Transmasculine Guide: Methods
What are the different forms of T that I can take?
Section titled “What are the different forms of T that I can take?”There are multiple, each with their upsides and downsides, and levels of ease in terms of obtaining them.
Injections
Section titled “Injections”Injections are the most popular and accessible DIY method, offering the easiest and most consistent dosing.
Testosterone is usually injected in esterified form so it lasts longer in the body, as raw testosterone would dissipate too quickly. Common esters include cypionate, enanthate, and undecanoate.
Different esters have different half lives (amount of time it lasts in your body).
Cypionate and enanthate have similar half lives of about 8 days. They are both typically dosed weekly.
Undecanoate lasts much longer, with a half life around 30 days, and can be dosed monthly. Undecanoate can be harder to find and requires larger injection volumes.
Sustanon, which is a combination of different esters is sometimes also prescribed, but is not recommended due to the large fluctuating levels it produces. Testosterone propionate can also be found, but it’s half life is too short and isn’t recommended.
Testosterone gels are usually harder to find from domestic sources, but they generally come under less scrutiny from customs when ordering internationally. Testosterone gel can be just as effective as injectable testosterone. They usually have to be administered daily, by appying to the skin.
These come in packets or in a pump.
Pellets
Section titled “Pellets”Not available from DIY sources (obviously), but are very effective if you can find a doctor that offers this form of testosterone.
These are experimental in terms of dosages compared to the other tried and true methods. You can get them surgically implanted if your insurance covers it (or you are very wealthy). They let out a small dose of T each day and you don’t have to worry about missing a dose. They last about 3-6 months.
Generally not available or very difficult to find from DIY sources. Also prohibitively expensive. Testosterone pills only exist in one form (testosterone undecanoate), and are usually not prescribed or used because they have very low bioavailability. The dosing schedule may also be inconvenient (taken 2-3 times a day).