HomeAnswersGeneral Practitionerintramuscular injectionWhich is the most apt route for injection of testosterone?

Which route of administration is better for Testosterone enanthate: subcutaneous or intramuscular?

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Answered by

Dr. Mashfika N Alam

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At November 6, 2022
Reviewed AtOctober 16, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I wanted to know if there is a difference between injection Testosterone Enanthate injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly in terms of absorption, bioavailability, and effectiveness. Also, how is a subcutaneous injection for TRT administered to reach supraphysiological levels of testosterone, like doses used by bodybuilders?

Please advise.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern and will surely explain.

Bioavailability is more or less the same for intramuscular and subcutaneous routes. However, the IM (intramuscular route) route provides more vascular area; hence, the absorption rate is faster, leading to a quicker onset of action. On the other hand, subcutaneous tissues lack extensive vasculature, so the drug's absorption is slower, leading to a slower onset of action. So, a particular dose of a drug like Testosterone Enanthate will be absorbed slowly over a considerable period, allowing the drug to act slowly over a long time. And if given via IM route, it will be absorbed and work rapidly within less time. However, effectiveness is the same for both routes, and the bioavailability is around 98 %.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Mashfika N Alam

Dr. Mashfika N Alam

General Practitioner

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