Starting testosterone therapy can be life-changing — but only when it’s done right. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, successful treatment relies on carefully tailored TRT protocols, personalized dosage, and regular monitoring.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional regarding health-related questions
In this guide, we break down the most common TRT protocols, how dosage and frequency are determined, and what labs you need to track your progress.
💉 Common TRT Protocols
There are multiple ways to administer testosterone, and each has its own protocol. Here’s a look at the most widely used methods:
1. Intramuscular (IM) Injections
- Most common: testosterone cypionate or enanthate
- Standard dose: 100–200 mg/week
- Frequency: once or twice weekly (e.g., 100mg x 2/week)
- Pros: Stable levels, inexpensive
- Cons: Needle use, potential for estrogen spikes if dosed too high
2. Subcutaneous (SubQ) Injections
- Injected into fat tissue instead of muscle
- Doses same as IM but often better tolerated
- Less painful, smaller needles
3. Transdermal Gels or Creams
- Applied daily to skin (shoulders, arms)
- Brands: AndroGel, Testim, compounded creams
- Pros: No needles
- Cons: Daily application, variable absorption, risk of transference
4. Testosterone Pellets
- Implanted under skin, last 3–6 months
- Pros: Long-term, no daily maintenance
- Cons: Minor surgery, cost, less dosage control
5. Oral & Nasal Options
- Newer options like oral testosterone undecanoate
- Less common due to bioavailability and liver concerns
⚖️ How Is Your TRT Dosage Determined?
Your starting testosterone dosage is based on:
- Baseline T levels (total and free testosterone)
- Age and body weight
- SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) levels
- Symptoms: fatigue, libido, mood, muscle loss, etc.
A typical starting protocol:
- 100–120 mg testosterone cypionate per week, divided into 2 injections (e.g., Mon & Thu)
- Adjustments made every 6–8 weeks based on labs & symptoms
“I started at 120mg/week split into 60mg x2. My libido and energy came back within a month.” — Reddit user @trtbeginner
🔬 What Labs to Monitor (and When)
Regular bloodwork is essential to ensure your TRT protocol is both safe and effective.
Pre-treatment baseline labs:
- Total Testosterone
- Free Testosterone
- SHBG
- Estradiol (E2)
- CBC (complete blood count)
- PSA (prostate health)
- Lipid panel
- Liver enzymes
Follow-up schedule:
- 6 weeks after starting or adjusting protocol
- Then every 3–6 months
Ongoing labs:
- T levels (total + free)
- E2 (to manage estrogen conversion)
- Hematocrit (to avoid blood thickening)
- DHT (if symptoms like hair loss occur)
“At 6 weeks, my E2 was too high. My doc added anastrozole and my mood leveled out.” — TRT forum user @balancedbio
⚙️ Optimizing Your TRT Protocol
If you’re not getting the results you want, consider adjusting:
- Injection frequency: Smaller, more frequent doses = fewer side effects
- Delivery method: Try SubQ if IM causes issues
- Timing: Morning vs evening injections can affect sleep/mood
Other options:
- Add HCG: Preserves fertility and testicle size
- Aromatase inhibitors (if needed): Only under doctor supervision
✅ Final Thoughts
Choosing the right TRT protocol is key to success. What works for one man might not work for another.
With the right dose, frequency, and ongoing monitoring, testosterone therapy can transform your life — safely and sustainably.
👉 Next read: [Best Online TRT Clinics Reviewed]