
For more info on dosages, click testosterone enanthate dosages.
Testosterone enanthate has a 4.5-day half-life and can take 2 to 4 weeks to leave your body. Its metabolism occurs primarily in the liver, where it is broken down before being excreted.
First and foremost, ensure that the medication is kept out of the reach of children and pets. Store it at a controlled room temperature, typically between 68°F and 77°F (20°C-25°C).
Avoid exposure to excessive heat or cold, and never refrigerate or freeze testosterone enanthate unless explicitly instructed to do so by a healthcare professional or pharmacist.
Keep the medication in its original packaging, protecting it from direct light and moisture.
Always check the expiration date and properly dispose of any expired or unused medication.
If you have any doubts or specific storage instructions, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalised guidance.
Know that hormone replacement therapy or testosterone replacement therapy is not a treatment that always works right away. There are times when this injection can take several weeks to start having an effect on how you feel.
A study showed that men experienced an improvement in their sexual interest after taking TRT for 3 weeks, muscle strength after 3 to 4 months, and bone density after 6 months.
So, the best thing that you can do when you start to take testosterone enanthate injections is to have patience.
Stay in regular communication with your doctor to ensure that your response to the injections is typical and there is nothing out of the ordinary.
Before starting testosterone, men experience different low T symptoms. However, after starting it, many of them see a significant improvement in their overall health within a few weeks to a few months.
The following table highlights what you may feel before and after starting testosterone enanthate treatment.
Muscle Mass: Difficulty gaining muscle or experiencing muscle loss.
Muscle Mass: Increased muscle size and strength, as testosterone aids in protein synthesis and muscle repair.
Fat Distribution: Higher fat retention, especially around the abdomen and hips.
Fat Distribution: Reduced fat, particularly abdominal fat, due to enhanced fat-burning potential.
Sexual Health:Decreased interest in sexual activities, low libido and erectile dysfunction.
Sexual Health: Increased libido, improved erectile function, and overall better sexual performance.
Cognitive Function: Brain fog, poor memory, and lack of focus.
Cognitive Function: Better mental health, improved focus, and sharper memory due to hormonal balance.
Bone Density: Risk of weakened bones or osteoporosis with prolonged low testosterone levels.
Bone Density: Improved bone density, reducing the risk of fractures and promoting overall bone health.
Energy Levels: Often experience fatigue, low stamina, and poor recovery times.
Energy Levels: Improved stamina, increased energy, and quicker recovery post-workout.
Here are the top benefits of testosterone enanthate:
Testosterone enanthate has some potential side effects that users should be aware of. These include:
Common side effects usually occur initially, and then your body gets used to testosterone shots. As a result, these side effects eventually go away without medication assistance. If they persist, discuss the issue with your doctor.
These include:
The long-term use of testosterone enanthate sex hormone increases risk of:
Know that testosterone is prescribed only after a thorough evaluation.
Since testosterone deficiency also has its own risks, your doctor will weigh the potential benefits and risks to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
