T levels on Sub-Q vs. IM shots

[Leo]

I've been taking shots (weekly, sub-Q) for 4 months, after 1 year on gel. On gel, my levels were consistent but a bit too low: around 400-500. As soon as I started shots, they doubled (average 800), making me feel great at first.

I just did some blood work this week and the results indicate that my levels were at 1200 – 5 days after my shot... Might explain why I've been feeling a bit odd (overheating, headaches, short fuse, nauseous, low and anxious).

My doctor isn't sure why my levels went from the 800's to the 1200's – especially since I've lowered my dose by almost half, a month ago. I know that I feel better when my levels are around 600-800, but the question is, how to reach (and stay at) that sweet spot? My doctor's decisions seem to result from a guessing game more than science and logic...

Since the T is absorbed faster in adipose tissue than in the muscle, shouldn't sub-Q doses be half of IM doses? Also, my vial of says "for intramuscular use only" - should the T used for sub-Q injections be different than the one used for IM? I use Cypionate...

Do any of you guys have experience with excessively high T levels on sub-Q shots? And stories of successful adjustment? I know it's difficult to discuss without mentioning doses...16 months on T now, and I'm ready for these things to be settled already, you know? I'd appreciate any insight.

[AndrewB]

I'm not too familiar with SubQ vs. IM (I'm on IM btw), but as far as I know, the vial you get is a one-size-fits-all model. Cypionate is very common, and no matter what kind of T you get as far as injection-based ones go, they're all going to be suspended in something, usually a natural oil such as sunflower oil. So you're most likely safe sticking with cypionate, as I feel that question has been brought up on this forum before and answered confidently by guys doing SubQ.

Some guys have also suggested, if you're looking for a maintenance dose (such as after 1 year on T) that pellets are a good option, but I have no personal experience with those. They might provide the steadier dosage and levels you're looking for without all the maintenance of weekly/biweekly shots. I do, however, know that they can run more expensive, especially uninsured, I'm sure. Just something to look into, perhaps?

[FTMax]

I started on gel daily for three months and then switched to weekly IM. My bloodwork comes back with T levels very consistently in the high 700s-low 800s - so it is possible to make the switch from gel to injections with a stable level maintained.

My doctor did say that doses for SubQ were lower than IM (she mentioned it because I was paying for T out of pocket - it would have been marginally less expensive). She didn't go further into detail on it, but if you don't get a straight answer between now and the next time I go (9/11), I'll ask her about it.

I do know that all the T vials say "for IM use only". It's all the same stuff inside. It should just be the dosage that is different. Is there a particular reason you're doing SubQ?

[Ryan55]

I have been doing sub q shots since I started T around a year ago, my levels seem to be good, and yes all the T vials will say to use IM only, but it is safe to use with sub q shots

[Leo]

Hm, thanks for the feedback, guys.

Ryan55: do you do yours weekly?

ftmax: yeah that makes sense, since IM injections are usually biweekly, the doses should be higher than the weekly sub-Q injections (not sure how my doctor didn't figure that one out...). How are you feeling at these levels (energy, mood, appetite, libido)?

And yeah the main reason for sub-Q was to keep steady levels to avoid mood swings (mental health reasons). Turns out it's not maintaining steady levels though, in my case - it seems to be accumulating every week and piling up, instead...It's good to hear other stories though, because it proves that this accumulation is not necessarily a common issue with sub-Q delivery (maybe I just have an other, unrelated issue).

[FTMax]

ftmax: yeah that makes sense, since IM injections are usually biweekly, the doses should be higher than the weekly sub-Q injections (not sure how my doctor didn't figure that one out...). How are you feeling at these levels (energy, mood, appetite, libido)?

I do mine weekly, but I'm pretty sure the dose is still different on a weekly basis between SubQ/IM. I'll message two of the people here that I know do SubQ and hopefully they can read through and give you some advice.

Energy and mood wise I'm good. I can't say that I've had any change in appetite whatsoever. My libido has actually gone down on T.

[Ryan55]

yeah I do my shot once a week