Testosterone Enanthate TRT Treatment
Testosterone Enanthate is a long-acting injectable form of testosterone. Testosterone is attached to the enanthate ester, allowing it to be released gradually after injection and reducing the frequency with which it needs to be administered.
It is given by intramuscular injection and is used medically for testosterone replacement. It may also be prescribed as part of masculinising hormone therapy for trans men and transmasculine people.
Treatment aims to maintain testosterone within an appropriate physiological range. In masculinising hormone therapy, testosterone can produce changes including a deeper voice, increased facial and body hair, increased muscle mass, redistribution of body fat, increased libido and reduction or cessation of menstruation.
Treatment should be individually prescribed and monitored using regular blood tests.
Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, Testosterone Enanthate can cause side effects. These vary between individuals and may be influenced by dose, blood testosterone levels and other medical conditions.
Possible side effects include:
Acne or oily skin
Increased facial and body hair
Scalp hair thinning or male-pattern hair loss
Increased appetite or weight gain
Changes in libido
Mood changes
Headaches
Fluid retention or swelling
Increased blood pressure
Changes in cholesterol levels
Increased haemoglobin and haematocrit
Increased red blood cell count
Changes in liver-function blood tests
Pain, swelling, bruising or irritation at the injection site
Worsening of existing sleep apnoea
For trans men and transmasculine patients, testosterone can also cause vaginal/vulvovaginal dryness or atrophy as oestrogen levels are suppressed.
Increased Haematocrit
Testosterone can increase production of red blood cells.
If haemoglobin or haematocrit becomes too high, the blood becomes more concentrated. This requires medical assessment and may require adjustment or interruption of treatment.
For this reason, regular full blood count monitoring is an important part of testosterone treatment.
Fertility & Pregnancy
Testosterone can reduce fertility, and the effect may not always be completely reversible.
Anyone who may want biological children in the future should discuss fertility preservation before starting treatment.
Importantly, testosterone is not a contraceptive. Pregnancy can still occur even when menstruation has stopped.
Testosterone should not be used during pregnancy because exposure may harm a developing baby. Anyone who could become pregnant should discuss appropriate contraception with their healthcare professional.
Important Warnings
Tell your clinician before starting Testosterone Enanthate if you have, or have previously had:
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Liver disease
Kidney disease
Sleep apnoea
Epilepsy
Migraines
Diabetes
A history or increased risk of blood clots
Abnormally high haemoglobin or haematocrit
Significant problems with fluid retention
Regular monitoring may include:
Testosterone levels
Full blood count and haematocrit
Blood pressure
Liver function
Lipid / cholesterol profile
Other hormone tests where clinically appropriate
Seek Urgent Medical Attention
Seek urgent medical help following an injection if you experience:
Sudden difficulty breathing
Severe or unexplained chest pain
Fainting or severe dizziness
Severe allergic reaction
Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
Severe or persistent abdominal pain
Very rarely, oily testosterone injections can cause a pulmonary oil microembolism, where tiny droplets of the injected oil enter the circulation and affect the lungs. Symptoms can include sudden coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, sweating, dizziness or fainting during or immediately after an injection.
Medical Supervision
Testosterone Enanthate is a prescription-only medicine.
Treatment should be prescribed on an individual basis and supported by appropriate clinical assessment and ongoing blood monitoring. Dose and injection frequency should not be changed without advice from the clinician responsible for treatment.
Always follow the treatment plan set out for you by your assigned medical practioner.
